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More Than Great Wall Hiking！

Best 12 Things to Do in Kunming: Your Ultimate Travel Bucket List!

Written by Ricky

Dive into Kunming: 12 Essential Stops on Your Journey!

Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province in China, has so much to offer.

From its captivating natural sites to its bustling streets filled with history and culture, this city never ceases to amaze.

Ready to dive into the magic?

Let’s explore!

1. Stone Forest (Yunnan Shilin)

Wandering through the Stone Forest , it feels as if nature itself has carved out an art gallery.

The labyrinth of limestone formations rising eerily from the ground resembles an army of petrified trees, hence the name.

But did you know it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site ?

It’s a testament to the power and beauty of natural phenomena.

Location: Stone Forest Avenue, Stone Forest Yi Autonomous County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province

How to Get There:

• From Kunming Airport to Stone Forest Scenic Area: Takes about 1.5 hours by the Airport-Stone Forest special bus. Buses run at 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM, and 7:00 PM. Costs 45r per person.
• From Kunming Eastern Bus Terminal to Stone Forest: Just over an hour. Buses leave when full and cost 43r each.
• From Kunming South Station to Stone Forest West Station: Buses run from 7 AM to 7 PM, taking roughly 20 minutes. Costs 18r or slightly more. Once there, take the 99 bus, which takes about 40 minutes.

Ticket Prices:

• Full price: 130RMB
• Student discount: 65RMB
• Free entry: For active military, kids under 1.2 meters, and seniors 70 years and older. This covers the main Stone Forest, smaller Stone Forest areas, and the Stone Forest Karst Geological Museum.

Places to Check Out:

• Main Stone Forest: A vast and magnificent field of tall stone pillars, some reaching over 40 meters! You’ll find notable spots like “Lotus Peak,” “Sword Pond,” and “Phoenix Wing.”
• Smaller Stone Forest: A more delicate, garden-like area with sharp stones and lush meadows. The famous “A Shi Ma” stone column is here!
• Karst Geological Museum: Discover the wonders of earth’s history across seven exhibits, from gemstones to fossils and much more!
• Want a quieter experience? Visit in the morning. Fewer people mean better photos, and it’s cooler! By noon, you can enjoy the museum without the crowds.
• Dress the part: Rent traditional Yi attire inside. It’s affordable and adds to the experience!

2. Green Lake Park (Green Lake, Cuihu Lake)

Ever had one of those moments where you just want to sit, reflect, and be one with nature?

Green Lake Park provides just that serenity.

As you stroll along, you’ll likely spot the elegant Black-headed Gulls.

Their grace perfectly encapsulates the ambiance of the place.

Isn’t it surreal how a place can be so calm amidst a bustling city?

Travel Suggestions:

1-Day Trip: Start at Wuyi Road Metro Station, then explore:

• Jingxing Street: Home to Nie Er’s old house and the Eastern Bookstore.
• Anti-Japanese War Victory Memorial Hall: Right opposite the flower and bird market.
• Corner Tower: Locals call it the “Wine Glass Tower” – a perfect spot for photos!
• Kunming Confucius Temple: A historic site with over 300 years of stories.
• Green Lake Park: Just a short walk from the temple, a tranquil place where locals jog in the morning.
• Huang Gong East Street: A famous photo spot with its iconic yellow wall.
• Zhu De’s Old Residence: Dive into the history of this prominent military figure.
• Yuantong Zen Temple: A peaceful Buddhist temple, over 1200 years old.
• Southwest United University’s old site: Located inside the current Yunnan Normal University.
• Yunnan University: Right next to Green Lake, you’ll need to book a visit.
• Wenlin Street: Relax with a coffee on this historic and artsy street.
• Old site of the Army Martial Arts Academy: Older than the Huangpu Military Academy by 15 years!

Half-Day Trip: Highlights include:

• Yunnan Army Martial Arts Academy
• Huang Gong East Street or Zhao Mansion
• Inside of Green Lake Park
• Other attractions

Spotlight on Some Attractions:

• Nie Er’s old house: From the north exit of Wuyi Road Metro, pass the small street behind (with the flower and bird market), and you’ll find it near Jingxing Flower and Bird Market.
• Eastern Bookstore on Wenming Road: Established in 1926, it was a favorite of scholars and has been renovated in 2018.
• Corner Tower: Also known as “Wine Glass Tower”, it’s a photographer’s delight!
• Kunming Confucius Temple: Over 300 years old, but most of the structures you see were restored later.
• Green Lake Park: Originally a private garden, now a bustling city park.
• Huang Gong East Street: Known for its yellow walls, but rumor has it, they’re now painted red.
• Zhu De’s Old Residence: Zhu De began his military career here in 1909, forming a bond with Yunnan for over 50 years.
• Yuantong Zen Temple: One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Kunming, originating from the Tang Dynasty.
• Southwest United University’s old site: Located inside Yunnan Normal University. If time permits, check out the memorial hall.
• Yunnan University: Located near Green Lake. A reservation is needed for a visit.
• Army Martial Arts Academy’s old site: Known as the “Cradle of Officers”, it was founded 15 years before the Huangpu Military Academy.

If you have extra time, explore the local markets!

I visited the Donghua Market, where locals shop.

You’ll find great deals, like blueberries for just 20r per kilogram

3. Go Shopping in Kunming

Kunming’s shopping scene is a delightful blend of the old and the new.

From the quaint charm of Wenlin Street to the modern allure of Park 1903 , there’s something for everyone.

For those who love a bustling ambiance, Nanping Pedestrian Street is the place to be.

And if luxury brands are your calling, you can’t miss Spring City 66 .

Nanping Pedestrian Street

One of Kunming’s historic streets, Nanping was once the city’s hub for finance, commerce, and entertainment.

Today, it has transformed into Kunming’s largest commercial pedestrian street and is a must-visit spot for many tourists.

Large malls and supermarkets line the street, offering visitors a one-stop service for

• and entertainment.

Come nightfall, with street musicians serenading the crowds, hordes of visitors flock to snack stalls to sample local delicacies.

It’s a bustling atmosphere.

Nanqiang Pedestrian Street

It was once a gathering place for industries like

Dating back to the early Qing Dynasty, Nanqiang is one of the only two remaining historical and cultural districts in Kunming.

• and bamboo crafts.

Now, it’s dominated by dining and entertainment venues, with the famous Xiangyun Food City located here.

Beyond tasting delicious food, the area boasts old residential buildings that offer a glimpse into the past, mostly originating from the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period.

Nearby landmarks like the Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Archways, as well as the East and West Pagodas, stand as iconic structures in the city center.

After snapping some photos, you can wander around the nearby Dongsi Street and Biji Alley.

Kunming Old Street

The history of Kunming’s Old Street traces back to the Dali Kingdom during the Song Dynasty, with over 900 years of history and it remains vibrant to this day.

It’s not only one of the most energetic commercial districts in Kunming but also one of the city’s most iconic representations.

The existing layout of the Old Street was established during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, and many of the shops and residences showcase architectural styles from the Qing Dynasty and the Republican era.

4. Western Hills and Dragon Gate

Looking for the perfect spot to see Kunming in all its glory?

The Western Hills provide a panoramic view of the city, with Dian Lake shimmering below.

At its peak, the Dragon Gate stands, a testament to the intricate craftsmanship of ancient China.

Location: Xishan Road, Xishan District, Kunming City

One-day itinerary:

1⃣️Tea Horse Flower Street →

2⃣️Take a bus to Nie Er’s Tomb Visitor Center →

3⃣️Take the Dragon Gate cable car up the mountain →

4⃣️Walk down the mountain to visit the Dragon Gate Grottoes →

5⃣️Take a battery-powered car back to Nie Er’s Tomb Visitor Center →

6⃣️Take the Dianchi cable car to Haigeng Park on the opposite side of Xishan.

‼️Practical Information:

S cenic area closing time: 17:30

Last bus: 18:00

Last cable car: 17:30

Bus fare is 12.5 yuan one-way,

Dragon Gate ticket is 30 yuan,

Dragon Gate cable car fare is 25 yuan one-way, and the battery-powered car fare is 10 yuan one-way.

Considering that going uphill is more tiring than descending, this itinerary mostly avoids walking uphill.

The entire visit to Xishan takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.

The Xishan Scenic Area is a place that locals also visit.

When here, you can experience the Dianchi cable car, Climb to Kunming’s highest point, Lingxu Pavilion, And touch the Dragon Gate for good luck.

Don’t miss this place when in Kunming.

For climbing Xishan, two routes are recommended:

1️⃣ A: Take a minibus from the foot of the mountain to the Dragon Gate entrance

→ B: Take the cable car to the mountain top →

C: Walk downhill to see attractions (passing by the Dragon Gate) →

D: After descending, take a battery-powered car to the scenic entrance (position A).

Then, you can choose to either 1. take the Dianchi cable car to the other side or 2. take a minibus back to the foot of the mountain to catch the subway.

This is the popular group tour route, and the downhill part on segment C is not a detour.

However, be careful when it’s rainy as the path can be slippery. Those with knee issues should avoid this downhill route.

2️⃣ A: Take a minibus from the mountain foot to the Dragon Gate entrance →

D: Battery-powered car to the base of segment C →

C: Climb upwards to see attractions (passing by the Dragon Gate) to the mountain top →

B: From the mountain top, take a cable car down to the Dragon Gate entrance.

Then, you can choose to either cross Dianchi by cable car or buy a minibus ticket back to the subway station.

This route involves climbing from the base of the mountain to the top and then descending via the Dragon Gate cable car.

An advantage is that the view of Dianchi is better when coming down by cable car.

A drawback is a short detour is needed.

I took this route when it was rainy, and it felt pretty good.

There are photographers at the Dragon Gate cable car station, and the photos are immediately available, costing about 20 yuan each.

I also took a photo of a friendly older man on my way down.

Plan your route before buying tickets.

f you plan to take the Dianchi cable car to the opposite side, you don’t need to buy a return bus ticket.

Be careful not to make duplicate purchases.

The section from the mountain base to the Dragon Gate by minibus can also be walked; there are attractions along the way, and the minibus ride takes about 5-8 minutes.

5. Discovering Yunnan’s Culture (Yunnan Ethnic Village)

The Yunnan Ethnic Village is more than just a tourist spot; it’s a journey through the rich tapestry of 26 ethnic cultures.

As you wander through, the vibrant costumes, traditional dances, and unique architectures make it evident why Yunnan’s culture is celebrated.

Inside the ethnic village, you can see buildings from 25 minority groups in Yunnan.

At specific times, there are also performances or activities by these ethnic minorities, as shown in pictures 2 and 3.

For instance, in the Dai village, there’s a water-splashing activity that lets visitors experience the joy of their Water-Splashing Festival.

It’s recommended to refer to the schedule while touring.

Tickets: Separate for daytime and nighttime

• Adult daytime ticket: 90 yuan, discounted daytime ticket for students and elderly: 45 yuan (I bought the adult daytime ticket on a platform for 78 yuan, which was cheaper)
• Adult nighttime discounted ticket: 50 yuan, student and elderly nighttime discounted ticket: 45 yuan
• Ticket plus “Call of the Plateau” package: 190 yuan per person (“Call of the Plateau” is a performance; other performances are included in the ticket price)
• Ethnic Village Operating Hours : 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Daytime ticket touring hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Nighttime ticket touring hours: 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM

Additional paid services:

1⃣️ Hiring a tour guide: Mandarin 200 yuan for 3 hours, English 400 yuan for 3 hours. Guides generally wear ethnic costumes during the tour.

2⃣️ Battery-powered car service: 400 yuan for a 7-seater every 2 hours, 600 yuan for a 13-seater every 2 hours.

3⃣️ Mini-train service: 30 yuan per person. You can hop on and off anywhere. The service runs until 5:30 PM during the day.

4⃣️ Bicycle rental: 150 yuan for 2 hours.

5⃣️ Shared children’s car.

6⃣️ Feeding elephants, elephant food costs 30 yuan per serving.

7⃣️ Fees for the “Call of the Plateau” performance can be seen in picture 18. (

Some packages include both the performance and the ticket, totaling 190 yuan)

6. Yuantong Temple

Yuantong Temple is situated on Yuantong Street in the city area of Kunming.

It’s the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Kunming, established during the Nanzhao period of the Tang dynasty.

Over 1,200 years ago, when the Nanzhao king dispatched his son to expand the city, they built the “Putuoluo Temple” to suppress a troublesome dragon.

However, the temple was destroyed during a war in 1255 and was later rebuilt in 1301 and renamed “Yuantong Temple.”

The current layout dates back to the Qing dynasty.

Nestled among lush greens and serene ponds, the Yuantong Temple stands as a beacon of Buddhist culture.

A visit here is not just about the visuals but the feeling of peace that envelopes you.

Address: No. 30, Yuantong Street, Huashan Street

Ticket Price: 6 yuan

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday (6:00 AM to 12:00 AM)

Historical Sanctuary : Located at the foot of Yuantong Mountain, this temple is a peaceful sanctuary amidst the bustling city.

It has a long history and retains an ancient charm.

Included Offerings : The ticket includes 2 candles and 3 incense sticks.

Donation & Good Fortune Pastries : There’s a merit box where you can donate according to your wishes, and in return, you can take some pastries from the table – implying a progressive rise in fortune with each step.

Photography Restrictions : Remember not to take photos of the Buddha statues.

Feline Friends : There are several friendly cats in the temple, lazily basking in the sun.

Hidden Marine Life : It is said that there are clownfish in the pond beneath the Jiao Curse platform; you can try your luck.

The Temple Has Several Unique Features that Might Puzzle the Average Visitor:

• Downhill Design : Yuantong Temple has a unique downhill layout. Instead of ascending, visitors walk downhill, moving deeper into the temple.
• Distinctive Deities : While most temples’ main halls are named “Daxiong Treasure Hall” and enshrine Sakyamuni Buddha, Yuantong Temple’s main hall is named “Yuantong Treasure Hall.” It usually enshrines the Goddess of Mercy (Guanyin) but currently houses the “Three Bodies of Sakyamuni,” while Guanyin is placed in another hall.
• Dragons of Symbolism : Inside the “Yuantong Treasure Hall”, there are two huge, ten-meter-tall carved dragons that appear to be listening to Sakyamuni Buddha’s teachings, symbolizing the relationship between the imperial power and Buddhism.
• Melting Pot of Buddhist Traditions : Yuantong Temple uniquely houses elements of Han Buddhism, Southern Buddhism, and Tibetan Buddhism. The main hall enshrines golden statues representing the three forms of Buddha. There’s also a hall with a Southern Buddhist style, a hall dedicated to Sakyamuni Buddha, and statues representing masters from both major Tibetan Buddhist sects.

Behind the Yuantong Temple, the steep cliffs of Yuantong Mountain are lined with lush ancient trees and shrubs.

This spot is one of Kunming’s “Eight Great Scenic Views.”

Especially during sunset, the scenery is breathtaking.

The mountain rocks are adorned with precious carved inscriptions, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere with

• the distant sounds of bells,
• and Buddhist chants.

7. Dian Lake

At Dian Lake , especially the Lucheng Scenic Area, nature seems to paint a picture with every sunrise and sunset.

And if you’re at the Western Hill , the lake appears as a shimmering mirror, reflecting the skies.

Visit Duration: 5-7 hours

1. Boat Fun:

Cost: $90/hour per boat

• Check out the popular transparent boat that’s all the rage on social media! It’s perfect for fun photos and family bonding. But keep in mind, it’s a short ride. An hour is plenty!
• Need a ride? Go to: Haihong Wetland Park.

2. Haigeng Park:

Feed the red-beaked gulls (if it’s the right season)

• This park is great for a stroll to see the Dianchi Lake. You can also bike or have a picnic. In winter, you can see the red-beaked gulls that come from Siberia.
• Tip: If you’re skipping the boat fun, just head straight here. And if it’s gull season, bring some bread!

3. Kunming Cable Car:

Cost: $40 (one-way)

• Hop on to see the breathtaking view of Dianchi Lake! Each car can fit up to 6 people. You don’t have to share – avoid any awkwardness!
• There’s also the option to take a short electric cart ride for $10 to the main scenic area or just walk. If you’re feeling lazy, just take the cart!

4. Sanqing Pavilion:

• You can climb the mountain, but it’s a bit steep, especially for the elderly or kids. Take the small transport options for a comfy experience!

5. How to Get Back to the City?

• Best Way: Take the eco-friendly bus for $12.5 per person. Hop on near Nie Er’s tomb.
• Other Options: You can take the bus/subway and get off at the second-last stop (listen for announcements). If you prefer a cab, get one from the last stop. A ride back to Nanping Road walking street costs about $25-30.
• Not Recommended: Don’t take the cable car back. It’s pricier and you’ll need another cab!

8. What to Eat in Kunming

While the city offers a plethora of delicacies, wild mushrooms stand out.

Unique in flavor and rich in texture, they’re a culinary delight not to be missed!

Rice Noodles:

If you’re in Kunming, these meaty rice noodles can’t be missed!

Top of the list.

Right by my place, add some exciting stinky tofu and a sprinkle of spice for a treat.

From a renowned Kunming brand, you’ll love their thick tofu rice noodles.

Dive into their soup – it’s bursting with flavor!

You’ve got to taste it! Delicious is the word for their rice noodles!

Mushroom and meat rice noodles? One of a kind!

And guess what? They have honey-coated chicken feet too. Simple place, but trust me, their rice noodles are lip-smacking good.

Get ready for a big bowl packed with taste, no extras needed.

Everyone’s talking about this modern spot! Their rice noodles bring something new to the table.

Yunnan Special Dishes:

It’s buzzing at this place! It’s cozy, so remember to go early and grab a spot.

Planning a group outing?

Here you’ll find ample food in a heartwarming atmosphere.

Feeling adventurous? Their insect platter is the talk of Yunnan.

Out of all chain restaurants, this one wins my heart. True flavors await! Their fried ribs? The finest in Kunming.

Ever had smoked ribs? Theirs are a delight, plus they offer deals for groups.

Experience Dali dishes in style: food served on overhead trays with delightful singing.

Their chicken and crispy potatoes stand out! A no-fuss place, but guess what? The food speaks for itself.

Dai Flavors:

Step into a world with Dai decorations. Bringing a big group?

The peacock feast is a festive choice. Located in the heart of Kunming’s walkway.

Their herb grilled fish is a crowd-pleaser. Wallet-friendly and yummy!

Their roasted pork skin and belly are crowd favorites.

A hip Dai restaurant that feels just like that other popular place you know.

An undiscovered treasure serving genuine Dai-style grilled meat.

Unique Snacks:

This chain serves up black rice cakes with crispy fried dough and a sweet-spicy kick.

Breakfast goals! Time-tested snack corner in a vintage area.

Their rice cakes are gigantic! Mouthwatering rice cakes to grab and go, though a tad pricey.

Imagine grilled potatoes, tofu, rice cakes, and a world of flavors to choose from.

Bliss! Everyone’s raving about the Vietnamese roll stuffed with mushrooms.

Potato lovers rejoice! From spicy to tangy, they’ve got you covered.

Although it’s a tiny shop, their bamboo-flavored fried potatoes and sweet fries are dreamy.

Got a craving? Their zesty dumplings hit the spot.

Savor the crunch of their roasted pork feet, and guess what? They’re not oily.

Experience Yunnan in a cup with their signature milk tea.

The floral oolong with just a hint of sweetness is refreshing.

Matcha meets Oreo in their standout milk tea.

Two thumbs up!

Pocket-friendly milk tea bursting with ingredients. Cheers!

Book a Half-day Kunming Street Food Tour and savor every delicious bite!

9. Kunming Dragon Gate

Apart from its scenic beauty, the Kunming Dragon Gate holds significant historical importance. It’s like stepping back in time!

It costs 30 for the area and 25 for the cableway ride. If you just want the cableway experience, you can go straight to the Dianchi Cableway.

Guess what? From the Longmen area, you can see the whole Dianchi Lake!

It’s super cool! The ride down on the cableway is the best because you can see all of the lake’s beauty.

I really love the open-air cable car.

It’s a fun ride for 20 minutes, and the views are worth every penny!

If you love walking and climbing, Longmen has great paths.

It’s a bit steep, but the views at the top are worth it.

I had a blast walking up and riding the cableway down.

10. Why Kunming is the City of Eternal Spring

With its pleasant climate and the enchanting Flowers and Birds Market , it’s no wonder Kunming earned its nickname.

The market is a burst of colors, fragrances, and sounds, reflecting the city’s vibrancy.

