Dianchi Lake
Called Kunming Lake, Dian Lake is in the southwest of the Kunming City. The lake was so named for an ancient Dian tribe living in this area. The crescent-shaped lake extends 39 kilometers from north to south and around 13 kilometers from west to east at an altitude of 1886 meters above sea level. Occupying an area of 306 kilometers, the lake have water capacity of 15,7 hundred million cubic meters. Dian Lake is surrounded by hills on four sides with the Jinma Hill in the east, Biji Hill in the west, Heshan Hill in the south and (sheshan Hill) Snake Hill in the north. The area on the lake shore is fertile with comfortable weather condition, abundant rivers for irrigation.
Dian Lake has a long history. In the Warrior Period, a Dian State was built in this region. Dian Lake with crystal clean water, ripple lake surface, boats sailing on the lake looks like a glittering pearl set on a mountain basin and reflects the surrounding mountains the blue sky. The area around the Dian Lake is clustered with sights of either beautiful scenery or rich cultural heritage. These include the Nanyun Nationalities Villages, West Hills, Grand View Park.
Tips:
- Best Time to Visit: The place is most beautiful in spring when sakura flowers bloom and it looks brilliantly red everywhere.
- Recommended Time for a Visit: Half a day is enough if tourists do not take a boat to view the lake. The lake is surrounded by high roads. Tourists can also rent a bicycle and ride around the lake, which takes about two days.
