The Scenic Beauty by Dianchi Lake

Dianchi Lake, located in Kunming City, Yunnan Province, is the largest plateau freshwater lake in Southwest China. Shaped like a crescent moon embedded in the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, it exudes captivating charm. Attraction Recommendations: 1. Haigeng Dam: From November to March each year, this becomes a paradise for black-headed gulls, with tens of thousands migrating from Siberia to interact closely with visitors. The sight of them soaring in the sky is spectacular. The dam offers expansive views, facing the Western Hills Scenic Area across the water, perfect for enjoying the lake and mountain scenery. Address: North of the intersection of Guanjing Road and Hongta West Road, Xishan District, Kunming. Open all day with no entrance fee. Best photography times: 8-9 AM and 4-5 PM. 2. Haihong Wetland Park: In winter, the reddening metasequoia trees blend perfectly with the water scenery and black-headed gulls, creating a picturesque scene. You can also paddle boats through the metasequoia forest for a peaceful experience. Located on Hubin Road, Xishan District, Kunming, open all day with no entrance fee. The sunlight filtering through the trees at 3-4 PM creates stunning lighting for photos. 3. Whale Island: Situated near Qu Dong Haigeng Village in Jinning District, close to the southern shore of Dianchi Lake, this spot offers mesmerizing blue hues during sunset, making it ideal for photography. Open all day with no entrance fee. 4. Laoyuhe Wetland Park: A national wetland park where metasequoia trees form vast groves, showcasing different seasonal views. Visitors can cycle or jog along the long slow-trails or paddle boats through the forest. Located west of the intersection of East Ring Lake Road and Qixing Road, Chenggong District, Kunming. Open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM with no entrance fee. Sunset and seagull photography here is highly atmospheric. 5. Wangguan Wetland Park: Featuring expansive lakes, dense wetland vegetation, and rich biodiversity, its lakeside boardwalk extends into Dianchi Lake, showcasing an "international" ecological wetland vibe. Great for gull-watching and sunsets. Located on East Ring Lake Road, Guandu District, Kunming. Open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM with no entrance fee, suitable for visits all day. Food Recommendations: 1. Seaweed Tofu Soup: Smooth seaweed and fresh tofu create a light, refreshing flavor. Try it at "Benwei Fang" in Wolongshan Ancient Fishing Village. 2. Copper Pot Potato Rice: Crispy crust and soft, fragrant potatoes. Also available at "Benwei Fang" in Wolongshan Ancient Fishing Village. 3. Qiaoma Pea Jelly: Made over a wood fire, smooth and served with a secret spicy sauce (¥5/bowl). Available at the Haiyan Village Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop. 4. Dian King’s Braised Fish in Sauce: Tender fish coated in a thick, mildly spicy sauce with rich flavors. A must-try at "Yuxiang Yuan" in Shicheng Village. 5. Grilled Rushan Cheese: Sweet and delicious, available at the Haigeng Dam night market. Accommodation Recommendations: 1. InterContinental Kunming: A luxury hotel with 200 meters of private lakeshore. Rooms feature gull-viewing balconies, and the executive lounge offers Dianchi afternoon tea for ultimate comfort. 2. Qingban·Dianchi Homestay: A standalone villa near the Ethnic Village with rustic-style rooms. Around ¥300/person including breakfast, offering great value and comfort. 3. Atour Hotel Dianchi Haigeng Dam: A newly opened smart hotel with a garden courtyard design, just a 5-minute walk to Haigeng Dam. 4. Haiyan Village Homestay: For example, the lake-view rooms above "Benai Café" feature floor-to-ceiling windows facing Dianchi sunsets (around ¥200/person). 5. Wolong Ancient Fishing Village Inn: A century-old renovated house offering intangible cultural heritage tie-dye experiences, ideal for culture enthusiasts. Travel Tips: 1. Best Time to Visit: November-March is gull season with temperatures of 10-18°C (bring windproof jackets). June-August is rainy season (carry a foldable umbrella), but wetland lotuses bloom beautifully for photos. 2. Transportation: - Public Transport: The Dianchi Greenway double-decker sightseeing bus connects multiple attractions (¥10/person for unlimited rides, operating 9:00 AM-5:00 PM on weekends/holidays). Metro connections are also available (e.g., Line 1 from Dounan Station to Dounan Wetland, Line 2 from Ancient Town Station to Jiangwei Village, ¥2 fare). - Self-Driving: Prefer South Ring Lake Road with scenic overlooks. A 50 km route from Haigeng Dam via Laoyuhe Wetland, Haiyan Village, and South Dianchi Beach to Ancient Dian City takes ~2 hours (expect holiday traffic). 3. Notes: Be cautious of hidden fees when renting cameras near Haigeng Dam. Choose official boat docks (e.g., Xincan Pier) over private boats for safety. Feed gulls only with specialized gull food. A journey to Dianchi Lake, whether interacting with black-headed gulls or admiring the stunning landscapes, will become an unforgettable memory.