Last updated: May 2026. Opening and gull season subject to on-site info.
Green Lake is a park in the centre of Kunming—lake, willows and paths are free. In winter (roughly November–March) red-headed gulls arrive from Siberia to overwinter; the lakeside is busy with people feeding the birds and taking photos. Other seasons there are no gulls, but strolling and the old buildings and greenery toward Yunnan University are still pleasant. No gate, no ticket, open from morning to evening; next to Yunnan University—do both in half a day: Green Lake then the university, or the other way round.
What Makes It Worth It
Green Lake bundles “spring city” greenery with winter gulls: free, in town, easy to reach. For anyone who wants “a relaxed walk in Kunming,” it’s the first choice; for winter visitors the gulls are a bonus. With the Stone Forest and Golden Temple it forms a “city + outskirts” combo—the Stone Forest needs a day, Green Lake only half a day or even 2 hours. Good as a half-day on a transit day or an evening stroll after the Stone Forest.
What to Expect
Scale: The lake and lakeside path are compact; about 1 hour to walk around; add feeding gulls, photos and Yunnan University and you can stretch to half a day.
Red-headed gulls: Only in winter, roughly November–March; other seasons it’s just the lake and greenery, no gulls. You can bring bread or buy gull food on site; avoid overfeeding and don’t touch the birds.
Crowds: Busy in winter and on holidays, especially where gulls gather; weekdays or early/late are lighter.
No ticket: Green Lake Park is free; open 24h (confirm with the park). Yunnan University campus is free; some areas may have visitor limits.
Don't Miss
Lakeside path — Walk around the lake, views of the water, willows and the far shore; free, no barrier, good for a stroll and photos.
Red-headed gulls (winter) — In winter gulls gather on the water and shore; feed and photograph; don’t touch birds or use unsuitable food.
Yunnan University — East of Green Lake; campus is walkable; old buildings and shade good for photos and rest. Entry rules as per the university (e.g. opening times, registration).
Gull viewing and feeding areas — In winter there are designated feeding spots; check with staff or signs; respect safety and the environment.
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Admission | Free |
| Booking/Tickets | Free admission |
| Suggested time | 1–2 hours (Green Lake only); half a day with Yunnan University |
| Gull season | Roughly November–March; actual arrival as per migration |
| Transport | Several bus lines to Green Lake; metro to a nearby station then walk |
No fishing or harming birds in the park; use proper gull food or harmless food for feeding. Restaurants and shops nearby; have How to Pay in China ready.
Getting There
Bus / metro: Several bus lines serve Green Lake or Yunnan University; metro to a nearby station then about 10–15 min on foot.
Taxi / ride-hail: Set destination “翠湖” or “翠湖公园”; from downtown usually 10–20 min.
With Yunnan University and Golden Temple: Morning at Green Lake + university, afternoon at Golden Temple; or just Green Lake for half a day—flexible.
Common mistake: Expecting gulls outside winter—they only come in winter; other seasons Green Lake is a normal city park. Yunnan University entry rules may change—check before you go if the campus is open to visitors.
Green Lake is Kunming’s free, easy-to-reach park—red-headed gulls in winter, greenery and paths in other seasons. Combine with Yunnan University the same day for half a day of walking and photos; with the Stone Forest and Golden Temple it’s the standard city half-day in a 1–2 day Kunming plan.
If you only want “one city park,” Green Lake is the most convenient and the winter gulls are distinctive; if you prioritise the Stone Forest and Golden Temple, Green Lake works as a half-day change of pace.
Related Guides:
- Kunming City Guide — Complete city guide
