Things to do in Chenggong District

Location: Haigeng Park/No. 16 Hubin Road ↔ Xishan Longmen (West Mountain Dragon Gate), not near the old street, you have to go to the Dianchi Lake area. Experience: Crossing the lake + climbing the mountain, about 20 minutes one way, views of Dianchi Lake, Sleeping Beauty Mountain, and city scenery, great for taking photos. Ticket Price: One way about 59-60 RMB, round trip about 98-100 RMB. Advantages: Easy for lazy people to climb West Mountain, no climbing required, unique views; seagulls in winter. Disadvantages: Stops during strong winds/thunderstorms; long queues during peak season; separate ticket/walking required for Longmen after climbing the mountain; don't confuse with the "Xishan Longmen Cableway". Conclusion: First time in Kunming, taking the Dianchi-Xishan route → worth it; if just exploring the old street → not worth a special trip.

During a business trip to Kunming, I took a stroll through the city and visited the Dounan Flower Market. This market is very famous, known as "China's No. 1 Flower Town." Located in Chenggong District, the new urban area—essentially a suburban area—on the eastern shore of Dianchi Lake, it has now become Asia's largest cut flower trading market and a renowned flower capital. Over 80% of Yunnan Province's cut flowers, as well as flowers from neighboring provinces and countries, are traded here. It holds a 70% market share in over 80 large and medium-sized cities across China and exports to 46 countries and regions. There's a saying that 7 out of 10 fresh flowers in China originate from Yunnan.

Guandu Ancient Town, nestled southeast of Kunming's main urban area and on the northern shore of Dianchi Lake, is a thousand-year-old town that unfolds like a slowly unfurling historical scroll. It perfectly blends the profound heritage of ancient Dian culture with the vibrant life of its residents, offering every visitor an immersive cultural experience that transcends time. Strolling through the ancient town, the first thing that catches the eye is the weathered bluestone path, winding and twisting, each stone seemingly etched with the echoes of a thousand years, telling tales of past prosperity and vicissitudes. Along the streets are well-preserved traditional courtyard houses and residences, with their blue tiles, white walls, and flying eaves, retaining the grandeur and order of Central Plains architecture while cleverly incorporating the dynamic elements of the Dian ethnic groups. The exquisite wood carvings and window lattice decorations silently bear witness to the millennia-long convergence and fusion of ancient Dian culture and Central Plains civilization. As the soul of the ancient town, the Vajra Throne Pagoda (commonly known as the Vajra Pagoda), a national key cultural relic protection unit, is undoubtedly the most eye-catching feature. The Vajra Pagoda, the oldest existing pagoda in my country, is awe-inspiring with its unique architectural style and profound cultural connotations. At each of the four corners of the base stands a small square pagoda, guarding a tall, conical main pagoda in the center. These five pagodas together symbolize the Five Buddhas of the Five Directions in Buddhism. Even more remarkable is that it is not built on solid ground, but ingeniously perched atop a mound of shells several meters thick—a testament to the wisdom of ancient craftsmen, a true "miracle of civilization on a mound of shells." As the sun sets, the silhouette of the pagoda blends with the afterglow, as if one can hear the whispers of history. Echoing the Vajra Pagoda is the Miaozhan Temple, originally built in the Yuan Dynasty. Within the temple, incense smoke curls, ancient trees reach for the sky, and the East and West Pagodas stand quietly, their Buddhist sculptures combining the solemnity of the Central Plains with the simplicity of Yunnan. Here, you can experience a sense of tranquility and serenity after the hustle and bustle of modern life. The piety of believers, the visits of tourists, and the playful antics of children create a harmonious and symbiotic scene. Besides the magnificent ancient architecture, the streets and alleys of Guandu Ancient Town are also home to a wealth of intangible cultural heritage and authentic local flavors. Stepping into the Yunzi Chess Academy, you can witness firsthand the craftsmanship of Yunzi Go stones, originating in the Tang Dynasty and hailed as the "gentleman of chess," and touch the warm, jade-like stones, feeling the inheritance of a thousand-year-old art. In the Wutong Zouyin Heritage Hall, artisans' exquisite engraving techniques transform cold copperware into beautiful works of art; the sparks flying are a testament to their craftsmanship. Of course, a trip to Guandu wouldn't be complete without a culinary feast. The fragrant Guandu Baba is a must-try intangible cultural heritage delicacy. Whether it's the savory sesame filling or the sweet rose bean paste filling, the soft outer layer encases a piping hot filling—one bite is a burst of authentic ancient Yunnan flavor. Another bowl of spicy and tangy rice noodles, or smooth and appetizing pea noodles, paired with a bowl of sweet papaya juice, instantly evokes the simplest and most satisfying happiness of old Kunming residents. These street food stalls are not only a treat for the taste buds, but also the most direct embodiment of the vibrant local life in Guandu. As night falls, the ancient town transforms. Shops lining the main street are brightly lit, and the lights of the bar street stand out vividly against the night sky, complementing the ancient architecture.

