Green Lake Park (Cuihu Park, 翠湖公园) — The Heart of Kunming’s Serenity

#yunnanspots If there’s one place that truly captures the relaxed spirit of Kunming, it’s Green Lake Park (Cuihu Park). Located right in the city center, this lakeside park is where locals come to walk, dance, sing, feed the birds, and enjoy the city’s famously spring-like weather. Green Lake Park is often called the “emerald in the heart of Kunming” — and it’s easy to see why. The park is divided into several small lakes connected by elegant stone bridges, pavilions, and willow-lined paths. As you stroll around, you’ll spot locals practicing tai chi, playing traditional instruments, or simply chatting under the trees with a cup of tea in hand. ⸻ 🕊 Seasonal Magic — The Seagull Season Every winter (around November to March), the park turns into a mini bird paradise as thousands of black-headed seagulls migrate from Siberia to Kunming. Visitors — both locals and tourists — love feeding them with bread and capturing that picture-perfect moment of gulls swooping over the lake. It’s one of Kunming’s most heartwarming scenes, and if you visit during this season, don’t forget to buy a small bag of bird food sold around the park gates. ⸻ 🌸 What to Do in Green Lake Park • Take a morning walk or jog – it’s the city’s most peaceful start to the day. • Sit by the water and enjoy street musicians or local dance groups. • Try a Yunnan tea house – there are several traditional tea pavilions inside the park where you can sip Pu’er tea while watching the lake. • Visit nearby cafes and restaurants – the surrounding streets are lined with boutique cafes and Yunnan cuisine spots, perfect for lunch after your stroll. ⸻ 📍 Location & How to Get There Address: No. 67 Cuihu South Road, Wuhua District, Kunming (云南省昆明市五华区翠湖南路67号) Getting there: • By Metro: Take Line 2 to Panjiawan Station, then walk about 10 minutes. • By Bus: Multiple city buses stop near the park — just look for stops named “Cuihu” (翠湖). • By Taxi: It’s about a 10–15 minute ride from the Kunming city center. ⸻ ⏰ Opening Hours & Entrance Fee • Open daily: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM • Entrance: Free ⸻ 💡 Travel Tips • Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to visit — the light is beautiful for photography. • If you visit in winter, bring a light jacket and enjoy watching the seagulls at sunset. • Weekends can get crowded, so visit on a weekday if you prefer a calmer vibe. • The park is right next to Yunnan University, which also has a beautiful historic campus worth exploring.