Kunming Dianchi Greenway: An Ecological Journey Amidst Lake Scenery and Mountain Views

Kunming Dianchi Greenway is located along the shore of Dianchi Lake in Kunming, Yunnan Province. Stretching 108 kilometers, it resembles an emerald necklace encircling Dianchi Lake, connecting wetlands, ancient villages, piers, and picturesque lake and mountain landscapes. Here, you can cycle or stroll and fully enjoy the natural scenery and ecological beauty.

Recommended Attractions

1. Caohai Greenway: Known as Kunming’s "Emerald Necklace," you can start your journey from the North Garden of Daguan Park, passing through ancient pavilions and small bridges, feeling the grandeur of the "Daguan Tower Long Couplet." Then walk along the rainbow-colored path of red and blue, with reeds and bulrush flowers in the foreground and a distant view of the "Sleeping Beauty" of Western Hills. There is also the popular Dongfeng Dam Seven-Arch Floating Bridge, where you can photograph the silhouette of Western Hills to the west and the city skyline to the east. Finally, you can visit the "Mirror of the Sky" at the end of Ganggou or walk to Haigeng Dam, where you can dance with red-billed gulls in winter.

2. Haiyan Village: A "trendy fishing village" by Dianchi Lake, with stone-paved roads ending in views of the "Dianchi Sunset." There is a café at the village entrance for a relaxing break.

3. Mountain Bridge: A spiral red viewing platform embedded in the mountains. Cycling to the top offers a panoramic view of the magnificent blend of "mountains, water, and city." It is a must-visit spot for couples to take photos at the "Mirror of the Sky."

4. Lake Bridge: Deep into the heart of Dianchi Lake, you can experience the vastness of the hundred-mile Dianchi Lake rushing into your eyes.

5. South Dianchi Wetland: Home to the "ten-thousand-acre sunny sand" beach park, where you can enjoy the spectacular "smoky sunset" over Dianchi Lake in the evening.

6. Wolong Ancient Fishing Village: With a history of 600 years, you can explore every brick and tile of the ancient village and feel the profound cultural heritage.

7. Baofeng Wetland: As the COP15 biodiversity exhibition base, it features a mint-scented corridor, bird-watching gallery, and more, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of biodiversity.

Food Experience

1. Flower Cake: A Yunnan specialty made with fresh flowers as filling, featuring a crispy crust and soft, glutinous interior with a strong floral aroma. Available at snack shops or bakeries around the greenway, costing about 10-20 RMB per person.

2. Small Pot Rice Noodles: Fresh and flavorful soup with smooth and chewy rice noodles, topped with meat sauce, chives, pickled vegetables, and other ingredients, offering a rich taste. Costs about 15-25 RMB per person.

3. Grilled Erkuai: Erkuai (rice cake) grilled to golden on both sides, spread with sweet or spicy sauce, and stuffed with fried dough sticks, ham, eggs, and other ingredients for a rich taste. Costs about 5-10 RMB per person.

4. Fresh Dianchi Fish: Such as clear soup fish and braised fish, with tender and delicious fish meat. Available at farmhouse restaurants near Baofeng Peninsula, costing about 50-80 RMB per person.

Accommodation Recommendations

1. Hotels near Haigeng Dam: Such as Kunming Intercontinental Hotel, priced 800-2000 RMB per night, convenient for travel, offering beautiful views of Dianchi Lake and complete facilities.

2. Homestays near Caohai: Priced 300-600 RMB per night, for example, some homestays near Sunac Cultural Tourism City, with beautiful environments where you can enjoy the tranquility of Caohai.

3. Hotels near Dounan: Priced 200-500 RMB per night, convenient for travel, close to Dounan Wetland, with well-developed surrounding facilities.

Travel Tips

1. Best Travel Time: Suitable all year round. Spring offers flower seas, summer has shady green trees, autumn features swaying reeds, and winter allows you to admire red-billed gulls.

2. Transportation: Buses reach Haigeng Dam, Daguan Park, and other stops; the subway goes to Dounan and other stations; self-driving can navigate to various greenway entrances, some of which have parking lots.

3. Notes: The greenway has speed limits, so please cycle according to regulations; some piers prohibit cycling and require walking the bike; protect yourself from sunburn and insect bites; if bringing children, pay attention to safety.

A journey along Kunming Dianchi Greenway is an intimate dialogue with nature and a relaxing trip for the soul. Come here to experience the charm of lake and mountain scenery and start your own ecological journey!