Called Kunming Lake, Dian Lake is in the southwest of the Kunming
City. The lake was so named for an ancient Dian tribe living in
this area. The crescent-shaped lake extends 39 kilometers from
north to south and around 13 kilometers from west to east at an
altitude of 1886 meters above sea level. Occupying an area of 306
kilometers, the lake have water capacity of 15,7 hundred million
cubic meters.
Dian Lake is surrounded by hills on four sides with the Jinma Hill
in the east, Biji Hill in the west, Heshan Hill in the south and
(sheshan Hill) Snake Hill in the north. The area on the lake shore
is fertile with comfortable weather condition, abundant rivers for
irrigation.
Dian Lake has a long history. In the Warrior Period, a Dian State
was built in this region. Dian Lake with crystal clean water,
ripple lake surface, boats sailing on the lake looks like a
glittering pearl set on a mountain basin and reflects the
surrounding mountains the blue sky. The area around the Dian Lake
is clustered with sights of either beautiful scenery or rich
cultural heritage. These include the Nanyun Nationalities Villages,
West Hills, Grand View Park.