Walk past Pearl Island and you will see the expansive lake stretching out. The calm water mirrors the sky, while water birds glide above the surface. Gentle breezes ripple the lake.

In winter, flocks of red-billed gulls frolic and compete for food around Carp Island. In other seasons, dozens of bird species including pheasants, thrushes, larks, cuckoos and magpies can be spotted.

Three villages scatter along the lakeside, home to the Yi, Zhuang and Miao peoples. During traditional festivals such as the Miao Flower Mountain Festival, Zhuang March Festival and Yi Torch Festival, locals dress in gorgeous ethnic costumes, sing folk songs and dance joyfully. Visitors can enjoy the Miao Lusheng Dance, Yi String Dance and Zhuang Straw Figure Dance.

Ticket: ¥10 per person Opening Hours: 08:30 – 18:00 Address: South of National Highway 323, 42 km west of Yanshan County Transportation: Take coaches from Kunming to Yanshan or Qiubei and get off at Haizibian Toll Station (fare: around ¥40). The lake lies just south of the highway. Rent a motor speedboat at the tourist dock for a lake tour (¥8–10 per trip, 15 passengers maximum). You may also take a coach from Yanshan to Pingyuanjie (fare: ¥5).