Guide to Kunming’s Dounan Flower Market

Nestled in the heart of Kunming, the Dounan Flower Marke t is a vibrant kaleidoscope of colors and fragrances, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into China’s flourishing floral industry.

This guide takes you on a journey through its bustling lanes, unveiling the secrets and splendors of one of Asia’s largest flower markets.

Getting There:

Taking the subway is super easy! Transfer from Line 1 to Line 4 and get off at Jingui Street, Exit B.

You’ll be right at the main entrance of the flower market.

Don’t get off at Dounan; it’s a bit of a walk from there, and it’s not the best route.

Beware of Movable Vendors:

Stay clear of flowers sold by elderly men and women, especially from movable carts or stands.

These flowers might be discarded ones, painted to look fresh.

They might look good when you buy them, but they’ll show their true colors the next day.

Plus, there’s no telling if the paint used is safe.

I’ve made that mistake; the painted flowers I bought wilted and looked fake by the next day.

Buying Flower Crowns:

If you’re in the market for a flower crown, buy from established stalls.

Avoid those sold by the elderly as their flowers might not be the freshest.

Make sure the flowers aren’t painted.

A good flower crown should cost between 3-5 yuan.

They’re great for photos!

Choosing the Right Flowers:

Avoid flowers in mesh bags; their quality is hard to determine.

Instead, go for fresh cut flowers wrapped in cardboard, like the ones shown in the third photo.

I bought 20 roses for 5 yuan, and after some care, they blossomed beautifully at home.

When to Visit:

During the day, the market caters to tourists.

At night, it’s more for wholesalers.

At around 8 PM, the market closes briefly to stock up on fresh flowers.

If you visit around 9 PM, you’ll find the freshest flowers delivered continuously.

Plus, you might get a great deal as wholesalers place their orders.

Choosing Your Flowers:

Decide what type of flowers you want, then explore the fixed stalls in the market.

Flowers of the same type are usually clustered together, making it easy to compare.

Don’t be shy about asking for prices; you might get a pleasant surprise.

Always buy from established stalls in the market.

Market Layout:

The first floor has fresh-cut flowers like

• baby’s breath,
• sunflowers,
• and eucalyptus leaves.

The second floor offers

• succulents,
• vases, pots,
• and bonsai.

The third floor has

• essential oils,
• handmade soaps,
• flower teas,
• and beaded bracelets.

It’s a small area but has a cozy atmosphere.

Shipping Flowers:

There are many courier services on the first floor, but shipping can be expensive.

Instead, consider carrying your flowers home.

If you’re flying, as long as your flowers are within your carry-on or checked baggage weight limits, you’re good.

I carried my flowers as hand luggage; the flight attendants were super helpful in storing them.

If you check them in, consider packing them in a cardboard box for protection.

11. Kunming Golden Temple

Magnificent and awe-inspiring, the Golden Temple glistens under the sun, offering a spiritual experience like no other.

Guide to Jindian (Golden Temple) in Kunming

1. Transportation : Buses go directly to the entrance of the Golden Temple. (Entrance is free)

2. Food : There are snack stalls near the entrance and by the Tianmen. However, their taste is average and not highly recommended. Behind the Golden Temple hill, there are many rural restaurants that offer roasted chicken, roasted piglets, and lamb – great for group activities.

3. Mountain Overview : Although not a very high mountain, there’s plenty to see – mountains, flowers, scenery, birds, myth, and rich cultural history. It may seem uninteresting in youth, but as you age, every corner turns picturesque.

4. Daoist Symbolism :

• Step Count : The “Yingxian Bridge” to the first Tianmen consists of 72 steps, and from the first Tianmen to the second Tianmen, there are 26 steps.
• Symbolic Representation : They represent the Daoist 36 celestial masters and 72 earthly evils.
• Deities’ Domain : These 108 deities are under the command of the Xuanwu Emperor. As you enter the Tianmen, you step into the realm of Zhenwu.
• Tianmens’ Significance : The three Tianmens symbolize the highest realms in Daoism: Taiqing Sky, Shangqing Sky, and Yuqing Sky.

5. Historical References :

• Origins of Parrot Mountain : Outside the Taihe Palace gate, the Ming Dynasty left behind four characters “鹦鹉春深” on a red wall. In ancient times, many parrots were found here, leading to its name Parrot Mountain.
• Ming Feng Mountain Myth : Additionally, during the Ming Dynasty, many peacocks flew in these forests, which locals thought were phoenixes, giving it another name, “Ming Feng Mountain”.

6. Botanical Gardens :

Dive into a world of botanical wonders and lush landscapes as you explore the many facets of this garden.

Each section offers a unique blend of flora, from the delicate blooms to the towering greens, ensuring a mesmerizing experience for every visitor.

• Camellia Showcase : The botanical garden features a dedicated camellia garden.
• Burst of Blooms : Explore the greenhouse flower area.
• Azalea Attractions : Wander through the azalea garden.
• Aquatic Allure : Admire the serene water garden.
• Majestic Magnolias : Discover the magnolia garden.
• Rosy Retreat : Lose yourself in the rose garden.
• Bamboo Bliss : Explore the lush bamboo garden.
• Gymnosperm Gems : Visit the gymnosperm area.
• Precious Plants : View the rare and endangered plants area.
• Landscaping Wonders : Learn in the gardening demonstration area.
• Bonsai & Birds : Enjoy the parrot garden, which also serves as a bonsai area.
• Cedar Serenity : Relax in the cedar lawn garden.

7. Folklore :

• There’s a saying, “A mountain isn’t renowned for its height, but for the presence of immortals.”
• Folklore has it that Chen Yongbin encountered the immortal Lu Dongbin three times on Ming Feng Mountain. Lu indicated to Chen that this was a blessed and magical place, leading him to construct a palace here.

8. The Golden Temple :

• Material Revelation : The Golden Temple is not made of gold but cast in bronze.
• Historical Production : During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Yunnan was China’s leading producer of copper.
• Initial Inspiration : Inspired by a temple in Hubei, Daoist priest Xu Zhengyuan and Yunnan’s governor Chen Yongbin built the first copper temple.
• Emergence of a Moniker : This dazzling structure became known as the “Golden Temple.”
• Relocation : In the later years of the Ming Dynasty, as the fortunes of Yunnan’s Mu family declined, the first copper temple was relocated to Jizu Mountain in Binchuan.
• Wu Sangui’s Contribution : The present temple was cast by Wu Sangui to consolidate his rule and seek divine protection.

9. Historical Artifacts :

• After reconstructing the Zhenwu Copper Temple, a “Seven-Star Sword” was hung inside, representing the weapon Zhenwu used to conquer demons. Wu Sangui also left behind a 6 kg wooden-handled sword at Taihe Palace, showcasing his military prowess.

12. Daguan Yuan Park

A place where scenic beauty meets poetic charm.

Every corner of the Daguan Yuan Park whispers tales of ancient times.

Overview: Xishan District’s backyard for city dwellers.

• Tickets: Free of charge
• Directions: Navigate to Daguan Park or Daguan Tower. Accessible by bus or personal vehicle.
• Operating Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Recommended Duration of Visit: 3 hours (The park is expansive with plenty to see, do, and photograph.)

Highlights:

Daguan Park & Tower : The park is named after the “Daguan Tower” within its premises.

This tower is renowned for its hundred-character couplet.

Beyond the Daguan Tower, the park also boasts other historical structures:

Yu Garden : The former residence of the singer Yu Chengqing’s family.

Built by his ancestor, who was once the Mayor of Kunming, the red mansion seen today is a renovated version.

However, some ancient buildings within the premises still stand sentinel, preserving the history of this grand estate.

Lu’s Villa : The private villa of the Yunnan military officer, Lu Daoyuan.

Currently well-preserved, this villa comprises traditional Chinese architectures.

It features three pavilions, with the “Bu Xi Zhou Stone Boat” being the most renowned and picturesque.

Scenic Beauty & Flora : Adjacent to Cao Hai, aside from its historical architectures, Daguan Park promises mesmerizing views along its extended coastal lines.

You can gaze across the waters at the “Sleeping Beauty” of Xishan.

Visitors can look forward to:

Recreations & Entertainment : Beyond leisurely strolls, the park also hosts a plethora of fun-filled activities and games:

• Drop tower.
• Ferris wheel.
• Bumper cars…

As you venture through Kunming, each experience, from the tranquil shores of Dianchi Lake to the bustling Bird and Flower Market, weaves a story of Yunnan’s rich tapestry.

This city, with its delightful blend of nature and culture, undoubtedly earns its place on any traveler’s bucket list.

Whether you’re marvelling at the Stone Forest’s unique formations or indulging in local delicacies, Kunming promises a journey of unforgettable moments.

So, pack your adventurous spirit and explore these 12 gems that make Kunming truly remarkable.

Happy travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best time to visit Kunming? A: Spring and autumn are ideal, thanks to the pleasant weather.

Q: Can I find English guides at the Yunnan Nationalities Village? A: Yes, many guides are multilingual, including English.

Q: Is it safe to eat street food in Kunming? A: Generally, yes. But it’s always a good idea to eat at popular spots and check hygiene standards.

Q: How long should I spend at the Stone Forest? A: At least half a day to truly soak in its magnificence.

Q: Are there any entry fees for the Western Hills? A: Yes, there’s a nominal fee, but the panoramic views make it worth every penny!

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11 Best Things to Do in Kunming 2023 (Plus a Food Guide!)

Kunming boasts a rich history spanning over 2,000 years of city building, along with intriguing prehistoric and ancient Dian cultures that are just waiting for you to dive into.

Being the central hub of Yunnan, Kunming serves as the launchpad for travelers heading south to the vibrant Xishuangbanna and west to the captivating regions of Dali and Lijiang, where you’ll find some of the most colorful ethnic traditions in all of China.

What’s striking here is the friendly and welcoming nature of the locals. Shaped over time by the influences of various ethnic groups, Kunming folks have a unique vibe that sets them apart from other Chinese cities.

And let’s not forget the fact that Kunming is a true “flower city,” boasting a bustling flower market where you can score all sorts of blooms, including beautiful blue and red roses, all at wallet-friendly prices.

So, in this travel guide, I’m here to give you the lowdown on Kunming – from its vibrant ethnic culture to the best things to see and do, to where you can savor some delicious local grub and pretty much anything you’re curious to learn about this city.

You might also be interested in: ⛰️ Ultimate Travel Guide to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in 2023

Table of Contents

🌟kunming travel planning guide, 🌏 where is kunming located, 👑 top must-visit places in kunming, ⭐ where to eat in kunming, 😋 what to eat in kunming, ☀️ best time to visit kunming, 🏨 where to stay in kunming, 🌸final tips on traveling to kunming, china travel planning guide&faq.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can learn more about this in my disclosure policy.

Considering a last-minute trip to Kunming? 🇨🇳 Top Activities and Tours in Kunming: 1. 1 Day Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Cave Tour 2. 1-Day Dongchuan Red Land Photography Private Tour from Kunming 3. Yunnan Wet Market + Wild Mushroom Hotpot +Tofu Making Eco Tour 4. Half-day Kunming Street Food Tour 🏨 Top Hotels in Kunming: CitiGO Hotel (⭐️ 4.8 budget-friendly) Sofitel Kunming Hotel (⭐️ 4.7 mid-range) HUALUXE Kunming (⭐️ 4.8 mid-range) Mengjing Wangyue Courtyard Hotel (⭐️ 4.9 budget-friendly) 🌐Make sure to install ExpressVPN in advance for unrestricted internet access during your stay in China!

Kunming is the capital city of Yunnan province in southwestern China. It’s known for its pleasant climate, diverse ethnic cultures, and scenic landscapes. Situated in the southern part of the country, Kunming is nestled in a mountainous region, often referred to as the “Spring City” due to its mild and temperate climate throughout the year. It serves as a gateway to exploring the rich cultural and natural wonders of Yunnan, including the famous Stone Forest and Dianchi Lake.

1. Dianchi Lake

If you visit Kunming, a must-visit destination is Dianchi Lake, situated at an altitude of 1,886 meters above sea level. Dianchi Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan Province spanning 330 square kilometers, is fed by over 20 rivers, earning it the moniker “A Pearl on the Plateau.”

During the months of November to March, Dianchi Lake becomes a winter home to thousands of black-headed gulls. One of the prime spots to witness these gulls is near the Haigeng Dam on the lake’s edge.

Near the dam, you can purchase a bag of bird feed for CNY 10, or alternatively, bring your own bread or other treats to offer to the gulls.

For an optimal travel route, start by taking a car to Haigeng Park. From there, enjoy a leisurely walk or a bike ride along the picturesque Dianchi Lake. For the best experience, it’s highly recommended to feed the gulls at Haigeng Dam in the morning or during the evening hours. The least recommended time for this activity is around noon, when the gulls might be less active.

Where do the black-headed gulls at Dianchi Lake come from?

🔴Chinese: 滇池, Dian Chi 🎫Admission ticket: Free

2. Western Hills

Western Hills, positioned on the west bank of Dianchi Lake, stands as Kunming’s tallest peak. It’s a favored destination for locals seeking a pleasant environment with lush forests and blooming flowers for weekend leisure.

Noteworthy attractions at Western Hills encompass Huating Temple, Taihua Temple, Sanqing Pavilion, and Dragon Gate.

Sanqing Pavilion, a distinct Taoist complex, initially served as the emperor’s summer retreat during the Yuan Dynasty. Ascending more than 1,000 stone steps, the pavilion gives the illusion of a “castle in the air” and provides both temple exploration and sweeping views of Dianchi Lake.

Dragon Gate showcases a karst landscape primarily composed of limestone. Along the way, visitors encounter reliefs, stone carvings, and caves. From Dragon Gate’s summit, one can gaze upon the expansive Dianchi Lake.

Following your visit to Western Hills, consider heading to Chamahua Street at the mountain’s base to savor a variety of Yunnan delicacies, including roasted rushan cheese crossing-the-bridge noodles and more.

P.S. It is highly recommended to take the ropeway to Western Hills for its panoramic views, allowing you to admire Dianchi Lake from a lofty vantage point.

🚗How to get there: Take Line 3 of the Metro to Western Hill Station, followed by a southeastward walk of approximately 1.5 kilometers to reach.

🔴Chinese: 西山, Xi Shan 🎫Admission ticket: CNY 30 🎫Combo Ticket: CNY 70 (This includes the entrance fee for Dragon Gate, a one-way ride on the Dragon Gate ropeway, a one-way journey on the sightseeing battery car, and a round-trip on the tourist bus.) ⏰Opening hours: 8:30 – 17:30 ⏳Recommended Time for a Visit: 3 – 4 hours

3. Green Lake Park

Green Lake Park, positioned at the heart of Kunming, lies opposite the main entrance of Yunnan University, steeped in numerous historical recollections of the city.

A visit to Green Lake Park offers not only the chance to admire its ancient edifices but also to explore a museum cluster. Furthermore, Kunming Old Street is conveniently located nearby.

This park beckons visitors throughout the year, showcasing cherry blossoms in spring, lotus blooms in summer, autumnal foliage, and seagull feeding in winter. It is renowned as a prime spot for gull watching, with the best viewing window from November to March, with November as the peak time.

The most vibrant moments at Green Lake Park occur during weekends, when people from diverse ethnic backgrounds gather to partake in traditional folk dances and music.

⭐Recommended attractions: Goldfish Island, Bamboo Forest Island, Palm Islet, Haixin Pavilion, Zhonghai Pavilion

🚗How to get there: Take bus 100, 101, 124, 133, 235, or Z5 to Cuihu Dongmen (East Gate of the Green Lake Park) Station

🔴Chinese: 翠湖公园, Cui Hu Gong Yuan 🎫Admission ticket: Free ⏰Opening hours: 07:00 – 23:00

4. Yunnan University (Donglu Campus)

As you step into Yunnan University, you’ll immediately notice an eclectic mix of building styles that catch your eye. You’ll come across the iconic Huize Hall, the traditionally-styled Gong Hall, Zhigong Hall, and the charming courtyard-style Yingqiu Hall.

The Donglu campus, snugly nestled beside Green Lake Park, offers a unique blend of Western elegance and ancient Chinese charm, all in a peaceful setting.

But the real magic of Yunnan University reveals itself during two special seasons: March, when begonias burst into bloom, and November, when the ginkgo trees turn a brilliant yellow. Yunda Ginkgo Road, stretching about 300 meters from Wenyuan Hall to Huize Hall, becomes an absolute must-visit for folks in Kunming who want to revel in the beauty of autumn ginkgoes.

🔴Chinese: 云南大学, Yunnan Da Xue 🎫Admission ticket: Free (advance booking required) 📍Location: No.2 Cui Hu North Street

5. Kunming Old Street

Kunming Old Street, kickstarted back in the Ming Dynasty, boasts a whopping 900-year history. It weaves through various streets like Guanghua Street, Jingxing Street, Wenmiao Street, Qianwang Street, and Wenming Street…, creating a charming web of old streets and alleys.

As you stroll along, you’ll be surrounded by the architectural splendor of the Ming and Qing dynasties—think weathered stone roads, red brick walls, black-tiled roofs, and intricately carved wooden windows. These elements serve as living relics of Kunming’s bygone era, with old taverns, teahouses, workshops, and apothecaries sharing tales of the city’s past.

This old street is a culinary treasure trove , offering local delights like Rice Noodles with Tofu Puddings, Yunnan Stuffed Buns, Roast Rice Cakes, and delectable flower cakes, all served up in charming wooden buildings.

Getting around is a breeze, and there’s no shortage of accommodation options nearby . Whether you’re into upscale hotels or budget-friendly stays, you’ll find the perfect lodging to suit your preferences.

🚗How to get there: Take Bus 1, 2, 54, 61, 69 and Bus 237 to the Stop of Wenmiao (文庙).

🔴Chinese: 昆明老街, Kunming Lao Jie 🎫Admission ticket: Free ⏰Opening hours: Open 24 hours

6. Guandu Ancient Town

Head southeast from Kunming’s city center, about 10 kilometers away, and you’ll stumble upon the renowned Guandu Ancient Town. This place is a historical and cultural gem, often considered one of the origins of Yunnan Culture.

The charm of Guandu Ancient Town lies in its old-world vibe, boasting “six temples, seven pavilions, and eight shrines” within a compact area of less than 1.5 square kilometers.

Delve into the rich tapestry of intangible cultural heritage that Guandu Ancient Town has to offer. Explore places like the Yunnan Chinese Chess Museum, Carved Copper Workshop (乌铜走银传习馆), and Yunnan Opera Workshop (滇剧花灯传习馆) to immerse yourself in the local culture.

And for all you food lovers out there, Guandu Ancient Town is your culinary playground. From the famous Guandu Baked Cake (Guandu Baba) and hearty rice noodles to Ersi, Shao Erkuai, and mouthwatering Western Yunnan and Burmese fare at spots like Ah Bo’s Burmese Cuisine or Kaili-style Sour Soup Chicken—these are all beloved delicacies that even the seasoned residents of old Kunming can’t resist!

⭐Recommended attractions: Miaozhan Temple (the No. 1 of the six temples), Jingang Pagoda, Tuzhu Temple, Fading Temple, Linyun Pavilion.

🚗How to get there: Take Bus 31, 165, 169, 174, 185, 908, and Bus k15 to the Stop of Guandu Guzhen

🔴Chinese: 官渡古镇, Guandu Gu Zhen 🎫Admission ticket: Free

7. Yunnan Provincial Museum

Established back in 1951, the Yunnan Provincial Museum is your go-to spot for all things art and history. They’ve got an impressive collection of over 230,000 pieces, covering everything from bronze ware and ancient coins to porcelain, old-school Chinese paintings, stone tablet rubbings, and even stamps.

Head up to the second and third floors, and you’ll find six permanent exhibitions that’ll walk you through Yunnan’s journey from ancient days to modern times. And if you’re down on the first floor, you’ll stumble upon some special exhibitions.

When it comes to Yunnan’s cultural treasures, bronze ware takes the cake . It’s not just a big deal in Yunnan’s history but also a heavyweight in the global bronze scene. This Yunnan bronze culture, with its spotlight on the Bronze Vessels of the Dian Kingdom, packs a punch in terms of artistic flair and cultural depth. It’s been turning heads worldwide since the last century.

If you happen to find yourself hanging out in the first-floor lobby of the museum, don’t miss the chance to savor some real-deal Yunnan Coffea Arabica.

🚗How to get there: Take bus no. 31, 174, 185, 186, 232, 253, 255, 908, C85, C142, C143, or K15, and get off at Guandu Guzhen Station, and then walk about 500 meters to get there.

