Traveling with a Wedding Dress | Kunming Road Trip: Capturing Our Love in the Gentle Hours of the Spring City

Some say that before stepping into marriage, couples must experience a long journey together. The trivialities and unexpected twists of the road are the ultimate test of默契 (mutual understanding) and tolerance between two people. That might sound a bit absolute, but when you think about it, there's some truth to it—during those days spent together around the clock, you'll face getting lost, exhaustion, disagreements, and also share sunrises, delicious food, and surprises. Those tiny frictions might be a preview of future life, while the shared smiles are the truest foundation of love.

From the moment we met and fell in love, 咩咩 (my nickname for her, "Baa Baa") and I have traveled together to Krabi in Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Kansai region of Japan, Wuyuan, and the Ejina Banner... Every departure feels like a process of getting to know each other all over again. Of course, there have been small arguments along the way, but more often than not, what we remember is each other's gentleness and patience. For this Kunming road trip, we made a romantic decision: from now on, every自驾 (self-driving) journey will include a set of lightweight wedding attire. At every destination that moves our hearts, we'll leave behind our own wedding photos. When we're old and gray, flipping through these images, we'll probably laugh and cry at the same time.

First Impressions of the Spring City: A Colorful Prelude

The name "Spring City" is well-deserved for Kunming. No matter when you visit, it's always lush with greenery and blooming flowers. The Haigeng Dam by Dianchi Lake, the Jesus light (crepuscular rays) over Fuxian Lake, the breathtaking craftsmanship of the Stone Forest, the paradise-like Puzhehei... Kunming's beauty isn't the kind that leaves you breathless with shock. It's more like a warm cup of Pu'er tea—you have to savor it slowly to appreciate its depth.

Let me start with a few previews to show you just how enchanting Kunming looks through my eyes.

Haigeng Dam: A First Encounter with Seagulls, a Bond Between Foodies

To be honest, when I first arrived at Haigeng Dam, my heart sank a little. I had come specifically for the seagulls, but as far as the eye could see, there wasn't a single one in sight—just a handful of scattered tourists. That's the off-season for you: fewer people, and fewer seagulls. I muttered, "Forget it," but my feet refused to give up. I dragged 咩咩 along the dam, pushing forward.

"A little further, maybe they'll show up," I told myself, trying to stay optimistic.

Before we left, I had asked the hotel concierge, and at the parking lot, I checked with the security guard. Their answers were surprisingly consistent: "There are still some seagulls, just not as many." A few is fine, as long as there are some. Armed with that sliver of hope, this optimist walked the entire length of the dam.

And sure enough, the power of foodies is unstoppable. All the seagulls were clustered where the tourists were thickest—because that's where the food is! They're nothing but a bunch of bread addicts, flocking wherever the snacks are, completely forgetting the original purpose of their migration.

The moment I saw them soaring freely under the blue sky, I nearly cheered out loud. Winter is the peak season for seagulls to gather in Kunming, and we had arrived too late. Luckily, these foodies hadn't yet decided to leave. Seems like we're kindred spirits—we both love to eat, haha.

Tips for Feeding the Seagulls: - Bring your own bread! The prices from street vendors near the scenic spot aren't very friendly. - Start by imitating the seagulls' calls and scatter a few breadcrumbs to attract them. - Once they let their guard down, hold a large piece of bread in your hand, strike a pose, and start shooting in burst mode. You're bound to get at least one good shot.

Practical Information: - Admission: Free - Opening Hours: All day - Address: Guanjing Road, Xishan District, Kunming (near Dianchi Lake) - Transportation: Take bus routes 171 or 183 and get off at Haigeng Dam

Haigeng Park: A Picnic Amidst Flowers, Enjoying the Slow Pace of the Spring City

Haigeng Park sits right next to the eastern shore of Dianchi Lake, making it an excellent spot to take in the lake's views. Unfortunately, we arrived at an unlucky time—the park was undergoing renovations, and many facilities were closed. Still, that didn't stop us from enjoying the laid-back atmosphere here.

In winter, Dianchi Lake is usually a paradise for red-billed gulls, but since there weren't many this year, we gave up on the idea of a boat ride to feed them. Instead, we found a patch of grass under the shade of a tree, laid out a picnic blanket, and lay down. The Spring City lives up to its name—wildflowers of all kinds were blooming everywhere, and a gentle breeze carried their fragrance through the air. The park was filled with people picnicking and camping: couples, families with kids and grandparents—everyone wore an expression that screamed "leisure."

