Yilong Lake in Shiping, Yunnan: An Underrated Highland Gem

✨"Misty waters stretch to meet the sky, a small boat flies across the sunset"* — Xu Xiake's poetic depiction of Yilong Lake still captivates hearts today! This comprehensive guide unlocks off-the-beaten-path experiences, helping you avoid crowds and immerse in Yunnan's most healing lakeside scenery!

📍Transport Guide
🚗 Self-drive: Navigate to "Yilong Lake National Wetland Park" (~3.5hrs from Kunming), parking available (hourly fee)
🚌 Bus: Take "County Town-Baxin" bus from Shiping county (15min direct to scenic area)

🎫 Tickets & Opening Hours
✅ Free admission! Open year-round. Boardwalk area accessible 24/7; core wetland area recommended 8:00-18:00

🌟 Must-Do Experiences
1️⃣ Lakeside Boardwalk Stroll
A 3km wooden path leads to the lake center, flanked by metasequoias, reeds, and wild ducks. Autumn reddens the trees, while spring-summer brings cherry blossoms. Buy breadcrumbs to feed red-billed gulls for pure bliss!
2️⃣ Lotus Fields & Haicaiqiang Folk Songs
Summer (Jul-Sep) transforms the lake with blooming lotuses. Glide through floral seas by boat while encountering Yi ethnic "Haicaiqiang" performances—where intangible heritage meets nature.
3️⃣ Lakeside Cycling & Mini Train
Bike along 37km of "China's Most Beautiful Highland Lake Track," or ride the "Zhuangyuan" narrow-gauge train through rice fields and villages for slow-living vibes.
4️⃣ Sunrise/Sunset & Stargazing
🌅 Dawn: Arrive by 6:30 to see rosy clouds paint the lake (best spot: Moshu Xiaowu Viewing Platform)
🌌 Night: Escape light pollution—the Milky Way shines bright! Bring a tripod for star trails.

🍜 Food Recs
📍 Shiping Old Town: Must-try "Shiping Tofu" (charcoal-grilled, crispy outside/tender inside), "Eight-Side Fried Fish," "Waxberry Jelly"
📍 Lakeside Eateries: Savor "Claypot Fish" and "Lotus Banquet"!

📸 Photo Ops
🌸 Lotus Boardwalk: Summer—wear light dresses, low-angle shots with flowers
🌾 Reed Groves: Autumn—knitwear + backlighting for silhouettes
🕊️ Gull Feeding: Toss snacks for action shots (burst mode recommended!)

🏡 Accommodation
🌿 Lakeside Stays: "Shiping Shuiyunju Inn" or "Qingfeng Lakeside Boutique" for wake-up-to-water views
🏯 Heritage Guesthouses: Restored Ming-Qing courtyard houses ooze historical charm.

⚠️ Tips
• Wear anti-slip shoes on wet boardwalks; sun protection essential
• No littering/unauthorized feeding
• Winter: pack windproof layers; Summer: mosquito repellent