A Lesser-Known Lake Near Kunming That Rivals Erhai Lake — Fuxian Lake

When visiting Yunnan, don’t just stick to Dali and Lijiang! This hidden gem near Kunming offers stunning scenery with fewer crowds. It’s just a one-hour drive from Kunming, perfectly satisfying your desire for off-the-beaten-path travel!

💙 Fuxian Lake is located between the counties of Chengjiang, Jiangchuan, and Huaning in Yuxi, south of Kunming. It is China’s largest deep freshwater lake, resembling a huge sapphire 💎 embedded on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau.
💙 The shoreline here is winding and varied, surrounded by rich and diverse vegetation with various flowers, grasses, and trees growing in abundance. It’s a natural oxygen bar far from the hustle and bustle of the world, allowing you to fully experience the tranquility and beauty of nature.

Recommended Ways to Explore
The top recommendation is to drive around the lake! It’s convenient to stop anytime 🅿 for photos.
The beauty of Fuxian Lake is always along the road, with a new view at every step. There’s no need to rush to specific spots; just enjoy driving, stopping, walking, and exploring at your own pace.
Driving along the lakeside road, you’ll have the deep blue water on one side and lush green mountains on the other. The scenery along the way is picturesque and refreshing.
It’s suggested to drive clockwise around the lake to better appreciate the lake and mountain views during the journey.

💁🏻‍♀️ Recommended Attractions
Red Sand Beach
The beach is made up of fine red quartz sand that glows charmingly red under the sunlight.
Popular S-Curve
The road forms a graceful S-shaped curve, perfectly complementing the lake and mountain scenery of Fuxian Lake.
Mingxing Fish Cave
A mysterious natural karst cave filled with uniquely shaped stalactites and stalagmites.
Luchong Scenic Area
You can stroll along the lakeside to enjoy the lake and mountain views or climb to the mountaintop for a panoramic view of the magnificent Fuxian Lake.
The scenic area also features many ancient buildings and cultural relics, offering a glimpse into the local history and culture.

Notes
☁ Check the weather forecast carefully: The scenery of Fuxian Lake is very different on sunny versus cloudy days.
☀ Sun protection is essential: The UV rays in Yunnan are especially strong, and just half a day outdoors can sunburn your arms. Be sure to apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and use an umbrella to avoid sunburn.
🚫 Deep water hazard: Dark-colored water indicates great depth; do not approach.
⚠️ Rent cars from major platforms: This ensures safety and avoids scams. Small, unregulated rental companies may cause problems later.

Give yourself an extra day on your Yunnan trip for Fuxian Lake — you won’t be disappointed!