Dianchi Lake (滇池) is the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan Province and the sixth largest in China, covering about 306 km² (118 square miles). Located to the southwest of Kunming at an elevation of 1,886 m (6,186 ft), it is often called the “Pearl on the Plateau” for its striking mountain-ringed scenery
Key facts
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Dimensions: roughly 39 km north–south and 13 km east–west, with a storage capacity of 15.7 billion m³ .
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Origin of name: derives from the ancient Dian tribe that once lived on its shores .
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Tourism status: one of China’s 12 national-level tourist resorts, featuring sights such as Haigeng Park, Dianchi Corner, and the nearby Western Hills (a.k.a. “Sleeping Beauty Hills”)
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Biodiversity: after decades of pollution-control efforts, wetland vegetation coverage has risen from 13 % (2007) to 81 %, plant species from 232 to 303, and bird species from 89 to 175
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Best time to visit: March–May and September–November, when weather is mild and skies are clear .
Popular itinerary
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Morning: Yunnan Ethnic Village (25 ethnic cultures in one open-air museum).
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Mid-day: Haigeng Park—lakeside walks, seasonal black-headed gulls (Nov–Mar).
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Afternoon: Cable-car or hike up Western Hills to Dragon Gate for panoramic lake views
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Transport From Kunming Changshui International Airport, a taxi takes 40–50 min (¥70–100); city buses C26, 24, or 44 also serve the area.