Things to Do at Green Lake Park (Cuihu Park)

Complete Guide to Green Lake Park (Cuihu Park) in Kunming

About Green Lake Park (Cuihu Park)

Green Lake Park, known locally as Cuihu Park, sits right in the heart of Kunming like a green oasis that somehow makes the whole city feel more livable. The lake itself isn't particularly large, but it's the kind of place where you'll find yourself slowing down without really meaning to - locals practicing tai chi at dawn, elderly folks feeding the fish, and families out for evening strolls around the willow-lined pathways. The park has this genuinely relaxed vibe that feels authentic rather than manufactured for tourists. What makes Cuihu special, though, is how it changes with the seasons. During winter months, the park becomes famous for the thousands of red-billed gulls that migrate here from Siberia - you'll see people of all ages delighting in feeding these surprisingly bold birds. The rest of the year, it's more about the peaceful lake views, traditional pavilions, and watching daily life unfold in one of Kunming's most beloved public spaces. Entry fees are ¥40 ($5) with parking typically ¥15 ($2). The peaceful ambiance creates an ideal setting for exploration, where light playing across reveals intricate architectural details and natural formations. Visitors often notice the wind rustling and feel of rough carved surfaces beneath their hands as they navigate through different sections. Practical tip: Consider visiting during sunset for spectacular photo opportunities. The combination of historical significance and sensory experiences makes this destination particularly rewarding for those who take time to engage with both its cultural heritage and natural beauty.

What to See & Do

Siberian Seagulls (Winter)

From November to March, thousands of red-billed gulls arrive from Siberia, creating a spectacular natural show as they dive and play in the lake

Traditional Pavilions

Several classic Chinese pavilions dot the park, offering perfect spots for rest and some surprisingly good photo opportunities with the lake as backdrop

Willow-lined Walkways

The circular path around the lake takes you under drooping willows and across small bridges - it's genuinely peaceful and gives you a good sense of local park culture

Morning Exercise Groups

Early risers will find tai chi practitioners, ballroom dancers, and various exercise groups that welcome curious observers

Lotus Pond Section

During summer months, the lotus flowers create beautiful natural displays, though timing can be tricky depending on weather patterns

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Open 24 hours daily, though it's most active from early morning until about 10 PM

Tickets & Pricing

Free admission - no tickets required

Best Time to Visit

November through March for the seagulls, or early morning (6-8 AM) any time of year for the most authentic local atmosphere

Suggested Duration

1-2 hours for a leisurely walk around the entire lake, though you might find yourself staying longer

Getting There

Green Lake Park is pretty centrally located, so you've got several options. The easiest is probably taking the metro to Cuihu Park Station (Line 2) - it's literally named after the park. Alternatively, most buses heading toward the city center will get you close, and it's walking distance from many downtown hotels. If you're staying in the old city area, you can actually walk there fairly easily. Taxis and ride-sharing apps obviously work too, though traffic around the park can get congested during peak times.

Things to Do Nearby

Yunnan Provincial Museum
Modern museum with excellent exhibits on Yunnan's diverse ethnic cultures and natural history, about 10 minutes walk from the park

Kunming Zoo
Not the world's most modern zoo, but it's adjacent to the park and has some interesting local wildlife if you're traveling with kids

Yuantong Temple
Kunming's most important Buddhist temple, with over 1,000 years of history and surprisingly peaceful courtyards

Nanping Walking Street
Busy pedestrian shopping area that gives you a good sense of contemporary Kunming life, about 15 minutes walk south

Yunnan University
One of China's prettier university campuses, worth a stroll if you're interested in academic architecture and student life

Tips & Advice

If you're here for the seagulls, bring some bread or crackers - locals sell bird food, but it's marked up considerably

Early morning visits offer the most authentic experience with fewer crowds and better light for photos

The park can get quite busy on weekends and holidays, so weekday visits tend to be more peaceful

Don't expect pristine nature - this is very much an urban park, but that's actually part of its charm as a slice of local life