Kunming 3-Day Offbeat Artsy Escape | Flee the Crowds! A Super Healing Nature Trip

Can a city be this blissful? 🫧 Sharing a 3-day Kunming itinerary that's off the beaten path and non-"special forces" style, perfect for nature-loving artsy souls tired of generic city check-ins 💐

🎋Day1️⃣「Botanical Wonderland」
✨【Fuliang Palace】in Kunming Botanical Garden
A hidden gem even locals rarely know! Thousands of rare plants will dazzle your eyes 👀
📍Landmark: No. 132 Lanhei Road, Ciba Town, Panlong District
🚌Transport: Metro Line 2 to North Station, then Bus 9
💰Ticket: ¥80 (includes guided tour)
🎯Tips: Book tickets one day ahead! Three 1.5h guided sessions daily with timed entry to avoid crowds. Don’t miss the catmint/geranium fragrance zone and the "fire-playing" Brachychiton rupestris 🔥—a magical plant that allegedly sprouts only after volcanic eruptions!

🌆Afternoon: Stroll through Old Street Evolution
【Oriental Bookstore】Unlock a Southwest Associated University-style afternoon tea ☕️
Which version will you choose: Wang Zengqi’s or Qian Mu’s? The second-floor window seat is prime 📖
➡️Nearby highlights: Photo ops at Wineglass Building + wild mushroom hotpot + old street night market + Jingxing Flower & Bird Market—a day packed with artsy adventures!

🌿Day2️⃣「Wildest City Walk」
09:00 【Cuihu Park】Birdwatching paradise 🦆
10:30 【Huanggong East Street】Instagrammable yellow wall 💛
12:00 Happy surprise! 【Kafka Bookstore】owner gifted us adorable drip coffee bags 🎁

14:00 Light hiking begins 🥾
Take a ¥5 bus from 【West Hill Park Exit A】to 【Huating Temple】
Walk 1.6km along 【Taihua Ancient Path】past Emperor Jianwen’s ginkgo tree 🌳
16:00 Ride 【Dianchi Cable Car】to overlook the vast lake ⛰️
17:30 【Luoyu River Wetland】for golden sunset 🌅
20:30 Swing by 【Dounan Flower Market】to witness Asia’s largest flower market in full swing 💐

☕️Day3️⃣「Bookstore Therapy Day」
Sleep in and head straight to 【Wenlin Street】!
Must-visits:
▪️Rubber Bookstore: A maximalist book haven where you can stay overnight 📚
▪️Elephant Bookstore: Underground artsy hideout 🖋️
▪️Really Happy Café: The name says it all 😊

🍽️ Lunch spotlight: 【Mana Little Eatery】
Mint beef so refreshing it’s explosive 🌱 Golden corn with salted egg yolk—sweet & savory 🌽
✈️ Before departure, grab 【Up Mountain Tea】at Changshui Airport + try Dayi Tea’s floral pu’er ice cream 🍦 Unbelievably unique!

🌍 Kunming spoils you rotten! Wake up daily to blue skies, fluffy clouds, flowers, and greenery—even the air tastes sweet 💕