🔴Chinese: 云南省博物馆, Yunnan Sheng Bo Wu Guan 🎫Admission ticket: Free (no reservation is required in advance) ⏰Opening hours: 9:00 – 17:00 (closed on Mondays)

8. Dounan Flower Market

If you’re a flower fanatic, the Yunnan Dounan Flower Market is basically your version of paradise. People say if it exists in the world of flowers, you’ll find it here. Plus, compared to other flower markets across China, the prices here are pretty budget-friendly.

Dounan Flower Market is huge and split into various sections. Down on the first floor of the main hall, you’ve got a treasure trove of all kinds of blooms. Pop up to the second floor, and you’re in succulent plant paradise. There’s even more to explore – Flower Boutique Hall in Hall 1, Huadu Souvenir Hall in Hall 2 (they’ve got cool flower-related products), Life & Art in Hall 3, and Ocean World in Hall 5, along with other spots making up the Flower Culture and Art District. It’s a full-on flower fiesta!

If you’re planning a visit, aim to get there after 4:00 PM. The place really comes to life from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Daytime is for retail therapy, but once the sun sets, it’s all about wholesale flower deals.

🚗How to get there: Take subway line 1 or line 2 and get off at the Dounan Flower Market Station. Walk around 5–8 minutes to the market areas.

🔴Chinese: 斗南花市, Dou Nan Hua Shi 🎫Admission ticket: Free ⏰Opening hours: 9：00 – 24：00

9. Stone Forest Scenic Area

The mind-blowing Yunnan Stone Forest, tucked away in Shilin Yi Nationality Autonomous County, about 120 kilometers from Kunming. This place is like a nature wonderland, sitting between 1500 to 1900 meters above sea level. People swear it’s a spot where winter forgets to be chilly, summer keeps its cool, and every day feels like a gentle spring hug.

Mother Nature must have had a field day shaping these hard rocks into the extraordinary formations you see today. When you wander through the stone forest, you’ll come across clusters of peaks, mysterious caves, serene lakes, cascading waterfalls, and hidden underground rivers, each rock telling its own unique tale.

The Stone Forest Scenic Area is packed with incredible spots, including the Greater and Small Stone Forests, Naigu Stone Forest, Zhiyun Cave, Long Lake, Moon Lake, Qifeng Cave, and the Dadie Waterfalls.

Greater Stone Forest

It’s sprawling, with a sea of dense stone peaks. These peaks stand tall and proud, with some reaching over 40 meters high.

Small Stone Forest

Nestled in the northeast of the Greater Stone Forest, it’s on the smaller side but packs a punch with its most famous attraction, Ashima Stone.

Naigu Stone Forest

Covering a solid 10 square kilometers, Naigu Stone Forest is the whole package. It’s got spiky stones, karst caves, a grand waterfall, vast grasslands, and a black volcanic block causeway that’s all shades of impressive. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel small in the grand scheme of nature’s artistry.

P.S. To make the most of your visit, consider hiring a guide who can regale you with the fascinating stories of the Stone Forest Scenic Area.

🚗How to get there: the most practical and fastest way is to hire a private car with a driver.

10. Jiuxiang Scenic Area

Jiuxiang Scenic Area, a short hop from the Stone Forest, is a real gem in the world of national scenic spots, all about that breathtaking karst cave vibe; it’s packing one of the planet’s biggest clusters of caves .

Now, once you’re in, you’re in for a visual treat. Picture this: lush forests, cascading cave waterfalls, meandering rivers, dramatic canyons, stalagmites, stone columns – it’s a wild mix. Inside those caves, it’s like a disco with those lights flickering and colors going all wild. Especially up top of the cave, those stone columns and stalagmites come together in a glorious mashup.

The cave’s vast and winding, riddled with holes within holes, earning it the name “Karst Caves Museum.” Honestly, the cave’s interior is so mind-blowing, that words struggle to capture it all.

Green Shady Valley , it’s a kilometer of pure greenery, flanked by a sea of lush trees. For a real thrill, hop on a boat and cruise through the canyon – your voice is gonna echo off those towering cliffs.

Then there’s the Grand Underground Valley – an underground canyon like no other in China. It’s over 100 meters high and 3-5 meters wide, with those sharp cliffs and a river that’s in a hurry.

Don’t miss the Twin Waterfalls , this beauty forms when two streams of water merge and take a 30-meter plunge from a high cliff into an underground cave. It’s like nature’s own water show!

🚗How to get there: Private vehicle service would make the tour more convenient and better use your limited time.

🔴Chinese: 九乡风景区, Jiu Xiang Feng Jing Qu 🎫Admission ticket: CNY 60 ⏰Opening hours: 09:00 – 18:00

11. Dongchuan Red Land

Dongchuan Red Land, you could say, is a stunning little corner near Kunming. It’s roughly 200 kilometers from Kunming and just about 40-50 kilometers from Dongchuan itself.

When we talk about “Red Land,” we’re talking about a place called Huashitou Village . Right in the heart of this spot, in the surrounding 20 kilometers or so, you’ll find the densest, most typical, and most unique red soil anywhere in the Yunnan highlands. Some folks even reckon it’s the most jaw-dropping red land you’ll come across worldwide, second only to Brazil.

Yunnan enjoys a warm and humid climate, and over time, the iron in the soil goes through a slow and dazzling transformation as it oxidizes.

The beauty here is on display all year round: in February and March, you’ll see the red land blending with traces of snow; come April and May, the wheat fields turn golden ripe. Then, from September to December, some parts of the red soil have been freshly plowed while others are adorned with green barley or wheat and other crops.

When you take in this panorama from afar, it’s like a painting you’d only find in dreams, set against a backdrop of blue skies and fluffy white clouds, creating a truly spectacular red land scenery.

Now, the red land attractions are scattered around, but they all revolve around Huashitou Village, giving you three main ways to explore: the northwest route, the northeast route, and the southern route.

Northwest Route: Damakan – Qicaipo – Jinxiuyuan

Damakan, it’s the name of a village, and it’s just a short 5 kilometers down the road from Huashitou Village. You should find yourself up on this high slope by the roadside – the ultimate spot for capturing those stunning red land vistas and catching the most epic sunrise. The prime shooting time? You’re looking at around 6 or 7 in the morning, right before the sun peeks over the horizon.

This is when every household is in full breakfast mode, and you’ve got these wisps of smoke floating through the air. As the morning sun plays hide-and-seek through the trees and dances with the mist created by the temperature difference, trust me, your photos are going to be next-level stunning.

A word to the wise: it can get pretty chilly in the early hours, and since you’ll be perched up on the vent for that killer shot, make sure to bundle up and stay warm.

Up in the northern reaches of Huashitou Village, you’ll stumble upon Qicaipo, a big name in the Dongchuan Red Land scene. It’s like the poster child for China’s Red Land, renowned for its vibrant, eye-popping layers of color . The red land at Qicaipo is like a burst of fireworks, hitting you right in the feels.

This spot is no low-rider; it’s perched up high, and when you stand there and gaze out over the Qicaipo’s red land, your eyeballs are in for a real treat. Peering down from the slope’s peak, the natural red soil splashes a brilliant palette, almost reaching up to the sky. From a distance, it’s like Gog himself took a brush and painted a vivid canvas, showcasing an irresistible blend of colors and those graceful curves.

Now, when you’re on that hillside, break out the wide-angle lens for some seriously rich shots. And here’s the cool part – you can add a touch of human vibe to your photos by snapping the local farmers hard at work in the fields. It’s got that real down-to-earth, human touch that’ll make your shots pop.

Jinxiuyuan, it’s like the twin of Qicaipo, rocking the same colorful and beautiful layers. When the wind picks up, it’s like a dance party with the crops in the red land swaying and grooving to the rhythm—so vibrant and alive. Plus, there’s this big rolling hillside right here that’s just waiting to be explored.

Northeast Route: Luoxiagou – Laolongshu – Yueliangtian

Luoxiagou, it’s like this standout hill deep in a valley, with farmland and villages on top, hugged by mountains all around. Now, if you’re chasing that perfect sunset, this is the place to be.

When the sun starts its descent, the red earth in Luoxiagou throws back the shadow of fluffy white clouds, creating this cool layered effect of light and dark. It’s a sunset view you don’t wanna miss.

Meet Laolongshu, the sacred tree – a massive, ancient fir tree that’s been around for a cool thousand years. It went through a rough patch when it shriveled up for three years, but then it bounced back, sprouting new branches like t was no big deal.

For thousands of years, this old tree has been standing guard over this huge red land, just like a solemn and sacred warrior god.

Yueliangtian

Yueliangtian, a bit of a trek at 20 km from Huashitou Village, is a breathtaking mix of terraced fields and valleys. It’s the only place in Huagou Village where rice thrives in those terraces.

Spring is the time to visit, catching the paddy fields in their prime right after they’ve been irrigated. For the best shots, set your sights on April and May when those fields glisten, mirroring the vivid blue sky and fluffy white clouds.

But that’s not all – there’s a stunning canyon scene right by Yueliangtian. When you blend the canyon and terraces, you get these captivating lines and layers, making it a paradise for photographers.

Southern Route: Yuepu’ao – Luosiwan

Yuepu’ao.

Just a stone’s throw from Huashitou Village, you’ll find Yuepu’ao, a cozy little hillside. The red land views here are something else, known for their sleek and stunning lines, much like what you’d see at Qicaipo. Those charming villages all neatly arranged nearby just make the whole scene even better. If you’re gunning for the best shots, make it here right after sunrise.

Luosiwan, less than 1 km from Yuepu’ao. This place is dotted with plenty of houses, which can add some serious charm to your shots when you’re framing your pictures.

Transportation and Lodging

🚗How to get to Dongchuan Red Land : When it comes to getting around in the Dongchuan Red Land, there aren’t any shuttle buses in sight. This place is pretty vast, so you’ll need your own wheels.

The easiest way to explore is by booking a tour or getting yourself a chartered bus. If you’re crunched for time, you can pretty much cover everything in a single day with a chartered bus.

However, if you want to catch those epic sunrise and sunset views, it’s a good idea to plan for a day and a half to fully enjoy and capture the beauty of this place.

🏨About accommodation : In the villages surrounding the Red Land, numerous farmhouses have sprung up recently. They provide food, transportation, and a place to stay. If you’re into photography, just hit up the owner for tips, but keep in mind, English isn’t their strong suit in this minority area. Even Mandarin might be a bit of a language hurdle.

Accommodations here are pretty straightforward. In the off-season, you’re looking at around CNY 60-100, which covers your meals too. However, when peak season hits, brace yourself for prices to soar to 2-3 times that amount.

🔴Chinese: 东川红土地, Dong Chuan Hong Tu Di 🎫Admission ticket: Free ⏰Opening hours: Open 24 hours

Nanqiang Street

Nanqiang Street , with a history of over 90 years, embodies that classic Kunming vibe. It’s the go-to spot for a diverse food scene at the heart of Kunming .

Here, you’re in for a treat with not just local favorites like rice noodles, but also exciting options like seafood paella and ramen. And hey, if you’re up for a chill time, there are cozy cafes where you can soak in the relaxed Kunming pace.

Yuanxi Road

Yuanxi Road , right by Yunnan University, is a popular snacking haven in Kunming , always drawing curious explorers. This street is teeming with small, hidden gem restaurants, some of which you might not even know about unless someone tips you off.

Think of Dajiale’s famous golden pig feet that have been a hit for over two decades, the must-visit Yuanxi barbecue joint, and don’t forget to sample Yangdama Paocai’s delectable fruit pickles . This street, just a few hundred meters long, is perfect for leisurely strolls, where you can easily lose track of time.

Chamahua Street

When talking about snack streets in Kunming, Chamahua Street at the base of the Western Hills is a must-mention. This lively street is a culinary hub, not only showcasing Kunming’s own delicacies but also offering a taste of other Yunnan cities.

Picture grilled rushan (a milk-based delight), refreshing cold rice noodles, and savory roast beef and lamb. If you’re eager to savor the flavors of Yunnan all in one go, Chamahua Street is the place to be.

Xiangyun Street

During my visit to Kunming, I discovered a delightful surprise – the local practice of pickling fruits like pineapples and peaches. There’s this inconspicuous fruit pickles shop tucked away on Xiangyun Street (at No. 49 Xiangyun Street) that lures in a steady stream of curious visitors.

And if you’re in the mood for more culinary adventures, you’ll find other popular spots nearby, like sugar water shops and the Wuyishan baked cakes shop, well worth checking out.

Shuangqiao Night Market

Shuangqiao Night Market is a year-round hotspot, and the evenings there are a real buzz. It’s not just a food haven; it’s a hub for all sorts of entertainment. When you visit, you can relish in delights like roasted tofu, mouthwatering hot pots, and flavorful kebabs—a true source of joy.

Wild Mushroom Street

Situated adjacent to the nation’s largest wholesale wild mushroom market , this street is a culinary paradise for mushroom enthusiasts. It’s dotted with restaurants that serve up a diverse array of mushroom dishes.

If you find yourself in Yunnan during the rainy season (from May to July), a visit to this renowned mushroom street is a must. Indulge in the delightful flavors and taste the goodness of freshly harvested mushrooms.

Rice Noodles

In Kunming, you’ll never grow weary of digging into rice noodles. Out of all the noodle options, the big names are cross-bridge rice noodles, small pot rice noodles, and Rice Noodles with Tofu Puddings.

But here’s the scoop: while cross-bridge rice noodles have earned their stripes nationwide, it’s small pot rice noodles and Rice Noodles with Tofu Puddings that truly hit the spot for the folks in Kunming.

Small Pot Rice Noodles

When it comes to small pot rice noodles, each bowl is a solo act, cooked up in a little pot with its own special sauce, a heap of tasty ingredients, and a flavorful broth. What sets it apart is that you can jazz it up with extra fixings as you please. The authentic way to savor small pot rice noodles is to toss in some minced meat, Chinese leek, and pickled veggies, and don’t forget a piece of pungent stinky tofu on a long stick – and boom, it’s ready to serve!

🏠 Shops recommendation:

• Tie Pengxiaoguo Rice Noodles
• Gaoji Traditional Pot Rice Noodles

Rice Noodles with Tofu Puddings

Rice Noodles with Tofu Puddings come in two flavors: meat and vegetarian. The main difference? Whether there’s some saucy meat action going on. In the meat version, you’ll find sauce-soaked meat, chili peppers, and pickled veggies all mingling with those fresh, silky, white tofu puddings. It’s a symphony of salty, spicy, sour, and sweet flavors that come together to create a wonderfully complex and rich taste.

• Desheng Bridge Douhua Rice Noodles
• Sanwan Tofu Pudding Rice Noodles
• Xinying Tradition Douhua Rice Noodles

Steamed Rice Cake (Ersi)

Ersi, a quintessential Kunming snack, starts with high-quality local paddy rice as its primary ingredient. This rice is transformed into rice blocks, which are then cut into noodle-shaped Ersi.

You can enjoy Ersi in various ways—boiled, fried, or marinated. When you tuck into a bowl of Ersi, you’ll experience the magic: the thick, flavorful soup seeps into the soft and chewy Ersi, mingling with fresh meat, peas, ham, and other ingredients. It’s like a warm, hearty hug in a bowl.

🏠 Shop recommendation:

• Laosan Jia Qujing Zhengersi

Steam-Pot Chicken

Steam-pot chicken is all about cooking chicken in a pot over boiling water. The unique aspect of steam-pot chicken is that the cooking method allows the chicken to retain its natural flavors and tenderness. The steam condenses into a flavorful broth, preserving the chicken’s original taste. Fuzhao Lou in Kunming is the place to be if you’re craving this mouthwatering specialty.

Dai Cuisine

Kunming’s got a whole bunch of delicious eats, and you can’t leave out Dai cuisine. Their tangy and spicy flavors are like a direct hit of summer for the locals.

Think secret lemon shrimp, chilled lemon chicken, pineapple rice, and sour soup hot pot – these zesty Dai dishes are sure to wake up your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Super tasty stuff!

• Mangshi Daijia

Wild Mushroom Hot-pot

The prime time for savoring wild mushrooms in Kunming is early summer—specifically, June and July. During these months, you’re in for a treat with the Yunnan Wild Mushroom Hot Pot. It’s like a special summer edition in Yunnan’s culinary scene. Yunnan’s got this crazy cool nature scene with all kinds of wild mushrooms, and this hot-pot dish really takes advantage of all that natural goodness.

• Yunjunyuan Hot Pot

Yunnan Stuffed Bun

Yunnan Stuffed Bun is like the real deal snack in Kunming! It’s got layers of fluffy, perfectly shaped dough that you can pop into your mouth all at once or tear into, enjoying each layer. Back in the day, these buns were stuffed with hams, diced meat, minced mushrooms, and the classics. Nowadays, they’ve gone all fancy with new flavors like sweet sesame peanut and milk brown sugar fillings. Yum!

• Heilong Bridge Posu Steamed Stuffed-Bun Restaurant
• Zhousuji Posubao

Guandu Baked Cake (Guandu Baba)

In the Kunming dialect, “Baba” translates to “cake,” and when you stroll the streets of Guandu, you’ll spot plenty of folks clutching their Guandu Baked Cakes, munching away as they walk.

Now, these Guandu Baked Cakes come in a variety of flavors, like bean paste, meat, and pickled vegetables, even rose sesame—so you’ve got plenty of tasty options to choose from.

• Authentic Guandu Baba

Yunnan Arabic Coffee

When you find yourself in Kunming, you absolutely gotta get a taste of Yunnan Arabic Coffee. The region boasts some fantastic environments that are just perfect for growing this coffee, so you know it’s top-notch. This coffee has that right balance of acidity, a powerful aroma, and a smooth, mellow flavor.

You can pick up some coffee beans at specialty shops scattered around Kunming. Take ’em home and brew up your own delicious cup. But if you’re in more of a try-before-you-buy mood, swing by a coffee shop on Kunming Old Street.

• Maan Coffee

Flower Cake

Kunming is a flower paradise, and you’ll find flower cakes aplenty on its streets. The star of the show is the Kunming flower cake, primarily crafted from luscious rose petals. While there are other floral flavors available these days, the classic choice that still reigns supreme is the timeless rose flower cake.

• Jiahua Flowers Pastry
• Huamanlou Flower Cake

Roast Rice Cake

You won’t believe how popular Shao Erkuai is in Kunming! It’s this unique local snack that you can easily spot at any corner or street in the city.

Erkuai is made from different types of local rice. They take these thin, round pieces and toast them over charcoal until they turn fluffy and slightly chewy. And they’re dressed up with a range of sauces and side goodies to suit your taste.

The most basic combo involves wrapping it around a deep-fried dough stick, but if you’re feeling fancy, you can go all out with chicken, poached eggs, hams, and more. That’s how you do it like a true local!

• Houxiangruan Shao’erkuai

Xuanwei Ham

The folks in Kunming have a special fondness for ham, especially the renowned “Xuanwei ham.” It’s big in size, light on bones, boasts delicate skin, thick meat, and just the right balance of fat and lean meat.

In traditional Dian cuisine, it’s a go-to ingredient for enriching the flavors of hearty stews and soups. Plus, taking some home to add that mouthwatering touch to stir-fries is always a delicious idea!

• Xuanwei Laopujia Ham

Stone Forest Milk Cake

Stone forest milk cake is like this cool cheese whipped up by the local Yi folks in Yunnan. They make it from goat’s milk and it’s got this amazing milky fragrance going on.

In the world of Yunnan grub, you’ve got this famous dish called “steamed milk cake with ham.” Basically, they steam this milk cake along with Xuanwei ham. It’s like a wild mix of creamy milk vibes and that salty ham goodness. It’s kinda quirky, but trust me, it tastes oh-so-good!

• Daguan Zhuanxin Farmers’ Market

🛫 How Do I Travel to Kunming

Kunming changshui international airport.

Kunming Changshui International Airport stands as one of China’s key regional hub airports, boasting significant annual passenger traffic. Kunming is frequently hailed as a prime transit city in China, with popular transit routes like Kunming-Xishuangbanna, Kunming-Tengchong, Kunming-Mangshi, and Kunming-Puer.

For those aiming to reach downtown from the airport, here are a few options:

• Taxi : A taxi ride takes about 30 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 28 kilometers from the city.
• Airport Bus : Opt for the airport bus for a direct journey to the city, lasting around 40 minutes and costing CNY 25. Board the bus at the Kunming Station city terminal.
• Subway : Take Line 6 to reach the city and transfer to other subway lines to reach various scenic areas. The subway operates daily from 06:20 to 22:55.

