Migratory black-headed gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus), commonly seen in Kunming each winter, have begun arriving. More than 600 black-headed gulls were recorded at Haigeng East Pier on Oct. 9, with visitors already sharing photos.

According to the previous migration pattern, the main flock of black-headed gulls is expected to arrive in Kunming one after another in November.

By then, the classic gull-watching spots around Dianchi Lake, such as Haigeng Dam, Haigeng East Pier, and Cuihu Lake, will embrace the annual "black-headed Gull Viewing Feast". Citizens and tourists will be able to enjoy the spectacular scene of tens of thousands of black-headed gulls gathering together.

The city has released a map of viewing locations marking 40 years since wintering gulls were first recorded in 1985. 

Lianhuachi Park — Historic city park near Green Lake with willow corridors and spring‑fed ponds where gulls are frequently seen in winter.

Green Lake Park (Cuihu) — Central Kunming site popular for winter gull‑watching, adjacent to the Yunnan Military Academy Museum.

Zhuantang Park — Riverside park on the Daguan River where large groups of gulls often take off from the water at close range.

Huanxi Bridge — Arch bridges over the river provide vantage points for flocks passing underneath in autumn and winter.

Daguan Park — Lakeside viewpoints over Dianchi Lake with regular winter gull activity on rockeries and open water.

East Bank of Dianchi Lake — Chain of wetlands and parks (Caohai Tunnel, Hubin Ecological, Bahe) offering clear, open views of gull flights.

Haigeng Dam — Long, unobstructed promenade on Dianchi Lake with some of the largest gull concentrations and views of the Western Hills.

Yunnan Nationalities Village — Park lakes where gulls from Dianchi Lake and Haigeng Park are often observed.

Haigeng Park — Among the earliest sites each winter for arriving gulls along the Dianchi shoreline.

Xiliangtang Wetland Park — Less‑crowded urban wetland with reed beds where gulls gather near the water’s edge.

Baofeng Wetland Park — Wetland with diverse vegetation and a bird‑watching corridor; gulls commonly skim low over open water.

Haihong Wetland Park — Winter sunsets over reed beds and open water draw photographers, with frequent gull sightings.

Dounan Wetland Park — Evening viewing spot near Dounan Flower Market where gulls circle low at sunset.

Wangguan Wetland Park — Sandy beach and lake boardwalks offering clear lines of sight for flocks over Dianchi Lake.

Jiangwei Community — Lakeside village with camping areas and panoramic views; reeds and metasequoia provide habitat for wintering gulls.

Luolong Park — Urban park around Luolong Lake where gulls perch and fly over open water.

Wolong Ancient Fishing Village — Historic lakeside settlement noted for sunset views with gull activity over the lake.

Laoyuhe Wetland Park — Shoreline zone where gulls routinely rest, fly and forage where the park meets the lake.

Gudian Boutique Wetland Park — Site combining ecological protection and education, suitable for observing wetland species including gulls.

Haiyan Village — Sandy shoreline with clear views; gull activity is common around sunset.

Nandianchi National Wetland Park — Located on a major western China flyway with intact habitats and high winter bird diversity.

South Huanhu Road, Hushan Section — Four‑lane lakeside road with cycling and walking paths; gulls are visible over the lake throughout the day.

Xihua Wetland Park — Urban wetland suited to short hikes and birdwatching, including wintering gulls.

Gangouwei Village Wetland Park — Narrow walkway extending into the lake offers views of resting ducks, geese and gulls.

Caohai Tunnel Wetland Park — Reed stands and open skies provide vantage points for sustained gull flights.

Xiaoyu (Small Fishing) Village — Village footpaths and a camping area used by visitors, with regular gull activity over the lake.

Every winter, Dianchi Lake is an ideal place for black-headed gulls to release their nature and return to the wild. Black-headed gulls like to chase cruising boats. Taking a cruise on Dianchi Lake, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Dianchi Lake while admiring the graceful posture of black-headed gulls soaring, which is very pleasant.

Cruises on Dianchi Lake can be taken at Haigeng East Wharf, Xincan Wharf, Zhangmei Village Wharf, Bainiaoyuan Wharf, Xiyuan Wharf, Dianchi Lake Scenic Viewing Wharf, etc. Visitors can enjoy a unique gull-watching experience while touring Dianchi Lake.

Learn More

Why Kunming hosts wintering gulls: Black-headed gulls breed across Siberia and parts of Xinjiang and Heilongjiang and migrate south in winter. Dianchi Lake hosts one of China’s densest wintering populations, with more than 40,000 birds most years, according to city estimates.

Diet: Black-headed gulls are omnivorous birds, mainly feeding on small fish and shrimp. Kunming produces special gull food according to the diet of black-headed gulls, which is nutritious, economical, and suitable for their eating habits.

Guidance for visitors includes avoiding disturbance, using designated feed, and washing hands after contact. Kunming’s Regulation on Civilized Viewing of black-headed Gulls took effect on Nov. 1, 2023, setting penalties for harassment and improper feeding.

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(Editors: Shining, Rachel)