The Emerald Living Room of Dianchi: Metasequoia Forests and Lakeside Serenity at Xinghai Peninsula Wetland Park

The City's Living Room by the Lake

1.Located in the Guandu District of: Kunming, nestled tightly against the northern shore of Dianchi Lake, Xinghai Peninsula Wetland Park serves as a shining example of the city's ecological restoration efforts. Known as the "City Living Room," this park represents a perfect fusion of natural wetland ecosystems and urban leisure space. Although it sits at an altitude of approximately 1,886 meters, sharing the level of the city itself, it offers a refreshing escape where the urban skyline meets the tranquility of the lake. It is a representative pearl among the wetland parks lining the shores of Dianchi, celebrated for its "return the lake to the people, return the green to the people" philosophy, making it a beloved destination for both locals and travelers seeking a deep connection with nature without leaving the city,.

A Forest on the Water

One of the park's most distinctive features is its magnificent Metasequoia Forest (Water Forest). A long wooden boardwalk winds its way deep into the heart of the wetland, flanked by tall Metasequoia trees growing directly out of the water. This creates an immersive "forest on water" experience. In spring and summer, the forest is a vibrant emerald green, while in late autumn and winter, the leaves turn a rusty red, creating a stunning visual contrast against the blue sky and water. Walking along this plank road allows visitors to feel like they are strolling through green waves, offering a unique perspective to observe the wetland's aquatic plants and hidden birdlife up close,.

Panoramic Views of the Sleeping Beauty

The park utilizes its unique geography to offer some of the best vantage points in Kunming. At the edge of the peninsula, viewing platforms provide a sweeping, unobstructed view of the vast Dianchi Lake. From here, the water and sky seem to merge into one, and directly across the lake, the undulating silhouette of the Western Hills (Xishan)—famously known as the "Sleeping Beauty"—is perfectly framed. This spot is particularly magical at sunset, when the sky turns crimson and purple, casting a golden glow over the lake and the mountain contours, making it a favorite spot for photographers capturing the essence of Kunming's highland aesthetics,.

Ecological Education and Leisure

Beyond its visual beauty, Xinghai Peninsula is a hub for ecological education and leisure. The park includes dedicated ecological conservation areas where visitors can observe the natural purification processes of the wetland and learn about the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit the lake's edge. For families and leisure seekers, the park features expansive lawns and flower seas that change with the seasons—from tulips in spring to lavenders in summer. Whether it is picnicking on the grass or watching black-headed gulls during the winter migration, the park offers a dynamic and vibrant natural classroom,.

A Hub for Green Living

The park is seamlessly connected to the surrounding urban fabric via walking paths and cycling tracks that link to the larger Dianchi Greenway. This makes it an ideal starting point or stopover for cyclists and runners enjoying the lakeside. The integration of modern landscape design with the original ecological environment allows visitors to experience the harmony of a "garden city," where one can exercise, relax, and appreciate the biodiversity of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau all in one visit,.