Sunrise and Sky Mirror at Gangouwei, Kunming

👉I don't know when it started, but a long, narrow embankment covered with metasequoia trees on the west bank of Dianchi Lake in Kunming has become a popular spot, known as the "Kunming Sky Mirror." It stretches into the lake within the Gangouwei Wetland Park.
👉I chose a cloudless morning, hoping to see both the sunrise and the blue sky and white clouds reflected in the water later, making the embankment look like it was suspended in the sky. Unfortunately, the weather forecast was inaccurate, and there wasn't a single cloud in sight.
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🌈Highlights:
1️⃣ At the very end of the embankment, there's an open space with no trees, seemingly reserved for photographers or sunrise viewers. It's a 270-degree viewing spot, perfectly positioned facing east for the sunrise.
2️⃣ Although the metasequoia leaves have all fallen, lacking the reddish hues of winter, their uniquely shaped trunks and branches are still beautiful, with a subtle reddish tint. When the rising sun shines through the slender branches and trunks, it creates the warmest dawn, spreading the beauty of the day.
3️⃣ The calm water at sunrise creates a perfect reflection of the metasequoia trees, making it hard to distinguish between reality and reflection, truly living up to its name, "Sky Mirror." It's a shame the clouds didn't show up as forecasted; otherwise, the metasequoia embankment would have appeared suspended in the sky. Perhaps this regret is just an excuse to return another day.
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🚗Getting There:
1️⃣ Gangouwei Sky Mirror is located in Biji Subdistrict, Xishan District, Kunming City, on the west bank of Dianchi Lake, about 12 km from the city center.
2️⃣ Navigate to "Gangou Road." When you approach the end and need to turn left, don't. Instead, turn right and go through the tunnel. You'll see the parking lot at the end of the image. Park, turn right, cross the greenway, and walk about 350m along the gravel road.
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🎫Tickets:
1️⃣ No entrance fee, only parking fees apply.
✨Tips:
1️⃣ Sunrise in winter is around 7:50am. It's recommended to arrive half an hour early.
2️⃣ A drone is essential for capturing the Sky Mirror effect. Clouds are ideal.
3️⃣ A 70–200mm lens is most suitable.
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