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 Known also
as Kunming lake, Lake Dian is located at the foot of the Western
Hills south-west of Kunming city in Yunnan Province. Being a bright
and smooth highland lake, it's reputed as "A Pearl on the
Yungui Plateau".
The picturesque lake, dotted with sails, appears
green and boundless and shining with ripples. Along its 150 kilometers
long winding bank, lies numerous scenic spots and historical sites
such as the Grand View Pavilion, West Garden, the Lake Embankment.
The Grand View Pavilion:- Located at the lake's
northern bank, it was built in the 29th year of Kangxi Reign in
the Qing Dynasty (1690 AD). It's an exquisite structure with upturned
roof-corners and eaves. Looking to the south, one has a fascinating
view of the spectacular Lake Dian, and the graceful and full shape
of the distant "Sleeping Beauty Mountain" shrouded in
white clouds. The lake is surrounded by lush growth of trees and
plants, with peony in full bloom in spring, and chrysanthemum
blossoms found all over the place in autumn. The golden calligraphy
of the Grand View Pavilion in bold Chinese characters sparkles
brilliantly.
Western Hills Scenic Area:- Located at the
west bank of the lake, it's a large forest park with hills and
ridges rising one upon another, and covered with old tall trees.
The park is endowed with dense natural forests, murmuring streams,
luxuriantly green bamboos, and crisscross with ancient paths.
Scenic spots and historical sites are over hill and dale. The
area from Sanqing Tower to Longmen (Dragon Gate) is a place of
concentration of the most spectacular scenic spots and architecture,
and therefore reputed as "No.1 Scenery in middle Yunnan".
Hill of Goddess of Mercy:- The temple of Goddess
of Mercy perches on the Hill at the lake's west bank, with a beak-shaped
portion of the hill extending into the lake water. The temple
is confronted by perilous cliffs covered with lush woods. A seven-storey
brick pagoda stands on the hill top which commands a bird's eye
view of the Lake Dian, the mountain ranges along the Lake, the
vast expanse of fertile land, and the smoke belching from the
chimneys of fishermen's homes.
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