Jianhu Lake is a freshwater lake formed by plateau tectonic faults and one of the 28 plateau lakes in Yunnan Province. As the soul and source of life of Jianchuan, it has long been a happy homeland where the Bai people have lived and multiplied for generations.

Boasting gorgeous scenery, a long history and profound cultural heritage, Jianhu Scenic Area achieves perfect harmony between natural and cultural landscapes. It has been designated a provincial-level scenic spot and provincial wetland reserve, and is also one of the key protected plateau freshwater lakes in Yunnan Province.

The lake features a perfect integration of natural scenery and human culture. Mist shimmers over the water, reeds grow luxuriantly, gulls and herons gather in flocks, and fishing boats drift across the lake with fishermen’s songs floating on the breeze. The lake water is crystal clear. Seen from afar, it looks like a giant mirror reflecting the sky; up close, every fish swimming in the water can be clearly counted. Villages line the lakeshore with rows of willow trees. The lake and mountains set off each other beautifully, presenting pastoral scenery no less charming than the water towns south of the Yangtze River. The farmlands and hamlets around the lake form poetic scenes that change distinctly with the seasons.

In spring, peach blossoms bloom amid green willows and pure white pear blossoms, filling the area with vibrant vitality. In summer, fishing boats shuttle back and forth and water birds frolic freely on the lake. In autumn, water plants bloom and spread delicate fragrance, with green leaves, clear water, blue sky and white clouds forming a lovely picture. In winter, fishing boats return at sunset amid fishermen’s evening ballads, while migratory birds fly south in large flocks. Jianhu Lake offers pleasant views all year round.

Numerous underground springs emerge along the foothills in the northeastern part of the lake, forming more than ten dragon pools including Fairy Refining Pool, Jianhe Pool, Shuigulou Pool, Puyin Nunnery Pool, North Mei River Pool, South Mei River Pool, Ganlong Pool and Huanglong Pool of Sangling, North and South Lushou Pools, Shanghe Pool and Bainantuo Pool. Surrounded by lush woods and towering pagodas, these pools are ideal leisure destinations for local residents.

Shuigulou River with muddy water and Mei River with clear water flow into the lake from the northeast. After converging east of Helong Village, the two streams still remain sharply distinct: clear on the east and turbid on the west. This extraordinary sight of "mingling together yet remaining untainted by each other" brings profound inspiration and endless reveries to visitors.

Most villages around Jianhu Lake are inhabited by the Bai ethnic group, and some are mixed settlements of Bai and Hui peoples. There are woodcarving villages such as Shihe and Huilong; fishing villages including Haimenkou, Shagoujian and Liuying; and Shangdeng and Xiadeng villages specializing in tile-making and pottery. The majority are farming villages where villagers work from sunrise to sunset and sing folk songs in the fields.

Many beautiful and touching local myths have been passed down around Jianhu Lake: legends of the Benzhu patron gods and dragon tales, as well as folk stories about cowherds, village maidens, scholars and carpenters. Also popular are the legend of Goddess Haidong and the poignant ballad of Young Lady Qing.