Dianchi Lake, take a boat to see the lake and see Longmen
by Porpapaido
Sep 30, 2025
Dianchi Lake (滇池, Dianchi Lake) is the largest lake in Yunnan Province and is often referred to as Kunming's "Pearl on the Plateau." 🌊
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Important Information
• 📍 Location: Located in the southwest of Kunming City. (~5 km from the city center)
• 📏 Size:
• North-south length ~39 km
• Average width ~13 km
• Surface area ~300–310 sq km
• 🌊 It is a freshwater highland lake at an elevation of ~1,885 meters above sea level.
• 🏔️ It is surrounded by the Western Hills (西山) mountains to the west (where Longmen/Dragon Gate is located).
Highlights around the lake:
1. Western Hills (Xishan) – A mountaintop viewpoint overlooking the lake, complete with Dragon Gate.
2. Haigeng Park (海埂公园) – A lakeside park famous during winter for the tens of thousands of migrating Siberian gulls.
3. Daguan Pavilion (大观楼) – A famous pavilion with one of the longest poems in China. Enjoy views of the lake and mountains.
4. Yunnan Nationalities Village (云南民族村) – A Yunnan ethnic cultural village located on the eastern shore of the lake.
5. Dianchi Cable Car – Western Hills – Take a cable car across the lake from the eastern shore to the western mountains.
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Popular Activities
• 🚤 Take a scenic boat cruise around the lake.
• 📸 Take photos of seagulls (November–March)
• 🚶 Stroll or cycle along the lakeshore.
• 🌅 Watch the sunset from the western shore (the view is stunning as the sun sets behind the Western Hills). #travelchina #travelkunming #kunming
Post by Porpapaido | Sep 30, 2025












