Moon Lake in Stone Forest, Kunming
Moon Lake (月湖) is situated at an elevation of 1,906 meters, spanning 1,500 meters in width and averaging a depth of 18 meters, making it the largest lake within the “Lunan Stone Forest” (路南石林) plateau fault lake area.
Description of Moon Lake
The lake has a crescent shape, with a wide surface that is not very deep, which allows it to be abundant in fish. Anglers can expect a fruitful catch when fishing at Moon Lake. The rocky shores are home to various marine fossils, including corals, snails, and clams.
To the south of Moon Lake lies limestone cliffs, where newly exposed rocky spires and peaks create a breathtaking spectacle. The northern shore features lush green lawns, while the eastern shore is characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and the picturesque scenery of Yi villages (彝村). Small mountains surrounding the lake are adorned with green pines and cypress trees, with reeds flourishing along the banks.
Moon Lake maintains a serene demeanor year-round, never becoming too wild in summer nor too sparse in winter. It nourishes the surrounding green mountains and farmland with its waters, fostering the rich and diverse ethnic culture of the Yi people (彝族). The people here have endless stories to tell, songs to sing, and strength to share.
Where can one find spring in the midst of winter? At Moon Lake, where the bright and lively spirit of spring prevails.
Location and Accessibility
Moon Lake is located within the Stone Forest scenic area and is named for its crescent shape, being the largest lake in the Stone Forest area. The lake comprises various smaller bodies of water that connect, allowing fish to traverse between them. The area features remarkable karst landforms, with jagged rocks surrounding the lake.
Visitor Information
Estimated Time to Visit: 1-3 hours
Transportation: Take a direct tourist bus to the Stone Forest scenic area from the Eastern Kunming Bus Station to reach the lake.
Admission Fee: Free (included in the admission ticket to the Stone Forest scenic area).
Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00 (January 1 – December 31, Monday to Sunday)
Location: Yuehu Village, Shilin Town, Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Yunnan Province (云南省石林彝族自治县石林镇月湖村).
