Travel in China
Kunming's green heart with Siberian gulls each winter.
Green Lake Park (Cuihu Gongyuan) is the green heart of Kunming - a free city-centre park of willow-ringed water, islets, arched bridges and pavilions. It is where the Spring City comes to breathe: locals rehearse opera choruses under the trees, tea drinkers hold court in the pavilions, and the lakeside ring path stays lively around the clock.
From November to March the park stages its signature act: thousands of black-headed gulls arrive from Siberia, and buying gull bread from the lakeside stalls becomes a Kunming rite of passage. Between feedings, wander to the Lake-Heart Pavilion, the spring-fed Nine Dragon Pool and the Fish-Viewing Tower - the park's quiet classical trio.
Green Lake also anchors old Kunming on foot. Yunnan University with its historic Huize Hall, the café strip on Wenlin Street and the lanes of Kunming Old Street all lie a short stroll away, and Metro Line 5's Huaxilu station is about 500 metres from the gate - making a winter gull morning followed by a city wander the most classic Kunming day there is.
Highlights
Siberian Gulls (Nov-Mar)
Thousands of black-headed gulls settle on the lake each winter - Kunming's beloved calling card.
Lake-Heart Pavilion
The pavilion at the centre of the water, reached by zigzag bridges and framed by willows.
Nine Dragon Pool
The spring-fed pool that fills the lake and gave the park its oldest history.
Fish-Viewing Tower
A waterside pavilion built for the simple pleasure of watching fish drift below.
Willow-Lined Waters
Weeping willows dip into the lake from every bank, doubling themselves on calm mornings.
Old Kunming Around the Corner
Yunnan University's Huize Hall, Wenlin Street cafés and Kunming Old Street are all within a short walk.
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