Green Lake, Kunming, Yunnan Province

Green Lake (Cuihu) in Kunming

Green Lake in Kunming lies northwest of the city. Green Lake (Cuihu) is Kunming's answer to Central Park in New York. Lined with willows, the lake is gorgeous, crisscrossed by small arched bridges in imitation of Hangzhou's more famous West Lake. The best time to come is on Sunday, when The pathways are crowded with families on their weekly outings. The best season is winter, when days are warm and sunny and the large flocks of "Laughing Gulls" with their cackling cries as they arrive from their breeding grounds in Siberia. The gulls enjoy the legendary "eternal spring" weather in Kunming.

The park was created in the 17th century and is a group of 4 lakes linked by traditional style bridges. The brightly painted pavilions on the islands, tree lined lanes and beautiful flowers all add to the appeal of Green Lake.

During the winter months, Siberian seagulls migrate to Green Lake to escape the arctic chill and entertain the crowds of visitors as they swoop and dive across the lake.