Kunming Railway Station

The Kunming Railway Station serves as the originating and terminating point for three major railway lines: the Shanghai-Kunming Railway, the Chengdu-Kunming Railway, and the Nanning-Kunming Railway. Additionally, it holds a pivotal role as a significant railway transportation hub station in the southwestern region of China.

Kunming boasts a perpetual spring-like vibe, making it an incredibly pleasant city year-round. It’s the kind of place you’ll fall in love with, regardless of when you decide to visit.

The weather in Kunming follows a low-latitude subtropical plateau mountain monsoon pattern. Warm, humid air from the southwest Indian Ocean ensures ample sunshine and minimal frost year-round.

The annual average temperature hovers around 15°C, and Kunming experiences the smallest temperature fluctuations across the year in the entire country. With flowers blooming throughout the year, Kunming proudly holds the title of “Flower City.”

For the best experience, plan your visit between December and March. During this time, Kunming’s Green Lake and Dianchi Lake offer delightful encounters with seagulls. Alternatively, from March to October, the city bursts into a riot of colorful flowers and abundant fruits. It’s the perfect time to revel in the blossoms and savor seasonal delights.

And don’t miss the rainy season from July to August when Kunming’s markets are teeming with a variety of mushrooms. Happy travels!

CitiGO Hotel

• Highlight: youth-oriented, technology, fashion

This hotel sits right by the Green Lake, and you get a sweet view of the lake as soon as you step out. Now, the lobby isn’t your usual hotel lobby; it’s more like a party in full swing, complete with a bar, a spot for jamming on instruments, a chill-out area, and all sorts of other fun stuff.

When it comes to the rooms, they’re decked out with tech. You walk in, the electric curtains glide open, you can tweak the air conditioning, lights, and TV straight from your smartphone. Only hitch here is that the rooms are kinda on the cozy side, especially the twin rooms – they’re around 20 square meters.

Sofitel Kunming Hotel

• Highlight: the most budget-friendly five-star hotel

This French luxury hotel brand comes fully loaded with a gym, pool, and spa. And let’s not forget the must-visit top-floor bar – it’s the highest spot in Kunming, boasting breathtaking sunset and nighttime views!

As for the rooms, they’re oozing with cultural design flair, keeping things chic and ahead of the curve. Plus, those large floor-to-ceiling windows in the interior, giving you total control over your cityscape view.

HUALUXE Kunming

• Highlight: the best hot spring hotel in Kunming

The HUALUXE Kunming Hotel sits right on Kunming’s Dianchi Lake and is conveniently close to the Yunnan Ethnic Village, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. This place is like a green oasis, with trees, flowers, bridges, and flowing water jazzing up every corner.

They’ve got an outdoor garden hot spring pool with epic views, and you can even score your very own private hot spring. The pool might not be massive, but it’s tucked away in this lush garden setting, and there are some sneaky hidden pools where you can practically have the whole thing to yourself, making for some seriously comfy soaking.

Mengjing Wangyue Courtyard Hotel

• Highlight: the best hotel with ethnic culture, budget-friendly

This place rocks a courtyard house style, where they’ve blended the courtyard design and room layout with a dash of classic Ming and Qing dynasty vibes. It’s got that old-school charm but doesn’t feel outdated.

Every room has its own unique setup, decked out with antique furniture like old-school tables and chairs, plus some handmade embroidered pillows. It’s impossible not to notice all these culturally rich gems surrounding you.

• Kunming newcomers, beware of the acclimatization curve – pack some stomach meds just in case.
• High-powered sunscreen is a must-pack for visiting Yunnan.
• Got extra Kunming time? Crash a night for the Dounan Flower Market after dark, even though most folks hit it up during the day. The 9 pm nighttime flower market is a game-changer.
• Taxis aren’t my thing in Kunming; buses and the metro rock the city transport scene.
• Heading to the Stone Forest? Stay near the subway line; it’s a long haul from downtown, and Kunming traffic is the real deal. Plan your time right.
• Don’t let the Yunnan Ethnic Village slip through your fingers; you might regret missing it.
• Locals might not vibe with Green Lake Park, but for tourists, it’s a slice of local life you won’t want to miss, perfect for a post-dinner stroll.
• Check that weather forecast; if rain’s on the horizon, load up on extra layers. Rainy days in Kunming can give you the chills.
• Finding an authentic Dai restaurant? Keep it simple. Look at the decor and hear how the staff chit-chat – bamboo furniture, Dai conversation – that’s your real Dai deal.
• Want to feed the seagulls? Head to Dianchi Lake & Haigeng Dam in winter; that’s when the seagulls throw their party – don’t bother outside of that season.

🎫Do I need a visa for China?

Yes. Most visitors to China will need a visa to enter the country. The type of visa you need will depend on the purpose and duration of your trip, as well as your nationality. If you are a resident of the US, you must apply for a Chinese visa at the Consular Office in the country. On the other hand, inhabitants of countries like Japan, Canada, and the UK can request a visa through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center .

🤔 Why is it necessary to install a VPN in China?

In China, the government has strict regulations on internet access, leading to the blocking of popular websites and social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, and YouTube. To access these sites, a VPN is suggested as a means of bypassing the restrictions. It is important to choose a reputable VPN provider and use caution while doing so. ExpressVPN has been historically deemed the most reliable VPN for this purpose, despite being heavily targeted by China’s censors. Nevertheless, it is still a widely preferred option owing to its ease of installation and user-friendliness.

📲 Is it necessary to have a Chinese SIM card while in China?

Yes. It is crucial to acknowledge that accessing the internet in China may pose limitations due to certain websites being prohibited or filtered. To ensure uninterrupted connectivity while staying in China, purchasing a local SIM card is advisable. For optimum results, acquiring SIM cards from either China Unicom or China Mobile is recommended. While China Mobile has the most comprehensive coverage in China and is a market leader, China Unicom is more compatible with foreign phones, enabling 3G and 4G services. Or you can purchase a SIM card online .

🔮 Should I buy China travel insurance?

Yes. Although China is generally a safe country for travel, it is still possible to encounter accidents or other unexpected occurrences. Therefore, obtaining travel insurance can provide a sense of security and financial protection. In my research, I have found that World Nomads is a reputable travel insurance provider that covers a wide range of activities and is recommended for the average traveler. Nevertheless, I advise you to compare insurance quotes from various providers before making a decision.

🚙 Can you rent a car in China?

Unfeasible . Obtaining a Chinese driver’s license to rent a car and self-drive may seem like an option, but it is not a practical choice for most foreigners. Therefore, many prefer to opt for a driver or public transportation when navigating China, as it proves to be more convenient.

✈️ What’s the best site to purchase flight tickets for China?

I suggest using Trip for affordable flights to China. As a China-based company, they often offer lower prices compared to foreign companies. Additionally, they offer English-speaking phone support in case of any issues.

🏡 What is the best way to book hotels in China?

Not only does Trip offer a wider range of flight options, but it also provides a greater selection of hotels to choose from. Moreover, Agoda is a reliable resource for hotels throughout Asia.

🎒What do I pack for China?

Travel adapter and converter: China uses a different electrical system than many other countries, so it’s important to bring a travel adapter and converter if you plan to use electronic devices such as phones, cameras, and laptops.   Sunscreen: The UV index in China can be high, particularly during the summer months, and prolonged exposure to the sun without protection can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. Deodorant: It should be noted that finding deodorant in China may not be a simple task.

📚 Can a guidebook for traveling to China be useful?

Yes . If you’re planning to travel to China for the first time, a travel guidebook can be a valuable resource, and Lonely Planet is one of the most reputable guides available globally. Its comprehensive itineraries and recommendations take into account your personal preferences and can save you both time and money. The insider tips are also extremely helpful in navigating China’s unique cultural landscape like a local.

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Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, has been a city for more than 2,200 years. The city’s importance as a center of culture and trade dates back thousands of years. Much of its ancient history can still be seen and felt when walking its streets among some of its ancient buildings, which are still well preserved in the modern city.

The city is located on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, surrounded on three sides by mountains and set on the shore of the great Dian Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in China. Kunming is the core of the cluster cities of central Yunnan. The city stands amidst breathtaking mountain scenery and fertile pastoral landscapes.

Today Kunming is a mighty metropolis with a population of nearly 7 million. It is the vibrant center of culture and commerce of Yunnan province, and the center of provincial government. The city’s colorful modern high-tech modern veneer blends with its ancient history, providing a richly layered historical and cultural experience to visitors.

Because of Kunming’s mild climate year round it is known as the “Spring City.” As the principal urban center of Yunnan Province, which borders Vietnam and Myanmar, Kunming is a gateway city to Southeast Asia and South Asia. Kunming’s Changshui International Airport is a busy, modern hub linking South and Southeast Asia to China and beyond.

China’s ancient history resonates in the streets of Kunming. On Kunming’s Old Street there are buildings that date back as far as 900 years. Many of the city’s old buildings still retain relics from the Qing Dynasty, China’s last imperial dynasty, which ruled China from 1644 to 1912. Some of the old houses on Kunming Old Street are courtyard houses that combine the characteristics of folk houses of the Bai and Yi ethnic groups, preserving a style of architecture rarely found in modern China.

Tongren Street has architectural relics from the late 19 th  Century in the Kunming French fusion style of architecture, reflecting the rich cultural cross fertilization between China and Europe dating back centuries.

The city is rich in museum culture, with a great variety of museums to choose from, such as the Kunming Museum, the Yunnan Provincial Museum, the Deluxking Museum of Perfume, the Yunnan Railway Museum, the Kunming Natural History Museum of Zoology, the Yunzi Museum, the Kunming Tap Water History Museum, the Yunnan Museum of Gems and Minerals, the Miniatures Museum of Minorities and the Guandu Folk Museum.

The city’s great assortment of attractions includes the Green Lake, a sparkling gem of a lake lined with weeping willow trees in the downtown area. The lake offers waters sports such as boating and is at the center of many points of interest, including Wenhua Alley, a trendy area with many colorful shops, bookstores, restaurants and bars, and Yunnan University. 

Among the attractions to take in while visiting Kunming is the Yuantong Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple dating back more than 1200 years to the time of the Tang Dynasty. It is Kunming’s largest and oldest Buddhist temple.

Also not to be missed is the Grand View Tower, also known as Daguan Lou, a three-story pavilion located in the popular Daguan Park on the outskirts of Kunming. Kunming is Yunnan’s indispensable city and must be part of any trip to the region.

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Kunming Attractions | Top 12 Attractions in Kunming

Kunming is the capital of Yunnan Province, known as the City of Eternal Spring. Picture pleasant flowers that shower the land with colors all year long. You can have a leisure stroll in this comfortable city to explore its beauty. In Kunming downtown area, travelers usually would like to spend half day or even one day to visit Western Hill and its Dragon Gate around Dian Lake, Yunnan Ethic Village, Green Lake Park or Flowers and Birds Market.

Kunming for most travelers means the most important gateway city in Yunnan Province. From here, you can travel out to explore Stone Forest (half day), Dongchuan Red Land (1-2 days), Jiuxiang Scenic Area (half day), Jiaozi Snow Mountain (1 day) and extend to Yuanyang Rice Terrace or Jianshui Old Town for more stunning experience. Check the top 12 attractions in and around Kunming to get inspired your Kunming tour !

Kunming Attraction Map

• Top Kunming Attractions
• Featured Activities

No.1: Stone Forest

Type: National Geography Park, World Nature Heritage Site

Location: 85 km from Kunming Downtown, about 1.5 hours’ driving

Thanks to the karst features, Kunming Stone Forest owns a reputation as one of Chinese four natural wonders. With protection zone for over 350 square kilometers, tourists can view the scenic spots of large and small stone forests, Li Ziying stone forests, Black Pine Rocks, etc. By entering the spots area, you can see kinds of stone pillars, walls and pinnacle mixed together, some stone pillars are up to 40-50 meters, like a primitive maze. All these natural landscape not only make you marveled at the extreme karsts topography, but also touch you with moving stories, like” Ashima”, which is one part of Yi ethnic group historic culture.

>> 3 Days Kunming Tour to Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Cave

No.2: Kunming Western Hill (Xishan)

Type: Historic Sites, Scenic Spots

Distance: 30 km from Kunming Downtown, about 0.5 hour’s driving

From ancient times, Western Hill enjoys the fame with its excellent scenery, dense forests, prosperous flowers and peaceful surroundings. It also known for another name: Sleeping Beauty Hill. View from southeast of Kunming, Western Hill is like a beauty laying on her back beside Dianchi Lake, hence comes the name.

Kunming Western Hill is a large forest park with many scenic spots including Huating Temple, Taihua Temple, Sanqing Pavilion and Dragon Gate. Among them, Huating Temple is the biggest temple in Kunming, and Dragon Gate is the largest and most beautiful Taoism Cave in Yunnan. You can view cultural relics and fabulous sceneries here.

>> 3 Days Kunming Spring City Tour

No.3: Dongchuan Red Land

Type: Natural Landscape, Scenic Spots

Location: 150 km from Kunming Downtown, about 3 hours’ driving

Located in Xintian town, Dongchuan District, northeast of Kunming, Dongchuan Red Land is said to be have more ornamental value compared with red land of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Due to the subtropical and tropical climate, combined with marine sediments of karst landforms, Dongchuan Red Land shows the bright red soil and red ocher. For thousands of years, people farming here with different varieties of crops, making red land more colorful and coherent with nature. Now Dongchuan Red Land is becoming a paradise for photographers. Each year they can catch different stunning views.

>> 4 Days Kunming & Dongchuan Red Land Scenic Tour

No.4: Green Lake (Cui Hu)

Type: Public Park, Scenic Spots

Distance: 3 km from Kunming downtown, within 15 minutes’ driving

Green Lake as a public park, with its beautiful environment, is called “Jade in Kunming”. And thanks to the location, it’s a good place for sightseeing Kunming downtown area. Every winter there are a lot of seagulls flew to Kunming from Siberia for hibernate, Green Lake is one part of habitat. At that time, Green Lake is quite crowded with thousands of seagulls flying around. Walking along the lakeside and feeding seagulls if you want are great way to enjoy the leisure time in Kunming.

No.5: Jiuxiang Scenic Area

Location: 105 km from Kunming Downtown, about 1.5-2 hours’ driving

Situated in Yiliang County, Kunming, Jiuxiang Scenic Area is known as the karst caves clusters. With over 200 square kilometers, Jiuxiang Scenic Area has hundreds of large and small caves, including Wolong Cave, Bat Cave, Lion Cave and more attractions. It is the largest and most exotic cave landscape community system. Some cave landscapes are rarely to be seen in other places. Outside these caves, there are natural sceneries of thrilling gorge and Yincui gorge.

No.6: Dian Lake (Dian Chi)

Distance: 14 km from Kunming downtown, about 40 minutes’ driving

Dian Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan Province and the sixth largest one in China. With 1,886 meters above sea level, Dian Lake has an area of 306.3 square kilometers and owns the water capacity of 15.7 billion cubic meters. Due to the magnificent, broad water surface, Dian Lake has a fame of “Pearl on the Plateau”.

There are many scenic spots around Dian Lake, including Xishan Forest Park, Yunnan Ethnic Village, Yunnan Nationalities Museum, etc. You can take cable car or boat to view the fantastic scenery, and walk along the lake to explore some interesting places overland.

No.7: Yunnan Ethnic Village

Type: Humanities Villages, Scenic Spots

Distance: 12 km from Kunming downtown, about 0.5 hour’s driving

Nearby Dian Lake, covering an area of 89 hectares, Yunnan Ethnic Villages is an epitome to show different culture, buildings, musical dances, religions, living environment from different ethnic groups of Yunnan. It’s the ideal place to experience minority culture and history. Besides, there are performances played by 25 ethnic nationalities to present their unique folk cultures, which will give you a vivid understanding about their social customs.

No.8: Flowers and Birds Market

Type: Public Market, Shopping Market

Distance: 1.4 km from Kunming downtown

Since 1983 the Flowers and Birds Market came out at Yongdao Street, Kunming Downtown. With years passing by, it becomes a trading market for flowers, birds and antiques as well as one of the good places for sightseeing. You can tour around casually without buying anything, or explore some unique stuff for souvenirs. The price is reasonable and bargain is possible too.

No.9: Yuantong Temple

Type: Historic Sites, Sacred & Religious Sites

Distance: 4 km from Kunming downtown, about 20 minutes’ driving

With a history over 1200 years, Yuantong Temple situated at south of Yuantong Hill in the heart of Kunming is the largest Buddhist temple in Kunming. It was first built in the late 8th and early 9th century, the time of Nanzhao Kingdom in the Tang Dynasty. Well linked with Green Park, travelers can enjoy a relaxing walk from the park to Yuantong Temple within 10 minutes. Getting inside the temple, you can visit Yuantong Wonderful Realm, Octagonal Pavilion, Yuantong Hall, Copper Buddha Hall and more architectures. Yuantong Temple is a beautiful spot to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

No.10: Yunnan Provincial Museum

Type: Museums, Specialty Museums

Distance: 15 km from Kunming downtown, about 30 minutes’ driving

Originally built in 1951, Yunnan Provincial Museum is a comprehensive museum in Kunming. It have a collection of 226,660 cultural relics, including paintings, bronze wares, stamp, coins, golden and silver wares, jade wares, lacquerware, embroidery, blue and white porcelains, seals, pottery, ethnic cultural relics, inscriptions and more items. Travelers paying a visit to Yunnan Provincial Museum can have a better understanding of Yunnan’s ethnic minorities and as well as know the history and artifacts from tomb excavations at Jinning on the southern rim of Dian Lake.

No.11: Jiaozi Snow Mountain

Type: Scenic Spots, Natural Scenery

Location: 166 km from Kunming Downtown

Located in the northwest of Dongchuan District, Kunming, Jiaozi Snow Mountain has a natural landscape with magnificent mountains, rich flora and fauna species. It’s named after the mountain peak shaped like a bridal sedan chair. With 4247 meters above sea level, the scenic views are fascinating, including sea of azalea flowers, mountain waterfalls and shapes of mountain lakes. All are the must-sees when you tour Jiaozi Snow Mountain.

No.12: Golden Temple (Jin Dian)

Type: Temple, Scenic Spots

Distance: 12 km from Kunming Downtown, about 30 minutes' driving

The Golden Temple also known as Taihe Palace or Tongwa Temple (Bronze Temple) is the famous Taoist temple in Yunnan. Built by bronze, the main temple gives out sparkling light like gold, so it was called Golden Temple.

This temple is a square shape of 6.15 meters wide and 6.7 meters high with total weight of about 200 tons. The delicate carving, well-proportioned design and graceful appearance, all make Golden Temple an extremely realistic imitation of a fine wooden classical architecture. Although Golden Temple has experienced hundreds of years of ups and downs, it is still the largest and best preserved pure bronze temple in China.

Keep Reading on Kunming

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• How to Plan a Kunming Tour
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Recommended Kunming Tours

Top 3 Kunming tours chosen by most customers to explore Kunming in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

6 Days Yunnan Essence Tour (Kunming, Dali & Lijiang)

Kunming / Dali / Lijiang

3 Days Kunming Tour to Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Cave

Kunming / Stone Forest / Jiuxiang / Kunming

4 Days Kunming & Dongchuan Red Land Scenic Tour

Kunming / Dongchuan / Kunming

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How to Plan a Trip to Kunming

As the capital of Yunnan Province, Kunming is normally a transit city to access its surrounding Yunnan destinations, due to its convenient flights/trains from major cities of China and some Asian countries. That said, Kunming itself is rich in natural beauty and ethnic culture, which is worthy of the typical stay of 2–3 days .

Follow our guidelines and find out what might interest you and how to plan a Kunming tour .

1. Best Times to Visit Kunming, Weather Tips

With a yearly temperature range that avoids extremes of hot or cold, Kunming is known as the "Spring City". As you can imagine, the weather there is (relatively) pleasant for travel all the year round .

The best months to visit Kunming are from March to October to appreciate the flowers' blossom and participant in various ethnic festivals.

Seasonal Attractions and What to Wear:

• Spring (March to May): Enjoy peach blossom . Prepare a light sweater and coat for spring.
• Summer (June to September): Escape from summer heat . Wear any summer clothes, such as shirts, skirts, and shorts and a light coat in the evenings.
• Autumn (October to November): Taste various fruits . Take T-shirts and a light jacket/coat.
• Winter (December to February): Escape frozen/damp weather . Prepare thick sweaters and an overcoat or down jacket.

