Kunming has an average annual temperature of around 15°C, with the hottest months averaging temperatures between 19-22°C. In February, flocks of red-billed gulls, escaping the cold winds from the north, migrate all the way from the distant Lake Baikal in Siberia to settle in the water areas of Kunming, such as the Panlong River, Cuihu Lake, and Dianchi Lake. People come to witness these little elves, creating a tranquil and harmonious atmosphere throughout the city.
The first destination in Kunming is often Cuihu Park, where you can observe the red-billed gulls from Siberia. The entire park is filled with people feeding the seagulls. During winter, the red-billed gulls become the new residents of the park. Located at the foot of Luofeng Mountain in the Kunming city area, Cuihu Park was originally a small lake bay outside the city with rice fields, vegetable gardens, and lotus ponds, known as "Cai Haizi" before the Yuan Dynasty. It was later transformed into a garden with willow trees and various lotus flowers, earning the name "Cuihu" or "Green Lake."
Since 1985, large numbers of seagulls migrate to Kunming every winter. Some of them settle in Cuihu, illustrating Kunming's perpetual spring-like weather. The park is divided into five scenic areas, including the Hu Xin Pavilion and Guan Yu Lou in the Lake Heart Island area, the Shuiyue Pavilion and Goldfish Island in the southeast, the Zhulin Island and Jiulong Pond in the northeast, the Hulu Island and Jiucun Bridge in the south, and the Haixin Pavilion in the west.
Adjacent to Cuihu Park is the former site of the Yunnan Military Academy, about a few hundred metres away. The preserved main building of the academy is a two-storey brick and wood structure with a corner tower style. Symmetrically connected on all four sides, it forms a square courtyard.
As a patriotic education site, it is worth visiting. There are exhibitions on the theme of the Expeditionary Force, providing insights into the history of modern warfare and showcasing weapons of that era.
When in Kunming, don't miss the opportunity to admire the flowers. There's a local saying, "Kunming has flowers in all four seasons, but February is the most splendid."
In February, plum blossoms begin to bloom, camellias burst into full bloom, cherry blossoms flourish, and rapeseed flowers spread in patches. Since the Ming and Qing dynasties, there have been records of people in Kunming enjoying spring flowers. Legend has it that every year on the 2nd day of the 2nd lunar month, known as "Baihua Shengchen" or the "Birth of a Hundred Flowers," Kunming residents celebrate the Flower Festival. "The country suspends its markets, and red and green outfits come out for a stroll," depicting the scene of the people of Kunming enjoying the flowers.
One of China's top ten plum gardens, Kunming's Heilongtan Park is the second-largest landscape plum garden in China, currently with over 13,000 ground-planted plum trees, 4,000 potted plum trees, and more than 200 varieties. In January, tens of thousands of plum blossoms in Heilongtan Park bloom vigorously in the cold winter, creating a spectacular scene. Early blooming plum varieties flower before New Year's Day, while late-blooming varieties continue into late February.
Heilongtan is known for its plum blossoms, while Yuantong Mountain, with its Flower Lake, animals, and ancient temples, is equally captivating. Yuantong Mountain is a comprehensive park primarily showcasing animals, with over 140 species and 1,000 animals. When cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the scenery is delightful, making it a popular spot for photography. Yuantong Mountain has more than 480 cherry trees and over 200 Japanese cherry trees, along with more than 1,200 flowering cherry trees. In February, the sea of flowers is like a colourful tapestry, truly magnificent.
For visitors who enjoy greenery and water, the Haihong Wetland Park is a must-visit. Located along the Hubin Road and connected to the Haigeng Park, this 383-acre wetland park features extensive dawn redwood. In February, the sunlight penetrates through the layers of dawn redwood trees, providing warmth without glare. Under the sunshine, shadows weave through the dawn redwood forest, creating a picturesque scene reminiscent of a real-life "The Wizard of Oz."
Boating through the waterfir forest is a delightful experience, and there are paddle boats available for visitors. The park also has a dedicated camping area, making it suitable for family relaxation.
In February, experiencing Kunming with its seagull flocks, vibrant flowers, dawn redwood forests, and more is truly an extraordinary adventure.
