Fuxian Lake – Extremely Clear and Blue Lake and Mysterious Underwater City

Written by Candice Zhao | Updated April 03,2026

Fuxian Lake is well-known worldwide for its dramatic depth and mysterious underwater city. But its highlights go far beyond this. The blue to green lake water is like “an endless expanse of coloured glaze”. Compared with Erhai Lake and Lugu Lake, its lake view is purer and the transportation is more convenient.

Besides, tourists can challenge diverse water sports, cycle or drive along the lakeside road and experience local fishing village culture. Just include it in your itinerary if you are planning a Kunming tour. Follow this guide to explore its major attractions, transportation, visiting and dining tips.

• Location: Spans between Chengjiang City, Jiangchuan District and Huaning County, Yuxi City, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, about 60 km away from Kunming City
• Chinese Name: 抚仙湖
• Average Depth: 2 meters
• Area: 6 sq km
• Tickets: The area of Fuxian Lake itself is open to the public for free. However, each scenic spot inside charges separately
• Opening Hours: 24 hours for the lake itself, 08:30 – 18:00 for the attractions
• Best Time to Visit: March – May, September – November
• Recommended Visiting Time: 2 – 3 days

Content Preview

• Major Scenic Areas and Highlights
• Transportation: How to Get to and Travel around/a>
• How to Visit Fuxian Lake: Essential Tips
• What to Eat at Fuxian Lake
• The Mystery of Fuxian Lake: Underwater City
• Fuxian Lake vs Other Yunnan Lakes: Which to Visit?
• Explore Yunnan and Fuxian Lake with China Xian Tour
• FAQs about Fuxian Lake

Major Scenic Areas and Highlights

Major Scenic Areas Overview

Fuxian Lake stretches 31.5 kilometers long from north to south and 11.5 kilometers wide from east to west. Covering an area of 216 sq km, it is divided into four areas: East Shore, West Shore, North Shore and South Shore. Most major attractions are concentrated in East Shore and West Shore.

Top Attractions & Highlights on West Shore

Luchong Scenic Area

• Ticket: CNY 15
• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 19:00

Luchong Scenic Area is a must-visit attraction in Fuxian Lake. Climbing up to the viewing platform of Bijia Mountain, the panoramic view of Fuxian Lake will come into sight. The graduated blue lake water is really charming. Also, you can stroll along the golden beach or enjoy the cool under lush banyan trees. During the summer time, there are demonstrations of the spectacle of “fishing with a waterwheel”, a unique and ancient traditional fishing method.

Red Beach

• Ticket: free
• Opening Hours: all day
• Best Time to Visit: May – October, from 15:00 to sunset on sunny days

This rare Red Beach in Fuxian Lake has been the most internet-famous photography spot in recent years. Due to the weathering of red sandstone on the beach, it presents a gentle pink on sunny days, forming a dreamy contrast with the azure lake water.

Starfish Cave

• Ticket: CNY 12 – 15
• Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 08:30 – 18:00; Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: 08:30-18:30

The visibility of the lake water at Starfish Cave is extremely high, presenting a “jelly blue” color. Along the shore, there are over 200 ancient fishing holes. Here, you can also experience sailing, kayaking or the transparent glass boat.

Time Plank Road

• Ticket: free
• Opening Hours: all day

Time Plank Road is a free ecological landscape road winding along Fuxian Lake. Many attractions on the West Shore are connected by the plank road. Its total length is approximately 28 kilometers, so it is recommended to walk or cycle along a scenic section, such as the plank road near the Sun Mountain. The unique S-shaped design of this section makes it a golden spot for watching the sunset. During the journey, you will pass by wetlands, reed marshes, fishing villages, and century-old trees. Just immerse yourself in the slow-paced life here.

Gushan Island

• Ticket: CNY 60 (including the entrance and boat ticket)
• Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00

Gushan Island is the only island at Fuxian Lake. It is situated at the center of the lake and is only accessible by boat. The island is filled with towering ancient trees and dotted with pavilions and terraces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, making it an ideal place for ancient-style photography. Ascending to the Yinghai Tower, you will enjoy an unobstructed view of the clear and blue lake.  It is also the best spot to capture the sunrise and morning mist.