The altitude in Kunming is 1,500–2,800 meters (4,900–9,200 feet): hat, sunglasses, and sun block are advisable in all seasons for protection from strong UV rays.

More on Kunming Weather >>>

2. Getting to Kunming and Traveling Around

Kunming is one of the biggest cities in south China, equipped with a far-reaching and well-developed transportation network. The plentiful choices of convenient transportation make it easy for you to get to and from Kunming. 

Kunming Changshui International Airport , around 30–40 minutes' drive from downtown Kunming, is the fourth largest Chinese mainland gateway airport following Beijing's, Shanghai's, and Guangzhou's with direct flights to many countries in Asia as well as San Francisco and Sydney.

Kunming has five train stations and serves as the province's railway hub. Kunming Railway Station is the most used, only 20 minutes' drive from downtown Kunming.

Bullet train services include those to :

• Yunnan cities like Dali and Lijiang in 2–3½ hours
• Central southern cities like Guizhou, Chongqing, and Chengdu in 2–6 hours
• Major tourist cities like Beijing, Guilin, and Guangzhou in 7–14 hours (for quick long-distance travel, we recommend you take a flight instead)

Traveling around Kunming:

Public transportation, including city buses, subway, and taxis, is convenient for traveling around the city. In addition, you could take a public bicycle at CN¥2 per hour or CN¥10 per day to ride around Kunming.

How to Get to the Stone Forest from Kunming

The stone forest is around 80 km (50 miles) from Kunming city. There are three main ways to get there:

• 1. By bus : Go to Kunming East Bus Station (30 minutes from downtown) to catch the bus to Shilin County (1½ hours), then take a public bus/taxi to the Stone Forest (30 minutes). There is no English-speaking service at either bus stations or on the buses, and it takes over 3 hours including minimum transfer times. 
• 2. By train : Go to Kunming Train Station (20 minutes from downtown) to catch the bullet train to Shilin County (40 minutes) and then take a public bus/taxi to the Stone Forest (1 hour). This takes well over 2 hours with changes included.
• 3. By private car : This takes only 1½ hours' drive with pickup/drop off at your hotel and no transport changes.

It would be much easier to take a Stone Forest tour with private transport and an expert guide to show you the best sights in a well-planned day trip. See our 3-Day Kunming Highlights Tour for a smart way to visit the Stone Forest alongside Kunming City's essence.

3. Consider Kunming 6-Day Visa-Free Transit

If you're from the U.S., Canada, Australia, or another permitted nationality including most of Europe, you just need to bring your passport and an onward air ticket to a third country or region to visit Kunming. For more details, read How to Visit China Without a Visa .

Consider our 3-Day Kunming Highlights Tour . 

4. Things to Do in Kunming and Extension Tours

Kunming is more like an urban garden than a city, and it is worth staying 2–3 days there to see the best of the city. 

• Explore the startling karst landscape of the Stone Forest .
• Feed the elf-like black-headed gulls at Dianchi Lake .
• Enjoy panoramic views from the Dragon Gate in West Hill Park.
• Immerse yourself in ethnic culture at Yunnan Minority Village.
• Appreciate the romantic cherry blossom on Yuantong Hill .
• Mesmerize yourself in the colorful Flower and Bird Market .

More on Things to Do in Kunming >>>

Extending a Kunming Tour:

If you are a fan of photography, the following two places cannot be missed.

• 1. Extend by a day to visit Dongchuan Red Land and admire " God's Palette ". It is especially beautiful in September and October with the yellow cole flowers blooming among the red fields.
• 2. Extend by two days to see the Yuanyang Rice Terraces to enjoy the large fish-scale-like " land sculptures ". The stunning terraced rice fields at sunrise and sunset are the highlights. In addition, you will have a chance to get to know about the Hani people , the most traditional ethnic minority in China.

Check out our Kunming tours that explore its surrounding areas for more Yunnan tour inspiration or contact us for a customized tour.

• 3-Day Stone Forest and City Essence Tour
• 6-Day Yunnan Ethnic Minorities Tour
• 6-Day Jianshui and Yuanyang Tou

5. Kunming Hotels and Where to Stay

Choosing where to stay in Kunming mainly depends on your schedule and activities there.

If this is your first time to Kunming, choose to stay downtown for convenient shopping, eating, and nightlife.

Recommended downtown Kunming hotels :

• Silver Chest Boutique Hotel (3-star)
• Kunming New Era Hotel (4-star)
• Holiday Inn Kunming City Centre (4-star)
• Crowne Plaza Kunming City Centre (5-star)

For morning exercise and a local life experience, choose to stay near to Green Lake Park .

Recommended hotels near Green Lake Park :

• Grand Park Hotel (4-star)
• Zhongwei Green Lake Hotel (5-star)

If you are a big fan of karst landscapes, you may choose to stay near the Stone Forest.

Recommended Stone Forest hotels :

• Sloane Place Hotel Stone Forest (3-star)
• Shilin Yinruilin International Hotel (4-star)

For your extension tour to Yuanyang Rice Terraces, there are plenty of choices of local boutique hotels.

Recommended Yuanyang hotels :

• Duoyishu Jingguan Hotel (3-star standard, best for sunrise)
• Oness Resort Yuanyang Terrace (4-star standard, best hotel locally)

6. Kunming Food and Where to Eat

Food plays quite an important role in a tour. Thanks to its unique climate and diverse ethnic culture, the various foods in Kunming should not fail to interest you as well as please your stomach.

Must-try food in Kunming:

• Crossing-the-bridge noodles (过桥米线)
• Steam pot chicken (汽锅鸡)
• Roast er kuai (烤饵块, rice cakes)
• Grandma's mashed potatoes (老奶洋芋)
• Wild mushrooms (野菌)
• 'Eight treasures of Yunnan' (云南八宝饭)

Restaurants to try these tasty foods at:

• Qiao Xiangyuan Restaurant (桥香园过桥米线): Known for its crossing-the-bridge noodles and you can find its outlets everywhere in the city
• Kunming Old House Restaurant (一颗印昆明老房子餐厅): A typical example of a courtyard premises in the shape of a square seal with a history dating back to 1852, it serves traditional Yunnan Cuisine.
• Yunnan Renjia Restaurant (云南人家): A local ethnic-style restaurant with a variety of typical Yunnan food, it provides an ethnic show during meal times.

Check out Kunming Food for more information.

7. Consider Touring Kunming with Us

China Highlights provides tours with 'No shops, no factories, no detours'. Travel with us to explore the less-crowded part of the Stone Forest and other smart travel arrangements. Our professional tour guides will show you the best locations for photographs and greatly enhance the smoothness and enjoyment of your tour.

Here are our most popular Kunming tours, which can all be customized.

• 7-Day Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang Winter Tour

Or contact us to let us know your preferences for a tailor-made Kunming tour.

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• Kunming Overview

Chinese Name : 昆明 English IPA : [kʊn'mɪŋ] Location : Central Yunnan Population (city) : 6,850,000 Language : Southeast Mandarin and Kunming Dialect Zip code : 650000 Tel code : 0871 Time zone : UTC+8

Kunming is the capital and largest city in Yunnan Province, Southwest China. Today it is a prefecture-level city and the political, economic, communications and cultural centers of the province, as well as the seat of the provincial government. Kunming is the forefront and the portal of China facing Southeast Asia, South Asia and even the Middle East, southern Europe and Africa. It is called the Spring city due to its moderate weather. According to the report by Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2016, Kunming ranked 2nd livable city in China.

Highlights:

• Spring City: With its perpetual spring-like weather which provides the ideal climate for plants and flowers, Kunming is known as the “Spring City”. The city is covered with blossoms and lush vegetation all-year round.
• Minority Culture:  Kunming is a multi-ethnic city. Ethnic minorities account for about 13% of the city’s total population, including Yi, Hui , Bai , Miao , Lisu , Zhuang , Dai , Hani and so on. Among them, Yi minority has the largest population, and the torch festival of Yi has long been famous in Yunnan.
• Noted Tourist Attractions:  Kunming owns many national and provincial famous scenic spots such as Stone Forest World Geological Park , Dianchi lake , Jiuxiang cave , Jiaozi snow mountain , as well as the world horticulture expo park and Yunnan ethnic village , etc.
• Birdwatching: Every winter, black-headed gulls from Siberia fly to Kunming and settle in Green Lake and Dianchi Lake, forming a harmonious scene of human beings and nature.

Hot Destinations in Kunming

• Dongchuan Red Land

Other Destinations in Kunming

• Fumin County
• Shilin County
• Chenggong District
• Guandu District
• Wuhua District
• Panlong District
• Xishan District
• Jinning District
• Yiliang County (Kunming)
• Songming County
• Luquan County
• Xundian County
• Stone Forest
• Kunming Changshui International Airport
• Dongchuan District
• Kunming Attractions

We listed the top 10 Kunming attractions for someone who is the fist time to visit Kunming. Kunming is the capital of Yunnan Province and is located in southwest China. It is warm and spring-like all the seasons, so it is also known as “Spring City”. It has flowers that bloom all the seasons, just like a large city garden. In addition to the beautiful scenery, there are many ethnic minorities gathered here, so that tourists can feel the simple [...]

More Kunming Attractions >>

• Kunming Tours

As a popular gateway city in Yunnan, Kunming tours are connected with other top destinations in Yunnan, like Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La, etc. Many people regard Kunming as a transit point to other cities in Yunnan province, but as the capital of Yunnan province, it is recommended to stay 2-3 days to visit the classic must-see scenic spots to appreciate its unique scenery. In Kunming, you can visit the magnificent Stone Forest, expansive Dianchi Lake, wonderful Jiuxiang cave, [...]

• More City Tours Including Kunming >>
• All Tours Including Kunming >>

Climate & When to Go

Kunming has a pleasant spring-like climate, with no intense heat in summer and no severe cold in the winter, with a typical temperate climate characteristics. Its urban temperature is between 0-29℃, with the smallest annual temperature difference in the country. Such climate characteristics in Kunming are rare in the world as flowers bloom all year round and plants are always green. Kunming is the famous "spring city" and "flower city". Kunming Climate Features Kunming is a low-latitude subtropical plateau mountain monsoon climate [...]

More Kunming Climate & When to Go >>

Transportation

Kunming is the capital and largest city in Yunnan Province, and is the forefront and the portal of China facing Southeast Asia, South Asia and even the Middle East, so Kunming transportation is convenient. With convenient transportation, Kunming receives and sees tens of thousands of tourists every day. As a transportation hub in southwest China, Kunming plays an important role in connecting southeast Asia with China. The city also offers links to other popular cities in Yunnan, such as [...]

More Kunming Transportation >>

• Festivals and Activities

Kunming Festivals and Activities give a brief introduction of festivals and activities in Kunming, and tell travelers what to do for Kunming Festivals Tours. Kunming is a typical multi-ethnic City. Various ethnic minorities have created colorful festivals in Kunming. Besides, there are many activities in Kunming. Festivals in Kunming Besides some Chinese traditional festivals, like New Year's Day(January 1), Spring Festival(usually in late Jan. or early Feb.; February 5, 2019), Lantern Festival(The fifteenth day of the first lunar month), Tomb Sweeping Day(15 days [...]

More Kunming Festivals and Activities >>

Travel Tips

To have a better travel experience in Kunming, there are some useful Kunming travel tips which may be helpful for your Kunming tour. When plan your trip to Kunming, view our answers to questions about Kunming travel to get better understanding of Kunming Yunnan. Useful Numbers Here below are some useful telephone numbers in Kunming and postcodes of Kunming for you to have a convenient Kunming tour. China International country code number        0086 Kunming Area Code        0871 ambulance        120 Fire       [...]

More Kunming Travel Tips >>

Useful Maps

To help you have a better understanding of Kunming, we have collected some useful Kunming maps including Kunming location map, Kunming regional map, Kunming tourists attractions map, Kunming City map, Kunming transportation map, map of scenic spots around Kunming, etc, through which you can probably know how to get to Kunming city and what to discover there. Kunming Tourist Attractions Maps Kunming Attractions Map Tourist Attractions Map of The Stone Forest Tourist [...]

More Kunming Useful Maps >>

• Kunming Accommodation

Kunming is the capital and largest city in Yunnan Province. Kunming accommodation conditions are very mature, with a variety of starred hotels, inns, guesthouses. There are a lot of accommodation options in Kunming, you had better choose to stay near the railway stations and bus stations due to its convenient transportation. But if you go during May Day and National Day, the hotel prices in Kunming Jinma Biji Archway, Kunming railway station and other popular areas will rise. The [...]

More Kunming Accommodation >>

Other Hot Destinations in China

• Baisha Ancient Town
• Baoshan Stone Town
• Bingzhongluo
• Dali Ancient Town
• Dulongjiang
• Haba Snow Mountain
• Heshun Ancient Town
• Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
• Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
• Lashihai Lake
• Lijiang Ancient Town
• Meili Snow Mountain
• Shuanglang Town
• Shuhe Ancient Town
• Three Parallel Rivers
• Tiger Leaping Gorge
• Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces

Blogs About Kunming

More blogs about Kunming >>

1 Day Kunming Jiaozi Snow Mountain Tour

Kunming-Zhuanlong-Jiaozi Snow Mountain-Kunming

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1 Day Kunming Dongchuan Red Land Tour

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1 Day Kunming Stone Forest Tour by High Speed Train

Kunming - Shilin County - Stone Forest - Kunming

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1 Day Kunming to Dali Tour with Chuxiong Museum and Yunnanyi Old Town

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1 Day Kunming Short Hiking Tour to The Western Hills

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Kunming Travel Guide

Kunming, a bustling prefecture-level city in the heart of Yunnan Province, is the province's capital. Kunming, whose name derives from the sound byte associated with the name of an ethnic group that lived in the area in ancient times, is nicknamed the "City of Eternal Spring" due to its mild, stable, year-round weather conditions. Kunming's previous name was simply Yunnanfu, or "Capital of Yunnan".

As the capital city, Kunming is the political, cultural, and economic hub of the province, as well as the province's "communications" hub (i.e., "communication" defined in the broadest sense, to also include transportation). Not surprisingly, Kunming is the seat of many large corporations that operate in the region, and is as well, the seat of the provincial government. As the cultural hub of Yunnan Province, Kunming is also home to a number of universities, museums, and art galleries.

A Brief Historical Background

Archeological excavations in the Lake Dian area - Kunming being situated on the edge of Lake Dian - indicate the presence of hunter-gatherer groups belonging to the Neolithic period. However, the first recorded civilization in the area dates back to the 3rd century BCE, when General Zhuang Qiao of the Chu Kingdom arrived on the shores of the lake that would come to be known as Lake Dian with his army and established the Dian Kingdom. The encampment corresponds to present-day Kunming.

Han (BCE 206 - CE 220) Dynasty rulers, desirous of gaining control over the Southern Silk Road trade, moved into the region with their armies, established garrisons, and took control of the areas key to this lucrative trade. It was a difficult area to maintain control over, however, since the outlying areas in those times were as dominated by banditry as were the seas by piracy, so without a larger presence in the area, there was little that even an otherwise powerful Chinese emperor could do. The bandits and the "toll fees" that they exacted on Silk Road caravans were what eventually made a "Silk Road" by sea economically feasible.

As the area became more and more populated with migrants from China proper, Chinese influence gained a more solid foothold. For example, the area around present-day Kunming became part of the Western Han (BCE 206 - CE 009) Dynasty under Emperor Wu Di, and was designated as Yizhou Prefecture. Thus Yizhou Prefecture served as a bridge between the most southerly established area of China, Sichuan Province, and present-day Vietnam, which was - and still is - inhabited by members of some of the same ethnic minorities (eg., the Dai folk) as inhabit China. Centuries later, during the Sui (CE 581-617) Dynasty, Yizhou Prefecture would become Kunzhou Prefecture.

The area's relative openness proved to be an advantage to both Chinese and Allied forces during WWII as they coordinated their military efforts against the Japanese aggressors. Being located on the high, Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, Kunming served as a Chinese military center and as an American airbase, and as such became an important transport hub in the Chinese and Allied military effort. It was intended to be a key transport terminus for the military materiel that was being transported into China along the Burma Road, an overland supply route that was built in haste (since Japanese forces controlled much of China's coast) - it was dug over mountains almost entirely by hand - by 200,000 Chinese laborers between 1937-38. Burma Road was then readied for vehicle use, i.e., graded and graveled, in 1942, but the Burma stretch was closed soon thereafter due to Japanese pressure on the British, while the rest of the road was regularly attacked by Japanese warplanes.

The limited military value of the Burma Road, which was built 'at the cost of profound anguish and of excessive toil', to borrow a phrase from Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, can be seen in the fact that its creation only triggered Japan's capture of Burma, which was a British colony at the time, and which became the venue for some of the worst horrors of WWII's Pacific theater, though the forced construction of the "Death Railway" - as the Thailand-Burma railway was known - that cost the lives of 90,000 Asian labourers and 16,000 Allied POWs, and which was immortalized in the film, The Bridge on the River Kwai, cannot be compared, in terms of sheer bestiality (viz. beheadings, disembowlings, etc.), to the Bataan Death March in the Philippines, where almost a third of the 75,000 American and Filipino POWS did not make it to their destination, and where significant numbers of those who did make it later died as a result either of the forced march or the subsequent treatment in the Japanese POW camps at the hands of their captors.

With Rangoon in Japanese hands and the Burma Road interdicted, the Americans and the Chinese countered by building a new overland route, the Ledo Road, but it was first finished in January of 1944, near the close of the war, so the new supply route never played much of a strategic role in the conduct of the war. Ledo Road's greatest military value lay perhaps in the fact that its very construction required that Allied forces, under the command of General Joseph Stilwell, clear a large swath of northern Burma of Japanese forces in order to construct the road, then keep it free of Japanese sabotage.

Present-Day Kunming

Kunming has become an important tourist venue, thanks in large part to its Stone Forest, a "forest" of limestone rocks that have been eroded over time (this uplifting piece of the earth's crust was once a part of the ocean floor!) by the actions first of the seawater in which it was originally situated, then of the erosion caused by wind and rain "on land". But Kunming has much more to offer the tourist than just fantastic geological formations, it has 26 ethnic minorities, with all the cultural diversity that this implies.

A special Yunnan Ethnic Minority Village has been set up in Kunming as a sort of museum to showcase the area's ethnic diversity. Kunming also has numerous Buddhist temples. And yes, the city and its environs boast other fantastic geological formations than the Stone Forest; being a karst landscape (the bedrock of which is of carbonate origin, either limestone or dolomite, that erodes unpredictably, leaving pitted stones, some above ground and others in the form of sinkholes, and some of which "pitting" results in caves of varying sizes), Kunming and its environs, of course, has fascinating caves and grottoes.

At the foot of nearby West Hill lies Dianchi Lake, China's largest alpine lake. If you can overlook the water pollution, you will see a very expansive and quite lively body of water. Of less mixed pleasure is the 1999 Garden of World Horticulture Exposition, which offers an uncompromisingly fresh escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Since Kunming enjoys a milder climate than most Chinese cities, it can be visited at any time of the year, irrespective of the usual climatic vagaries of the seasons.

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Kunming: top things to see and do in 2 days

• April 12, 2024

In this travel guide, you can discover the top things to see and do in 2 days in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province.

It’s no mystery that Yunnan is my favourite province in China . Kunming, its capital, is located at an elevation of about 1900 meters above sea level, and thanks to its proximity to the Tropics, it enjoys nice weather for most of the year: it never gets too hot and, when it’s cold, it’s usually only for a short time. This is why Kunming is often called Spring City.

Kunming is also the ideal starting point to explore Yunnan, so it is often overlooked. Despite not enjoying the same reputation as cities like Shanghai and Beijing, it has a lot of charm.

In this article, you’ll find ideas for what to see and do in this lovely city.

How long should you stay in Kunming?

Two days should be enough to explore the main attractions within the city. If you have more time, you can add another few days to visit Jiaozi Snow Mountain and Stone Forrest.

Kunming can also be used as a starting point to explore the nearby towns of Mile (very underrated in my opinion) or Yiliang , famous for the tasty roast duck, beautiful cherry blossom in spring, and colorful rice fields .

Here are some ideas for a 4-day trip to Kunming.

Day 1 in Kunming

Green lake (翠湖公园).

You can start your day by walking around and inside Green Lake Park (翠湖), also known as the “Jade of Kunming City”, originally part of Lake Dianchi. During winter, it becomes a temporary home for red-headed seagulls migrating from Siberia, making it a tradition for locals and tourists to feed them.

