Dayu Park is Kunming's hidden gem where fairytale-like European castles and rainbow cottages create insane photo ops! Don't miss the love-themed sculpture zone perfect for couples, and artsy murals around every corner. Pro tip: Catch sunset by the lake when golden light hits the castle towers - total insta-magic!

Everything you need to know about Dayu Park
Recommended is Hyatt Regency Kunming Dianchi Resort, located just a 5-minute walk from Dàyú Park. The hotel features a family pool, children's playground, and eco-friendly walking trails. Complimentary shuttles run to nearby attractions. Rooms showcase Yunnan ethnic designs with panoramic views of Dianchi Lake and distant mountains. Evening highlights include light shows and lakeside nightscapes. On-site local cuisine offers authentic Yunnan dishes like mushroom hot pot and Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles.
Take Metro Line 4 to "Dianchi Station," then walk 10 minutes to Dàyú Park—just 30 minutes from downtown for only ¥5. Alternatively, take Bus Line 236 or the Dianchi Loop Tourist Bus, offering scenic views of wetlands and flocks of red-beaked gulls. For comfort, book a private car service (¥60–80), ideal for travelers with luggage or elderly guests. All options avoid city traffic and offer efficient access.
Dàyú Park is renowned for its wetland conservation and birdwatching opportunities. Join the Red-billed Gull Guided Tour (Nov–Mar), where thousands of gulls soar above the lake—guided by experts who explain their flight patterns and feeding habits. The on-site Ecological Science Museum uses interactive exhibits and videos to explore the environmental changes in the Dianchi Basin. Rent a pedal boat to glide across the lake or participate in family tree-planting activities, contributing to local reforestation efforts and experiencing sustainable tourism firsthand.
Yes! Visit the Dianchi Lakeside Art Plaza, featuring modern sculptures against a backdrop of golden sunsets and soaring gulls—perfect for striking photos. The colorful mural trail along the lake has vibrant murals depicting Yunnan ethnic motifs and nature scenes, ideal for cultural photography. Don’t miss the glass viewing platform at the observation deck, offering sweeping views of the lake and layered hills. With dynamic sky reflections and flying birds, it’s a must-visit spot for social media content creators.
Stay at an Yi ethnic village guesthouse to join workshops during Fire Festival (June), learning traditional dancing and weaving techniques. Some homes offer hands-on sessions in making tofu and fermented vegetables using local ingredients like wild mushrooms and organic soybeans. In the evenings, enjoy live Yunnan folk singing and Yi Long Table Banquet, tasting grilled suckling pig and cold wild mushroom salad—deepening your connection with authentic local traditions and heritage.
The park’s nighttime experience shines with the Lakefront Light Show, a laser and projection display every evening at 7:30 PM, illustrating ecological themes like gulls in flight and fish schools. The Starlight Pathway features warm lighting and touch-sensitive installations that ripple underfoot, simulating walking on water. At the island’s Stargazing Platform, clear skies reveal the Milky Way—rare in urban areas—offering a magical urban stargazing experience perfect for couples and photographers seeking tranquility and wonder.
Explore more amazing destinations