Cuihu Dragon Pool in Yongsheng County, Lijiang

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Cuihu Lake (翠湖), also known as Jiulong Pool (九龙潭), is located in Jinguang Town (金官镇), Sanchuanba (三川坝), Yongsheng County (永胜县), Lijiang (丽江市), Yunnan Province. It is easily accessible via the Lipan Expressway (丽攀公路), making it an important gateway to Ninglang (宁蒗) and Sichuan’s Panzhihua (四川攀枝花). The lake is situated 10 kilometers from Yongsheng County and 6 kilometers from the Hongshiya Ancient Earthquake Site (红石崖古地震遗址).

The area is known for its rich agricultural and culinary culture, with 37 well-established agritourism businesses in the village. The local restaurants specialize in the “Full Lotus Banquet” (全荷宴), a unique dish featuring lotus flowers, lotus leaves, lotus seeds, lotus roots, and fish from the lake.

Scenic Features and Natural Beauty

Cuihu Lake is located in the Sanchuanba region, often referred to as the “Granary of Northwestern Yunnan” (滇西北的米粮仓) and the “Land of Fish and Rice” (鱼米之乡). The village surrounding the lake has a mild climate, fertile land, and abundant water resources, making it a beautiful and fertile region.

Landscape Features:

• Lush Wetlands: The area is home to over 10,000 acres of wetlands, with abundant lotus fields. The summer months bring a spectacular sight of blooming lotus flowers, often referred to as “Lotus Carpet” (荷潭莲锦), creating a magnificent view along the shores.

• Traditional Farming: The village specializes in growing lotus roots, rice, and other local agricultural products. The landscape is dotted with lotus ponds and fishing areas, contributing to a serene rural charm.

• Scenic Views: The surrounding mountains and terraced fields enhance the area’s beauty, and visitors can explore the clear water, clean village streets, and picturesque landscapes.

Agricultural Products and Local Culture

Cuihu Lake is rich in agricultural specialties, and its local cuisine reflects the unique food culture of the area. The village is known for its agritourism businesses, and visitors can enjoy the “Full Lotus Banquet”, a meal featuring various lotus plant parts, such as lotus flowers, lotus leaves, lotus seeds, lotus roots, and lake fish.

Local Handicrafts:

• Enamel Silverware and Copperware: The village is also famous for its enamel silverware and copperware craftsmanship. These traditional skills have been listed as intangible cultural heritage by Yunnan Province, ensuring their preservation and inheritance.

Cultural Recognition:

In 2016, Cuihu Village was recognized as a Traditional Cultural Village and received financial support from the central government to preserve and promote its cultural heritage.

Ecological and Cultural Significance

Cuihu Lake, with its scenic beauty, plays a significant role in the local economy and culture. The lake and its surrounding area are integral to the region’s ecological balance and agricultural prosperity.

Key Features:

• Lotus Fields: The expansive lotus fields around the lake are a highlight, with blooming flowers in the summer months, offering visitors a chance to witness nature’s beauty up close.

• Cultural Significance: The lake’s water comes from the Jiuguan Mountain (芮官山), where natural springs flow year-round, supporting both local drinking water needs and irrigation for surrounding farmlands.

• Ecological Farming: The area’s farming practices are sustainable, with a focus on balancing nature conservation and resource utilization, allowing for a blend of agriculture and local heritage.

Practical Travel Information

Opening Hours:

• Daily from 08:00 to 17:00. It is recommended that visitors spend between 1 to 3 hours exploring the area.

Ticket Prices:

• Adult Tickets: ¥50

• Children’s Tickets: ¥25 (free for children under 1.2 meters)

Best Time to Visit:

• The Lotus Flower Season (荷花季) is from mid-June to August when the lake is filled with blooming lotus flowers, and the area hosts special events such as the Lotus Lantern Festival (荷田灯会) and folk performances.

Transportation

From Kunming:

• By Car: Travel along the Kunming-Mo Highway and then switch to the Lipan Expressway to Yongsheng’s Sanchuan Town. The journey takes about 5 hours, and the toll fee is approximately ¥287.

• By Bus: Take a bus from Kunming West Bus Station to Yongsheng County (ticket: ¥150). Then transfer to local transport to Cuihu Village.

From Lijiang:

• By Car/Carpool: The journey to Cuihu Lake takes about 1 hour via Lipan Expressway, with a carpool cost of ¥60–80 per person.

• By Public Transport: Take a bus from Lijiang Passenger Station to Jinguang Passenger Station (ticket: ¥25–35, travel time: 1–2 hours), then take a taxi to the scenic area (cost: ¥10–20).

Local Transportation:

• A 20-minute ride by village bus or private car from Yongsheng County to Cuihu Village.

Nearby Attractions

Nearby Scenic Sites:

• Hongshiya Ancient Earthquake Site (红石崖古地震遗址): Located 6 kilometers from the lake, it is a national-level geological relic.

• Chenghai Lake (程海湖): A natural blue-green algae lake, one of the three major blue-green algae lakes in the world, ideal for cycling around.

Accommodation Recommendations:

• Hexiu Yuan Homestay (荷秀园民宿): 1.5 km from the lake, contact: 18213271192.

• Golden Years Business Hotel (金色年华商务酒店): Rated 4.7 stars, located in Sanchuan Town (三川镇).

Local Cuisine:

• There are 37 agritourism restaurants offering the “Full Lotus Banquet”. The average cost per person is about ¥48.

  • Recommended restaurants: Weidao Cuihu Agritourism (味道翠湖农家乐) and Furuiyuan Agritourism (福瑞园农家乐).

Travel Suggestions

In-Depth Experience:

• Take a boat ride on the lotus lake (¥30 per person), or participate in lotus picking, lotus seed peeling, or fishing activities.

Festival Activities:

• During the Lotus Flower Season (July–August), enjoy special events such as the Lotus Moonlight Lantern Festival (荷田月色灯会) and Village Grand Stage Performances (乡村大舞台表演).

Cultural Exploration:

• Visit Zhuangyuan Tower (状元楼), a Ming Dynasty (明代) site of Yang Sheng’an (杨升庵), and the Intangible Cultural Heritage workshops for silverware and copperware craftsmanship.