Discover Magnificent China: Poetry and the Faraway Dream – Journey Across the Homeland Series II: Yunnan Chapter (3) Circling Lugu Lake, Erhai Lake, and Fuxian Lake

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Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Overlooking Lugu Lake from the viewing platform

Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Overlooking Lige Peninsula from the viewing platform

Sichuan - Yanyuan - Lugu Lake - Caohai (Sea of Grass)

Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Daluoshui Village lakeside

Yunnan - Dali - Erhai Lake

Yunnan - Dali - Erhai Lake - Shuanglang - Distant view of Nanzhao Customs Island

Yunnan - Dali - Erhai Lake - Shuanglang

Yunnan - Dali - Erhai Lake - Shuanglang - Sunset glow

Yunnan - Chengjiang - Fuxian Lake - Gushan Scenic Area

Yunnan - Chengjiang - Fuxian Lake - Sunset glow

Plateau Gems, Picturesque Scenery – A Self-Drive Itinerary Circling Lugu Lake, Erhai Lake, and Fuxian Lake in Yunnan

During a self-driving tour in Yunnan in May 2019, I had the opportunity to loop around three famous and beautiful lakes: Lugu Lake, Erhai Lake, and Fuxian Lake. Amidst these unique landscapes, I marveled at the grandeur of nature and its masterpieces. Along the way, the stunning scenery, the poetic and picturesque lake and mountain views were a feast for the eyes, making me linger and leaving wonderful and deep impressions.

Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Overlooking Lugu Lake from Gemmu Goddess Mountain

Sichuan - Yanyuan - Lugu Lake - Caohai

Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Lige Peninsula

Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Lover's Tree Scenic Area

Yunnan - Dali - Cangshan Mountain - Overlooking Erhai Lake from Cangshan

Yunnan - Dali - Erhai Lake - Shuanglang

Yunnan - Chengjiang - Fuxian Lake - Cherry Blossom Valley Scenic Area

Yunnan - Chengjiang - Fuxian Lake - Gushan Scenic Area

Yunnan - Chengjiang - Fuxian Lake - Luchong Scenic Area

Yunnan is home to many beautiful lakes, which are an important part of its rich and diverse tourism resources. As an inland province, locals often name lakes 'sea' out of a longing for the ocean. 'Erhai' is the most famous of these. When visiting these stunning lakes, looping around them is the best way to experience their charm up close and appreciate their beauty from all angles—it will never disappoint. The enchanting lake and mountain views, along with the rustic villages along the way, will keep you spellbound and stopping frequently. Moreover, during the loop tour, you can visit not only the designated scenic spots but also those hidden gems that are even more beautiful. Wherever you fancy, you can slow down, stop at any time to soak in the views, or even just sit by the lake and daydream. You can make the itinerary as long or short as you like, at a pace that suits you. So, in this way, looping truly brings out the best of a self-driving tour.

Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Overlooking Lugu Lake from the viewing platform

Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Overlooking Lugu Lake from Gemmu Goddess Mountain

Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Overlooking Lige Peninsula from the viewing platform

Sichuan - Yanyuan - Lugu Lake - Caohai

Yunnan - Dali - Erhai Lake - Shuanglang

Yunnan - Dali - Erhai Lake - Shuanglang - Yang Liping's Sun Palace

Yunnan - Dali - Erhai Lake - Lakeside scenery

Yunnan - Chengjiang - Fuxian Lake - Lakeside villas and upscale residential area

Yunnan - Chengjiang - Fuxian Lake - Gushan Scenic Area

Yunnan - Chengjiang - Fuxian Lake - Luchong Scenic Area

The loop around Lugu Lake is about 100 km, around Erhai Lake about 130 km, and around Fuxian Lake about 140 km. While it's called a 'lake loop,' some sections of the road don't run right along the shore for any of these lakes. But this doesn't affect the enjoyment of the beautiful lakeside views or visits to the scenic spots along the way.

Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Daluoshui Village

Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Overlooking Lugu Lake from Gemmu Goddess Mountain

Sichuan - Yanyuan - Lugu Lake shore

Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Overlooking Lugu Lake from the viewing platform

Yunnan - Dali - Cangshan - Cangshan National Geopark

Yunnan - Dali - Erhai Lake - Shuanglang

Lugu Lake is located at the border of Ninglang County in Lijiang, Yunnan, and Yanyuan County in Liangshan, Sichuan. Part of the lake lies in Yunnan, part in Sichuan, and it is shared by both provinces. At an altitude of 2,685 meters, it is surrounded by green mountains, with an intricately winding shoreline. Along the lake are many sandy beaches, bays, and peninsulas. The scenery is enchanting, the folk customs simple and unspoiled, making it a fairyland on earth and earning it the name 'Plateau Pearl.' On the Yunnan side, the Mosuo people living by the lake practice a 'walking marriage' system where men do not marry and women do not wed, so Lugu Lake is also known as the 'Eastern Kingdom of Women.' The beautiful natural environment and unique ethnic customs make this a famous tourist destination.

Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Overlooking Lugu Lake from the viewing platform

Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Daluoshui Village lakeside

Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Overlooking Lugu Lake from the viewing platform

Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Overlooking Lugu Lake from Gemmu Goddess Mountain

Sichuan - Yanyuan - Lugu Lake - Libai Lover's Beach

Sichuan - Yanyuan - Lugu Lake - Walking Marriage Bridge

Sichuan - Yanyuan - Lugu Lake - Caohai

Sichuan - Yanyuan - Lugu Lake - Lakeside scenery

Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Gemmu Goddess Mountain cable car

Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Overlooking Lugu Lake from the viewing platform

1. Lugu Lake is a place truly worth staying for a few days. Only by staying overnight can you leisurely enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, especially the beautiful views at dawn and dusk, relax your mind and body, and experience a different kind of peace and tranquility.

2. Lugu Lake is suitable for sightseeing all year round, each season offering its own beauty. We have visited in different seasons, and each time we were captivated and moved by her beauty—it's a place you'll want to return to again and again.

3. Along the lake, many areas have numerous inns and guesthouses, making accommodation convenient. However, during holidays it becomes very tight, so be sure to book rooms well in advance, otherwise it may be hard to find a room. Lake-view rooms are a bit pricey on ordinary days, and during holidays prices skyrocket, sometimes absurdly so.

Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Daluoshui Village lakeside

Sichuan - Yanyuan - Lugu Lake - Water buttercups

Sichuan - Yanyuan - Lugu Lake - Libai Lover's Beach

Sichuan - Yanyuan - Lugu Lake - Caohai

Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Gemmu Goddess Mountain cable car

Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Overlooking Lugu Lake from Gemmu Goddess Mountain

Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Overlooking Lige Peninsula from the viewing platform

Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Lover's Tree Scenic Area

Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Daluoshui Village

4. If you're not driving yourself, carpooling or renting an electric scooter to loop the lake is a popular and not-to-be-missed activity. Many inns offer electric scooter rental, and you can also ask them to help arrange a shared ride.

5. Not far from the main entrance of the scenic area on the Yunnan side, there is a viewing platform—a great spot to admire and photograph the panoramic view of Lugu Lake. Along the loop, on the hillside north of Lige Village, there is another viewing platform ideal for overlooking and photographing Lige Peninsula. In Nisai Village, there is a cable car up Gemmu Goddess Mountain. If time permits, take the cable car; the bird's-eye view of Lugu Lake from the mountain offers a completely different experience.

6. Most visitors come to Lugu Lake from Lijiang. Over the years, the roads have been widened and improved; the previously unavoidable 'Lijiang-Ninglang 18 Turns' has been replaced by new roads. With better road conditions, travel time has been significantly reduced. Coming from Yanyuan County in Sichuan, the roads are narrower, with dozens of kilometers of winding mountain roads. Be sure to control your speed and drive carefully. However, for self-driving, the biggest advantage is that you don't have to backtrack.

Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Overlooking Lugu Lake from Gemmu Goddess Mountain

Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Overlooking Lige Peninsula from the viewing platform

Sichuan - Yanyuan - Lugu Lake - Caohai and Walking Marriage Bridge

Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Overlooking Lugu Lake from the viewing platform

Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Lover's Tree Scenic Area

Sichuan - Yanyuan - Lugu Lake - Libai Lover's Beach

Yunnan - Ninglang - Lugu Lake - Overlooking Lugu Lake from the viewing platform

Sichuan - Yanyuan - Lugu Lake

Sichuan - Yanyuan - Lugu Lake - Sculpture

Erhai Lake lies east of Dali Ancient City in Dali City, Dali Prefecture. Nestled at the foot of the verdant Cangshan Mountain, the lake is strikingly blue. It is famous worldwide for its mountain-water scenery and distinctive villages, and is one of Dali's four famous sights: 'the wind of Xiaguan, the flowers of Shangguan, the snow on Cangshan, and the moon over Erhai.' Although called a 'sea,' Erhai is actually Yunnan's second-largest freshwater lake, covering over 250 square kilometers. It is long and narrow, and legend says its shape resembles an ear, hence the name 'Erhai' (Ear Sea).