The park offers a pleasant environment in the summer with lotus flowers, willow trees, and a gentle breeze. While walking in the area, you will see square dances, people in ethnic costumes, and locals simply relaxing while sipping local tea. The park also features running routes, outdoor fitness equipment, charming cafes, tea shops, and unique shops.

Don’t miss the nearby Yuantong Temple , first built in the late 8th and early 9th century, the time of the Nanzhao Kingdom .

Yunnan Military Academy (云南陆军讲武堂)

Established in 1909, under the leadership of prominent figures like Chiang Kai-shek, Zhu De, and Long Yun, the Yunnan Military Academy produced many influential military and political leaders who played crucial roles in shaping China’s destiny. Many famous military leaders graduated from Yunnan Military Academy, including  Zhu De , who taught at the Academy after graduating in July 1911. The museum is quite interesting, and it also has English signs. You can explore it in about an hour, and it’s conveniently located next to Green Lake Park.

Wenlin Street (昆明文林街)

Wenlin Street is a historic street near Yunnan University, not far from Green Lake. The street is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes, and it is a popular spot for local expats.

This is also where one of the best Chinese restaurants in town is located. It’s called Heavenly Manna 吗哪, and I recommend it (don’t miss the local goat cheese and cumin beef).

Western Hills Forest Park (西山森林公园)

On the western side of Kunming, Western Hills (Xishan) is a majestic mountain overlooking Dianchi Lake. This iconic mountain is dotted with historical sites, including Dragon Gate, which offers a panoramic view of the capital. Other notable attractions include Huating Temple , known for its impressive Bell Tower, Mahavira Hall , and the ethereal Sanqing Pavilion.

To reach Dragon Gate, you can take a cable car or subway Line 3 that will take you to the mountain’s base. Alternatively, you can hike one of the many routes available. Don’t forget to visit the Art Gallery next to the cable car entrance.

Day 2 in Kunming

Naigu stone forest (乃古石林).

You might have heard of the Stone Forest, one of the most popular attractions near Kunming, but few people visit the nearby Naigu Stone Forest.

The rock formations are slightly darker in color, but the views are equally stunning. The advantage of this place is that it is way less crowded.

A nice path will take you around and inside the peaks. Remember that it can get quite hot in summer, so if possible, head there in the morning before the UV rays become unbearable.

Getting to the Stone Forest is relatively easy since there is a High-Speed train from Kunming. It takes about 30 minutes to arrive there. Then you can take a local bus or taxi to the entrance. It’s the same area where the Jiuxan Caves are located (here is my guide).

Zhuanxin Farmers Market (篆新农贸市场)

After visiting the Stone Forest, head back to Kunming and visit one of the biggest markets in town: Zhuanxin Farmers Market (篆新农贸市场). The easiest way to get there is by subway: get off at the Panjiawan station (Line 3 exit A) and walk south. After about 15 minutes, you’ll see the Zhuanxin Market.

Even after spending years in China, I’m still happy to explore local markets. I can always find something new or weird to eat that I have never seen before. Markets in Kunming are a great place to explore since Yunnan has a lot of unique vegetables and fruits that are rare in other parts of Asia or China. You will not be disappointed.

Dounan Flower Market (斗南花卉市场)

If you are not too tired, in the evening, you can head South of Kunming and explore one of the biggest flower markets in Asia: Dounan. Getting there is easy since a new subway line connects the market entrance. Take the subway (Line 4) and exit at Jingui Jie (金桂街). The Dounan Subway stop is farther from the market, so I don’t recommend it.

The market is open for retailers from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and from 8:00 pm to 2:00 am for wholesales.

Day 3 in Kunming

Guandu old town (官渡古镇).

Despite the name, the Guandu Old Town is not that old: only a few original buildings are still standing, and the rest have been completely rebuilt. It’s a nice place to spend a few hours watching residents hanging out, playing majiang, singing, and dancing.

Yunnan Provincial Museum (云南省博物馆)

Provincial Museums are, in my experience, some of the best in China, and the one in Yunnan is no exception. Relocated in this new building in 2015, the museum hosts over 200.000 artefacts that will help you discover the history of Yunnan and its diverse minorities.

You can easily spend a few hours wandering around the many exhibitions.

Kunming Waterfall Park (昆明瀑布公园)

Officially opened in 2016, this artificial waterfall park is exciting to visit if you have some spare time. The water is pumped in from the Niulan River as a subsidiary part of the massive Dian Zhong Water Diversion Project (滇中引水工程). The water ends up in Dianchi Lake and is expected to help add fresh, clean water to the polluted Dianchi Lake.

According to the local news, the waterfall is 400 meters wide. It certainly is impressive, considering that it’s completely artificial.

Day 4 in Kunming

Jiaozi snow mountain (轿子雪山).

You can spend the last day in Kunming visiting the tallest mountain in the municipality. With an elevation of 4247 meters, Jiaozi Snow Mountain gets its name from the shape of the peaks that supposedly look like a sedan chair.

Jiaozi Snow Mountain is a magical place. It’s covered in pure white snow with stunning icefalls in winter and spring. But come summer and autumn, you’ll find fragrant azalea flowers blooming, with bees buzzing and butterflies dancing around.

Keep in mind that during winter, it can be pretty overcrowded with people eager to see the snow. The mountain’s glacial period is from the end of November to the following March, and the snow can get up to 2.0 meters deep. Like many similar places in China , there is a wooden platform where you can walk to the top, so there is no need to bring hiking equipment.

At the moment it’s impossible to get to the mountain by train. Your best option is to take a bus from North Bus Station to Zhuanlong Town and then hire a private car to Jiaozi Snow Mountain.

When is the best time to visit Kunming?

The best time to visit Kunming is generally during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), although thanks to its pleasant weather, it never gets too hot or cold. If you decide to visit around the end of April, you will see the beautiful Jacaranda flowers in full bloom.

Where to stay in Kunming?

There is no lack of accommodations in Kunming, but if you want to experience the city’s rich cultural heritage and captivating fusion of East and West, consider staying at the Moon & Chalice Boutique Hotel .

Nestled in the heart of the city’s old street area, this newly opened hotel occupies two iconic buildings that pay homage to Kunming’s history. From the beautifully restored chalice-shaped structures to the hand-picked European antiques that grace the interior, every detail reflects a deep commitment to preserving the city’s historical legacy.

This structure is also conveniently located in the city centre, only 5 minutes from the Wuyilu subway station: recommended.

If your next destination after a few days in Kunming is Dali, don’t forget to check my travel guide.

Travel Guide to Dunhuang and its surroundings

China Travel FAQ: Your Essential Guide for First-Timers

The 15 Cheapest and Most Expensive Countries to Live in 2024

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Best things to do in Kunming (expat tips and photos)

Posted by Mike Cairnduff | Updated September 4, 2023 | China blog , Travel

Kunming isn’t really known for being a tourist hotspot.

But I was super-surprised when I visited for a couple of weeks during my Chinese summer break.

There are lots of cool things to see and do, and most of the attractions are outdoors.

And, if you do want to go further afield, the famous towns of Dali and Lijiang are just a few hours away by bullet train.

So, here are the best things to do in Kunming without the fluff or tour group sales pitch!

1. Climb your way through the Stone Forest

The Stone Forest is a unique and fun place to visit. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

It’s the city’s top attraction so it’s busy. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

I often enter Chinese tourist attractions like a deer in the headlights, having done no research on what to expect.

This is on purpose so I can get that feeling of surprise or delight, or in some cases, “Man, this place is terrible, where’s the exit?”

But I really loved the Stone Forest . I can see why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Kunming’s most popular tourist destination.

First off, the Stone Forest is a really big area. It’s not just one mountain made of stone. There are literally hundreds of them.

The place is so big that – for an extra fee – you’re taken to the ‘forest’ and back by minibus. And when you’re done, there’s a whole plaza full of restaurants and shops to spend your money on.

Unfortunately, the forest is miles away from the Kunming city center. It will take anywhere between 60-90 minutes by taxi or DiDi (China’s Uber) to get there, depending on where you’re staying.

You could opt to take two trains and a bus, and then a taxi or DiDi, but the journey is unnecessarily long and not a whole lot cheaper.

I’d allow half a day for a trip to the Stone Forest, or a whole day if you want to explore every nook and cranny, as well as eat there.

Even though I loved this place, it was absolutely packed with domestic tour groups with the usual screaming and shouting. So, don’t expect a serene place where you can unwind.

I also arrived at 10am which is peak time (at any Chinese tourist attraction, really). Silly me.

Note to Mike: Start arriving at attractions later in the afternoon.

2. Chillax at Green Lake Park

One of the entrances to the park. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

You can take a little boat out on the lake. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Speaking of unwinding, this is a place where you could do it.

Green Lake Park is busy (hey, it’s China) but there are plenty of seats and some are in hidden spots by the water.

You can do a walking loop of the park and take photos of the pretty pagodas on each side. There are also lots of restaurants and places to eat around the perimeter of the park.

If you’re lucky, you’ll catch some oldies singing or dancing, and if the weather is nice, you might just stay for a few hours.

I rented a pedal boat thinking it would be a leisurely activity, but let me tell you that it can be hard work!

Still, I enjoyed visiting Green Lake Park and I can see why the locals like it too.

You can get to the park via Subway Line 5. I recommend downloading Metro Man, which is an awesome app to use when traveling in China .

3. Admire the blooming glory that is Dounan Flower Market

Flowers as far as the eye can see. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Even the local subway station is decorated in flowers. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Kunming is famous for the Dounan Flower Market . It’s China’s largest flower market.

Dounan is an enormous multi-level warehouse and outdoor area that sells – you guessed it – fresh flowers.

But there’s all sorts of other things you can buy there too, including dried flowers, souvenirs and gifts.

I’m not a big flower afficionado, so I was in and out of the market within 30 minutes. But it was still nice to wander around the area, admire the blooms and take lots of photos.

I was there on a hot day, so it was nice to finish up with a cup of cold milk tea while I watched the world go by. (By the way, you can read more about the different kinds of Chinese drinks here .)

The subway station is right next door, making it easy to get to Dounan Flower Market, even though it is quite a bit south of downtown Kunming.

4. Go temple hopping

You find all sorts of characters at temples. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

I tried martial arts at the Confucian Temple. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Temples are one of the few places in China where you can enjoy some peace and quiet. And luckily, there are numerous pretty temples in Kunming.

Purely for efficiency (laziness?) reasons, I headed for the Confucian Temple . It’s practically opposite Qianwang Street, which I talk about further down.

Originally built in 1276, the Confucian Temple has been rebuilt and renovated since then. It’s free to go in, and you’ll find locals practising tai chi or looking after their grandkids.

But the city’s most famous temple is the Golden Temple .

It’s an active Taoist temple, and the largest copper temple in China, hence the ‘golden’ name.

Located 7 km (4 mi) northeast of the city on Mingfeng Hill, the Golden Tower grounds are huge and there are hundreds of steps to climb as you approach the temple via the Heavenly Gates.

Admittedly, I didn’t make it to the Golden Temple as I’m not a temple kind of guy, and I’ve seen countless temples across China (I sound so unappreciative, don’t I?).

But if you love your temples, there’s also the Bamboo Temple (12 km or 7 miles northwest of the city) and Yuantong Temple as well.

Yuantong is a Zen Buddhist temple and the largest Buddhist complex in Kunming. It’s been refurbished many times since originally being build 1,200 years ago.

Yuantong Temple is actually not that far from the Confucian Temple and Green Lake Park. So if you’re pressed for time and you want to stay in the heart of Kunming, this would be a good option.

You can visit this website for more info on Kunming’s temples and all the history.

5. Go shopping

Shopping for souvenirs on Qianwang St. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

You could go luxury shopping in Kunming. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Like all other big cities in China, there’s no shortage of shopping opportunities in the capital of Yunnan province.

You could head to Dongfeng West Road for loads of food options and all your big brands.

If you’ve got money to splash on Louis Vuitton and the like, there’s Spring City Mall which is a stone’s throw from Dongfeng West Road.

But I really liked Qianwang Street , near the Confucian Temple.

It’s a chilled out (though busy) pedestrian area with lovely buildings, restaurants and souvenir stalls.

There’s also a flea market where vendors display their wares on rugs on the ground. You’ll find typically Chinese things like jade jewelry and Mao Zedong memorabilia.

Most of the stuff isn’t authentic, and make sure you bargain hard from the starting price. I picked up an amazingly cool, retro-like Mao statue which looks great on a bookcase.

The vendor asked for 600 yuan (US$80) so I offered 200 yuan (US$27). Within a moment, he’d accepted my offer, so I knew I hadn’t gone hard enough. Oh well, I still love my Mao.

I also bought a few tubes of local Yunnan toothpaste, which I later decided may not be the best Chinese souvenir to give someone!

(I kept them for myself and I can report that my teeth are looking good.)

6. Explore Lucheng Scenic Area on the Dian Lake

The view from the pagoda at the top of the mountain is beautiful. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Having a laugh with the locals at our height difference! Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Dian Lake , or Dan Chi, is an enormous lake to the southwest of the city center.

In fact, it’s the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan province.

There are towns and villages dotted around the perimeter of Dian Chi, and Lucheng Scenic Area is one of those.

The government classifies it as an AAAA tourist destination, which is just under the highest star award possible.

Lucheng has a relaxed resort feel to it, with a sandy beach and deck chairs you can rent for the day.

Mind you, when I was there the weather was overcast and it was spitting a little bit. I imagine the place is packed on sunny days!

There are lots of nice seafood restaurants to choose from if you’re up for a feed. But be warned – if you don’t like seeing fish taken out of tanks and whacked to death in front of your eyes, steer clear.

By the beach, there’s a nice little hike you can do up the mountain, which takes you to the temple at the top for stunning views of Lucheng and across the lake.

And if you’ve still got some energy, why not take one of boats out for some pedal-powered fun?

I got to Lucheng by car, as it’s quite far from Kunming and there are no viable public transport options.

It costs 15 yuan (US$2) to enter the area by foot, or more if the driver takes the car in.

7. Get a bird’s eye view of Kunming at Western Hills Park

View from Western Hills towards the city center. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Dragon Gate is a tiny, crowded space on the hillside. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

This place is huge.

Like the Stone Forest, I didn’t know what to expect and I thought I might be able to hike up and down the park’s mountain within a couple of hours. Nope.

Luckily, I bought the all-inclusive ticket which includes a coach, a mini-bus, and even a chairlift (open-air cable car) to help get me higher up the mountain. And who doesn’t love a chairlift?

There are some old Taoist grottoes carved into the side of the mountain that everyone seems to get excited about.

It’s known as Dragon Gate or Longmen (龙门) in Chinese.

But some of the stairways that go past Dragon Gate are very narrow and there are stacks of people, so to be honest, I was glad to hurry past and explore other parts of the park.

If you’re unfit I wouldn’t recommend a trip to Western Mountains. Even with the all-inclusive ticket, you’ll still have to walk up a lot of steps (hundreds, if not thousands) to see anything of interest.

But I loved spending time here, because the views of Kunming are absolutely stunning and the place has a really nice, relaxed vibe to it with all the hillside temples and dense forests.

It’s also super-easy to get to – Western Hills Park is the last station on Metro Line 3.

8. Eat wild mushrooms

The region’s famous mushroom hotpot. Image by Jesse33 on Shutterstock.

If you don’t like mushroom hotpot, how about spicy fish soup? Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Chinese cuisine is bloody incredible, and every region has its own specialties.

Yunnan is known for its wild mushrooms  (yěshēng mógu or 野生蘑菇 in Mandarin) and there are hundreds of varieties.

The fertile soil and perfect mix of sunshine and rainfall around Kunming and southwest China makes growing conditions ideal.

It makes sense then that there are countless restaurants dishing up things like mushroom soup and mushroom hotpot.

Many restaurants have open-display fridges where you can pick and choose your mushrooms too. The servers won’t be able to speak English, so get your translation app ready!

See also: Best apps for foreigners in China

The best time to enjoy Kunming’s wild mushrooms is in the middle of the year, and there are some places you can go to pick your own, or just sample eating the local ones.

I heard that at least a few locals die each year after picking and eating poisonous mushrooms. So make sure you know what you’re doing, or get the help of a local guide.

Not a fan of mushrooms?

Then try a bowl of cross-bridge rice noodles, which is basically rice noodle soup. This popular dish originated in Yunnan and usually contains meat.

You can find cross-bridge noodles all over town. Just look for out for the Chinese characters (过桥米线 pronounced guò qiáo mǐ xiàn) on the front of restaurants or on menus.

9. Learn about ethnic minorities (sort of) at Nationalities Park

Ringing a bell for good luck at Nationalities Village. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

There’s only a bit of English at the park to learn about the ethnic peoples’ history. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

If you’re only visiting Kunming for a day or two, you can quite safely give this one a miss.

But if you’re in Kunming for a couple of weeks like I was, then you might like to spend some time exploring the Nationalities Park .

It’s also referred to as Yunnan Nationalities Village and Yunnan Ethnic Village.

It’s hard to explain what this place actually is. I would say it’s a huge open-air park where you can wander through different ‘lands’ which showcase the different ethnic groups of Yunnan.

There are recreated houses to see how people used to live, performances to watch, and you can learn about the history of the many local peoples.

From my perspective, many of the workers in traditional dress just didn’t look like they wanted to be there. But can you blame them?

There’s not much English at the park, so you’ll probably need someone to help you make sense of what’s going on.

I found it difficult to understand what was what because my guide wasn’t actually from the park.

“This is an ancient bowl.” Ummm, OK, thanks.

Like most recreated attractions in China, Nationalities Park is super-touristy. If you want something more natural, head to Tiger Leaping Gorge (up next).

But if you like a bit of kitsch like I do, this park is a bit of harmless fun.

10. Take the train to Dali and Lijiang

The famous pagoda at Dali. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Chinese tourists dressing up in traditional costumes in Lijiang. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Want to get out of Kunming for a day? Two days? More?

Potentially, you could leave early in the morning and take the high-speed train from Kunming or Kunming South Station to Dali for the day, and come back at night.

Dali City is about two hours away. And then it’s about a half-hour Didi or taxi ride to Dali Old Town. So, depending on what you want to do there, do the math and see if that’s enough time for you.

For me, it wasn’t, and I decided to spend four days there.

I also visited Lijiang , another cute tourist town (some might say tourist trap – me included) which is an additional hour away, i.e. three hours from Kunming.

There, you can wander through the maze of cobblestone alleyways, dress up in ancient Chinese costumes, and nibble on local rose-flavored cakes. I did all three.

You can also take a day trip to Tiger Leaping Gorge or Jade Dragon Snow Mountain . I chose the former and – insane crowds aside – it is spectacular.

I had half a day there, including the hour-long car ride from Lijiang, but you can do long hikes along the river leading to the gorge and stay overnight in a quaint inn.

What else can you do in Kunming?

There’s loads to do in Kunming. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

I would have liked to have visited Dongchuan Red Land .

It’s basically a swathe of colorful fields and terraces, where you can catch the sunrise and take amazing photos.

The area is at least three hours away from Kunming so you’ll need to take a tour or car, and spend the night at one of the undeveloped villages.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to get so far out of Kunming (I was sightseeing at the same time as learning Mandarin at Keats Chinese School ).

Maybe next time.

And, if you’re a museum kind of person, you could visit Yunnan Provincial Museum , Yunnan Nationalities Museum (opposite Nationalities Park) or the rather niche Yunnan Railways Museum .

How’s that for choice?

In case you’re wondering why I didn’t drop into one of the museums, it’s because I have been to so many in China lately.

Could. Not. Visit. One. More.

Psst! A quick travel tip

Lijiang Old Town. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

If you want to use Wi-Fi while you’re in Kunming, or anywhere else in China for that matter, you won’t be able to survive without a virtual private network (VPN) on your phone.

The Chinese internet is censored, and without a VPN all of your favorite apps (e.g. Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Gmail, Google, etc) are inaccessible, and the equivalent  websites are banned too .

Just remember to download the VPN  before  you arrive as VPN sales are blocked in China.

You can see the  best China VPN here  or skip my review and go straight  here .

So… what’s the best thing to do in Kunming?

Qianwang Pedestrian Street is a great place to spend time. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

If you’re only in the city for a day or two, I’d head to the Stone Forest. I think it’s the best place in Kunming.

Just brace yourself for the crowds. Get there when gates open, or later in the afternoon once the big tour groups have left.