Before we knew it, it was one in the afternoon, and our stomachs started protesting. We headed to a nearby restaurant called "Resort Village Small Pavilion" (度假乡村小榭饭店). The place was serene, with a courtyard full of flowers and plants. We ordered a few Yunnan specialties: sour and spicy fish with pickled radish (酸萝卜鱼), cold rice noodles (凉米线), and grilled rice cakes (烧饵块). The two of us devoured everything, leaving not a single bite behind.

Practical Information: - Admission: Free - Opening Hours: All day - Xishan Cable Car: Monday to Friday 10:00-18:00, weekends 10:00-20:00

Fuxian Lake: An Unexpected Surprise and a Dreamlike Guesthouse

Fuxian Lake wasn't originally on our itinerary. But while I was planning, I stumbled upon a guesthouse by the lake. The photos were so stunning that I immediately added Fuxian Lake to the list. 咩咩 teased me in the car: "Oh, look at you, making progress! Finally arranging accommodation this thoughtfully—no more just settling for anything." I pretended not to catch the sarcasm in her voice, but inside, I was secretly pleased.

As we drove along Fuxian Lake, the light outside kept shifting. One moment it was overcast, the next, the sun was blazing. Then, around a bend, a beam of Jesus light broke through the clouds and fell straight onto the center of the lake. 咩咩 instantly shouted, "Stop the car! I need to take a picture!" When someone who loves beauty sees a stunning view, they can't wait a single second. So we started taking turns photographing each other, and even launched the drone to join the fun. From above, the lake shimmered with ripples, giving it a vibe straight out of a Japanese animated film—turns out, photos without faces always look good.

After following the GPS up a winding mountain road, we finally arrived at the highlight of our trip: Chengjiang Fangcunjian·Rousseau Guesthouse (澄江方寸间·卢梭民宿). On the way up, I couldn't help but remark that this place was prime real estate for a guesthouse: built into the mountainside, with the picturesque Fuxian Lake right across. The owner told us that over twenty more guesthouses were already under construction in the area, all expected to be fully operational by next year.

The exterior of the guesthouse featured a blue-and-white color scheme with a dome design, inspired by Santorini. What captivated me most was the infinity pool in the courtyard. It was like a mirror, reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and distant Fuxian Lake—so beautiful it left you speechless.

The room was even more delightful. It was filled with Instagram-worthy design, with every detail thoughtfully crafted. The balcony had a bathtub facing the lake—imagine soaking in a bath while watching the sunset. What kind of heavenly indulgence is this?

It was just past five in the afternoon when we arrived. Before we could even bring our luggage into the room, 咩咩 grabbed a small suitcase and rushed back inside. I was puzzled by her sudden burst of energy, but ten minutes later, she emerged—wearing a bikini, with flawless makeup, looking like a completely different person. When it comes to beauty, women truly can ignore all external conditions.

Over the next hour, the sky went into "overdrive mode." The clouds shifted in unpredictable patterns, layering colors upon colors. 咩咩, too, entered her "golden hour," striking pose after pose with effortless grace, never repeating herself.

Photography Tips: - When shooting at the infinity pool, don't position the camera too high, or you'll lose the effect of the pool blending into the sky. - A wide-angle lens is essential to capture both the clouds and their reflection on the water. - The transparent boat provided by the guesthouse is a total photo prop. Sit in it and glide around—even just a back view leaves plenty to the imagination.

We shot from five in the afternoon until it was completely dark. Only when the light was completely gone did 咩咩 belatedly say, "I'm a bit cold." In the light, she was the most dazzling supermodel on stage; without it, she instantly turned back into a mere mortal, complaining about the chill.

The guesthouse's service was also very thoughtful. Since the area was still under development and there were no nearby restaurants, the staff proactively helped us order food and even re-plated it on their own dishes, so it didn't feel like takeout at all. Breakfast was served until noon the next day—a godsend for late risers. Eating breakfast while gazing at Fuxian Lake, I wished time could just slow down.

Stone Forest Park: Nature's Masterpiece, Wandering Through a Karst Maze

From Fuxian Lake, we drove for over two hours and arrived at the Stone Forest Scenic Area around one in the afternoon. We grabbed a quick bite near the entrance and then hurried inside.

