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 highland¹ lake, it‘s reputed as "A Pearl on the Yungui Plateau".

The picturesque² lake, dotted with sails, appears green and boundless³ and shining with ripples⁴. Along its 150 kilometers long winding⁵ bank, lies numerous scenic⁶ 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 Reign⁷ in the Qing Dynasty (1690 AD). It‘s an exquisite⁸ structure with upturned roof-corners and eaves. Looking to the south, one has a fascinating view of the spectacular Lake Dian, and the graceful⁹ and full shape of the distant "Sleeping Beauty Mountain" shrouded¹⁰ in white clouds. The lake is surrounded by lush growth of trees and plants, with peony in full bloom in spring, and chrysanthemum¹¹ blossoms found all over the place in autumn. The golden calligraphy¹² 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 ridges¹³ rising one upon another, and covered with old tall trees. The park is endowed with dense¹⁴ 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 perches¹⁵ 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 perilous¹⁶ cliffs covered with lush woods. A seven-storey brick pagoda¹⁷ 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 belching¹⁸ from the chimneys of fishermen‘s homes.

Notes:

1. Lake Dian 滇池

2. Grand View Pavilion 大观楼

3. West Garden 西园

4. Lake Embankment 海埂