In his work "Kunming Records," writer Yu Jian describes three major aspects of life for the people of Kunming: "basking in the sun, drinking tea, and chatting." On January 21, the "Celebrate the New Year in Kunming, Seek a Warm ‘Laid back’ Time" promotion event for the 2025 Kunming Cultural and Tourism Spring Festival was held by Dianchi Lake. The cultural tourism ambassadors of Kunming, comfortably "lying" on the sunny shores of the lake with their pillows, extended New Year invitations to tourists from across the country. They encouraged visitors to be among the first to experience the scenic outer sea section of the Dianchi Lake Greenway and to enjoy the grand feast of over 780 cultural and tourism activities prepared for the New Year, as well as to explore six golden tourism routes in Kunming, sharing the unique lifestyle of Yunnan with local residents.

It is reported that the highly anticipated outer sea section of the Dianchi Lake Greenway's first phase project will be open for trial operation to citizens and tourists during the 2025 Spring Festival. The first phase stretches 71.9 kilometers, starting from the Xinbaoxiang River and ending at the most beautiful road (Pachi Mountain). "The trial operation of the outer sea section of the greenway connects eight major wetland parks, such as Baofeng, Wangguan, and Laoyuhe, two historical and cultural villages, Wulong Village and Haiyan Village, as well as over 20 beautiful villages along the route, including Xiaoyucun and Niulian Village. Through the 'Greenway+' concept, the Kunming Cultural Tourism Group has set up service stations, bike rental, visitor service centers, and more along the route, allowing tourists to truly share in the achievements of Dianchi Lake's joint protection and governance," introduced Li Yuan, head of the marketing and planning department of Kunming Cultural Tourism Group, at the event. During the Spring Festival, in addition to inviting tourists from various places to experience the Dianchi Lake Greenway, the Kunming Cultural Tourism Group has prepared vibrant market fairs, intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, concerts, and more for visitors along the greenway in areas such as Yuyuan and Wolong Ancient Fishing Village.

At the promotion event, the Kunming cultural tourism ambassador "Exciting Kunming" provided his exclusive “checking-in” guide. Tourists exploring Kunming during the Spring Festival can experience the picturesque beauty of the “Golden Coast” of Dianchi Lake along six golden tourism routes, the bustling Cultural Tour Circle of Cuihu Lake, the Ecological Tour of the World Horticultural Expo area, the Plateau Lakeside Leisure and Holiday Destination of Yangzonghai, the Geological Wonder Tour of Shilin and Jiuxiang, and the Natural Wild Fun Tour of northern counties of Kunming, which offer unique and interesting experiences.

As 2025 Spring Festival travel bookings reach their peak, Kunming has emerged as a popular destination on multiple platforms. The Kunming cultural tourism ambassador "Jingjing Loves Kunming," along with ambassadors from Wuhua, Panlong, Xishan, and other districts, has recommended various Spring Festival activities in Kunming to tourists. Traditional Huadeng, Dian opera performances, window paper-cutting, calligraphy and painting exhibitions, art displays. During the 2025 Spring Festival, Kunming will host more than 780 colorful cultural activities across the city, providing a cultural feast for both residents and tourists.

"For many first-time visitors to Kunming, the city's beauty comes as a delightful surprise." In 2024, the term "Sojourn in Kunming" frequently topped search trends. "Qi Shiyi" (pen name), who published stories about eight Kunming residents, including himself, in "People" magazine, also attended the promotion event as a 2025 Kunming cultural tourism ambassador. Upon hearing that Kunming is a city where flowers bloom year-round, "Qi Shiyi" expressed a desire to spend all four seasons in Kunming in 2025, witnessing the city's floral sea from cherry blossoms to jacarandas, from hydrangeas to corn poppies. "If you feel tired, weary, or struggle to find meaning in life, come to Kunming and start anew here," recommended "Qi Shiyi."

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(Editors: Jennifer, Ines)