Haiyan village: A sunset “vending machine” in Kunming

Every clear evening, the shores of Kunming’s Dianchi Lake transform into a stage for a breathtaking natural spectacle. As the crimson sun dips below the western horizon, the sky unfurls a vibrant canvas, transitioning from clear blue to a radiant gradient of orange and crimson, with the distant Western Hills gently silhouetted against the rosy glow. Nestled within these splendid hues lies Haiyan Village. This ancient Yunnan fishing village, steeped in over 600 years of history, has, thanks to its unique lakeside embrace, become the quintessential vantage point for witnessing Dianchi Lake’s renowned sunsets. Fueled by its captivating twilight vistas, timeless fishing village charm, and a continuous dedication to enhancing cultural tourism experiences, Haiyan Village has gracefully transitioned from a traditional fishing community into a celebrated cultural tourism landmark in Kunming. On social media, “watching a sunset in Haiyan Village” has become a romantic rendezvous between visitors and the enchanting city of Kunming.

Tourists dip themselves into sunset glow at Haiyan village, Kunming’s Dianchi Lake in central Yunnan.

On clear evenings, Kunming’s Dianchi Lake reveals a spectacular natural show. As the crimson sun descends, the sky paints itself from clear blue to a fiery gradient of orange and red, the Western Hills fading softly into the rosy light.

Within the magnificent sunset, Haiyan Village reposes. This ancient Yunnan fishing village, with a history spanning over 600 years, has, by virtue of its unique location, become the ideal spot for experiencing Dianchi Lake’s twilight spectacle. From the weathered ruins of its ancient pier, the shimmering lake surface, awash in the golden glow, gleams like molten gold. A few water birds gracefully skim the horizon where water meets sky, painting a serene tableau that evokes the poetic image of “the setting sun melting into gold, evening clouds joining in harmony.” In this magical moment, visitors gather, collectively immersed in the shared romantic beauty.

In bygone eras, Haiyan Village was celebrated as a vibrant land of fish and rice, a truly bustling wharf. Yet, with the relentless tide of urbanization, it gradually quieted, fading into a period of obscurity. Today, however, its breathtaking sunset scenery has sparked a remarkable revitalization, transforming Haiyan Village into a vibrant new beacon for rural tourism in Kunming.

How did this once-forgotten ancient fishing village manage such a remarkable reversal of fortune, blossoming into a vibrant new cultural tourism landmark?

 

Tourists take photos at a coffee house of Haiyan village, Kunming’s Dianchi Lake in central Yunnan.  

Haiyan Village’s breathtaking sunset views first captivated tourists just a few years ago. As word of mouth swiftly spread, it transformed into the locally celebrated “most beautiful sunset destination.” According to Ma Yankun, a staff member of the Dayu Sub-district, Kunming Dianchi National Tourism Resort, the local authorities astutely recognized the “romantic economy” potential inherent in this beautiful scenery. They then forged an innovative, integrated development model for agriculture, culture, and tourism, built upon a unique partnership: “government + village collective + enterprise.”

Haiyan Village’s cultural tourism development has progressed hand-in-hand with its unwavering commitment to Dianchi Lake’s ecological preservation. This dual focus has transformed the ancient fishing village, unveiling a brand-new look. Upon entering, the pier bathed in crimson sunset hues, the worn bluestone slab alleys, and the venerable traditional courtyards seem to perfectly coalesce. A magnetic blend of fishing village guesthouses, innovative shellfish farms, cozy cafes, and lively cultural and creative markets, each radiating its own unique charm, now attracts a steady flow of visitors.

The village now thrives with over 100 businesses—cafes, restaurants, and guesthouses—each thoughtfully converted from local residences. A notable success, the Shanyinzhu Guesthouse, which debuted in late 2024, rapidly achieved consistent full occupancy. It captivated visitors by meticulously preserving traditional residential layouts and rustic charm. Furthermore, its rooftop terrace quickly became the popular spot for breathtaking scenic views and iconic photo opportunities, considerably enhancing the overall quality of rural tourism.

 

A tourist takes a photo at Haiyan village, Kunming’s Dianchi Lake in central Yunnan.

“Our renovation of this residence specifically optimized its exterior facade and internal functions, yet we carefully preserved its original timber-earth structure,” introduced Li Jianming, Chairman of Shanghai Shanyin Cultural Tourism Co., Ltd. “This deliberate approach transformed the farmhouse into an outstanding landmark for witnessing the Dianchi Lake sunsets.”

Through the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, Haiyan Village demonstrates how the ecological revitalization of Dianchi Lake and the preservation of traditional villages can achieve mutual success. As Li Long, Secretary of the Haiyan Community Party Committee and Director of the Residents’ Committee, explained: “The various tourism businesses in the village have created over 360 jobs, 98 households have earned 7.8 million yuan from property rentals, and the average annual increase in income per household across the village is between 100,000 and 150,000 yuan.” During this year’s Spring Festival, the village welcomed an impressive 200,000 tourists, driving 4.8 million yuan in consumption.

“As the crimson sunset descends with ultimate beauty, so too rises the vibrant hope of rural revitalization,” remarked An Xianghui, Director of the Cultural Tourism Investment Promotion Bureau of Dianchi National Tourism Resort. He elaborated that Haiyan Village, as one of 46 traditional villages within Kunming’s significant “Dianchi Lake Rural Ecological Tourism Circle” initiative, perfectly encapsulates the harmonious synergy between Dianchi’s ecological civilization and rural revitalization. In 2024, Haiyan Village was designated as a provincial-level historical and cultural village in Yunnan Province.

Haiyan Village’s “sunset economy” has effectively evolved into a thriving, all-day consumption chain. “Such beautiful scenery and lifestyle are truly romantic,” said Ms. Ding from Guizhou, who made a special trip to Haiyan Village with her friends. For them, the village is the perfect embodiment of Yunnan’s many-splendored life.

Text by our staff correspondents
Translated by YNTA
Proofreading by Zu Hongbing