The Dianchi Lake is the largest lake in Yunnan Province and the eighth largest lake in China. (It is 370 square kilometers in area, 44 meters in depth, and 1,885 meters in altitude.) Its nickname is "Sparkling Pearl Imbedded in a Highland," and it was the model for the Kunming Lake in the Summer Palace in Beijing. It is a working lake, and traditional junks still sail the lake, the men laying the lines to hook the fish that is their livelihood. At the same time, the lake is a pleasant destination for those wishing to get away from the bustle of the city itself.

At the lake's northern tip, Daguan Park (also known as Grand View Park) is within walking distance of the Western Mountains. Its tower is inscribed with poetry in praise of the lake's beauty. (The inscription is said to contain the longest antithetical couplet in China!)