Fuxian Lake (抚仙湖), located in Yuxi City, Yunnan Province, is one of China’s renowned freshwater lakes, celebrated for its exceptional water quality. The lake is remarkably clear, with a maximum depth of 155 meters and an average depth of 87 meters, allowing for a transparency of 7 to 8 meters. Home to over 20 species of economically significant fish, Fuxian Lake is particularly famous for its “Kanglang Fish,” a prized local delicacy.
The lake is shaped like an inverted gourd, surrounded by picturesque mountains and numerous scenic spots. To the south, the Haimen River stretches just over 1,000 meters, linking Fuxian Lake to the nearby Xingyun Lake, separated by a mountain. A notable feature in the river is the “Jieyu Stone (Boundary Fish Stone),” a reddish stone wall that rises above the water, which has drawn countless visitors throughout history. The only island in Fuxian Lake is Gushan Island, and the area is also home to attractions like the renowned “Mingxing Scenic Area” and the Ailao Mountain Nature Reserve, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and tourists alike.
Travel Information about Fuxian Lake
Tickets and Opening Hours
Ticket Prices:
- Luchong Village: 15 RMB
- Gushan Island: 20 RMB (with a boat ticket costing 30 RMB)
- Mingxing Scenic Area: 15 RMB
Opening Hours:
Open all day, but Gushan Island is open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit
The best seasons to visit Fuxian Lake are summer and autumn, especially from June to August, which are ideal for swimming and diving.
Transportation to the Scenic Area
Location: Fuxian Lake is located 5 kilometers south of Chengjiang County, Yuxi City. Luchong Village is situated in Longjie Town, while Gushan Scenic Area is in Jiangcheng Town.
Getting There: Take a bus from the Southern Passenger Station in Kunming to Chengjiang Passenger Center. From there, you can switch to a bus on the Chengjiang Luchong Line (to the west bank) or the Chengjiang Haikou Line (to the north and east banks).
Scenic Rating
- Cultural: ★★★
- Features: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★
- Beauty: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★★
- Adventure: ★★
Highlights of Fuxian Lake
Luchong Village
Luchong Village (禄充村) features a prominent landmark known as Bijiashan (笔架山), located to the north of the village. This mountain consists of three peaks that resemble a writing brush holder, hence its name. North of Bijiashan lies the tranquil waters of Boxi Bay (波息湾), which is ideal for swimming and water entertainment.
The village boasts a rich cultural atmosphere and is renowned for producing the precious fish species known as the Antiwave Fish (抗浪鱼). Surrounded by mountains and facing the lake, Luchong Village is shaded by ancient trees and holds historical significance, famously described as having “one family with two scholars and a hundred steps with two Hanlin” (一门双进士，百步两翰林).
In addition to Bijiashan, Luchong Village is home to another attraction called Luchong Cave (禄充大洞), located to the south of the village. This underground spring maintains a constant temperature of about 24°C, continuously flowing into Fuxian Lake. During the summer and autumn seasons, fishermen use water carts to catch schools of Antiwave Fish swimming upstream, creating a remarkable spectacle.
Mingxing Scenic Area
Mingxing Scenic Area (明星景区) is located on the western shore of Fuxian Lake, at the boundary between Jiangchuan District and Chengjiang County, about 12 kilometers from Luchong Village. Just a hundred meters west of the Chengjiang to Jiangchuan highway lies Biyun Mountain (碧云山). Visitors can ascend 499 stone steps and navigate 36 turns to reach Biyun Temple (碧云寺), also known as the Wudang Branch Temple. This temple predominantly features ancient-style Taoist architecture.
The third day of the third lunar month marks the temple fair day at Biyun Temple, attracting many visitors from the central Yunnan region for the festivities.
North of Biyun Mountain, approximately 1.5 kilometers away, lies a cluster of fish holes along the western shore of Fuxian Lake. The prime fishing season for Antiwave Fish (抗浪鱼) runs from March to September, during which visitors can savor local delicacies, including fresh fish cooked in a unique copper pot.
Boundary Fish Stone
Boundary Fish Stone (界鱼石) is located at Haimen in Jiangchuan District, serving as the outflow point for Xingyun Lake. Here, a waterway connects Xingyun Lake and Fuxian Lake, known as Haimen River, which stretches for 2 kilometers. The river features a rugged stone wall that rises to the water’s surface. Legend has it that the largehead carp from Xingyun Lake and the Antiwave Fish from Fuxian Lake use this stone as a boundary, turning back at this point, hence the name Boundary Fish Stone.
Despite being a short river, Haimen River boasts lush green mountains and unique rock formations on both banks, creating a stunning natural landscape. Haimen Park is situated along the river, providing a picturesque environment with its majestic cliffs and vibrant scenery, making it a highlight of the lakeside area.
