Fuxian Lake’s enchanting sea view check-in spot

No need to travel all the way to the Maldives; deep in the Yunnan Plateau lies a "crystal-clear vast blue lake" waiting for you to unlock.

I once thought the ultimate beauty of Yunnan was Erhai Lake, until I encountered Fuxian Lake—this highland amber known as "Yunnan’s hidden treasure." Its blue is not just a color, but a kind of healing.

🌊 Stunning spectacle: The real-life "Big Fish & Begonia" unfolds here

In June this year, Fuxian Lake once again showcased the rare "Blue Fish Formation" phenomenon! Hundreds to thousands of blue fish gather in groups led by the lead fish, forming formations that sometimes look like a straight line and sometimes circle around, swimming in the lake like a real-life version of "Big Fish & Begonia."

Locals say this spectacular scene is thanks to the improving water quality of Fuxian Lake year by year. Yang Yuanchao, Party Secretary of the Fuxian Lake Management Bureau in Chengjiang City, stated: "Blue fish require very high water quality. Seeing large-scale fish formations in Fuxian Lake reflects the lake’s increasingly better water quality."

📸 Viral check-in spots: 9 photo locations that are flooding social media

1. Hongshanzui Pink Beach — bursting with girly vibes

The beach here isn’t ordinary white sand but fine light pink sand! After 3 PM, the sunlight slants between the pink beach and the deep blue lake. Wearing a white long dress and a straw hat, every snap looks like a magazine cover.

2. Star Fish Cave — Tiffany Blue comparable to the Maldives

The lake water is crystal clear with visibility of 8-12 meters, a diver’s paradise. Here you can enjoy sailing, kayaking, and explore the ancient fishing technique of "carrying water to fish."

3. Moon Bay Wetland Park — Yunnan’s "Little Sanya"

White sandy beaches, coconut groves, and flower seas make this place known as Fuxian Lake’s "Little Sanya." The 30 RMB entrance fee can be used for in-park purchases. Lying on white lounge chairs feels like being on a tropical seaside.

4. Cherry Blossom Valley — a romantic secret spot

In spring, winter cherry blossoms bloom here (December to March). The pure white corridor bridge, infinity pool, and pink beach create a romantic scene. Rent a transparent boat to paddle to the lake’s center, as if floating on crystal.

5. Xiaowan Village — fairy tale homestays

Every homestay here is full of surprises! Choose from Moroccan style, minimalist Instagram style, and more. Open the window to a healing lake view, watch the morning mist, and enjoy stunning sunsets.

6. Luchong Village — the scenic center

It takes only 15 minutes to climb Bijiashan Mountain, where you can shoot panoramic views of the "Jade Bamboo Shoot Reaching the Sky." Visit the Ming Dynasty Wenchang Palace, a place for blessings, play in Jinsha Beach, and rent transparent or pedal boats to tour the lake.

7. Fuhai Bay — a real-life Monet garden

Vast colorful flower fields complement the clear lake water. Cycling along the lakeside trail is both relaxing and romantic, and every photo feels like an atmospheric masterpiece.

8. Gushan Island — a lake paradise

Take a boat to the island (round-trip ticket 30 RMB), explore Yinghailou, Gushan Temple, crawl through the "Natural Bridge" cave, and find the "Fish Fun Kingdom" stone carvings. Hike the 2 km island trail and admire the "Ten Scenes" stone carvings.

9. Time Boardwalk — the hiking pinnacle

A 10 km ecological boardwalk passing wetlands and birdwatching spots. At dusk, watch the sunset and capture sun rays piercing through the fir forest. The cliffside boardwalk section at Jianshan offers stunning aerial views.

🍜 Taste of Fuxian Lake: must-try food list
Must-try foods at Fuxian Lake:
Copper Pot Fish / Copper Pot Potato Rice (so fresh it’ll make your eyebrows raise!)
Kanglang Fish (rare wild fish)
Drunken Shrimp (sour and spicy appetizer)
Chengjiang Lotus Root Powder (sweet but not greasy)
Other local snacks

Copper Pot Fish is a must-try at Fuxian Lake—freshly caught lake fish served with secret dipping sauce, so fresh it’ll make your eyebrows raise! Paired with copper pot potato rice, the crispy potatoes and savory ham oil make it a must-order for rice lovers. Kanglang Fish is a rare wild fish that can be deep-fried crispy or cooked in delicious soup. Drunken Shrimp is made by marinating live shrimp in wine, sour and spicy to whet the appetite (not recommended for sensitive stomachs). Don’t forget to try a bowl of sweet but not greasy Chengjiang lotus root powder, a perfect souvenir choice.

Guanglong Town’s Starlight Night Market is a food lover’s paradise. We recommend finding a shop with a "Copper Pot Fish" sign—fresh blue fish caught on the spot, with creamy white fish soup, filling for about 60 RMB per person.

🚗 Practical guide: how to explore Fuxian Lake

Transportation:

Self-drive: From Kunming → Kunmo Expressway → Chengchuan Line → Fuxian Lake (about 1 hour)
Public transport: Kunming South Bus Station → Chengjiang bus → transfer to bus/taxi to lakeside (15 minutes)
High-speed rail: Taxi from Yuxi Station costs about 60 RMB

Accommodation recommendations:

Luxury resort: Hilton Fuxian Lake Hotel
Design homestays: Yuancheng Resort Hotel, Xiaowan Village homestay cluster
Best value: Lakeside homestays in Guanglong Town (off-season rooms with balconies for only 200 RMB)

Best itinerary (2-day tour):

Day 1: Luchong Village → Gushan Island → Moon Bay (stay near Moon Bay)
Day 2: Star Fish Cave → Cherry Blossom Valley → Time Boardwalk (choose sections)

💡 Travel tips:

1. Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Strong UV on the plateau, hats and sunglasses are essential
2. Some attractions require cash for tickets, prepare in advance
3. Dive at Star Fish Cave on sunny days, 680 RMB/person including gear
4. Protect the environment, take your trash with you, preserve Class I water quality
5. For the best pink beach photos, remember to bring a drone

The beauty of Fuxian Lake is inseparable from its clear water. As early as the late Ming Dynasty, traveler Xu Xiake recorded in "Xu Xiake’s Travel Notes": "Yunnan’s mountains mostly have soil, causing many blocked streams forming lakes, and most streams are turbid, only Fuxian Lake is the clearest."

This largest reservoir and deepest plateau lake in China now awaits your arrival with its crystal-clear, glass-like waters.