Located at the foot of the Western Hills in southwest Kunming City, Dianchi Lake, or Kunming Lake, is known as "a pearl on the plateau" for its natural beauty. Covering an area of 330 square kilometers (33,000 hectares), the lake is the largest freshwater lake in all of Yunnan and the sixth largest in China.

The west side of the lake is covered by a lush forest; its east side is popular for fisheries and agribusinesses. There are numerous tourist attractions alongside the lake such as the Yunnan Ethnic Village, Daguan Pavilion and Bamboo Temple. The lake's sights are at their most beautiful at dawn and sunset, especially when you enjoy the scenery from a boat.[China.org.cn/VCG]