Clear, blue, swimmable water – it sounds more like a fantasy than a description of a modern Chinese lake. But Fuxian Lake (抚仙湖) remains one of the country's best-preserved lakes, due to its remarkable depth and relative obscurity. Yunnan's deepest and clearest lake is only a couple of hours from Kunming. Fuxian's cleanness makes it unique; unlike Dianchi or Erhai, two of Yunnan's most famous and polluted lakes, Fuxian has boating, beaching and even swimming. These activities, combined with the lake's proximity to Kunming, make it good place for a long day-trip or enjoyable weekend stay.

The lake sits about 60 miles to Kunming's southeast, just off the tip of the city's own immense Dianchi lake. Chengjiang (澄江) is the transport hub for the area, a sleepy town on the north end of the lake. Buses from Kunming arrive here, after which visitors must transfer to local buses or taxis to reach the primary tourist towns.

Surrounding attractions

The two most popular towns around the lake are Luchong (禄充) and the Sunshine Coast (阳光海岸). Both have been extensively developed into Chinese-style resorts, and have the typical trappings – KTVs and bustling restaurants full of tour groups. However, the Sunshine Coast still beguiles with its stretch of sandy beach. The imported sand may not belong at Fuxian, but swimming in the clear, calm lake water is still a rare pleasure in Yunnan.

For visitors seeking peace and quiet, Gushan island, off the Sunshine Coast, makes for a perfect retreat. Gushan is reached from the beach, either by hiring a paddle ferry or renting a kayak or pedal boat. Visitors must pay 20 RMB to enter the island, but can spend the day wandering the forested paths or swimming off the rocks. Unlike the busy Sunshine Coast, the island's sounds are not man-made, making it a rare retreat from the noise of modern China – and earning it the nickname ‘Solitude Hill.' At the top of the island, a temple overlooks Fuxian's shimmering blue waters; gingkos and pines shade the walkways, but there are clear views toward the shoreline and the distant mountains beyond.

For visitors who wish to stay on Gushan, the Ancient Dian Kingdom Culture Garden is the only lodging option. Although the rooms are relatively spartan and a bit rustic, the hotel has a restaurant and a distinctly relaxing lack of visitors. The echoes of the Sunshine Coast KTV seem to rarely reach the island, which instead has a soundtrack of lapping waves and birdcalls.

A slowly withering beauty

Fuxian is famous for the local fish, kanglang (抗浪鱼). Stewed in a copper pot with ginger and spring onions, the fish has a tender, fresh taste. However, the kanglang had become threatened due to overfishing and the introduction of non-native species to the lake; as a result, the population has declined substantially. Yams are another local specialty, often served baked with rice. Restaurants line the waterfront on the Sunshine Coast, and there is a large diner inside the unmissable Sunshine Coast Hotel.

Over 150 metres deep, Fuxian Lake is the second-deepest lake in China. However, drought has severely affected the water level, and exposed shoreline reminds visitors of Yunnan's ongoing water shortages.

Buses leave many times each day from Kunming to Chengjiang. They depart from the southern bus station (南部汽车客运站), which itself is rather difficult to reach. The trip to Fuxian Lake from Kunming takes about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. From Chengjiang, mianbaoche and taxis shuttle visitors to the Sunshine Coast and Luchong for just a few RMB.

Yunnan boasts many famous natural sites, from Dali's mountains to the jungles of Xishuangbanna. Among these, Fuxian Lake is unique in that it remains relatively undeveloped. Hopefully, the lake will not succumb to civilization too quickly and continue to provide a clean, relaxing getaway for Kunming residents.

Ancient Dian Kingdom Culture Garden (古滇国文化园)View In Map
Add: Gushan Island, Fuxian Lake
地址:抚仙湖孤山
Tel: 877 855 1186.
Cost: 160 RMB/room plus 20 RMB/island entry fee

Kunming Southern Bus Station (南部汽车客运站)View In Map
Add: Caiyun Bei Lu, Kunming
地址: 昆明彩云北路
Cost: 17 RMB/ticket from Kunming to Chengjiang
Getting There: Bus No. 12 runs to the bus station. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach the southern bus station by public transit from central Kunming

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Keywords: Fuxian Lake Kunming Sunshine Coast Kunming retreats from Kunming Luchong village near Kunming