Dianchi Lake (Haining Dam)Dianchi Lake
🏛️ What It Is
Dianchi Lake is Yunnan’s largest freshwater lake and is known as the “Pearl of the Plateau.” Every year from November to March, tens of thousands of red-billed gulls fly in from Siberia to spend the winter, circling above the lake—one of Kunming’s most captivating natural sights. Haigeng Dam is the best spot for watching the gulls.
✨ Why Visit
Watching the red-billed gulls in winter is an experience unique to Kunming—standing on the dam while hundreds of gulls circle around you is both spectacular and soothing.
Tips for Visitors
Buy official seagull feed
Buy seagull feed for 10 yuan per bag at authorized stalls within the scenic area. Do not feed them bread or other foods.
Ticket Information
- Price
- Free
- Foreign Visitor Price
- Free
- Student Discount
- ❌ No
- Booking
- ✅ No Booking Needed
Location
Dianchi Road, Xishan District, Kunming
Opening hours
Open 24 hours, daily
Best Time to Visit
During winter (November–March), from 3:00–5:00 p.m., capture photos of “flocks of gulls playing in the sunset.”