The Unyielding Divide Between Two Lakes’ Fish
For many years, fish from Fuxian Lake and Xingyun Lake have coexisted peacefully on either side of Boundary Fish Stone, never crossing paths. This phenomenon can be attributed to the significant differences in the water composition and natural environment of the two lakes.
Fuxian Lake is the second deepest freshwater lake in China, known for its exceptionally clear water and low nutrient levels, making it a “nutrient-poor” environment where only a few species, like the slender and agile Antiwave Fish, can thrive. In contrast, Xingyun Lake is a shallow lake with nutrient-rich waters, home to the more robust largehead carp. This stark contrast in ecosystems is what leads to the unique situation where these two types of fish never interact, remaining distinctly separate in their respective habitats.
Gushan Island
Gushan Island (孤山岛) is the only island in Fuxian Lake, located in the southern part of the lake within Jiangchuan District. Covering an area of approximately 60,000 square meters, the island is situated to the south of Haimen Park and faces the Lotus Peak atop Biyun Temple to the north. Each year, during the sixth day of the sixth lunar month, locals gather on Gushan Island to celebrate the temple fair.
During the Gushan Temple Fair, visitors traditionally toss homemade food into the lake to attract thousands of green fish, a practice that has led to the unique phenomenon known as the “Green Fish Spectacle” on the island. The peak season for this fish gathering occurs from July to November of the lunar calendar. On clear, calm days, tourists can witness this breathtaking sight, as the fish swarm close to the shore, allowing for excellent photography opportunities without disturbing their movement.
Xinyun Lake
Xinyun Lake (星云湖) is situated just a mountain away from Fuxian Lake, connected by waterways. Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, the lake presents a stunning spectacle, especially on moonlit nights when the shimmering moonlight reflects off the surface, resembling a sky filled with twinkling stars—hence its name, Xinyun Lake, which translates to “Nebula Lake.”
Each year on December 25th, Xinyun Lake officially opens for fishing, marking the start of the fishing season. On this day, fishermen set out with enthusiasm, rowing their boats into the lake amidst the sounds of firecrackers and excitement. The lively atmosphere attracts many sellers in Jiangchuan District, creating a bustling scene filled with vibrant activity. This annual tradition not only celebrates the bounty of the lake but also showcases the community’s rich fishing culture and connection to this beautiful natural resource.
Chengjiang Fossil Site
The Chengjiang Fossil Site (澄江动物化石群), located in Yunnan Province, is renowned for its exceptional collection of ancient fossils, including over 80 species such as the Yunnanbius, Fuxianhuia, and various trilobites. These fossils represent one of the oldest and most complete assemblages of soft-bodied organisms ever discovered, offering crucial insights into early life forms.
The discovery of the Chengjiang Fossil Site has made a significant impact on the international scientific community, being hailed as “one of the most remarkable discoveries in modern paleontology” and “one of the most astonishing scientific discoveries of the 20th century.” This site is considered a national treasure and is pivotal in understanding the Cambrian “Explosion of Life,” a crucial period in the history of life on Earth.
Visitor Guide for Fuxian Lake
Accommodation Near Fuxian Lake
When visiting Fuxian Lake, most tourists choose to stay in Luchong Village, the liveliest area around the lake, offering a variety of accommodation options ranging from farm stays to star-rated hotels.
Dorothy Inn (多萝西民宿): Nestled on a hillside overlooking Fuxian Lake, this beautifully decorated inn resembles a fairy tale world and offers an excellent location for lake viewing.
Fuxian Lake · Bolian Chen Inn (抚仙湖·泊莲臣客栈): Located in Mafang Village, just 400 meters from the lake, this inn is near lavender fields and wetlands. It’s an ideal spot for photography and relaxation.
Chengjiang Muzhuwu Boutique Inn (澄江木竹坞精品客栈): Situated in Mafang Village, right across the street from Fuxian Lake Wetland Park, this inn offers a tranquil environment surrounded by lotus ponds and stunning mountain views.
Culinary Delights of Fuxian Lake
Fuxian Lake is renowned for its fresh fish, primarily caught from the lake. Notable dishes include Copper Pot Fish (铜锅鱼), Baked Potato Rice (洋芋焖饭), and Barbecue (烧烤). Recommended Restaurants:
Lao Li Private Kitchen (老李私房菜): Located on Xinyuan Street in Luchong Village, famous for its Copper Pot Fish and Baked Potato Rice, along with local wild vegetables.
Yunhai Restaurant (云海酒楼): Also situated on Xinyuan Street in Luchong Village, this higher-end restaurant offers Copper Pot Fish and other specialties from Fuxian Lake, along with Sichuan cuisine. The restaurant is known for its famous Fuxian Lake anti-wave fish, but it comes at a high price of 400-500 yuan per pound.