Dianchi Lake, often referred to as the “sea” by locals, offers an abundance of joy with its picturesque landscapes and a wide array of activities, perfect for a day out with family or friends. Whether it’s jogging along the shores, cycling with children, fishing for small shrimp, feeding seagulls, or enjoying a sunset walk after dinner, the area around Dianchi Lake has something for everyone. Here’s a carefully crafted, local-recommended itinerary for an unforgettable one-day tour around Dianchi Lake, taking you from the serene Xishan to the whimsical Blue Light Wonderland.
Route Overview: Xishan, Haigeng Park, Haihong Wetland, Dongnan Flower Market, Wangguan Wetland, and finally, Blue Light Wonderland.
First Stop: Xishan (8:00 AM)
Begin your day early by heading to Xishan (West Mountain, 西山), a popular natural attraction offering spectacular views of the lake and surrounding landscapes. Arriving at the Xishan Park Visitor Center, take a sightseeing bus to the park’s entrance. Aim to get there before 9:00 AM to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. From the entrance, walk up the mountain and descend via the cable car to save time and avoid long queues.
- Ticket Recommendation: The scenic area ticket includes a round-trip bus ride, park entrance, electric vehicle shuttle, and a one-way cable car ticket for 77.5 yuan.
- Estimated Time: Around 2 hours.
- What to Wear: Comfortable sportswear, long pants, and a jacket, as it can be windy and cold at the top.
Second Stop: Haigeng Park (11:00 AM)
From Xishan, take the Dianchi cable car down to Haigeng Park (海埂公园), a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. This is a great place to feed seagulls, especially in the winter months when large flocks visit the park. The seagulls usually arrive in mid-November and stay until March. The park is spacious, offering a peaceful setting for a quick break.
- Ticket Recommendation: The one-way cable car ride costs 60 yuan. Entrance to Haigeng Park is free.
- Estimated Time: Spend about 1 hour enjoying the views and interacting with the seagulls.
Third Stop: Haihong Wetland (1:00 PM)
Next, walk to Haihong Wetland (海洪湿地), located just a 15-minute stroll from Haigeng Park. This spot has become an Instagram hotspot, particularly famous for its forest boat rides. Take a ride on the transparent boat, where you can snap stunning photos of the water and the surrounding greenery.
- Ticket Recommendation: No entrance fee. The boat ride costs 90 yuan per hour, accommodating 2-3 people.
- Perfect For: Families, couples, and friends—especially if you love photography.
- Tip: Wear white clothing to get the best photo opportunities under the sun.
Fourth Stop: Dongnan Flower Market (3:00 PM)
Around 3:00 PM, take a 20-minute taxi ride to Dongnan International Flower Market (斗南国际花卉市场). Explore the succulent market on the second floor, then head to the first floor to admire the fresh flowers. The market officially opens at 5:00 PM, where you can find an even wider variety of flowers at great prices. It’s a fantastic place to pick up a flower crown to take to the wetlands for sunset photos.
- Ticket Recommendation: Free entry.
- Tip: Wait until the flower market officially opens at 5:00 PM to experience the freshest selection.
Fifth Stop: Wangguan Wetland (6:00 PM)
Next, head to Wangguan Wetland (王官湿地), one of the best spots to capture the breathtaking Dianchi Lake sunset. It’s a popular location for sunset photography, and though other spots like Laoyu River (捞鱼河) and Haiyan Village (海晏村) offer similar views, Wangguan Wetland is the closest to the city and has stunning scenery.
- Ticket Recommendation: No entrance fee.
- Sunset Time: Expect the sunset to be between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM.
- Tip: This is a great place for peaceful reflection or to take in the beauty of the lake’s natural surroundings.
Sixth Stop: Blue Light Wonderland (7:30 PM)
Your final stop is Blue Light Wonderland (蓝光欢乐城), a charming theme park often referred to as the “Yunnan version of Disneyland.” Located just a 15-minute walk from Wangguan Wetland, this whimsical park offers a fairy-tale atmosphere with beautiful photo opportunities. After enjoying the flower market and wetlands, visit the park to enjoy its enchanting lights, rides, and fun ambiance. It’s perfect for concluding your day with a bit of fantasy and relaxation.
- Ticket Recommendation: No entrance fee.