Top Attractions & Highlights on East Shore

Moonbay Wetland Park

• Ticket: CNY 30
• Opening Hours: May – October: 08:00 – 18:30; December – April: 08:00 – 18:00

With fine white beach, rows of coconut trees and a sea of flowers, Moonbay Wetland Park has been reputed as the “Little Sanya in Yunnan”. At dawn, the setting sun gilds the beach and lake with golden lights, making it a classic spot for sunset views.

It is also a paradise for families. Plenty of children’s amusement facilities and common recreation facilities are all available, such as paddling pools, beach slides, pedal boats, etc.

Fuhai Bay Wetland Park

• Ticket: entrance ticket: free; sightseeing train: CNY 30
• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 21:00

This park is renowned as Monet’s Garden. Large areas of verbena, lavender, cosmos and other plants are planted in the park. No matter which season you visit, a sea of colorful flowers complements the crystal blue sky and water, creating picturesque landscapes. You can either wander along the wooden plank road or take a sightseeing train to appreciate the flower sea.

Sun Mountain Town

• Ticket: free
• Opening Hours: all day

As a Nordic-style resort town, Sun Mountain Town has been a popular spot for taking photos. Located halfway up the mountain, it offers an excellent lake view and sunset view and a laid-back vacation atmosphere. There are also about 20 restaurants and characteristic shops, so you can enjoy strolling, eating and taking photos at the same time.

Top Things to Do around Fuxian Lake

Besides the splendid natural scenery, Fuxian Lake also offers every tourist with a rich variety of special experiences, like water sports, cultural exploration, hiking, delicious dishes, etc. The recommended activities are listed below for your reference.

Transportation: How to Get to and Travel around

How to Get to Fuxian Lake from Kunming

Kunming South Bus Station operates buses to Chengjiang Bus Station from 08:30 to 20:00 every day. Buses depart about every hour and costs about CNY 20. A single journey takes about 1.5 hours. After arrival, you can take a taxi to Fuxian Lake, which will take about 15 minutes and cost about CNY 20.

How to Travel Around

• Circular bus: Now, East Line, West Line and North Line have been put into use to cover all the major attractions on the corresponding shores. The ticket price is about CNY 10, but the interval is about 2 hours, so you need to plan the itinerary reasonably.
• Electric bikes/bicycles: for a short distance travel, electric bikes are ideal choices. For CNY 30 per day, you can visit the nearby attractions as you like.

How to Visit Fuxian Lake: Essential Tips

Best Time to Visit

Considering scenery, climate and experience, spring and autumn are regarded as the best seasons. The average temperature is about 15 – 25 ℃ and the rainfall is less, offering an ideal condition for outdoor sightseeing and photography.

In spring, the lake is embraced by a sea of flowers, especially in Fuhai Bay. The scenic area is full of vitality. In autumn, the surrounding forests are dyed and the lake water appears exceptionally clear and blue under the autumn sunlight.

How Long to Spend

You can arrange 1 – 2 days based on your schedule. For a one-day tour, focus your tour on one of the four shores or include 1 – 3 major scenic spots of each shore. And it is better to charter a car to save time.

The 2-day tour is the choice of most travelers. It allows tourists to enjoy a leisurely travel pace and have an in-depth exploration of East and West Shores. When staying overnight at the lakeside hotel, tourists can also appreciate the sunset and the starry sky.

Recommended Visiting Routes

One-day Tour: Red Beach – Fuhai Bay Wetland Park – Starfish Cave – S Bay – Moonbay Wetland Park – Sun Mountain Town – Guanglong Town

Two-day Tour:

Day 1 (East Shore): Guanglong Town – Fuhai Bay Wetland Park – Moon Bay Wetland Park – Xiaowan Village

Day 2 (West Shore): Gushan Island – Starfish Cave – Luchong Scenic Area – Red Beach

Where to Stay at Fuxian Lake: Accommodation Tips

The hotels and homestays are basically concentrated in the East and West Shores. And East Shore is the gathering place for high-end accommodation.

