Discover the vibrant city of Kunming with our carefully crafted 3-day itinerary, designed to showcase the best of this enchanting destination. From serene parks and historic universities to majestic lakes and bustling flower markets, Kunming offers a rich tapestry of cultural, natural, and historical attractions. Immerse yourself in the local lifestyle as you explore iconic landmarks, savor regional delicacies, and experience the unique traditions of Yunnan’s diverse ethnic groups. Whether you’re marveling at the ancient rock formations of the Stone Forest, delving into the rich history at the Yunnan Provincial Museum, or wandering through the picturesque Guandu Ancient Town, this itinerary ensures a memorable journey through the “Spring City” of China. Join us for an unforgettable adventure in Kunming, where every corner holds a new discovery and every moment is filled with wonder.
Day 1: Green Lake Park > Yunnan University > Dianchi Lake > Yunnan Ethnic Village > Park 1903
Stop 1: Green Lake Park (1.5 hours)
- Highlights: Green Lake Park is known as the “Emerald of the City” and is one of the most beautiful parks in downtown Kunming.
- Activities: Many people visit in the afternoon, but the park is most lively in the morning. Stroll along the causeway, enjoy the scenery, and observe the daily lives of locals. The island in the middle of the lake and the fish-viewing pavilion are popular spots for relaxation and entertainment.
- Tips: From November to March, thousands of seagulls migrate here for the winter, creating a spectacular scene.
- 🚦 From Green Lake Park, you can walk to Yunnan University in about 10 minutes.
Stop 2: Yunnan University (1 hour)
- Highlights: Yunnan University has a history of over 100 years, with many historic buildings worth exploring.
- Activities: The campus is picturesque, with Gingko Avenue being the most scenic spot. Weize Yuan and Yingqiu Yuan are also worth a visit.
- Tips: 1. Maintain quiet to avoid disturbing students and faculty. 2. The best time to visit is from October to November, when the ginkgo leaves turn yellow.
- 🚦 Taxi: approximately 34 RMB; Bus: Walk 2 minutes to Shifan University Bus Stop from Yunnan University, take bus 64 to Gongren Xincun Stop, then transfer to bus 73 to Haigeng Park Stop. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.
Stop 3: Dianchi Lake (2 hours)
- Highlights: Dianchi Lake is a must-see, ranked as the top attraction in Kunming. It’s a vast and iconic lake in the region.
- Activities: First-time visitors usually go to Haigeng Park to enjoy the lake’s scenery. You can take a boat ride to experience the beauty of the lake. Dianchi Lake is famous for its seagulls, which arrive in large numbers from November to January.
- Tips: 1. Yunnan is located on a plateau with strong UV rays, so be sure to wear sunscreen. 2. Temperature differences between day and night can be significant, so dress warmly in the morning and evening. 3. Some visitors might experience altitude sickness, so consider bringing medication. 4. Only feed the seagulls with specially provided food.
- 🚦 Haigeng Park is a 3-minute walk from Dianchi Lake.
Stop 4: Yunnan Ethnic Village (3 hours)
- Highlights: This attraction showcases the lifestyles of 26 ethnic minorities from southwest China, making it a microcosm of Yunnan’s diverse ethnic family.
- Activities: You can dress in traditional ethnic clothing and experience the daily lives of local residents. The Dai and Yi ethnic villages are particularly worth visiting. The Yi village features unique earth house architecture, distilleries, and cultural buildings.
- Tips: During ethnic festivals like the Water Splashing Festival and Torch Festival, the village hosts lively celebrations. It’s a great time to visit.
- 🚦 From Yunnan Ethnic Village to Park 1903, you can take a taxi for about 11 RMB.
Stop 5: Park 1903 (1 hour)
- Highlights: Park 1903 is a popular entertainment town that combines dining, shopping, and leisure, making it a great spot for photography.
- Activities: You can have dinner here and take pictures at the Arc de Triomphe and the church, both of which are particularly photogenic. After taking photos, you can shop at the mall. The night view of Park 1903 is stunning with its dazzling lights.
Day 2: Stone Forest Scenic Area > Jiuxiang Scenic Area
Stop 1: Stone Forest Scenic Area (3 hours)
- Highlights: The Stone Forest is a karst geological park known for its stunning stone formations. It is also a filming location for the TV series “Journey to the West” and one of Kunming’s must-visit attractions.
- Activities: Take an electric cart into the Stone Forest Scenic Area to explore the remarkable world of bizarre rock formations. Use your imagination to appreciate the wonders of the Stone Forest. You can choose to rent a bicycle or take the shuttle bus within the park. Given the length of the trip, taking the shuttle bus is recommended.
- Tips: Be mindful of the weather and bring sunscreen or an umbrella.
- 🚦 After visiting the Stone Forest, travel to Jiuxiang Scenic Area.
Stop 2: Jiuxiang Scenic Area (3 hours)
- Highlights: Jiuxiang is a comprehensive scenic area known for its cave landscapes, natural scenery outside the caves, cultural attractions, and ethnic customs.
- Activities: Jiuxiang has ten major scenic areas that have been developed, with some of the most famous being: Yincuixia (Yin Green Gorge): Serene and charming with its tranquil beauty; Xionghall (Grand Lion Hall): A rare and massive underground hall; Male and Female Waterfalls: Majestic and grand, reminiscent of the Yellow River in reverse. Shentian (God’s Fields): Magnificent and pastoral, a rare global wonder. After exploring Jiuxiang, return to Kunming for the night.
- Tips: Jiuxiang has many stairs, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
Day 3: Yunnan Provincial Museum > Guandu Ancient Town > Dounan Flower Market
Stop 1: Yunnan Provincial Museum (3 hours)
- Highlights: The Yunnan Provincial Museum, featured in the 2019 season of “National Treasure 2,” is the best place to learn about Yunnan’s history and culture.
- Activities: The new museum building, completed in 2015, is impressive and houses many significant Yunnan artifacts. The second and third floors display the historical development from ancient civilizations to the peaceful liberation of Yunnan. Notable treasures include the Bronze Cowrie Container from “National Treasure 2,” as well as other national treasures like the Ming Dynasty gold crown inlaid with red and blue gems, the Song Dynasty Dali Kingdom gilded silver Garuda, and the Aksobhya Buddha gold statue.
- Tips: The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
- 🚦 The next stop is across the street, within walking distance.
Stop 2: Guandu Ancient Town (2.5 hours)
- Highlights: Guandu Ancient Town is famous on social media for its beautiful cultural and Buddhist temple sites, along with a variety of local snacks.
- Activities: The best way to explore Guandu is by eating and walking. Don’t miss the iconic Guandu Baba, a must-try for visitors. Besides the food, the exquisite ancient architecture is a highlight. The town boasts rich cultural sites including five hills, six temples, seven pavilions, and eight monasteries. There are plenty of shops to explore, and you can have lunch here.
- 🚦 From Guandu Ancient Town (Guangfu Road) bus stop, take bus C85 to Dounan Metro Station, then walk about 10 minutes to Dounan Flower Market.
Stop 3: Dounan Flower Market (2.5 hours)
- Highlights: The market is Asia’s largest flower market, with a dazzling array of exotic flowers.
- Activities: Entering the market feels like stepping into a sea of flowers, filled with fragrance and romance. The flowers here are very affordable – just 10 yuan for three bundles. If you have time, you can relax and enjoy making floral arrangements in the flower art space.
- Tips: 1. Flowers can be taken on flights without needing to be checked. 2. There are postal and courier services at the entrance if you want to ship flowers.