Fuxian Lake Scenic Area
Fuxian Lake is located between Chengjiang County, Jiangchuan District, and Huaning County in Yuxi City, Yunnan Province, approximately 60 kilometers from Kunming. With an area of 212 square kilometers, it is the third largest lake in Yunnan Province, following Dianchi Lake and Erhai Lake. Fuxian Lake is the deepest freshwater lake in Yunnan, with a maximum depth of 155 meters (some sources state 157 meters), making it the deepest lake in the province.
Fuxian Lake is also the largest deep-water freshwater lake in China. Its drainage basin spans 1,084 square kilometers and is known for its fertile land and abundant resources. The area primarily produces rice, wheat, broad beans, tobacco, and rapeseed, earning the nickname of the “granary of central Yunnan.” It is also famous as the “hometown of Yunnan tobacco.”
The lake’s surface is situated at an elevation of 1,721 meters above sea level, and its average depth is 87 meters. In terms of depth, it ranks second in China, only after Changbai Mountain’s Tianchi Lake.
Scenic Areas of Fuxian Lake
Fuxian Lake is surrounded by numerous scenic spots, which can be categorized into several areas based on their location and attractions:
East Shore Scenic Area
This area is centered around Hot Water Pond Hot Springs. The region is known for its natural hot springs and beautiful landscapes, making it a popular spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.
North Shore High-End Resort Area
The north shore of Fuxian Lake features a variety of high-end resorts and attractions, including:
- Fuxian Lake National Wetland Park
- Moon Bay Wetland Park
- Ramada Hotel
- Sun Mountain (Fuxian Lake Hilton Resort Hotel)
- Yuxi Manor National Ecological Tourism Demonstration Area
- Fuxian Lake Happy World
- Emerald Bay Hotel
- Pullman Hotel
- Guanglong Tourism Town
North Shore Wetland
This area is ideal for visitors seeking luxury accommodations, eco-tourism, and family-friendly activities.
West Shore Scenic Area
The west shore is home to Luchong National AAAA Scenic Area, a nationally recognized scenic area offering a mix of cultural and natural attractions, with stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscapes.
Underwater Ancient City
The underwater ancient city in Fuxian Lake is surrounded by fascinating myths and archaeological discoveries, adding an air of mystery to the lake’s history. According to local legends, Fuxian Lake was once a vast plain with a prosperous city. However, the city was submerged by a great flood, sinking into the depths of the lake. On calm days, people claim to see the remnants of ancient city walls beneath the water, sparking curiosity and speculation about the lost civilization.
Beyond these legends, historical texts mention the existence of “hidden villages” or “submerged settlements”, suggesting that the lake has long been a site of interest for researchers. The mystery was further confirmed when a professional diver discovered architectural structures submerged in the northeastern part of the lake. This led to the involvement of China’s underwater archaeological team, which began an extensive investigation into the submerged ruins.
Each of these scenic areas offers a unique experience, from tranquil nature parks and resorts to cultural and recreational sites, making Fuxian Lake a diverse and attractive destination for all types of travelers.
Fuxian Lake Scenic Routes
Fuxian Lake offers two main circular routes for exploring the lake and its surrounding attractions: the East Shore Loop and the West Shore Loop. Both routes pass through various scenic points and local landmarks.
East Shore Loop (Cengjiang Administrative Center – Luju Town)
This loop passes through 27 stations along the east shore of Fuxian Lake.
West Shore Loop (Cengjiang Administrative Center – Luju Town)
This route runs along the west shore of Fuxian Lake and passes through 30 stations.
Both routes offer a comprehensive tour of the lake’s diverse landscapes, from picturesque natural scenery to local villages and cultural landmarks, making them ideal for those who wish to explore Fuxian Lake in its entirety.
Culture and Traditions
Fishing Culture
Fuxian Lake has a rich fishing culture, especially tied to its unique species of fish known as the Kanglang Fish (抗浪鱼) or “resistant fish.” These fish are so named because they have the remarkable ability to swim against strong currents, symbolizing the resistance to waves and challenges. This trait is deeply intertwined with the local fishing techniques and the cultural heritage of the people who have lived by the lake for generations.
Biodiversity Culture
Fuxian Lake is located within one of the nation’s key ecological areas, the “Wuliang Mountain – Ailao Mountain” biodiversity conservation zone. This region is crucial for the preservation of a wide array of plant and animal species, playing a significant role in ecological sustainability. The lake and its surrounding areas are home to an impressive variety of flora and fauna, many of which are protected or endangered.
Land of Fish and Rice
The Fuxian Lake region, often referred to as the “Land of Fish and Rice”, is renowned for its fertile soil and abundant natural resources. The area is famous for producing a variety of agricultural products such as rice, wheat, broad beans, tobacco, and rape seed, earning it the title of “the granary of central Yunnan”. The richness of the land has made it an important agricultural hub in Yunnan Province.
In addition to its agricultural wealth, the lake itself is home to rare native fish species, such as the “anti-wave fish” and golden-line fish, both of which are unique to the region. These indigenous fish are an essential part of the local ecosystem and contribute to the area’s reputation as a “famous fishing region”.
The combination of fertile farmlands and bountiful aquatic life has made the Fuxian Lake area a vital source of food production in the province, contributing to its status as a “land of fish and rice”, where the delicate balance between agriculture and aquatic life is celebrated.