Fuxian Lake: Clear Waters, Deep Time, and a Hint of Mystery

Fuxian Lake is the third largest lake in Yunnan and the deepest lake in the province. In spring, cherry blossom lines the shore. Summer is all lotus flowers, glowing in the sunshine. By autumn, mist drifts over the water until lake and sky blur into one. In winter, gulls call across the calm, crystal-clear surface, and everything feels quieter, lighter, and wonderfully still.

Geologically, Fuxian Lake was shaped by crustal movement at the end of the Tertiary period along with limestone dissolution. It is a classic north to south fault subsidence lake. Its main water supply comes from large volumes of underground inflow and rainfall. The water is a blue green color, with visibility reaching 5 to 11 meters, and it meets China’s Class I national water quality standard.

The mystery of Fuxian Lake Yunnan: what lies beneath
What adds a darker, more intriguing undertone to this otherwise transparent lake is what was found underwater in 2001. Submerged archaeological work identified suspected man made building remains. Carved symbols, a stone slab “street,” and raised, platform style stonework all invite the same question: what kind of story once unfolded on the lakebed?

In 2006, China Central Television broadcast a later underwater exploration in 2006. According to local talk, the live broadcast signal cut out midway for reasons no one could explain. Some divers have also claimed they saw large numbers of human bodies at the bottom of the lake, with men leaning forward and women leaning back, gently swaying with the current. Legends like these are common here. Whether true or not, they give Fuxian Lake an extra layer of depth beyond its calm beauty.

Mingxing Fish Cave: from fishing holes to sailing base
Mingxing Fish Cave was once known for more than 200 fish caves used to catch Kanglang fish. This fish is a type of cyprinid minnow, with delicate flesh and a spindle shaped body, and it prefers clear, oxygen rich waters.

Today, the area has become one of the few sailing bases in Southwest China, offering sailing experiences and kayaking. If you purchase one of these activities on arrival, the admission fee can be waived.

Sailing costs about 158 to 198 RMB per person depending on the season and the boat size, with an experience time of 45 to 60 minutes. Online reviews often say the value for money is not great. Kayaking is 78 RMB per person for one hour. This one tends to feel more worth it: you paddle within a designated zone and get close up views of the lake and surrounding hills.

SEAIN: a viral lakeside window seat
The popular SEAIN café leans into a French style look with warm wood tones, and its floor to ceiling panoramic windows face straight onto the lake, as if they were made to hold all of Fuxian’s gentleness in one frame. With a simple cup of coffee in hand, you can watch the far off horizon line and let life slow down as clouds drift and gather.

In the distance, banyan trees, rippling water, and fine sand form a moving picture. Inside, the café’s carefully styled decor and displays sell a certain mood, and for many visitors it is also a ready made backdrop for those polished travel photos.

Luchong Scenic Area: temples, bays, and a changed photo spot
The Luchong Scenic Area sits with Bijia Mountain of Chengjiang County at its back and a long stretch of shoreline in front. To the left, old trees cast deep shade. Up on the mountain, Guanyin Temple stays fragrant with incense. You can offer incense, pay respects, look up to the sky, and look down to the lives around you.

At Boxi Bay, look out toward the distance and you will see rows of boats bobbing neatly on the water. Come with friends or family to play in the shallows, dig in the sand, and camp. Time slips by quietly between laughter and waves.

Still, some places have changed. Hama Cave used to be a spot where you could take photos without waiting. Now there’s a constant line of people waiting for selfies, along with stainless steel railings and a few staged yellow roses, leaving it less natural and more deliberately dressed up.

If you have two days: extra places worth visiting
Fuxian Lake is so large that one day is nowhere near enough. If you can stay in a homestay by the shore, two days is usually enough to cover most of what is worth seeing. Consider adding these spots: Red Beach, Moon Bay Wetland Park, Sakura Valley Beach Park, the Fossil Museum, Hot Spring Park, a sailing club, and Starry Town of Fuxian Lake.