Green Lake Park, or Cuihu Park, stretches at the foot of the western hills of Kunming, facing the main gate of Yunnan University. With its central lake, traditional pavilions and tree-lined avenues of willows, it stands as one of the most frequented green spaces in Yunnan's capital, serving both as a promenade for visitors and as a place of daily life for local residents.

Why visit Green Lake Park

Three reasons make this park worthwhile during a stay in Kunming:

• An accessible urban retreat: located in the heart of the city, it fits easily into a day of sightseeing, close to Yunnan University and the old quarters.
• Siberian gulls: since 1985, flocks of migratory birds settle here each winter, transforming the lake into an ornithological spectacle.
• A scene of local life: in the morning, groups practice Tai Chi and traditional gymnastics, sometimes accompanied by folk music. It's a fine place to observe daily Kunming life.

History of the lake and park

Under the Yuan dynasty (1206-1368), the site was nicknamed "Pond of the Nine Dragons". It was then merely a marshy area occupied by rice paddies and vegetable gardens maintained by local farmers.

Cuihu Lake as we know it today formed after the waters of Dian Lake rose, flooding the embankments and marshes. Over the centuries, pavilions, galleries and bridges were added to develop the shores, giving the site its current appearance as a classical Chinese park.

What to see

The Huxinting Pavilion

At the center of the lake, the Huxinting Pavilion draws attention. Carved beams, elaborate porches and roofs covered with glazed tiles make it a fine example of lacustrine pavilion architecture. It occasionally hosts performances and temporary exhibitions.

The shores and gardens

Weeping willows line the banks and provide shade along most of the path. In summer, vast stretches of lotus flowers cover part of the water. Several kiosks and small halls punctuate the western shore, ideal for a break.

Neighborhood life

The park functions as a public square: Tai Chi practitioners, musicians, impromptu choirs and dancers take turns throughout the day. Allow time to sit and observe.

When to visit

• Winter (November to March): the peak season, marked by the arrival of Siberian gulls. The shores fill with visitors coming to feed them.
• Summer (June to August): lotus bloom, more verdant atmosphere.
• Early morning: the best time to see Tai Chi practitioners, before tourist crowds arrive.

With Kunming enjoying a mild climate year-round — nicknamed the "City of Eternal Spring" — visiting remains pleasant in every season.

Practical information

• Admission: generally free entry (confirm on-site).
• Hours: open continuously from early morning until evening.
• Visit duration: allow 1 to 2 hours for a full circuit of the lake, longer if you take time to observe local life.
• What to bring: hat and water in summer, warm clothing in winter (mornings can be cool).

How to get there

The park is served by several urban bus lines (numbers and routes may change; check locally or via a local app):

• Bus No. 1, get off at Yunnan University stop.
• Bus No. 101, heading to Cuihu Lake.
• Bus No. 4, 5, 26, 69, 83 or 96, get off at Baihui Shopping Mall.

Taxi and ride-sharing remain simple options from downtown. The park is also accessible on foot from several hotels in the university quarter.

Nearby attractions

• Yunnan University: just across the way, its historic campus can be visited freely and retains early twentieth-century architecture.
• Kunming's old quarters: a few minutes' walk away, they allow you to extend your stroll through traditional houses and markets.
• Yuantong Temple: a large Buddhist temple located nearby.

Frequently asked questions

Incorporating Cuihu Park into your journey

An easy stop to combine with a visit to Kunming, Green Lake Park pairs well with the city's other urban sites and often serves as a starting point before heading to Yunnan's landscapes. To build a custom itinerary, explore our trips to China.