Cuihu Park (翠湖公园), also known as Green Lake Park, is situated at the foot of Luofeng Mountain in the downtown area of Kunming City. Covering an area of 21 hectares, the park boasts a water surface area of 15 hectares. Before the Yuan Dynasty, when the water level of Dianchi Lake was high, this area was a small lake bay outside the city, characterized by rice fields, vegetable gardens, and lotus ponds, hence its name “Cai Haizi,” which means “Vegetable Sea.” Due to the convergence of nine springs from the northeast, forming a pond, it was also called “Jiulongchi,” or “Nine Dragon Pond.” By the early years of the Republic of China, as the water level dropped, it transformed into a clear lake. Converted into a park, it was adorned with willow trees and various lotus flowers, earning the nickname “Cuihu,” meaning “Green Lake.” With its shimmering waters, lush greenery, and serene atmosphere, Cuihu Park is often referred to as the “emerald gem” of Kunming city.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Cuihu Park
- Vlog about Cuihu Park
- Attractions near Cuihu Park
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 6.00 – 23.30 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0871-65318808 |
Location and Transportation
Cuihu Park is situated at the foot of Luofeng Mountain, on the western slope of Wuhua Mountain, directly opposite the main gate of Yunnan University in the downtown area of Kunming City. Its specific address is 67 Cuihu South Road, Wuhua District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 100, 133, 235, Z5 or Tourist Line 1 and get off at Cuihu East Gate Stop (翠湖东门站).
Metro: The closest metro station to Cuihu Park is Huashan West Road (华山西路) on line 5. After getting out of the station from Exit B, walk about 500 meters to the west to reach the park.
Highlights of Cuihu Park
Ruan and Tang Causeways
Spanning north to south, the Ruan Causeway was constructed in 1834 with funds from the Yun-Gui Governor Ruan Yuan. The Tang Causeway, running east to west, was built in 1919 by Tang Jiyao, who served as the commander-in-chief of the Yunnan, Sichuan, and Guizhou Allied Forces during the time of Sun Yat-sen. These causeways are lined with willow trees and surrounded by lotus ponds, creating a picturesque scene of greenery and elegance. Dividing Green Lake into five distinct areas, these causeways offer stunning views of various attractions, including the Lake Heart Pavilion, Moon Pavilion, Goldfish Island, Bamboo Forest Island, Nine-Dragon Pond, Bottle Gourd Island, Nine-Curve Bridge, and the Haixin Pavilion.
Red-billed Gulls
Every winter, thousands of red-billed gulls migrate from the north to spend the season at Cuihu Park. These gulls engage in playful activities on the water, compete for food, and bring endless joy to the park. Kunming’s warm climate throughout the year makes it an ideal wintering destination for these gulls. Additionally, the people of Kunming treat the gulls as friends and protect them, as the municipal government strictly prohibits capturing or disturbing them with firecrackers. This bond has led to a heartwarming relationship between the red-billed gulls and the people of Kunming. Arriving in Kunming around November, they depart for Northeast China and Siberia around March or April the following year. This annual migration adds a unique charm to Cuihu Park and enriches the experience for visitors.