I came specifically to ride the transparent boats, and after comparing it with Haihong Wetland Park, I chose Laoyuhe Wetland Park. Due to time constraints, I only managed to ride one transparent boat, but the experience was still quite good. Next time, I'd like to allocate more time to explore the park.

Overall, I recommend visiting Kunming. I originally planned to go for the nighttime activities, but after having dinner near the entrance it was already past 8 PM, and the park staff advised against going in. So we entered the park at 11 AM the next morning. Because I had a child with me, we didn't plan to spend too much time there, so we didn't hire a guide. We regretted it a bit after entering, but finding a guide later was difficult. I recommend hiring a guide upon entry; it costs 200 yuan for 3 hours. It allows you to learn about the various ethnic cultures and customs, and also helps you avoid missing some villages and performances while exploring on your own.

Arriving at this scenic spot, I was awestruck by the magnificent natural scenery before me. Green mountains and clear waters, blue skies and white clouds—it felt like stepping into a beautiful painting. The air was filled with the refreshing fragrance of flowers and grass, invigorating the mind and spirit. Here, you can leave your worries behind and experience the beauty and mystery of nature!

Colorful Yunnan is a very cost-effective amusement park. Families, the elderly and children have a great time. The prices are also very reasonable. Compared to Universal Studios, Happy Valley and Fantawild, it is much more affordable. I will definitely come again!

Haiyan Village, a fishing village with over 600 years of history on the shores of Dianchi Lake in Kunming, has recently become a popular tourist destination due to its magnificent "most beautiful sunset over Dianchi Lake." ### Highlights and Features * **Core Attraction:** The most beautiful sunset over Dianchi Lake. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the sun sinking into the lake and the sky turning orange-red, reminiscent of an oil painting, from the old wharf site. * **Cultural Heritage:** The village preserves Qing Dynasty "one-seal" style residences, bluestone roads, and a herringbone-shaped street layout, allowing visitors to experience the charm of an ancient fishing village. * **Emerging Businesses:** Cafes converted from old houses, boutique guesthouses (such as Shan Yin Zhu), cultural and creative markets, and specialty restaurants enrich the experience. * **Ecological Experience:** Visitors can get up close to feeding red-billed gulls (from winter to early spring), and enjoy natural landscapes such as the Laoyu River Wetland nearby. ### Travel Tips and Precautions * **Best Time:** Evenings on clear days. It is recommended to check the sunset time in advance and arrive early to secure a good spot. * **Cost:** Free entry to the village. * **Suggested Duration:** 2-3 hours, which can be extended if meals or overnight stays are planned. * **Transportation:** Approximately a 1-hour drive from Kunming city center. Driving or taking a taxi is recommended; public transportation may be inconvenient. * **Tourism Flow:** High tourist volume at sunset and on holidays (e.g., up to 200,000 visitors per day during the Spring Festival). * **Facilities:** Tourism development is relatively mature, with restaurants, cafes, guesthouses, and parking. Some areas are still undergoing ecological restoration. ### 📌 Recommended Nearby Attractions Along the Dianchi Lake where Haiyan Village is located, there are many villages with diverse styles that can be visited together: * **Duqu Village:** Featuring over a hundred **nostalgic-themed comic murals** created by artists, full of artistic atmosphere. * **Shicheng Village:** Famous for its "stone culture" and "food city," where you can taste local delicacies such as Dianwang Lao Jiang Yu (Dianwang Old Sauce Fish). * **Niulian Fishing Village**: A newly emerging art village with **white sand beaches** and charming architecture, perfect for taking photos. ### 💎 Summary: Haiyan Village is suitable for tourists seeking romantic sunsets, enjoying photography, and wanting to experience the charm of an old fishing village combined with a vibrant artistic atmosphere. If you prefer absolute tranquility or in-depth historical and cultural exploration, it might be a bit noisy. If you would like to know more about travel details during specific seasons (such as red-billed gull season), or have more specific requirements for certain types of characteristic guesthouses, I can provide you with more detailed information.

Highly recommended. Be prepared for very crowded walkways, and think carefully before buying. Round-trip tickets are non-refundable. To reiterate, highly recommended. Be prepared for very crowded walkways, and think carefully before buying. Round-trip tickets are non-refundable.

Dounan Flower Market is well-known throughout the country. In addition to buying flowers here, you can also visit the nearby wetland park. There are not only various flowers here, but also large wetlands, and the scenery is very good. In recent years, various migratory birds have also come here, and there may be more and more in the future.