Haigeng Park, a serene and scenic spot located on the edge of Dianchi Lake in Kunming, offers a unique experience for nature lovers and photographers alike. Famous for its picturesque views and large gathering of seagulls, the park attracts both locals and tourists who come to feed the birds, take photos, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. This guide will walk you through the best tips for visiting Haigeng Park, including how to get there, the best times to visit, and how to make the most of your experience feeding and photographing the seagulls.
Admission Fee for Haigeng Park
Good news for budget travelers: Haigeng Park is completely free to visit! The park is open to the public all day, every day, allowing visitors to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and interact with nature at no cost.
Getting to Haigeng Park
Haigeng Park is located a bit outside of Kunming’s city center, and while it’s not directly accessible by metro, there are convenient public transportation options.
- By Metro and Bus: Take Line 5 of the Kunming metro heading towards Baofeng (宝丰), and get off at the Yinghai Road station (迎海路地铁站) (Exit D). From there, catch the 171 bus towards Haigeng Park, which will take you directly to the park in just two stops. Once you arrive, you’ll need to walk about 900 meters to reach the park itself, but you may be able to rent a shared bike depending on availability.
- By Taxi: If you prefer a more comfortable journey, taxis are readily available and can take you directly to Haigeng Park. The cost of a taxi ride depends on your starting point, but it’s a convenient option for those with a higher budget.
Feeding the Seagulls at Haigeng Park
One of the main attractions at Haigeng Park is the large flock of seagulls that gather around the area. The boardwalk, particularly the section closer to the bus stop, is a popular spot for birdwatching.
Bring Your Own Bread: If you want to feed the seagulls, bring some bread with you. You can also purchase a bag of bread for 10 RMB from local vendors. Tear off a piece and hold it in your hand, and patiently wait for the seagulls to swoop down and take it from you. This is a great opportunity for action shots as the birds fly in and grab the bread.
Free Bread on the Ground: If you don’t want to buy bread, you can always pick up some leftover pieces from the ground. The birds will happily take these as well.
Professional Photographers: For a more polished experience, you can pay a small fee of about 15 RMB to hire a professional photographer. They will help guide the seagulls over to you, ensuring that you get the best shot possible. However, many people find that they can capture equally good photos on their own.
Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Haigeng Park is in the morning, particularly between 8:30 and 9:30 AM. During this time, the park staff feeds the seagulls, creating a great opportunity to interact with the birds and watch them in action. You’ll also find that the park is less crowded in the early morning, making it easier to find a good spot for photos. If you arrive after 10 AM, the seagulls will have already been fed, and they tend to float lazily on the lake, making it harder to see them actively flying.
Best Seagull Food: Seagulls at Haigeng Park are picky eaters, so the type of food you bring can affect how much they interact with you. The dark brown seagull food (with a strong scent) is their favorite. Other foods that seagulls love include sweet, oily banana milk cakes. On the other hand, lighter foods like French bread and plain toast aren’t as appealing to them. If you want to attract more seagulls, opt for stronger-tasting foods.
Afternoon Seagull Watching: If you’re visiting in the afternoon and still want to enjoy seagull watching, head to nearby Haihong Wetland (海洪湿地) or Laoyu River Park (捞鱼河公园). These locations offer a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for viewing the beautiful sunset with seagulls soaring in the sky.
Important Tips for Haigeng Park
Route: Haigeng Park is an excellent location for photography, especially for those looking to capture images of seagulls in flight. Along the boardwalk, you’ll see vendors selling flower crowns for around 10 RMB. These colorful, fresh flower accessories make for great photo opportunities, though keep in mind that the flowers are delicate and won’t last long, so they’re mainly for short-term aesthetics.
Wind and Weather: Haigeng Park is known for its strong winds, so if you’re visiting, especially in the afternoon, be sure to bring a jacket or sweater to keep warm. Women should also tie their hair back as the wind can be quite powerful, or use a good hairspray to prevent messy hair.
Snacks and Food: There are several snack vendors along the boardwalk, where you can buy local treats. However, the food tends to be average, so don’t expect anything gourmet.