At the entrance, there was a section of stone forest rising out of the water. According to the guide, there was originally no water here. A certain leader visited and felt that "with mountains and a forest, it's just missing a bit of water," so they introduced this pool. Now, it truly is "good mountains, good water, and good scenery."

The Stone Forest preserves the most diverse range of karst formations in the world: sword-shaped, pillar-shaped, mushroom-shaped, tower-shaped... along with caves, stalactites, solution lakes, natural bridges, and cliff waterfalls. It's like a comprehensive collection of almost every type of karst landform on Earth.

The scenic area is mainly divided into the Large Stone Forest and the Small Stone Forest. The Small Stone Forest is more delicate, like an oversized bonsai, with the "Ashima Scenic Area" being the most famous. Wandering through it feels like "traveling through a painting." No need to worry about getting lost—just follow the crowd, and you'll find the exit.

The Large Stone Forest, on the other hand, is a completely different experience. Walking into it feels like entering a maze. You can barely see the sky above, only dense jungle and towering stone pillars. Many rocks seem to hang precariously between two pillars, as if they might fall with a gust of wind.

What surprised me most was discovering that this was the filming location for the scene where Sun Wukong is trapped under the Five Elements Mountain in the classic TV series Journey to the West starring Liu Xiaolingtong (六小龄童). The entrance to that cave has been polished smooth by countless visitors touching it—proof of how many people have come to pay homage.

"One Line Sky" (一线天) is a common sight in the Large Stone Forest—the perfect place to test your figure.

Practical Information: - Admission: 130 RMB, electric cart 25 RMB - Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00 (open year-round)

Puzhehei: Stumbling into a Hidden Paradise, Slow Life on the Lake

By the time we reached Puzhehei, it was already night, and everything around us was pitch black. The next morning, when I opened the window, I realized how beautifully artistic our inn was—the owner must have excellent taste.

The main Puzhehei Scenic Area is free to enter, but many activities inside require separate tickets, such as boat rides and visiting Swan Lake. Private cars are not allowed inside the scenic area, so horse-drawn carriages become the primary mode of transport, typically costing 10 RMB per person. Alternatively, you can take sightseeing carts.

Our first stop was a boat tour of Puzhehei Lake. We set off from Qinglongshan Pier and arrived at Pucao Tang Pier about 45 minutes later. The scenery along the way was picturesque, but let me offer a hard-earned warning: Make sure to protect yourself from the sun! No matter how hot it is, wear long sleeves. I made the mistake of wearing a short-sleeved shirt because I was too warm, and by nightfall, my skin felt like it had been roasted—painful and itchy.

Puzhehei Lake is a plateau freshwater lake. In the Yi language, its name means "a pond full of fish and shrimp." The water is crystal clear, and in summer, you can see thousands of acres of lotus flowers in full bloom.

Puzhehei Main Scenic Area Information: - Combo Ticket: 200 RMB (includes entrance, boat ticket, and surrounding minor attractions) - Separate Ticket: 45 RMB for entrance only - Internal Transport: Electric cart approx. 15 RMB, horse-drawn carriage 5-10 RMB - Opening Hours: 07:30-17:30

Swan Lake: Elegance, Tamed

Swan Lake is an ecological lake area that combines karst peaks, lakes, caves, and wetlands. Since it wasn't the migration season for wild swans, the white swans here are all farm-raised. They're completely unafraid of people—if you have feed in your hand, they'll swarm around you. A bag of feed costs 5 RMB and can help you get some nice photos. However, if you're not particularly interested in swans, the 85 RMB ticket might not be worth it.

Swan Lake Information: - Admission: 85 RMB, sightseeing cart 30 RMB - Swan Release Times: 10:00-11:30 AM, 2:00-4:00 PM

After leaving Swan Lake, we took a sightseeing cart back to Qinglongshan, had a simple lunch, and started wandering aimlessly around the scenic area. We walked through the streets and alleys, heading wherever it was most remote. And we actually stumbled upon a great spot: in the distance,连绵的山峰 (a range of peaks) stretched out, while on a nearby lawn, two horses were penned up. "You take the black one, I'll take the white one," we said, and started taking photos of each other again.

Qinglongshan is an excellent spot for sunrise and sunset photos. It only takes about 20 minutes to climb, and from the top, you can overlook the entire Puzhehei area. But 咩咩 insisted on going to the filming location of Eternal Love (三生三世十里桃花)—Qingqiu Holy Land. Unfortunately, the area was closed off, and we could only hike in. Since sunset time was short, I quickly launched the drone to capture the lonely Peach Blossom Island. Due to water levels, visitors aren't allowed to approach, so the only way to see it is from above—like an isolated paradise, untouched by the mundane world.

