Every winter, a "romantic date" spanning thousands of miles unfolds as scheduled in Kunming. It is the arrival of the Siberian visitors, the black-headed gulls. They travel a long way and bring more romance to Kunming's winter. 

With the peak season for bird-watching arriving, the number of tourists in the Haigeng Dam area has increased, putting pressure on the surrounding traffic. "This is not just about watching the seagulls; it's clearly about people-watching," some netizens commented. 

According to the traffic police department's statistics, during the peak bird-watching season, the number of vehicles passing by the Haigeng Dam area on weekends has increased from over 60,000 to over 90,000. From 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, it becomes the rush hour in the scenic area. Besides the Haigeng Dam, there are also Yunnan Nationalities Village and other scenic areas nearby, where the traffic peak extends from 10 o'clock in the morning to after 6 o'clock in the evening.

It has to be said that as a popular place for taking pictures, Haigeng Dam is undoubtedly a must-visit for bird-watching enthusiasts. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Western Hills and Dianchi Lake, while also getting up close and personal with the black-headed gulls. Feeding them, taking photos together, and watching them soar in the sky, it's both spectacular and photogenic!

However, in addition to the Haigeng Dam, Kunming has many other bird-watching spots that are both beautiful and less crowded. Let's explore these different and stunning landscapes and fully immerse ourselves in the world of seagulls.

Every year,

thousands of black-headed gulls flock to Daguan Park,

Perching on the eaves, arches, pavilions, and rockeries,

Making the traditional garden nimbler.

The park also offers many recreational facilities,

Such as yachts, rowing boats, ferris wheels, and children's playgrounds.

Come to Daguan Park to witness 

the "Long Couplet with Full Moon,"

enjoy the art of garden landscaping

and flower exhibitions,

experience the joy of boating and feeding the gulls.

Cuihu Park, with its lush trees

and beautiful environment,

is like a green gem within Kunming,

known as the "Jade in the City."

It is a popular spot for gulls watching in Kunming. 

Located in the city center, Cuihu Park is accessible,

with landmarks such as Yunnan Military Academy and Yunnan University nearby.

While enjoying the seagulls, you can also visit these places and enjoy a good time.

Haihong Wetland Park

is located on Huanhu East Road,

close to Haigeng Dam.

Here, you can not only admire

flocks of seagulls freely soaring in the sky,

with picturesque mountains

and sparkling waters in the backdrop,

but also enjoy the pleasant winter scenery

of Dianchi Wetland Park.

At Huanxi Bridge,

black-headed gulls leisurely fly or rest on the lake,

shore platforms, wooden bridges and pavilions.

The carefree "little elves" in flight

attract many passersby to stop

and "drop by" these old friends.

Zhuantang Park is located

at the intersection of Xichang Road and Daguan Road.

It is a peaceful haven amidst the bustling city.

Due to its proximity to Daguan River,

it attracts many black-headed gulls every winter,

who come here to perch and search for food.

The gulls either stay on the water,

bathing in the winter sunlight,

or flap their wings to take off,

glide at high speed in the low air.

Rest on the park benches,

feeding the gulls may bring you great joy. 

Laoyuhe Wetland Park is a favorite spot for black-headed gulls to linger.

Here, they soar in the sky,

float on the lake, or stroll on the banks,

enjoying their own happiness.

Huanhu South Road

has car lanes and colorful bike lanes,

with a bridge that

allows pedestrians to admire the gulls.

Every spot is a picturesque view.

The cloudless blue sky stretching over Dianchi Lake,

as far as the eye can see,

it feels like being in a coastal city.

The black-headed gulls seem to

have discovered the beauty here too,

lining up on the guardrails,

the gull-watching experience on the

"most beautiful highway" will definitely leave you in awe.

Kunming Jinning Nandianchi National Wetland Park

is situated on the largest bird migration passage in western China.

The wetland ecosystem is well-preserved,

with rich biodiversity.

It is a new destination for gull-watching.

Lianhuachi Park is located in

the northern part of Kunming,

northwest of Yuantong Mountain.

For centuries, the spring water has been gushing,

creating a tranquil environment around the lotus pond.

It attracts the visits of black-headed gulls.

In Yunnan Nationalities Village,

black-headed gulls often fly in

from Dianchi Lake and Haigeng Park.

The beautiful elves together with the culturally rich village environment,

after enjoying the seagulls at Haigeng Dam,

you can also admire the ethnic charm of Yunnan,

which "blooms" in splendid colors here.

Watching Tips

• Please do not chase the black-headed gulls; we advocate civilized seagull watching.

• Black-headed gulls mainly feed on fish, shrimps, and insects. Feeding them with special seagull food is only supplementary when their natural food is insufficient. Avoid overfeeding and choose specialized seagull food for feeding.

• It is best to feed them on solid ground or a stable surface to avoid polluting the water with seagull food.

• After feeding them, it is advisable to wash your hands.

Click here to view Chinese report

(Editors: Amy, Ines)