Other Practical Tips

• Sun protection: The ultraviolet rays on the plateau are extremely strong. It is essential to use sunscreen with an SPF of 50+, wear sunglasses and a hat.
• Keep warm: even in summer, the temperature difference in one day is significant and the lake breeze is cool, a light overcoat is needed.
• Environmental Protection: Fuxian Lake is a first-class drinking water source, so please take the trash away and do not swim in the lake.
• Reservation: The Fossil Museum and most water sports need a reservation 1 – 3 days in advance. Besides, from April to June and from September to October in peak seasons, it is better to book a hotel one week earlier.
• Safety tips: Only engage in water activities in designated safe areas. Non-open water areas are deep and have undercurrents, which is extremely dangerous. When taking part in water sports, be sure to follow the coach’s instructions, especially for diving.
• Local souvenirs: Chengjiang lotus root powder, Kanglang Dried Fish, copperware handicrafts, flower cake

What to Eat at Fuxian Lake

The local food at Fuxian Lake features lakefood. Copperpot fish, stone pot fish, kanglang fish and drunken shrimp are all signature dishes. There are also some characteristic local flavors, like lotus root hot pot, pea cold jelly and stewed pig’s feet.

To taste the local food, Luchong Scenic Area is the preferred choice, gathering the most lakefood restaurants and offering the most authentic flavor. In addition, Guanglong Town, Sun Mountain Town and Xiaowan Village also have abundant dining options.

Tips: When ordering rare lakefood like Kanglang Fish, confirm whether it is charged by weight or by portion and ask clearly about the price in case of disputes.

The Mystery of Fuxian Lake: Underwater City

The most famous and thought-provoking mystery of Fuxian Lake is the underwater city, adding infinite charm to this plateau lake. Since ancient times, a local legend has prevailed, saying that there is a sunken ancient city at the bottom of the lake.

In 1992, a diver discovered a large number of stone slabs with obvious artificial marks underwater. Through archaeological research, tall buildings similar to pyramids and circular buildings were found.

There are various speculations about it: it might have been the capital of the ancient Dian Kingdom or the Yuyuan Ancient City of the Han Dynasty. But it remains an unsolved mystery to this day.

Fuxian Lake vs Other Yunnan Lakes: Which to Visit?

In the table below, the four most well-known lakes are compared from various aspects, so that you can choose the best option for your Yunnan tour.

Explore Yunnan and Fuxian Lake with China Xian Tour

Fuxian Lake attracts tourists to visit Yunnan with its charming natural scenery and mysterious legend. Besides, there are also diverse landscapes and ethnic cultures in the province. If you have an interest in it, China Xian Tour can tailor a trip for you. Our itineraries will include the hot attractions and unique cultural experiences to ensure you feel the complete charm of Yunnan. Besides, we will include hotels, drivers and guides so that you can have a carefree tour. Just contact us now.

FAQs about Fuxian Lake

• What are the best sunrise and sunset photography spots for Fuxian Lake?

Best spots for sunrise: Time plank road (Guanglong to Jianshan), Luchong Scenic Area, Starfish Cave, Gushan Island, Lichang Village

Best spots for sunset: Red Beach, Moonbay Wetland Park, Sun Mountain Town

• Is Fuxian Lake good for fishing?

It is allowed to go fishing on the flat and safe lake shores with a hand rod for leisure and entertainment purposes.

• Can I swim in Fuxian Lake?

No, it is prohibited in the entire water area of Fuxian Lake. On one hand, swimming will pose a potential threat to the Class I water quality of the lake; on the other hand, the terrain at the bottom of the lake is complex with many undercurrents and whirlpools, and the water temperature is low, thus drowning accidents are very likely to occur.