Green Lake Park

Set roughly in the center of the city, Green Lake Park (翠湖公园, Cuìhú Gōngyuán) was once a part of Lake Dianchi and has long served as Kunming's main green lung, with 22 hectares of ponds and pavilions. Come here to people-watch, practice taichi, take a leisurely boat ride, jog on the running course, meander through the park's lanes and bridges, or hang with the locals sipping tea – Boutique Camellia Garden (茶花园, Cháhuāyuán) and the Haixin Pavilion (翠湖公园海心亭, Cuìhú Gōngyuán Hǎixīn Tíng), built in the middle of the lake, are relaxing spots to sit and have a cup. The roads surrounding the park are lined with more hip cafes, teahouses and shops. In November, everyone awaits the return of the local favorites: thousands of red-billed seagulls coming from as far as Xinjiang, Russia and Mongolia for Kunming's warmer climate and the generous food bestowed upon them by tourists and locals.