A One-Day Guide to Dianchi Lake, Kunming: Where Seagulls and Sunsets Heal Tired Hearts

1. Morning: Haigeng Park🏕️
Start your day at Haigeng Park, an excellent spot for viewing Dianchi Lake's scenery and interacting with red-billed gulls. The park is free to enter, making it very visitor-friendly. As soon as you enter, you'll be greeted by stunning views of the lake and mountains. Take a leisurely stroll along the embankment, enjoying the lake breeze and peaceful atmosphere.

Special note: Winter is paradise for red-billed gulls. Visitors can bring bread and other food to feed these lovely creatures. When feeding, maintain a safe distance to protect the birds. The park also offers bicycle rentals, allowing you to cycle along the lake while enjoying the fresh air and bright sunshine.

2. Lunch: Local Snacks Near Haigeng Park🥙
There are many food stalls near Haigeng Park, featuring local specialties like Small Pot Rice Noodles and Grilled Er Kuai. The Small Pot Rice Noodles come with flavorful broth and chewy noodles, while the Grilled Er Kuai is sweet and tender, perfectly complemented by local sauces for a rich taste experience.

3. Afternoon: Haihong Park🌄
From Haigeng Park, cycle or drive to Haihong Park. The dawn redwood forest here turns orange-red during autumn and winter, creating a scene straight out of a painting. Rent a transparent boat to glide through the water while sunlight filters through the branches - it's breathtakingly beautiful. With fewer tourists here, you can fully enjoy the tranquility and beauty.

4. Evening: Haiyan Village🕊️
The final destination is Haiyan Village. Here you'll find traditional streets, artistic wall murals, and spectacular sunset views. When the setting sun casts its rays over Dianchi Lake, the entire surface turns golden, creating a stunning interplay between the sparkling water and the ancient village in the distance - a breathtaking sight. Note that it can be windy, so remember to dress warmly.

5. Dinner and Important Notes⚠️
There are many local restaurants around Haiyan Village where you can taste authentic Yunnan cuisine. Remember to protect the environment and dispose of trash properly. Also, be mindful of your safety and avoid visiting secluded areas alone.

This concludes the detailed one-day guide to Dianchi Lake, Kunming. Hope this helps with your trip. Have a great time!

Post by JUNIOR MULLINS | Mar 31, 2025