Western Hills Park is a great place to go hiking and get the blood pumping, or you could take the lazy route like I did and use the coach/minibus/chairlift combo. There are grottoes and hillside temples at the park to satisfy your historical urges too.

Then there’s the lovely Qianwang Street to wander down, where you can shop for souvenirs and fill your belly with a bowl of local mushroom soup.

I hope you liked my article on things to do in Kunming. Next, check out the things to do in Yangshuo , a popular tourist town in Guangxi province, which is next door to Yunnan. And don’t forget your China VPN !

Main image credit: Supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

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Faq about things to do in kunming, what is kunming famous for.

The capital city of Yunnan province is known for its pleasant weather, natural beauty, rich cultural heritage (there are 26 ethnic minorities here), Stone Forest, Dian Chi Lake, as well as numerous temples.

Why is Kunming known as the City of Eternal Spring?

It’s because the weather is pleasant all year round, so it always feels like spring there. The mild climate attracts tourists from all over China, especially in the summer.

How many days do you need in Kunming?

I’d recommend at least two to three days to squeeze in all the top attractions, assuming you have a guide to whisk you around. I was there for two weeks while studying Mandarin at the same time, and managed to visit everything I wanted to see during weekends and on some afternoons.

Which places do most visitors to Kunming go to see?

The top things in and around the city are the Stone Forest, Green Lake Park, Golden Temple, Yuantong Temple, and West Hill Park which overlooks Lake Dianchi. The most popular destination is the Stone Forest. Also, a few hours away from Kunming (by bullet train) are the small cities of Dali and Lijiang. From Lijiang, you can visit stunning scenic spots like Tiger Leaping Gorge and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Commercial relationship disclosure: The Helpful Panda has commercial arrangements with organizations that may appear on this page, such as affiliate links. See our terms for more info.

Mike Cairnduff

Mike has lived and worked in China, and has traveled extensively across the country. He loves Chinese food and has a keen interest in Chinese culture. You can follow him on X and LinkedIn .

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12D Yunnan Itinerary: China’s Best Kept Secret — Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-la

Few people realise how gorgeous this region of China is. Here’s our 12-day Yunnan itinerary with scenic views comparable to Switzerland!

First published on: 6 Dec 2019

When I think of China, I think of Beijing , Shanghai , and maybe even Guangzhou. Yunnan was not even in my subconscious, let alone on my list of must-travels. But after an exhilarating 12 days around the province, I fell in love with every single city we hit.

I fell in love with the people of Kunming, the nightlife of Dali and the antiquated mystique of Shangri-la. Lijiang even took it to the next level with its iconic snow-capped wonder, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and (in)famous 28-bend hike of the Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Yet, we found that not many people from all over the world flock to this region. Even though that is a plus point to many, we believe it would be such a shame if we didn’t share this not-so-little secret with the rest of the world! 

So before this itinerary hits the houses of many, we recommend that you start planning your Yunnan adventure to see some of the most beautiful sights in the world. Here’s our 12-day Yunnan itinerary for China’s best secrets.

Pre-trip Essentials

Getting Around: The best way to get around is with the apps Didi and Baidu , their local Uber/Grab, and navigation map respectively.

Connectivity:  Stay connected with an eSIM . Make sure to download VPN apps before leaving Singapore to access Facebook, Whatsapp, Telegram, Instagram, etc.

Transport: Book your high-speed rail between Kunming to Dali and Lijiang to Kunming early as these run out fast. In Yunnan, bus tickets can only be bought from the bus station the bus leaves from and you can look at the bus timing schedule here to plan your itinerary for the day.

Day 1 – 2: Kunming (昆明)

Our first stop in this Yunnan itinerary is Kunming, Yunnan’s capital — known for its pleasant weather and blooming flowers all year round. Kunming was actually the gateway to the famous Silk Road and is still considered today as China’s transportation hub connecting Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-la.

Weather in Kunming: Temperatures average 15°C all year round. January is the coldest at 8°C and July’s the hottest at 25°C.

Accommodation in Kunming: There are several comfortable yet affordable stays within the city of Kunming.

Green Lake Park (翠湖公园)

This park is absolutely gorgeous, with always-blooming flowers and clear waters reflecting the magnificent bridges. It’s also the perfect place to absorb the Kunming culture! Every Sunday, locals from all walks of life adorn traditional costumes and gather at the park to dance, sing and have fun.

They even welcome foreigners. But beware, the dance steps are not easy at all (It’s like an eastern hoedown where everyone knows the steps and you are like what is going on).

Opening hours: 7AM – 11PM How to get there: 8min walk from Huashan West Rd stn on Line 5 of Kunming Metro ( Baidu Map )

Yunnan Nationalities Village (云南民族村)

Yunnan is home to 26 different ethnic minorities scattered all around the province, and obviously, the best way to understand a place is to understand its people. It’s almost impossible to visit every single tribe around Yunnan at once unless you’re at the Yunnan Nationalities Village .

Each tribe in this park offered us an insight into their life back in their hometowns — adorned in their traditional garment, performing tunes of their tribe and taking us around the rebuilt replicas of their homes. We were even lucky enough to get invited to have a meal with the people of the Pumi tribe.

The park is huge, so make sure you allocate enough time to see as many tribes as you want (around an hour per tribe). A faster way to get around is by renting a four-wheel bike (100RMB).

*Pro-tip: Check the timetable at the entrance of the Yunnan Village for the performance timings around the compound and alter your itinerary accordingly.

Entrance fee: 90RMB (45RMB for students) Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM How to get there: Take bus line No. 44, 73 or A1 to Yunnan Nationalities Village Station ( Baidu Map )

Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Scenic Region Day Trip (石林)

Epic or what? This 400sq km-wide area of towering limestones (all natural!) was considered the “First Wonder of the World” to the Chinese. I mean, can we question that?

Exploring the Stone Forest itself is like experiencing a giant storybook too. For example, there’s an “Ashima rock” that tells the tale of a beautiful girl who was kidnapped and forced to marry an evil man. Thankfully, her lover saves her, but she eventually gets washed away by a flood and turned into a rock.

40 minutes by bus from the Stone Forest lies the Jiuxiang Caves , the largest cave group system in China with over 100 karst caves. Here you’ll get to explore a bat cave, a lying dragon cave, a grand lion hall and a fairy field, among others.

And of course, my personal favourite — a karaoke system in the middle of the entire trail playing classic 90s English songs and Chinese hits. Why is there a karaoke system in the middle of an ancient cave? I can only say China never ceases to surprise us.

Stone Forest Entrance fee: 130RMB per pax Cost of bus ride: 34RMB (1.5hrs) Opening hours: 7AM – 7PM How to get there: Take Line 3 of the metro to East Coach Station. Then, take a bus to Stone Forest ( Baidu Map ).

Jiuxiang Cave Cost: 90RMB + 30RMB (chairlift). The chairlift is optional but we do recommend it because it saves a lot of time. It transported us to the starting point within 10 minutes instead of having to walk back through the trail which would take an hour. Opening hours: 8AM – 6PM How to get there: Ask the locals to direct you to the right bus ( Baidu Map )

Cross Bridge Rice Noodles at Jianxinyuan (建新园)

This Yunnan delicacy can be found all over Kunming, with Jianxinyuan being the most famous chain. The noodles are served separately from the soup so they don’t turn soggy, and the boiling-hot broth has a layer of oil to retain the heat. The ingredients are then mixed on the spot upon serving, allowing everything to cook in the broth.

Cost: ~20RMB Opening hours: 8AM – 10PM Address: No.195 Baoshan Street, Wuhua District, Kunming 650021, China ( Baidu Map )

Read also : 16 Things to Do in Kunming — The Unexplored Gem in China

Day 3 – 4: Dali (大理市)

Getting from Kunming to Dali: Take a high-speed rail from Kunming Railway Station To Dali Station (2.5hrs)

Next in this Yunnan itinerary — Dali! Just 2.5 hours away by train from Kunming, Dali is sandwiched between Erhai Lake and the mountains which means you’ll be greeted with stunning panoramic views everywhere you turn.

Weather in Dali: Temperatures range from 18 – 25°C in (June) and from 4 – 17°C in winter (January).

Accommodation in Dali: We stayed at The Lily Pad Inn which was only a 15-minute walk from Dali Ancient City.

Dali Ancient City (大理古城) 

Roaming the streets of Dali Ancient City gave me the perfect snapshot of Dali, from the beautifully decorated streets to its delicious food.

Don’t miss this street with beautifully decorated umbrellas for that Insta-worthy photo!

How to get there: Take bus 3 from Dali Railway Station to Dali Ancient Town, journey is about 1hr ( Baidu Map )

Bad Monkey Bar (坏猴子酒吧)

Dali Ancient City is the only ancient city in this Yunnan itinerary with a lively nightlife. So if you plan on partying it up, this is your stop! When you’re done exploring, chug some local craft beer at Bad Monkey Bar . There’s India pale ale, stout, wheat and amber ale to choose from 40RMB each.

We have to give a special mention to the live music because it really added to the ambience — and the band was singing English songs too.

Opening hours: 9AM – 3AM Address: 73-75 Renmin Road, Dali Old Town, Dali, Yunnan 671003 ( Baidu Map )

Three Pagodas (崇圣寺三塔)

Built 1,800 years ago, the majestic Three Pagodas play an important role in China’s history as it’s a symbol of the development of Buddhism in China. But wait, there’s more!

Behind the Three Pagodas is the Chongsheng Temple that was built in the 10th Century, and is one of the largest Buddhist centres in China. It comprises eight terraces, nine sections and 11 levels across 4km leading to the Cangshan Mountain .

Entrance fee: 75RMB (37RMB for students) Opening hours:  7AM – 6:30PM How to get there: Take the Three Pagodas Line in downtown Dali from Dali Railway Station or Xiaguan to the Three Pagodas Scenic Area in Chongsheng ( Baidu Map )

Erhai Lake (洱海)

Erhai is one of the seven biggest freshwater lakes in China. The ‘Er’ actually means ‘ear’ which is also the shape of the sea! It is essential to the daily life of the locals because it is an ideal spot for them to fish. With the backdrop of the vast scenic lake and the opportunity to learn about the life of a local, this serves as the best place to have a relaxing afternoon picnic.

How to get there: From the South Gate of the Ancient Town, take bus C2 and alight at Caicun Dock. Then, walk for 10 minutes to the lake. ( Baidu Map )

Yunnan Wild Mushroom Rice Noodles (云南野生菌米线)

Yunnan is home to hundreds of different edible mushrooms so eating here is a quintessential Yunnan experience. I really recommend you make time in your itinerary to hit this spot as it was the best meal I had in Yunnan!

The rice noodles came with supremely delicious and fresh mushrooms (morels, porcini, matsutake). We left the restaurant caressing our happy stomachs, satisfied with the recommendation from our hostel host.

Cost: 32RMB per bowl Opening hours: 11AM – 10.30PM How to get there: The restaurant is in Dali Ancient Town. Facing Bad Monkey Bar , turn left. The restaurant is about 10 minutes away down the same street on the left, beside a bubble tea store.

Day 5 – 9: Lijiang (丽江)

Getting from Dali to Lijiang: Take the 2.5hrs high-speed rail from Dali Station To Lijiang Station.

You don’t need to travel to Europe to get sights like these. Arguably the main highlight in Yunnan, Lijiang is a must-have in your itinerary if you’re looking for amazing nature views and hikes, from gorges to snow mountains!

Weather in Lijiang: Wear layered clothing as the temperature throughout the day fluctuates drastically. Temperatures peak at 20°C from June to September, down to 0°C in from December to February.

Accommodation in Lijiang: October Inn Hostel was located 10 minutes away from Lijiang Ancient City.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山)

Photo credit: Freepik

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain consists of 13 snow-capped peaks and several glaciers, and till date, no one has reached the summit! Anyone who tried either died or was forced to give up. But don’t worry, the boardwalk goes to a height of 4,680m and is very safe.

But before that, to fully enjoy the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and its surrounding attractions, we recommend getting the package ticket that also includes entrance to the Blue Moon Valley and Impression Lijiang Show (directed by Zhang Yimou!).

There are several layers to this experience:

(1) Explore the Surroundings: Head over to the Blue Moon Valley first, which is an enormous lake at the foot of the mountain. Stroll along the lake for views of waterfalls and wild yaks.

(2) Take the cable car up the mountain: There are three different cable cars that go up to various heights. The highest one goes to the Glacier Park at 4,506m high. From the station, there’s a 100m boardwalk, which is the highest a tourist can go! We recommend booking the 11AM cable car for the best views (the morning fog clears up then).

You’ll want to get your tickets early. Either book through a tour or get a local (like hostel staff) to book for you via WeChat or AliPay. Only 10,000 tickets are released daily at 7AM and they’re snagged fast (This only applies to the Big Cable Car).

If you happen to miss the tickets for Big Cable Car, you can still admire the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain at the foot or mid-levels. You just have to purchase entrance tickets (100RMB) and tickets for the smaller chairlifts (60RMB to the Yak Meadow, 55RMB to the Spruce Meadow) separately on the day of your visit itself.

*Pro-tip: Don’t forget to layer up. If you didn’t bring enough clothes, you can rent a jacket from the base for 50RMB. Also, get your oxygen cans from Lijiang City as it’s much cheaper than on the snow mountain. It’s easy to get altitude sickness here, so walk slowly, and carry an oxygen can for good measure — one tank to two people should suffice.

(3) Catch the Impression Lijiang Show: Located at the base of the attraction, the Impression Lijiang Show is an outdoor singing and dancing performance demonstrating the tradition and lifestyle of the local ethnic people. With 500 people in the cast and the spectacular Jade Snow Mountain as the backdrop, this performance truly encapsulated the beauty of Yunnan!

Showtimes: 12:40PM, 2:50PM Cost: 420RMB (incl. chairlift, Blue Moon Valley and Impression Lijiang show) Opening hours: 7AM – 6PM How to get there: Hail a private car along the Mao Ze Dong Hong Tai Yang Square (红太阳广场) that takes you directly there (400RMB). Alternatively, take the no. 7 minivan leaving from the Red Sun Square , right opposite the statue of Mao Zedong (30RMB).

Old Town of Lijiang (丽江古城)

The Old Town of Lijiang is known for its organised bridges and orderly system of waterways throughout the town. This design was actually due to the fact that this town was once a confluence for trade along The Tea Horse Caravan Trail.

Yak butter milk ice cream is a must-try when in Yunnan.

We had spent many nights in Lijiang, so we became rather familiar with the streets. We even stumbled upon this lookout point that eventually became our hangout spot to watch the sunset. At the foot of Da Yan Hua Lane (大研花巷), there are stairs that will lead up to this lookout point. Ask the locals for help locating this lane!

Opening hours: Most shops close by 10PM How to get there: The Old Town of Lijiang is serviced by several public buses in Lijiang, but we took Didi as it’s cheaper and more efficient. ( Baidu Map )

Black Dragon Pool (黑龙潭)

The Black Dragon Pool is a refreshing change of pace from the city. Stroll around the compound with a view of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain at the back, and explore the Buddhist temple on site.

Entrance Fee: 50RMB Opening Hours: 7AM – 9:30PM How to get there: Take bus 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 20, or 28 to Heilongtan (Jade Spring Park), or walk 15mins from Old Town of Lijiang ( Baidu Map )

2D1N Tiger Leaping Gorge Hike (虎跳峡)

I had always fantasised about the Swiss Alps , but its lesser-known sibling hides in the depths of Yunnan. Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in the world, it measures 16km long and is 3900m deep from the Jinsha River to the Haba Mountain. 

Conquering the infamous 28 bends over its hiking path is no easy task, but is definitely very doable. For someone who is of average fitness, this would serve as a medium-intensity hike. No pain no gain, and the views of the beautiful Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain were definitely a very worthy gain! But do make sure to prep sufficiently for the hike, with snacks and loads of water.

We started our hike a little ahead of Qiaotou. 3 hours in, we stopped for lunch at Mama Naxi Guesthouse (~25RMB/pax), a common stop for Tiger Leaping Gorge hikers serving simple home-cooked Chinese food like eggs and tomatoes, and even butter milk tea using yak milk.

We took another four hours after lunch to complete the 28 bends and the rest of the hike before we reached our accommodation for the night at Tea Horse Guest House . Sleep early because you’ll want to catch the sunrise at 6AM (otherwise, sleeping in till 9AM is fine too)!

The second-day hike was way easier because it was not crowded, and we spent the entire time hiking at the cliff’s edge. We finished the hike in 5 to 6 hours and stopped by Tina’s Guest House for food along the way down. From here, the only bus back to Lijiang departs at 3:30PM daily so don’t miss it. Depending on your Yunnan itinerary, there’s also a bus towards Shangri-la that departs from Tina’s Guest House at 3:30PM.

Entrance fee: 45RMB (22.5RMB for students under 24) Opening hours: 24hrs How to get there: We got our host at October Inn Hostel to arrange a bus to pick us up at 7AM and drop us at Qiaotou Bridge, which took 1.5hrs. Your trail will start slightly beyond that point (ask the locals for directions).

Naxi Snacks Store

This unassuming store in Lijiang Old Town can be easily missed if you’re not discerning, but it serves up really good food like blood sausage (22RMB) and chickpea noodles (6RMB).

Blood sausage served with fried vegetables drizzled with homemade chili powder .

The main ingredient in blood sausage is pig’s blood which made me a little squeamish. But it was actually very crispy and tasty. It tastes more like a stuffed potato chip. The chickpea noodles are served cold with chili oil, parsley, peanuts, and beansprout in the bowl which all mix together perfectly.

Opening hours: 8AM – 9PM Address: 88 Wuyi Street, Gucheng District, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, China, 674100 ( Baidu Map )

Day 10 – 12: Shangri-la (香格里拉)

Getting from Lijiang to Shangri-la: Take a 3.5-hour bus from Lijiang Bus Station (62RMB).

The streets of Shangri-la enchanted us with an antiquated mystique, from unique Tibetan-styled streets to grand monasteries.

Weather in Shangri-la: It’s the coldest place in this Yunnan itinerary. Temperatures average 19°C from June to August, and -2°C from December to February.

Accommodation in Shangri-la: Shangajoy Seasons Inn is located a walking distance away from the Dukezong. They had helpful staff that booked us tours and showed us around!

Balagezong Scenic Area (巴拉格宗风景区)

Balagezong was truly breathtaking with its towering mountains, unimaginably fresh air and waters so blue I was sure the saturation was tampered with (it’s not, lah). We explored a magnificent Buddhist temple, a glass walkway perched on the mountains, had a delicious Tibetan lunch and a scenic 2.5km walk through the Balagezong Grand Canyon .

The glass walkway stop was my favourite part of the day trip! Not being the best with heights, having to walk a pathway that allowed me to see 3,000m down to my death was not very comforting. But the views down were so stunning that a little heart palpitation was a worthy cost to bear.

If you’re feeling a little adventurous, this stop also offers a zip-lining activity through the canyon (120RMB).

Cost: 290RMB for tour incl. round trip transport, transport within the scenic area and entrance fees (ask hostel staff to help book a tour). Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM How to get there: Shuttle buses depart daily around 9AM from Shangri-La’s Dukezong Ancient Town, and leave Balagezong from 4PM – 5PM. ( Baidu Map )

Songzanlin Lamasery (松赞林寺)

Songzanlin  is the largest  Tibetan Buddhist  monastery in Yunnan, covering 30 hectares. The 5th Dalai Lama chose this site in 1679, and it has since grown into the most important monastery in the community of Yunnan.

At the entrance, you can board a bus that takes you directly to the monastery, or you can alternatively walk 30 minutes to the monastery around the lake. We recommend walking if you can because the serene stroll through the park allows immaculate views of the Lamasery.

Entrance fee: 115RMB (62RMB for students under 24) Opening hours:  6AM – 6PM Address: Niwang Rd, Shangri-La, Deqen, Yunnan, China ( Baidu Map )

Napahai Lake (纳帕海)

The Napahai Natural Lake Reserve alone is 90% of Singapore’s size at 660km sq wide. The best way to explore the entire lake is to rent a car and drive along the entire coastline. Trust me, the views are worth it!

*Pro-tip: Napahai Lake and Songzalin Lamasery are nearby so we recommend hiring a private car and visiting both in one day.

How to get there: 214 West Side of West Inner Ring Road, Shangri-La, China ( Baidu Map )

Dukezong (獨克宗)

Dukezong is a Tibetan town located in the heart of Shangri-la. Unlike the other ancient towns, the Tibetan culture colours each narrow street with gilded prayer halls, pagodas and Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags.

