Day trip to Fuxian Lake, in Yunnan

In this article, you will find some ideas on what to see and do in Fuxian Lake, along with tips to make the most of your visit and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Fuxian Lake, China: Scenic view of the lake's turquoise water and sandy beach against a backdrop of mountains.

Fuxian Lake, located in the heart of Yunnan province, is one of China’s deepest and clearest freshwater lakes. Surrounded by lush hills and traditional villages, it offers a peaceful escape from the busier tourist spots in the region. It provides a perfect mix of natural beauty and authentic experiences, and despite its proximity to Kunming, the capital, it doesn’t really get too many tourists.

Why you should visit Fuxian Lake (抚仙湖) and how to get there

Fuxian Lake aerial view with mountains and shoreline village in Yunnan, China.

Fuxian Lake is a great place to relax and enjoy nature. The coastline is beautiful, the water is clear, and there are numerous beaches, although swimming is not allowed due to strict environmental regulations, which are becoming more common in many areas of China.

While Fuxian Lake might not be the most famous lake in China, it’s still worth a visit, especially if you want to experience a quieter, less touristy side of the region. If you are already near Kunming or it’s part of your itinerary, taking a detour to Fuxian Lake can be worthwhile. You’ll get a glimpse of a quieter part of China and see how the region approaches environmental protection.

The best way to explore the lake is by renting a car if you’re in China, or booking a driver through a travel agency, as public transportation along the coast is limited. Send me a DM on Instagram if you need a driver.

Top things to see and to do

Aerial view of people on the red sand beach at Fuxian Lake.

Here are some interesting places I discovered while exploring the area.

Pink beach (红山咀)

Map view of Fuxian Lake, Yunnan, China, with the town of Yousuozhen to the north.

One of the most famous places on the Lake is Pink Beach (红山咀). The Chinese name is Hongshanzui. It’s a beautiful, pinkish-colored sandy beach.

I couldn’t find out if the sand was imported from other parts of China, but in any case, the surrounding mountains are rich in iron, so the soil is often reddish. That is probably the reason for the color of the sand. This beach has become very popular thanks to Chinese social media, so you will likely find many people.

In the map above, you can roughly see the beach’s location.

Moon Bay Wetland Park (月亮湾湿地公园)

Fuxian Lake view with sandy beach, palm trees, modern buildings, and boats.

All the hotels are located on the North Coast, and you’ll also find another rather large beach. To enter the area, you’ll have to pay a fee, but it’s worth it: the park where the beach is located (Moon Bay Wetland Park 月亮湾湿地公园) is very well kept. Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed, just like in the rest of the lake. Most hotels offer beach access, which is included in the price of the reservation.

These are some photos of the northern area of Fuxian Lake.

Aerial view of colorful boats on Fuxian Lake, China. Water activities.

Sandy beach at Fuxian Lake, Yunnan, with straw umbrellas and clear blue sky.

As you can see, this area is reminiscent of the tropical beaches of Sanya or Southeast Asia.

Exploring the coast

Scenic view of Fuxian Lake with a coastal road and a red car driving along the shoreline.

Fuxian Lake view with boats, shoreline buildings, and mountains in the background.

Fuxian Lake’s coast is beautiful, and it feels like driving along the roads of the Italian coast in certain sections. If you can’t rent a car or a car with a driver, you might want to consider renting a scooter or a bicycle. In the northern part of the lake, a very long pedestrian platform has been built from which you can admire the lake.

Beach of the Sun (阳光海岸)

In the upper part of the lake, there is another developed area for tourists, with a vast beach and other tourist facilities. In front of the beach is a small island with a small temple.

Jieyushi Park (界鱼石公园)

Path at Fuxian Lake, China, shaded by trees and a vine-covered pergola. Serene outdoor setting.

In the south, Fuxian Lake is separated from Xingyun Lake (星云湖) by a small strip of land. According to a local legend, the two lakes are connected, but the fish never managed to cross the natural boundary. Jieyushi Park stands on this symbolic spot, and there is also a rather old Taoist temple there, dating back to the 17th century.

When is the best time to visit Fuxian Lake?

Like Kunming, Fuxian is famous for its mild climate all year round. The rainy season starts around May and lasts until September/October, so avoid that period. In any case, it will never be too cold or too hot.

Where to stay in Fuxian Lake

Aerial view of a luxurious resort pool complex with intricate design.

Luxury pool overlooking Fuxian Lake with mountains in the distance.

If you plan to stay one night, the northern part is the most developed, and you will find all the main hotel facilities, including the beautiful Hilton you see in the picture above.

If you want something cheaper, I recommend Trip.com, which has way more options than Booking.com.

Remember to get a VPN before coming to China. If you need an eSIM, I recommend this one. If you need travel insurance, this is quite good.

If you’re looking for other places to visit near Kunming, I’ve written about Yiliang and Mile, two very interesting cities. Here, you can find more information about the Puzhehei scenic area.