The Dianchi and Erhai Regions, as representative areas of Yunnan’s plateau lake regions, have historically exemplified urban construction imbued with the landscape wisdom of “Shan-Shui City”. Current research on their traditional landscapes remains insufficient and warrants further development. This study investigates traditional landscapes through the analysis of historical documents, focusing on the origins landscape culture, spatial construction, and aesthetic presentation. The findings indicate that plateau lake environments exhibit centripetal and isolating characteristics, with changes in water bodies significantly influencing settlements. Han and Buddhist cultures have historically contributed significantly to shaping the regional landscape philosophy and aesthetics principles of the Dianchi and Erhai Regions. Cities such as Yunnanfu and Dali, distinguished by their mountain-back and water-facing layouts, exemplify profound emotional connections between humans and the land. The “Kunming’s Eight Sceneries” and “Taihe Sixteen Sceneries” demonstrate the harmonious integration of mountains, water, and urban elements. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating mountains, water, and urban areas as a foundational principle of development. It also proposes that landscape tourism can facilitate the reestablishment of human-land relationships through experiential engagement. This research enriches the understanding of landscape achievements in southwestern China and offers valuable insights for the advancement of modern “Shan-Shui City”.