The Prayer Wheel is one of the main attractions of the Ancient Town. Spin the prayer wheel three times and good luck and fortune will fall upon you. It’s the tallest of its kind in the world at 21m high, making it virtually impossible for one person to spin it alone. Rally up your pals to spin it together!

Opening Hours: Most shops close by 10:30PM How to get there: Dukezong is within walking distance from Shangri-La Town ( Baidu Map )

Tibetan Hotpot (藏式火锅)

After a whole day of exploring around Shangri-La, we treated ourselves to a hearty Tibetan hotpot at a restaurant in Dukezong Ancient Town.

The hot pot was really shiok especially in the cold Shangri-la weather. There was an array of fresh vegetables and meat to choose from — from bean sprouts to Chinese kale, and black goat meat to yak beef balls, we were really spoilt for choice.

Eventually, we settled on the black goat meat since it’s the local Shangri-la delicacy. And boy oh boy, was it a good choice! The meat cooked really quickly and it just melted in our mouths. We ordered the spicy miso and mushroom soup which complimented all the ingredients really well.

Heading back to Kunming

Since our return flight back to Singapore was from Kunming, we took a 13-hour sleeper bus (223RMB) from Shangri-la back to Kunming . Bus tickets can only be purchased at the ticketing counter of the bus station.

Alternatively, you can take the bus to Lijiang (62RMB), then take the high-speed rail (~S$42) from Lijiang to Kunming in under 6.5 hours.

China’s Best-Kept Secret

Before coming on this trip, I knew next to nothing about Yunnan, let alone that it is home to so many beautiful attractions and scenic landscapes!

But after 12 days of hiking magnificent gorges, scaling snow-capped mountains and exploring ancient towns, Yunnan definitely made my list of the top three countries I have travelled to, with Slovenia and Spain sharing the title.

It now feels like I am in on this not-so-little secret that the entire of Yunnan was hiding away from the rest of the world. You can thank us later for this Yunnan itinerary. But for now, get ready for your next adventure!

Read also: 9 Reasons Why Yunnan Should Be On Your Travel Bucket List

Checking out other parts of China? Here are some more ideas: – 2-Week China Itinerary — Rail Adventure Across Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou – 12D Central China Itinerary to Ancient Gems & Undiscovered Sights — Things to do in Wuhan, Changsha & Zhangjiajie – Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide to China: 14 Exciting Things To Do In Beijing – 25 Exciting Things to Do in Shanghai — First Timer’s Guide From Must-Dos to Hidden Gems – 5D4N Suzhou and Hangzhou Itinerary — Beauty of Tiger Hill, West Lake and More – 19 Reasons to Visit China’s Most Underrated Cities — Wuhan, Changsha & Zhangjiajie – 11 Reasons Why You Should Visit Hainan Island For Your Next Resort Holiday

We hope this Yunnan itinerary was useful in planning your next adventure. If we missed out anything in our Yunnan itinerary, do let us know in the comments.

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28 comments.

I agree! Yunnan is amazing! And those places are the most touristy part of Yunnan, there’s more but it’s better to rent a car and explore yourself. Thanks for this article, i founded it very useful! I stayed in NAXIs guesthouse too, love the food! Oh and Kunming’s weather the hottest month gets about 25 not 18…

Thanks Karla for your comments, article’s been corrected 🙂 Yes we’ll want to try self-driving too the next time we visit Yunnan:)

Hello, did you self drive in China? Understood that international license is not accepted and a china temporary driving license is required when you arrive in China. Would love to know the procedure to obtain the china driving license. Thanks!

Hi there! No, we did not self-drive in China. The transport system and ride-hailing are quite convenient and reliable, and we could get around with ease.

Amazing itinerary, thanks for sharing with us

Hello, the high speed rail URL is not working for me. How else do we check and book for the trains? Any changes since this article was written? Thanks

Hi Hendri, thanks for pointing out! We’re also in the midst of updating all our China content. You can get the high speed rail tickets from this website too: https://www.12306.cn/en/index.html Hope this helps 🙂

Thank you so much for sharing the information, everything is very detailed, you did a thorough job just like locals.

Thank you for sharing this itinerary. Am planning a DIY trip but bringing my parents in their sixties. Reasonably fit to walk but I ll skip the hike and Shangri la. Any tips to take note with elderly in mind ? My plan is to fly in Kunming 3d2N ,train to Dali stay in Erhai 5d4n then train to Lijiang 6d5n before training back to Kunming onward back Sg. When based in Dali & Lijiang , am planning to do day tours etc. Any advise will be much appreciated.

Hi Angel, sorry I must have missed out on your question! Kunming, Dali, Lijiang are all pretty elderly-friendly. If you’ve not yet bought tickets to attractions, do check at the counters if they have discounted tickets for older folks! Some major attractions have tickets at half-price for students and adults above 60. If you and your parents speak Mandarin, you’ll have no problems at all getting around. Have a fantastic trip! 🙂

Thanks so much for this detailed write up and the super pics. It really helped me plan my own solo trip to Yunnan.

Hi, can share are toilets easily Available n how’s the cleanliness of toilets in the places mentioned in this itinerary? Thanks

Hi thanks for this question! There are public toilets that are well-maintained at most tourist attractions such as Yunnan Nationalities Village, Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Scenic Region, Three Pagodas, etc. However, do not expect them to be very clean. At more rural areas such as the Ancient Towns, Tiger Leaping Gorge Hike, and Shangri-La, public restrooms are as basic as door-less cubicles with a drain. And always always bring along your own tissues. Hope this helps 🙂

Hi Edelyn! I just booked airticket to Kunming! Any other important travel or hotel or train or food tips, beside what was written above? Btw how come u never consider internal flight instead of train for your trip? Thanks much!

Hi Bean, hope the article was useful in your trip planning! To answer your question of why not internal flights — We had budget considerations, and also wanted to experience an overnight bus for the first time, so that was what we chose 🙂

Hi Edelyn, pls share with me how u guys booked the Balagezong Scenic Area (巴拉格宗风景区 tour? I am unable to find a day trip tour that can take in foreigners such as the qunar website. Also is it easy to get high altitude sickness? I have a 12yo. Thanks a lot!

Hi Bean, we booked the Balagezong Scenic Area (巴拉格宗风景区) tour through the hostel we stayed at in Shangri-la. Almost every hotel/inn/hostel in Shangri-la can arrange tours for guests, you’ll just have to ask them!

Hi! I am planning for a trip coming March 2024 to Yunnan. Can I check for those attractions that are not as accessible from the towns, did you all book for the private charter in Singapore or did you all only book the private charters via the Hostels/Hotels when you are there? I am unable to find reasonably priced charters online, most cost $100 to $200/PAX for a day charter online…Saw that your Bagalezong tour was only 290RMB which is much more economical.

Hi Jan! We did most of our bookings when we’re in China, either with the help of the hostel/hotel staff or via DiDi (their car hailing app). Our Balagezong tour was booked via our inn, and I recommend you to do that too! Hope this helps 🙂

Hello, your itinerary and explanation is really helpful. May i ask, if i cant speak and read mandarin, do you think this itinerary is doable? Thank you

Hi Monica, thanks for the question. Honestly, it’ll be tough for visitors who don’t read Mandarin Chinese at all, especially at places away from the city. You can probably overcome the language barrier by using translation apps, or asking the friendly locals you meet – younger Chinese are able to converse in simple English. And with adequate pre-trip planning and preparation, I’m sure you’ll be able to enjoy Yunnan as much as we did! 🙂

Thanks for sharing your itinerary, we are planning a trip in June and this will be helpful. If you don’t mind sharing, how much did this trip cost you? I am not sure how much to budget. I will be traveling with my husband and 9 yo son.

Hi Teresa! TBH we can’t quite remember but it should be about S$2.5k excl. flights. However our trip was back in 2019, so costs of things would have changed a bit, so do take note! 🙂

Hi, do you think October is a good month to visit yunnan? Wondering if there’s alternative for non-hikers to not hike as much haha, jade snow dragon mountain board walk sounds manageable. But Tiger Leaping Gorge Hike, is it ok to skip this?

Hi! October is a great time to visit Yunnan, in fact, we did our trip in late October too! The weather is cooling with nice sunlight so photos will still look great! It gets cold in the night, so do bring along a good jacket/wind breaker.

If you’re a non-hiker, you can skip Tiger Leaping Gorge for sure. Lijiang is a very beautiful town with plenty to see and explore — Lijiang Old Town, Shuhe Ancient Town, Black Dragon Pool Park, etc. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain can take a full day too if you’re catching the Impression Lijiang show.

Hope this helps! 🙂

Hi may I ask for the 2D1N Tiger Leaping Gorge Hike, do you need to hire a local tour guide along? Would you lost your way easily if you hike alone?

Hi there! Paths are clear so as long as you don’t stray from the paths, it shouldn’t be a problem 🙂

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Yunnan Province Itinerary: From Kunming to Dali and Lijiang

From Sichuan we went to Yunnan Province, another culturally diverse region in China . The province is to the southwest of the country and neighbors Myanmar , Laos and Vietnam . Thus, it’s no surprise that South East Asia influences Yunnan’s rich and varied cuisine. The weather is subtropical and vegetation pretty diverse. Additionally, Yunnan is home to some of the nicest towns in China. They are ancient, authentic, lively, and they are everywhere. If this is your first time in Yunnan, we strongly recommend the following itinerary. It includes Yunnan’s main points of interest, from the capital of Kunming to the old towns of Dali and Lijiang.

How to Choose the Perfect Yunnan Itinerary

Yunnan Province  covers an area of almost 400,000 km2 (bigger than Italy), a large part of which is occupied by high mountains. As you can imagine, it is difficult to reach most of the province. Not only that, but being at a high altitude can be a challenge for many travelers. We chose Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang for our Yunnan itinerary because of their accessibility and attractiveness. The three have fascinating heritage, superb hotels, and delicious restaurants. Likewise, they are a great base for some of the most extraordinary day trips in the region. Due to all of the above, we strongly recommend spending at least 2 to 3 days in each city.

Traveling From Kunming to Dali and Lijiang by Train

The most convenient way to travel between Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang is by train. Until recently there were no fast trains between the three cities. From Kunming to Dali there were semi-fast trains, but from Dali to Lijiang there was only the old Chinese train. We took that one, and it was such a fun experience! People were quite noisy at all times, and nobody seemed to care. Even the radio broadcasted loud screaming Chinese music. We had a ball! Nowadays, fast trains leave every half an hour from Kunming to Dali and there are four fast trains from Dali to Lijiang. Both journeys take between 2 and 2.5 hours. If you rather skip Dali, ten fast trains connect Kunming and Lijiang in about 3 hours. There are also three night trains that cover the same route, but in about 9 hours.

Kunming, Capital of Yunnan Province

What to see in kunming.

Kunming  seems to have a new fancy center, full of new shiny malls. While these may give it a somehow distinct air, they occupy the space of former old traditional houses. What a loss! One of these malls has a great bookstore where you can buy books in English and have brewed coffee. We spent an entire day walking around the pedestrian Nanping Street in the city center. There is an interesting market next to the pedestrian area, the  Flowers and Birds Market . Don’t forget to visit Green Lake Park . It’s a bizarre place packed with elderly locals dancing. Not far from the park, you’ll find the city’s most famous temple,  Yuangtong . Finally, don’t miss the East and West Temple Pagodas , south of Nanping Street.  

Shilin Stone Forest

It was our only full day in the city, so we set off on the metro to get to the Kunming South Train station. After an hour through 25 metro stations, we got there only to find we forgot our passports to buy the bloody train ticket. Damn! So learn from our mistake:  in China, you need your passport to buy train tickets . Anyhow, the fast trains to Shilin Stone Forest leave from Kunming South and arrive in Shilin West in just 20 minutes. Metro Line 1 takes you from downtown Kunming to the South Train Station. From Shilin West, you have to take a local bus to the park. Alternatively, you can take a direct bus from Kunming’s East Bus Station to the Shilin Stone Forest.

Alternative Options

Take a trip to the  Dragon Gate  on the  Western Hills . It’s an impressive building carved in stone, and the views from there are stunning. Another option is the nearby  Dianchi Lake .  

Why is Kunming Worth Visiting?

The main reason we went to Kunming, Yunnan’s capital, was to visit the famous Shilin Stone Forest, a couple of hours away. We didn’t make it, but at least we got the chance to see the sprawling never-ending massive residential areas surrounding the city. Even the new train station was worth visiting: a Chinese space ship in the middle of nowhere. Well, at the pace Kunming is growing, I’m sure massive towers will surround it all. So all things considered, Kunming is worth visiting. You get to see a not so glitzy modern Chinese city , a mix of the old and the new.

Where to Stay in Kunming

In Kunming, we stayed at the Kunming JinJiang Hotel near the old Kunming Train Station. Though it is a very nice hotel, the neighborhood lacks character, and there is nothing nearby. The lively center is a bit away too. Nevertheless, if you are short of time, it’s a great base since both trains to Dali and Lijiang leave from that station. Otherwise, stay in the center at the fabulous Moon and Chalice Boutique Hotel . This classy hotel is a historical building. If you prefer international chains, stay at the Crowne Plaza Kunming City Centre . They offer comfortable rooms and great views.  

Dali and the Three Pagodas

What to see in dali.

Dali  is on the way to Lijiang, so we decided to stop there. The train station is in Dali’s modern town, far from Old Dali. However, don’t rush and check it out. There is even a futuristic structure on a hill with a ball on top ( Plateau Mingzhu ). To get to the  Old Town,  it’s better to take a taxi. Take note that city walls surround the Old Town. The houses inside the walls are not as pretty as those in Lijiang, but the atmosphere makes up for it. Without a doubt, in Yunnan, one of the coolest places of interest is the  Three Pagodas . You will find them on the outskirts of town. We guarantee that you   will remember them forever. The temple is over 10 centuries old and surrounded by majestic subtropical mountains. Don’t be lazy and go all the way up to the last temple. You will mostly be on your own, and fantastic views will reward your effort.

One of the great things about Dali is that you can go on fantastic day trips close to the city. The most popular one is to nearby  Erhai Lake . This lake in the shape of an ear (its name means that) is the second-largest highland lake in China. One of the biggest attractions is the  Erhai Park  on the south side of the lake, just behind the structure with a giant ball. If you take a boat tour you can visit some of the islands, including  Jinsuo Island  (Golden Shuttle Island). The lake is the life source of many locals who fish here. You’ll see them together with their trained cormorants catching fish.

Visit some of the nearby ancient towns. Among the many interesting ones,  Shaxi   is the nicest. Since it is quite far, you might consider some of the closer ones, such as Xizhou and Zhoucheng .

Why is Dali Worth Visiting?

Dali is all about exploring an alternative Chinese city . You’ll find plenty of cool bars and restaurants, subdued music, and a relaxed atmosphere. At night we passed a bar full of young hip Chinese sitting on small stools, drinking and singing together with a live band. They started laughing when we couldn’t communicate and invited us for a hot beer. Who could possibly say no to such a cool and unique place? We also met dozens of old war veterans in their uniforms near the Three Pagodas. We felt privileged to shake hands with people that made history! For the Chinese, this is an important place of worship, so the atmosphere felt special.

Where to Stay in Dali

Our hotel  China Old Story  is just a few meters from the old South Gate, but it was difficult to find. This lovely bizarre place boasts a nice garden and a huge photo of the owner shaking Hillary Clinton’s hand! How could we not stay? Though the typical hard beds reminded us that we were in China! If you want to stay in the heart of Dali Ancient Town, we recommend the Dali Old Courtyard Boutique Inn . They feature elegant rooms and a beautiful courtyard. One of the main streets, Renmin Road, is just a step away. If you are into contemporary architecture influenced by the traditional one, stay at the superb   Sunyata Hotel , inside the ancient town.

Old Town of Lijiang

What to see in lijiang.

Lijiang  is over 1000 years old and has managed to preserve most of its heritage buildings. You can only access the  Old Town of Lijiang  on foot, so no pollution inside! We walked about its cobbled streets, took pictures, joked with the locals, and tried all sorts of delicious food. You have to try their tea and a soft pastry made of roses. Eitan was very happy. He is not really into tea but loves coffee. Hence, every morning he would enjoy his book and great brewed coffee at Café Prague , overlooking a stream lined with blossoming trees. Nightly walks are brilliant too. There are dozens of bars, and everybody dances and shouts to incredibly loud music. Pretty much all you have to do in Lijiang is to get lost in its Old Town!

Black Dragon Lagoon

Don’t forget to visit the  Black Dragon Lagoon . We spent a day there, enjoying the outstanding nature that surrounds the city. Again, Eitan had trouble with the altitude (Lijiang lies at 2500m), so we had to skip the mountains. We saw the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain covered with snow from the lagoon, breathtaking. The park is full of flowers, birds, smiley people, and authentic temples. Unfortunately, due to cloudy weather, our pictures do not reflect how cool the views truly are. Hence, you will have to go and see for yourself! Another day should be spent climbing the hill overlooking the city. We had it all to ourselves.  Mufu Palace  is there.

Visit the nearby  Shuhe Old Town . It is equally impressive yet less crowded. Nature lovers should not miss the Blue Moon Valley , the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain , and the Tiger Leaping Gorge .

Why is Lijiang Worth Visiting?

Lijiang is one of the most beautiful cities we have ever visited. Though it is overly touristic, most tourists are Chinese, so pretty authentic from our point of view. Every house has a long history and each street is different, so it wasn’t difficult to ignore the masses. The Old Town of Lijiang in Yunnan is one of China’s best places of interest. Streams crisscross Lijiang, and trees and flowers line its beautiful streets. Elderly people dressed up in traditional clothes sell fruit from baskets they carry on their backs. Young ones play drums in their shops. People smile everywhere! We were so happy in Lijiang, laughing and singing all day long. We are coming back for sure!

Where to Stay in Lijiang

It took us half an hour of walking back and forth until we found our Xihe Boutique Inn . It is easy to get lost in Lijiang’s Old Town. Additionally, very few people speak English, so make sure to have your hotel’s name and the full address written in Chinese. The hotel is a traditional house built around a couple of patios. There is a roof terrace with fabulous views and a traditional tea-drinking table. If you are looking for something even fancier, you’ll love the Jun Bo Xuan Boutique Hotel . If you would like to stay a bit off the beaten track, then Banyan Tree Lijiang is your best bet. The slick modern hotel is at the entrance of Shihu Old Town, a few kilometers away from Lijiang’s old town. You’ll love the views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Yunnan Province: Other Points of Interest

This Yunnan itinerary is for those of you who have  one week  to spend in the province. We believe that 2 days in Kunming, 2 days in Dali, and 3 in Lijiang should give you a hint of what these three cities are all about. If you have more time or prefer some alternative destinations, we have two suggestions.

The city of  Shangri La  is the center of the sacred region of three rivers: Yangtze, Mekong, and Salween. The area is home to the Tibetan culture, and there is a plethora of interesting Tibetan monasteries and ancient towns.

On the other side of Yunnan, close to the border with Laos, you’ll find China’s most spectacular rice terraces: Honghe Hani , also called Yuanyang Rice Terraces . These thousand-year-old terraces occupy the slopes of the Ailao Mountains and are an impressive sight.

What to See in Yunnan: People

Dali, Jiliang and Kunming are quite different from each other. Each place is unique and worth visiting. The one thing that is the same all around Yunnan is people. Everyone smiled at us, from old ladies to cute kids. We felt very safe and pampered. Thanks so much!

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• Getting There
• Kunming Airport
• Airport Transportation
• Train Schedule
• Railway Station
• South Railway Station
• Getting Around
• Bus/Metro Search
• Transport to Dali
• Transport to Lijiang
• Transport to Shangri-la
• 3 Days Private Tour
• 6 Days to Jianshui & Yuanyang
• 8 Days to Dali Lijiang Shangri-La
• 10 Days Vietnam to China

How to Travel between Kunming and Dali

How to travel from kunming to dali, 1. best way: kunming to dali high speed train : 2 to 3 hours, cny 145 for second class seat.

2. Second Choice: Kunming to Dali Long-distance Bus: 4 to 5.5 hours, CNY 110 - 192/person

3. kunming to dali flight: 1 hour onboard, cny 500 - 1,000, how to get from kunming to dali ancient city , how to travel from dali to kunming, 1. best way: dali to kunming high speed train : 2 to 3 hours, cny 145 for second class seat, 2. second choice: dali to kunming long-distance bus: 4 to 5.5 hours, cny 120 - 165/person , 3. dali to kunming flight: 1 hour onboard, cny 500 - 1,000.