Hey everyone! Today, I'm bringing you a travel guide for Dianchi Lake to help you avoid detours~ Best Time to Visit Dianchi Lake 11th-3rd

Hey everyone! Today, I'm bringing you a travel guide for Dianchi Lake to help you avoid detours~

Best Time to Visit Dianchi Lake

November - March: Siberian black-headed gulls migrate here for winter. Gulls gather in large numbers at Haigeng Dam and other spots, creating a spectacular scene.

April - May: Jacaranda trees are in full bloom, creating a sea of purple flowers from Jiaochang Zhonglu to the shores of Dianchi Lake, incredibly romantic.

June - August: The rainy season occasionally brings showers, and lotus flowers bloom in the wetlands, perfect for photography.

Attraction Recommendations

Haigeng Dam: The best place in Kunming to see gulls. The dam offers an expansive view, facing the Western Hills Scenic Area across the water. You can use a medium-telephoto lens with a large aperture to continuously shoot gulls around 8-9 AM or 4-5 PM. You can also follow the greenway to Haigeng Park and take a boat trip to admire the 'Sleeping Beauty' of the Western Hills.

Haihong Wetland Park: From November to February of the following year, the Metasequoia trees turn red. You can row a boat within the Metasequoia forest. The sunlight filtering through the trees around 3-4 PM creates stunning light and shadow effects.

Western Hills Dragon Gate (Longmen): You can hike or take a cable car to the top of the Longmen Grottoes for a panoramic view of Dianchi Lake. In 2025, a 'Dragon Gate Blessing' experience will be launched, allowing visitors to participate in rubbing Qing Dynasty cliff carvings.

Laoyu River Wetland Park: You can cycle along the slow path, passing through Metasequoia forests and reed marshes. In summer, you can experience forest boat tours, and in autumn, there are wetland bird-watching activities. In the evening, use a telephoto lens in the beach area to capture stunning shots of 'Gulls and Sunset.'

Wangguan Wetland Park: Features a vast lake, lush vegetation, and rich flora and fauna. A natural lake boardwalk extends into Dianchi Lake, creating a seamless horizon where the sky meets the water. It's excellent for gull watching and sunset views.

Food Recommendations

Dianchi Fresh Fish: Seaweed Tofu Soup, with tender and fragrant seaweed paired with Shiping Tofu. Recommended at 'Yujiale' on Haigeng Road. Also, try the Copper Pot Potato Rice at 'Benweifang' in Wolong Ancient Fishing Village, cooked over firewood with a crispy crust at the bottom, served with tamarind juice to cut through the richness.

Intangible Cultural Heritage Snacks: Qiaoma Pea Jelly from Haiyan Village Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop, cooked in a traditional stove and served with secret chili oil. Also, Dianwang Old Sauce Fish from 'Yuxiangyuan' in Shicheng Village, featuring tender fish coated in a rich, thick sauce.

Transportation Guide

Public Transportation: Metro Line 5 goes directly to Dianchi Lake Resort. Loop Bus No. 44 connects major attractions around the lake. The Dianchi Greenway Special Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus costs 10 RMB per person for unlimited rides and connects 12 attractions, including Haigeng Dam and Haihong Wetland.

Self-Driving: It's recommended to take Huanhu Nanlu (South Lake Road), which has viewpoints along the way where you can stop at any time.