The Pearl of the Plateau: Crystal Waters and Ancient Mysteries at Fuxian Lake

The Glass-Like Lake of the Immortals

1.Located in the heart of the: Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, spanning Chengjiang City, Jiangchuan District, and Huaning County of Yuxi City, Fuxian Lake is a natural wonder often described as a "huge piece of jade" dropped onto the earth. With a surface area of 216 square kilometers and a maximum depth of 158.9 meters, it is China's largest deep-water freshwater lake and the third deepest lake in the country. The lake is renowned for its crystalline water quality, consistently rated as Class I, with visibility reaching up to 7-8 meters. The water is so clear that ancient poets described it as "ten thousand acres of colored glaze" (Liuli Wanqing), reflecting the sky and clouds like a giant mirror,,.

Legends and History

The name "Fuxian" translates to "Comforting Immortals" or "Immortals Patting the Lake." According to local legend, two immortals named Shi and Xiao were sent by the Jade Emperor to patrol the human world. upon arriving here, they were so mesmerized by the lake's ethereal beauty that they forgot to return to heaven. They stood by the lake, gazing at the water until they eventually turned into two stone statues, forever guarding the "Pearl of the Plateau". Beyond mythology, Fuxian Lake holds a profound archaeological mystery. Beneath its tranquil waves lies an ancient underwater city. Sonar surveys and diving expeditions have revealed ruins of stone structures covering 2.4 square kilometers, believed to be the remnants of a city from the ancient Dian Kingdom era (approx. 2000 years ago) that slid into the lake during a catastrophic earthquake. This "Underwater Pompeii" adds a layer of mystical allure to the scenic beauty,.

Scenic Spots and Activities

The lake is surrounded by varied landscapes and cultural sites.

• 2.Luchong Scenic Area: Located on the west bank, this is a bustling spot famous for its centuries-old banyan trees and the iconic "Water Wheel Fishing" method. It offers a golden sandy beach where visitors can swim, boat, and enjoy the shade of the ancient trees,,.
• 3.Gushan Island (Solitary Mountain): The only island in the lake, Gushan was once a favored retreat for nobility and scholars during the Dian Kingdom era. It features temples and pavilions, offering a panoramic view of the lake's vastness,.
• 4.Mingxing Fish Cave: Here, visitors can witness the unique fishing tradition where fishermen use water wheels to create currents that attract the native Kanglang fish into bamboo cages, a method known as "fishing without hooks",.
• 5.Maotianshan Fossil Site: Just a short distance from the lake lies the Chengjiang Fossil Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It preserves the most complete record of an early Cambrian marine community, dating back 530 million years, providing a window into the origins of life on Earth,.

A Paradise for Road Trips and Relaxation

Fuxian Lake is an ideal destination for a slow-paced vacation. A 100-kilometer highway encircles the lake, making it a perfect route for cycling or a scenic road trip. Along the way, you can stop at wetlands like the Wanwan Wetland Park to walk on white sand beaches or camp under the stars. The culinary experience is also a highlight, with the famous Copper Pot Fish and Copper Pot Potato Rice being must-try local delicacies, cooked using the pristine water of the lake itself,,.