Kunming "Haiyan Village" Travel Route

Haiyan Village in Kunming is a quaint fishing village on the east bank of Dianchi Lake. In recent years, it has become a popular check-in spot online due to its original ecological village scenery and stunning sunsets. Below is a travel route and practical guide designed for you:

**Transportation Guide**
1. Self-driving/Taxi
- Navigate to "Haiyan Village" (Chenggong District), about a 40-minute drive from the city center. There is a parking lot at the village entrance (fee about 10 RMB per visit).
2. Public Transportation
- Take Metro Line 4 to "Xiangfeng Street Station" Exit A, then transfer to Bus 265 to "Haiyan Village Station."
- Or take Bus K38 directly (fewer trips, it is recommended to check the schedule in advance).

**Recommended Travel Routes**
Half-day Tour (Sunset Special)
- 15:00-16:00 Arrive at Haiyan Village
Stroll along the bluestone paths, check in at old houses and adobe buildings, and feel the history of the fishing village.

- 16:00-17:30 Pier Viewing
Head to the Dianchi Lake pier to capture the lake and mountain scenery. On clear days, you can see the "Sleeping Beauty" of Western Hills.

- 17:30-19:00 Sunset Time
Reserve a spot early; the "Orange Sea" at sunset is the golden time for photos (around 18:00 in winter, around 19:30 in summer).

- After 19:00 Dinner in the Village
Try local snacks: pea powder noodles, fried shrimp cakes, grilled tofu.

Full-day Tour (In-depth Experience)
- Morning: Laoyu River Wetland Park
About 5 kilometers from Haiyan Village, accessible by bike or taxi. Walk through the water forest, take a transparent boat ride (30 RMB/person), and watch red-billed gulls in winter.

- Noon: Village Lunch
Recommended farmhouse restaurant, must-try copper pot fish and fried ribs.

- Afternoon: Haiyan Village Exploration
Visit the Qing Dynasty Guan Sheng Temple, old pier ruins, and experience handmade pottery (village studios require advance booking).

- Evening: Sunset + Photography
Take silhouette photos at the pier or rent ethnic costumes (30 RMB/set) to enhance the atmosphere.

- Night: Nearby Activities
If time permits, visit Dounan Flower Market (open at night) to buy fresh flowers and end the trip.

**Special Experiences**
1. Photography Spots
- Pier extended boardwalk, old house door and window frames, reeds by Dianchi Lake.
2. Seasonal Highlights
- November to March: Seagulls gather, can feed and photograph them.
- June to August: Dianchi Lake is full, with rich colors in the evening glow.
3. Cultural Experience
- Visit villagers to hear fishing village stories.

**Notes**
- Village roads are narrow; comfortable flat shoes are recommended.
- Large temperature difference before and after sunset; bring a jacket; in summer, pay attention to sun protection and mosquito prevention.
- Protect the environment; do not litter or damage old buildings.

**Nearby Recommendations**
- Dounan Flower Market: Asia’s largest flower market, about 15 minutes by car from Haiyan Village.
- Colorful Yunnan Ancient Dian City: Suitable for family trips, includes hot springs and theme parks.

Haiyan Village is ideal for travelers who enjoy a slow pace, natural scenery, and cultural photography. Avoid holidays to enjoy a quieter atmosphere.