Kunming Travel Guide

Day 1: Arrival in Kunming and City Tour
Morning:
• Arrive in Kunming: After arriving at Kunming Changshui International Airport or Kunming Railway Station, take the subway or a taxi to check in to your hotel.
• Recommended hotels:
◦ Budget: Hanting Hotel (Cuihu Park Branch), Home Inn (Kunming City Center Branch).
◦ Comfort: Kunming Green Lake Hotel.
◦ Luxury: InterContinental Kunming.
• Visit Cuihu Park: After checking in to your hotel, take a walk in Cuihu Park, enjoy the lake view, feed the seagulls (many seagulls in winter), and experience Kunming's leisure and tranquility.
Noon:
• Dining: "Jianxinyuan" or "Qiaoxiangyuan" near Cuihu Park, where you can taste Yunnan's special delicacies: Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles and Small Pot Rice Noodles.
Afternoon:
• Visit Yunnan Nationalities Village: From Cuihu Park, take the subway or bus to Yunnan Nationalities Village. It showcases the architecture, culture, and customs of 26 ethnic minorities in Yunnan, making it a great place for photo opportunities.
• Transportation: Take subway Line 4 to "Dianchi Road Station", then walk or transfer to a bus.
Evening:
• Dining: There are many restaurants in Yunnan Nationalities Village where you can taste the special delicacies of various ethnic groups, such as Dai's pineapple rice and Yi's roast suckling pig.
• Nightlife: Return to Cuihu Park after dinner, enjoy the night view, and experience Kunming's leisurely atmosphere.
Day 2: Stone Forest Scenic Area - Yunnan Nationalities Village
Morning:
• Visit Stone Forest Scenic Area: After breakfast, take a tourist bus or rent a car to the Stone Forest Scenic Area. The Stone Forest is famous for its unique karst landform and is one of Kunming's iconic scenic spots.
• Transportation: You can take a bus from Kunming Eastern Bus Station (about 1.5 hours) or choose to rent a car.
Noon:
• Dining: There are many restaurants near the Stone Forest Scenic Area. It is recommended to taste the special delicacies of the Stone Forest: roast whole lamb and steam pot chicken.
Afternoon:
• Visit Yunnan Nationalities Village: After returning to the city, go to Yunnan Nationalities Village to further experience the ethnic minority culture of Yunnan.
Evening:
• Dining: Restaurants near the Nationalities Village, where you can continue to taste the special delicacies of ethnic minorities.
• Nightlife: You can go to Kunming Old Street to experience Kunming's nightlife.
Day 3: Dianchi Lake - Xishan Scenic Area
Morning:
• Visit Dianchi Lake and Haigeng Dam: Go to Dianchi Lake to enjoy the scenery of the lake and mountains and experience the natural beauty of Kunming. Haigeng Dam is a great place to view Dianchi Lake and feed the seagulls.
• Transportation: Take a bus or taxi.
Noon:
• Dining: Restaurants near Haigeng Dam, where you can taste Dianchi Lake's special delicacies, such as wild mushroom hot pot.
Afternoon:
• Visit Xishan Scenic Area: You can choose to hike or take the cable car to enjoy a panoramic view of Dianchi Lake.
• Transportation: Take a bus or taxi.
Evening:
• Dining: Restaurants near Xishan, where you can taste Yunnan's special delicacies, such as steam pot chicken.
• Nightlife: Return to the city and go to Nanping Street or Jinbi Square to experience Kunming's nightlife.
Day 4: Yunnan Wild Animal Park - Kunming Old Street
Morning:
• Visit Yunnan Wild Animal Park: After breakfast, go to Yunnan Wild Animal Park to get close to various rare animals.
• Transportation: Take a bus or taxi.
Noon:
• Dining: Restaurants near the Wild Animal Park, where you can enjoy a simple meal.
Afternoon:
• Visit Kunming Old Street: Go to Kunming Old Street to experience Kunming's historical and cultural atmosphere, stroll through the quaint streets, and taste various special snacks.
• Transportation: Take a bus or subway.
Evening:
• Dining: Taste various Yunnan snacks in the Old Street, such as flower cakes and Guandu Baba.
• Nightlife: Continue to experience Kunming's nightlife in the Old Street or surrounding areas.
Day 5: Colorful Yunnan Happy World - Dounan Flower Market
Morning:
• Visit Colorful Yunnan Happy World: After breakfast, go to Colorful Yunnan Happy World to experience various exciting rides and wonderful performances.
• Transportation: Take a bus or taxi.
Noon:
• Dining: There are various dining options in Happy World, which you can choose from.
Afternoon:
• Visit Dounan Flower Market: Go to Dounan Flower Market to admire various beautiful flowers and experience the ocean of flowers.
• Transportation: Take a bus or taxi.
Evening:
• Dining: Restaurants near Dounan Flower Market, where you can taste Yunnan's special delicacies.
• Return trip: According to the return time, go to the airport or train station in advance to end your pleasant trip to Kunming.
Precautions
1. What to wear: There is a large temperature difference between day and night in Kunming, so it is recommended to bring a coat. Pay attention to sun protection in summer and keep warm in winter.
2. Transportation: Kunming has convenient public transportation. You can choose the subway, bus, or taxi. Chartered cars or tourist buses are suitable for going to more distant scenic spots.
3. Food recommendations: In addition to Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles and steam pot chicken, you can also taste Yiliang roast duck and flower cakes.
4. Attraction tickets: Book tickets in advance to avoid delaying your trip.
5. Time arrangement: According to your personal preferences and physical strength, arrange your daily itinerary reasonably to avoid over fatigue.