Haigeng Dam
A waterside walk.
Yumeto — CC BY-SA 4.0 · drnan tu from Shenzhen, China — CC BY-SA 2.0 · 张元柏 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · 永远的疯子 — CC BY 3.0 · Colin W — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Ngguls — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ngguls — CC BY-SA 4.0 · 瑞丽江的河水 — CC BY-SA 4.0
Yunnan's largest lake, a freshwater lake about 40 km long at 1,886 m above sea level, nicknamed «the sparkling pearl of the plateau»; its name gave Yunnan its Chinese abbreviation, and Beijing's Summer Palace modelled its Kunming Lake on it. The best spot to see it is Haigeng Dam on its northern shore, a long promenade at the water's edge facing the green Western Hills across the lake, surrounded by gardens and the Ethnic Village. In winter the dam becomes one of the best-known places to watch migrating black-headed gulls, as thousands gather over the water and visitors feed them, a scene that draws photographers from across China. Walking the dam is free; November to March is the season for the gulls, and sunset is the loveliest time, when the lake and hills take on colour.
A waterside walk.
Across the lake.
In winter.
Dian Lake resort area, southwest Kunming
Haigeng Dam on its northern shore, free and facing the Western Hills; in winter it's one of the best spots to watch migrating gulls.
