I've returned from Cuihu Park and honestly don't recommend going in October, because it's just too wonderful!

Kunming Cuihu In-depth Guide 🌿 A Local's Secret 22℃ Slow Living Guide Hidden in the heart of Kunming is a "green emerald" – Cuihu Lake. Its 1891-meter altitude keeps it cool year-round. When autumn breezes sweep across the lake, they carry the fragrance of lotus and tea. The dark bricks and grey tiles of old buildings reflect in the water, and any casual shot captures a timeless moment. It's not just a park; it's also where Kunming locals live their daily "coffee in one hand, tea in the other" life ✨. 📍 Core Information at a Glance - Address: No. 67 Cuihu South Road, Wuhua District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province - Admission: Free entry 🆓, most surrounding historical exhibition halls are also free - Opening Hours: 07:00-23:00, perfect for morning exercise or an evening stroll 🚇 Direct Transportation Guide - Subway: Take Line 5 to Huashan West Road Station, Exit B, then walk 500 meters to the South Gate. Avoids traffic and is super convenient 👍. - Bus: Take Bus No. 1 or 85 to "Yunnan University (Qingyun Street)" stop, or Bus No. 235 to "Cuihu East Gate" stop. Arrive directly upon alighting. - Self-driving: Navigate to Cuihu South Road. There are parking lots nearby, but on weekends, it's recommended to arrive early as parking spaces can be hard to find later. 🏨 Choose the Right Accommodation to Avoid Detours 1. Neighborly Charm: Four Seasons Soft Light Hotel on Cuihu South Road. The park is downstairs, and the subway station is a 3-minute walk away. Rooms are clean and bright, offering great value. 2. Artistic Immersion: Ananas Hotel on Wenlin Street. Its light French decor is very photogenic, and some rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with bathtubs. It's next to a cluster of cafes, perfect for resting after an evening stroll. 🍜 Must-Try Food List - Wake up your taste buds with breakfast: - Chenxi Douhua Mixian: A 20-year-old establishment. The savory and smooth bean curd with rice noodles, paired with an Americano, is absolutely divine. - Wenshan Hexianju: Rich chicken broth, tender chicken, and fresh chicken blood. A local favorite with frequent queues. - Authentic choices for main meals: - Duanshi Xiaoguo: The signature small pot rice noodles and braised Ersi are a must-order. Fried potatoes and bean paste tangyuan are also very authentic. - Shishang Qingyun: For around 30+ RMB per person, you can enjoy mushroom king hot pot and yak meat platter, offering incredible value. - Jincai Wild Mushroom Hot Pot: Enjoy mushroom hot pot with lake views. The chicken-infused broth is incredibly fresh, and there's a 9.9 RMB self-service vegetable bar. - Afternoon tea delights: - Shangshan Hecha: The sour plum king and preserved plum superman drinks are super popular. Pair them with a rose bagel, which has a generous cheese filling. - Jingsu Teahouse: Hidden in the park's bamboo forest. Order a pot of Dianhong Songzhen tea and browse the clay cat cultural and creative products. - Horizon Coffee: Try the "Cuihu Summer" special blend, or the adventurous truffle dirty coffee, both with unique local characteristics. ⚠️ Important Notes 1. Drones are prohibited in the park. Violators will be penalized, so don't take chances. 2. For seagull watching from November to March, be sure to feed them specialized seagull food. Bread can cause indigestion for seagulls. 3. Maintain quiet in ancient buildings and exhibition halls. Do not touch exhibits, and some areas require shoe removal. 4. Pets are not allowed in the park. You can walk your pets on the surrounding sidewalks. 5. The best time to admire the lotus flowers is early morning (6-8 AM) or evening (5-7 PM), when the soft light makes for beautiful photos. During the blooming season, you can also find lotus-themed cultural and creative ice cream.