Yunnan - Dali - Erhai Lake - Lakeside scenery

Yunnan - Dali - Erhai Lake - Shuanglang

Yunnan - Dali - Erhai Lake - Little Putuo

Yunnan - Dali - Xizhou Ancient Town

Yunnan - Dali - Erhai Lake - Sunset

1. Like Lugu Lake, Erhai is a place worth visiting multiple times and staying a few days; moreover, it's suitable all year round.

2. There are many beautiful sights around Erhai Lake, and looping around it is almost like touring the entirety of Dali. Just visiting major spots like Cangshan, Dali Ancient City, Shuanglang Ancient Town, and Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas Park takes a lot of time, so keep this in mind and plan for extra time.

3. If possible, try to stay by the lake, such as around Shuanglang on the east shore, so you can enjoy the beautiful lake views anytime. The trade-off is higher accommodation prices. If you want comfortable yet more economical lodging, you can choose less famous towns along the lake; they are quieter with fewer tourists and much lower room rates.

4. If you prefer liveliness, you can stay in Dali Ancient City, where there are many places to explore. At night, the ancient city is brilliantly lit, bustling with people, and very entertaining.

Yunnan - Dali - Cangshan - Overlooking Erhai Lake from Cangshan

Yunnan - Dali - Cangshan - Cangshan National Geopark

Yunnan - Dali - Erhai Lake - Shuanglang - Yang Liping's Sun Palace

Yunnan - Dali - Dali Ancient City - Erhai Gate

Yunnan - Dali - Erhai Lake - Shuanglang

Yunnan - Dali - Erhai Lake - Little Putuo

Yunnan - Dali - Xizhou Ancient Town

Yunnan - Dali - Erhai Lake - Lakeside scenery

Yunnan - Dali - Erhai Lake - Sunset

Yunnan - Dali - Erhai Lake - Shuanglang - Lakeside guesthouse

Fuxian Lake is located 5 kilometers south of Chengjiang County in Yuxi City, only about 60 kilometers from Kunming, and is regarded as the backyard garden of Kunming residents. Although not as famous as Dianchi Lake or Erhai, Fuxian Lake is a deep freshwater lake in China, equivalent to 12 Dianchi Lakes or 6 Erhai Lakes. Here you can enjoy extremely clear water, and it's no exaggeration to call it a 'mirror of the sky.' Several small scenic areas are scattered along the lake; you can casually stroll by the water and enjoy the natural beauty, or enter the various scenic spots to explore.

Yunnan - Chengjiang - Fuxian Lake - Cherry Blossom Valley Scenic Area

Yunnan - Chengjiang - Fuxian Lake - Luchong Scenic Area

Yunnan - Chengjiang - Fuxian Lake - Gushan Scenic Area - Distant view of Gushan

Yunnan - Chengjiang - Fuxian Lake - Gushan Scenic Area

Yunnan - Chengjiang - Fuxian Lake - Lakeside scenery

Yunnan - Chengjiang - Fuxian Lake - Sunset glow

1. Fuxian Lake is a relatively off-the-beaten-path destination in Yunnan. Yunnan has so many beautiful lakes that many people overlook Fuxian. In fact, the lake is quite large and its scenery is spectacular.

2. Fuxian Lake International Tourism Resort is on the east shore of the lake. It is a high-end complex integrating sightseeing, accommodation, and leisure, and is one of the better spots around the lake.

3. Chengjiang, where Fuxian Lake is located, has no scorching summer heat nor severe winter cold. Most of the year is suitable for sightseeing and especially for a resort stay. The lakeside attractions offer many water activities, making it particularly ideal for summer visits. If you bring children, they will surely have a blast.

Yunnan - Chengjiang - Fuxian Lake - International Tourism Resort

Yunnan - Chengjiang - Fuxian Lake - Cherry Blossom Valley Scenic Area

Yunnan - Chengjiang - Fuxian Lake - Luchong Scenic Area

Yunnan - Chengjiang - Fuxian Lake - Gushan Scenic Area

Yunnan - Chengjiang - Fuxian Lake - Lakeside villa area