Sparkling Pearl Embedded in a Highland -----Dian Lake

Dianchi Lake, also known as Lake Dian and Kunming Lake, is a large endorheic lake located on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau close to Kunming, Yunnan, in southern China. Its nickname is the "Sparkling Pearl Embedded in a Highland" and it was the model for the Kunming Lake in the Summer Palace in Beijing.

Dianchi Lake is the most beautiful at dawn and sunset. The refraction of the ethereal rays glitters on the water surface just like thousands of silver fish swimming and playing. This ocean-like lake is indeed the best place to go for those people who wish to get away from the bustling city and be close to nature.

The picturesque lake, dotted with sails, appears green and boundless and shining with ripples. Along its 150 kilometers long winding bank, lie numerous scenic spots and historical sites such as the Grand View Pavilion, West Garden, and 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 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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