Guide to Exploring Fuxian Lake in 2 Days: Top Attractions, Food, and Travel Tips

Guide To Exploring Fuxian Lake In 2 Days

Fuxian Lake (抚仙湖), located in the southern part of Yunnan, is one of the most stunning and tranquil spots in China. With its clear waters and serene landscapes, it’s a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat. In this guide, we’ll take you through a 2-day trip to Fuxian Lake, covering the best places to visit, where to stay, and what to eat, ensuring you have an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, Fuxian Lake offers a variety of activities and scenic spots for everyone to enjoy.

Where to Stay Near Fuxian Lake?

Guanglong Town (广龙小镇): This area is ideal for budget travelers. You can find lakeside rooms for around 100-200 CNY, with mid-range hotels costing 200-300 CNY per night. It’s a great place to stay if you want easy access to restaurants and rented scooters and cars.

Xiaowan Village Homestays (小湾村民宿): If you’re looking for a more charming and scenic stay, Xiaowan Village is known for its popular homestays. These accommodations offer excellent views but are on the pricier side, with rates ranging from 300-800 CNY during the off-season.

Moon Bay (月亮湾): Moon Bay is closer to the beach, making it a great option for families looking to enjoy the sand and water. The rooms offer beautiful views, and while the prices aren’t too high, there are fewer dining options nearby, requiring a drive to find better restaurants.

Best Route for Exploring Fuxian Lake

Self-Drive Around the Island: For those who prefer flexibility, self-driving around Fuxian Lake is a great way to explore. I recommend splitting the route into two days: one for the east side and one for the west side. You can do it in one day if you start early, but it might feel rushed. A more leisurely pace is ideal.

Electric Scooter Rental: If you want to explore the lake by electric scooter, rental prices range from 80-85 CNY per day or 15 CNY per hour. These scooters can travel about 60-80 kilometers on a full charge, and while it’s not feasible to circle the entire island with two people on one scooter, you can still cover a good portion of the lake’s scenic areas.

Suggested Itineraries for Fuxian Lake

Top 12 Scenic Spots Around Fuxian Lake

2-Day Fuxian Lake Itinerary:

  • Day 1: Guanglong Town (广龙小镇) → (Start with the furthest) Bayzi Gorge (湾子沟) → Mingxing Fish Cave (明星鱼洞) (Entrance fee 15 CNY + scooter parking fee 5 CNY) → Luchong Scenic Area (禄充风景区) (Entrance fee 15 CNY) → Pink Beach (粉红沙滩) → Eat Stone Pot Fish (石锅鱼) → Guanglong Town Night Market
  • Day 2: Guanglong Town → Fuhai Bay Wetland Park (抚海湾湿地公园) → Moon Bay White Sand Beach (月亮湾白沙滩) (Entrance fee 30 CNY; no entrance fee if staying at nearby hotels) → Xiaowan Village (小湾村) (for coffee) → S Bay

1.5-Day Fuxian Lake Itinerary:

  • Day 1: Guanglong Town (广龙小镇) → Bayzi Gorge (湾子沟) → Mingxing Fish Cave (明星鱼洞) → Luchong Scenic Area (禄充风景区) → Pink Beach (粉红沙滩) → Return to Guanglong Town to charge the scooter → S Bay for sunset (if time permits, you can also visit Xiaowan Village for coffee)
  • Day 2: Guanglong Town (广龙小镇) → Fuhai Bay Wetland Park (抚海湾湿地公园) → Pick blueberries or visit the local market to buy blueberries → Return journey

Eating in Fuxian Lake: What to Try

If you’re staying in Guanglong Town, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to food. Some of the best dishes to try include:

  • Yuelao Stone Pot Fish (渔老大石锅鱼): This dish is a local specialty, with options like stone pot fish, mushroom stone pot fish, and chicken stone pot with mushrooms. It’s absolutely delicious and perfect for sharing.
  • Shangfeng Black Chicken Rice Noodles (尚峰乌鸡米线): A tasty and hearty dish made with black chicken and rice noodles. The flavor is rich and comforting.