Fuxian Lake Reef

Fuxian Lake Wall

Fuxian Lake’s pristine water produces exceptionally clean-tasting freshwater fish that are the foundation of local cuisine. The lake is famous for its anti-wave fish (kanglang fish), a small endemic species found only in this lake that is typically served grilled or fried. Larger species including carp, catfish, and the prized Fuxian Lake silver fish are prepared in traditional Yunnan styles with liberal use of chili, Sichuan peppercorn, and fresh herbs. The surrounding Yunnan province offers one of China most diverse culinary traditions, with crossing-bridge noodles, various mushroom dishes, and ethnic minority cuisine from the Yi and Hani peoples adding variety to the dining experience.

Fuxian Lake Resort

Chengjiang Hotel

Fuxian Lakeside Villa

Kunming Green Lake Hotel

Fuxian Lake in Yunnan province is China’s deepest freshwater lake and one of the clearest, reaching a maximum depth of 155 meters with visibility that can exceed 10 meters in its pure oligotrophic waters. Located at an elevation of approximately 1,722 meters on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, the lake offers a unique high-altitude freshwater diving experience with water chemistry and ecology found nowhere else in China. The lake’s extraordinary depth creates a dramatic thermocline structure with warm surface water overlying progressively colder layers, and its geological setting within a tectonic fault creates dramatic underwater cliff walls and steep slopes that are the primary diving attractions. The submerged limestone formations include underwater caves, ledges, and vertical walls that support unique freshwater ecosystems including endemic fish species found only in this lake. The ancient Dian Kingdom ruins submerged along the lake’s northern shore add archaeological interest to dives. Fuxian Lake’s purity means it is classified as Class I water quality, the highest standard in China, making it safe for direct drinking. The combination of extreme depth, clear water, dramatic underwater topography, endemic species, and high-altitude diving considerations makes Fuxian Lake a specialist diving destination that rewards experienced divers with genuinely unique underwater experiences.

Inland Freshwater – Fuxian Lake

Best visibility and comfortable temperatures.

Variable visibility depending on rainfall.

Scenic boat tour of the lake with stops for swimming in crystal clear water

Fuxian Lake boat tour and swimming

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage fossil site museum with Cambrian-era specimens

Chengjiang Fossil Museum visit

Explore the traditional fishing village with cormorant fishing demonstrations

Luchong Village traditional fishing culture

Hike the scenic mountain with panoramic views of Fuxian Lake and surrounding plateau

Maotianshan Mountain hiking

Visit the famous UNESCO karst limestone formations near Kunming

Kunming Stone Forest day trip

Experience the diverse flavors of Yunnan cuisine including crossing-bridge noodles

Yunnan local cuisine tasting

Fly into Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) then transfer by car approximately 1.5 hours to Fuxian Lake. Kunming is well-connected domestically and has some international routes. Regular buses also connect Kunming to the lake area.

Dive Sites in Inland Freshwater – Fuxian Lake

Fuxian Lake Reef

Fuxian Lake Wall