Unexpected Discoveries at the Low-Key and Lesser-Known Yilong Lake in Shiping

Shiping, Yunnan offers delicious food, cultural heritage, and natural scenery
Yet every attraction maintains a low profile
Making it less crowded with tourists
During our days in Shiping, we visited the ancient town
Rode the mini train, tried the tofu
And there's one more place worth recommending - Yilong Lake

🔆While it may not be as stunning as Erhai Lake or Dianchi Lake at first sight
It's still a very large lake
The scenic area covers about 32 square kilometers
With an average depth of 4m
It's one of the nine plateau lakes in Yunnan Province
And is known as the "Mother Lake" of Shiping people
They say Yilong Lake looks like a small dinosaur from above
But our drone couldn't fly that high😭
Actually, its name comes from the Yi language word "Yiluohei," meaning "lake formed by dragon's spitting water"
You can either circle the lake or take a boat ride
The day before, we could see part of Yilong Lake while riding the Shiping mini train
You can also take a stroll along the wooden boardwalk that extends into the lake
We watched a beautiful sunset at Yilong Lake

🌄Travel Tips:
📍Address: Yilong Lake National Wetland Park
🎫Free admission
🅿️Drive directly to the location, parking lot available
🚴37km ecological corridor around the lake, perfect for cycling
🔆Suggested route:
Shiping Yilong Lake National Wetland Park entrance➡️Seagull Viewing Platform➡️Health Theme Park

‼️Besides the scenic lake views and mountains
You can watch sunrise and sunset at Yilong Lake
Visit in winter for bird watching, the entire ecosystem is excellent

📷Photo spots
1⃣️Lakeside Pavilion, perfect for viewing the lake and capturing sunset
2⃣️For a panoramic view, visit Laihe Pavilion - just a short climb up some stairs for an overlook of Yilong Lake

🌞Tips:
·If time allows, rent a bicycle to circle the lake
·Protect the environment, don't litter
·Don't miss the beautiful sunset during your after-dinner walk