Green Lake Park, or Cui Hu Park (simplified Chinese: 翠湖公园; traditional Chinese: 翠湖公園; pinyin: Cuìhú Gōngyuán), is an urban park in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China. It was established in the 20th century on the west side of the Wuhua Mountain and is sometimes described as a "Jade in Kunming".
The park consists, in effect, of a group of 4 small sub-lakes linked by bridges in the traditional style. The lake was originally a water reservoir for the city.
Green Lake is ringed by a street, and along the edge of that are restaurants and tea houses (some with rooftop dining), shops, and hotels, including the upscale Green Lake Hotel and Grand Park Hotel (formerly the Harbour Plaza Hotel).
During the winter months, black-headed gulls from Siberia migrate to Green Lake and entertain the crowds of visitors as they circle around and snap up bread, usefully provided by a herd of local vendors, thrown up into the air by tourists. There are performances of pieces from Chinese operas and of folk music within and around the park.
Located in the park is the statue of one of Yunnan's most famous patriots - Nie Er, the composer of China's national anthem.
Green Lake Park was visited during The Amazing Race 18 when the park was featured as the pitstop of the 5th leg.
The park is just below the main gate to Yunnan University. The most famous building on the lake is Jiang Wu Tang, a tourist attraction.
History of Green Lake Park
Dating back to Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368), it was a bay of Dianchi Lake out of Kunming City area. Later it became a lovely city lake and had been favored by many local governors who liked to build pavilions here since Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644).
The Ruandi Embankment across Green Lake from south to north was built by Ruanyuan, the governor of Yunnan and Guizhou, in 1834. And the Tangdi Embankment extending from east to west was built by Tangjirao, a commander of KMT, in 1919. The two embankments divide the park into five scenic areas.
What to See
Mid-Lake Islet
Mid-Lake Islet is right in the middle of Green Lake Park. The highlights are the Mid-lake Pavilion, Guanyu (Fish-watching) Tower, and the Qing Dynasty architectures. Mid-lake Pavilion is also named Biyi Pavilion, with two courtyards for exhibitions.
To the west of Mid-lake Pavilion are the Lotus Temple and the Free Life Pond, built in 1867 during Qing Dynasty. Today, the temple has become a recreational Palace, while the pond is a classical garden on water. On the northeast corner is the Zhichun Pavilion, where there are people singing folk songs during the festival.
Goldfish Islet
In the southeast of Green Lake Park, Goldfish Island is a good place for walking, resting and tea tasting. There are cedars, camphor and other trees growing beautifully on the islet. Flowers around the paths, birds singing and slow wind on the islet are so pleased for visitors.
Bamboo Forest Islet
Bamboo Islet is in the northwest of the park and full of different varieties of bamboos. Folk artisans and singers usually get together here. They like singing songs, dancing, acting and doing some improvisational performances, making the islet very lively.