Recently, videos of singer Zhang Bichen(Diamond) enjoying a leisurely holiday in Kunming have attracted attention. Feeding black-headed gulls, eating hot pot, rowing a small boat... her relaxed and unhurried meanderings perfectly capture the most delightful way to experience a Kunming winter. This unhurried ease—free from haste or anxiety—is the very gift that Kunming offers to those who visit.

Human Warmth: A Pot of Authentic, Steaming Flavor

And this gift lies half in its landscapes, and half in the steaming warmth of daily life. Just as Zhang Bichen experienced, in winter, nothing is more healing than gathering around a pot of steaming hot pot. Locals possess a deep wisdom for coexisting with nature, transforming the mountains' bounty into culinary treasures. Fresh seasonal mushrooms, whether simmered in soup or stir-fried, offer a peak of savory sweetness concentrated from the wild—a flavor no seasoning can replicate. The warmth spreads from the tongue throughout the body; this is more than just a taste sensation, it’s proof that both body and spirit are gently embraced by this land.

Haigeng Park: Be an Attentive Observer

With body and soul warmed, you can then fully embrace the scenery. At Haigeng Park, become an attentive observer. Every winter, black-headed gulls from Siberia arrive at Dianchi Lake as if by appointment, forming Kunming's most moving ecological tableau.

Instead of eagerly waiting with bread for the gulls to peck, why not sit quietly on a bench and use binoculars to observe their flying postures and feather details? Close your eyes, and the calls rising and falling and the sound of wings cutting through the air become the most vivid natural white noise. Here, simply being fully "present" will bring you a focused tranquility.

Haihong Wetland: Row into a Deep Red Secret Realm

Not far from Haigeng, Haihong Wetland Park in winter sees its metasequoia trees turn from green to red, reflecting in the water to create a tranquil, deep red space for respiration. This is an ideal place to experience the concept of "forest bathing."

Following Zhang Bichen's footsteps, step into a small glass-bottomed boat and slowly row into the metasequoia forest. Reach out to touch the clear lake water, feel the rhythm of the paddle, and watch the sunlight flow and glint through the branches and leaves. black-headed gulls sometimes glide overhead in flocks, sometimes touch the water's surface, their pure white wings mirroring the reflections of the red trees–this is a dynamic painting that needs no filter, and an immersive "forest breath."

Laoyuhe Wetland: Encounter Healing Through Cycling and Sunset

Rent a bicycle and explore freely along the wetland's cycling paths. Feel the wind whisper past your ears, watch the scenery shift before your eyes, and stumble upon tranquil, rustic corners at any moment. The dopamine released by exercise is a direct source of happiness.

Before sunset, consider stopping at a lakeside viewing deck. Watch the twilight cast a golden rim upon the clouds, the forest, the lake, and the birds, before slowly sinking into Dianchi Lake–this ritual of light plays out daily, yet is eternally healing.

This winter, no need to travel far.

Come to Kunming's Dianchi Lake.

Embrace an "immersive roam" for a day, just like Zhang Bichen.

Let the red trees, white gulls, steaming warmth, and gentle dusk

gently catch all your weariness.

You and Kunming are both quietly waiting here.