My first full day in Kunming has not ended even after being in the countryside most of that day and a little stop to the temple, Yuantong Si. I started to walk away from the temple, ambling and not knowing where to and I came on this lake. I found Green Lake, it is actually a huge park, with Lily ponds and Lotus ponds, lots of Chinese pavilions and gardens. It looked like the whole of Kunming was assembled in this huge park. Indeed it is how the city folks spend their Sunday afternoons, hanging out at Green Lake park. It was a lot of fun, some were dressed in their minority customes. In every nook and cranny little musical groups gathered to sing and other groups gathered to dance. It was so crowded but still very enjoyable. It is like a Disneyland except there were no rides and the entry was free and anyone can participate in the group dancing though there were some ethnic dance troupes exhibiting their art for everyone. No one was shy and everyone seems to be having a lot of fun.
A minority in full regalia.
Here is a group tuning up to perform.
They are ready and this old guy started singing a Chinese ballad. There was no hat for donations, they just did it because they liked it.
Another group is getting ready.
I joined this group of photographers in taking pictures of the lotus blossom. Some of them have serious equipment. I didn't bring my telephoto lens so I was limited.
Lotus blossom
The Lily pond.
Chinese willow tree.
Here is the group dance, the music played and everyone danced in a circle. I kept following this lady in the colorful costume with my camera. She looked so delightful.
She looked so happy, oblivious to the ogling crowd and the lady with the camera.
Another minority in her costume. It was a lot of fun to watch.
This lady was standing next to me and the dancers kept persuading her to join in but she stayed on the sideline.
A Chinese musical instrument.
Another minority
This tall guy was giving free Cha cha lessons but unfortunately there was a cloudburst and all of us ran for cover.
What a delightful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. It is a fun way for friends to get together and jam. It was a full and fun filled day for me too.
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