Dongfengyun: An Artist's Persistence and Our Wedding Photos

Dongfengyun is located in Mile City, Honghe Prefecture. It's a特色小镇 (characteristic town) that combines grape culture, natural scenery, and人文艺术 (humanities and art). I had been here two years ago, when it was still an off-the-beaten-path spot. Now, it's become a网红打卡地 (internet-famous check-in spot).

We chose to stay at the Dongfengyun Zizai Art Bieyuan (东风韵自在艺术别院), which is right in front of the Kaleidoscope Art Museum—very convenient. After a quick freshen-up, it was already past two in the afternoon. We sat under a sun umbrella at the only restaurant in the scenic area, eating lunch while enjoying the view.

The scenic area has two main attractions: the Lavender Theme Park and the Kaleidoscope Building Complex. The lavender doesn't bloom until June, so we missed that again. However, the bougainvillea was in full bloom around the Kaleidoscope Art Building, and against the backdrop of the flowers, these abstract structures looked even more artistic.

咩咩 had been looking forward to coming here ever since we started planning the trip. She said it was a natural "blockbuster photo location." Before we left, she had prepared several outfits, and right after lunch, she got busy with makeup and changing clothes.

She often complains to me: "It's always just photos of me alone; we never have any pictures together." This time, she brought a tripod on purpose. Regardless of what passersby thought, we had a blast taking selfies.

In the golden light of sunset, 咩咩 changed into that flowing wedding dress. Backlit, the hem of her skirt billowed in the wind—she looked absolutely stunning. We set up the tripod, programmed a 10-second timer, pressed the shutter, and immediately ran over to take her hand. We ran while looking back at the camera—that's how this photo came to be.

Photography Tips: - When shooting the front of the Kaleidoscope Building, use a wide-angle lens and shoot from a low angle upward. This emphasizes the building's height and makes the subject look elongated. - The golden hour before sunset is the best time for wedding photos.

Itinerary & Accommodation: The Perfect Plan for a Slow Kunming Trip

6-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Shenzhen → Kunming (5 PM flight)
• Day 2: Within Kunming: Haigeng Dam → Haigeng Park → Fuxian Lake
• Day 3: Kunming → Stone Forest Park → Puzhehei
• Day 4: Full day exploring Puzhehei Scenic Area
• Day 5: Puzhehei → Mile Dongfengyun
• Day 6: Mile → Kunming → Return trip

Recommended Guesthouses

1. Chengjiang Fangcunjian·Rousseau Guesthouse (Price: 577-1736 RMB)

The most satisfying accommodation of the entire trip. Three reasons: - Massive Infinity Pool: Facing Fuxian Lake, with clouds reflecting on the water at sunset—perfect for photos. - Room Design: Lake-view king bed room with a large balcony and bathtub, tatami-style layout, every detail thoughtfully designed. - Breakfast Served Until Noon: A godsend for late risers.

2. Puzhehei Only You Lake View Boutique Inn (Price: 200-800 RMB)

Located inside the Puzhehei Scenic Area, convenient location with great value for money.

Final Thoughts: Travel, the Ultimate Touchstone for Love

Some say travel is the best way to test whether a couple is right for each other. Personally, I think it's less about "testing" and more about "磨合" (grinding in/adapting). On the road, you'll see each other's truest selves: the frustration when you're lost, the complaints when you're tired, the joy when you're surprised, the tears when you're moved. All these moments pieced together are a microcosm of your future life together.

On this Kunming road trip, we brought our wedding dress and pressed the shutter at every corner that moved our hearts. Those photos don't just capture the scenery—they capture the time we've spent together. Maybe decades from now, we'll sit in rocking chairs, flipping through these images, and say with a smile, "Look at us back then—so young, so silly, and so happy."

If you're also planning a pre-wedding trip with your loved one, why not try a自驾游 (self-driving tour)? Bring a wedding dress, bring a camera, and go somewhere that lets you slow down. You don't need to rush through attractions or check in at trendy spots. As long as you're together, anywhere is a beautiful view.

After all, the best love isn't about how many sights you've seen—it's about knowing that the person beside you when you're seeing them has always been there.