
Kunming 4-Day 3-Night In-Depth Travel Guide | Budget of 5000 RMB for Two
Highlights: Full coverage of classic attractions + local hidden food gems + cost-effective accommodation
Day 1: First Experience of Urban Culture
Morning: Green Lake Park (free) → Army Lecture Hall (free)
 • Feed seagulls at Green Lake (autumn and winter only), take photos with the yellow walls
 • Learn about modern military history at the Lecture Hall, great for photos
Lunch: Salvador Western Restaurant on Wenlin Street (60 RMB per person)
 • Recommended: Mexican burrito, mango shrimp salad
Afternoon: Qianwang Street → Kunming Old Street
 • Take photos at the Republic of China era coffee shop on Qianwang Street, browse century-old shops on Old Street
 • Must-eat: Chen Niangniang big glutinous rice balls (5 RMB each), three bowls of tofu pudding rice noodles (12 RMB per bowl)
Dinner: Wild Mushroom Hotpot at Old Dian Village on Dianchi Road (80 RMB per person)
 • Steamed chicken in a pot, Jianshouqing vegetable is a must-order, mushroom broth is delicious
Accommodation: Designer guesthouse by Dianchi Lake (300 RMB/night, includes breakfast for two)
 • 5-minute walk to Haigeng Dam to watch the Dianchi Lake sunset
Day 2: Stone Forest Wonders + Guandu Ancient Town
All day: Stone Forest day tour (group tour, includes tickets + transportation, 200 RMB per person)
 • Morning: Sword Peak Pool and Wangfeng Pavilion in the Great Stone Forest
 • Lunch: Stone Forest cheese (fried and crispy) inside the scenic area
 • Afternoon: Ashima Statue in the Small Stone Forest, hiking in the Wild Stone Forest
Dinner: Glass Baba at Guandu Ancient Town (3 RMB each)
 • Brown sugar/rose filling, crispy outside and glutinous inside
Late-night snack: Grilled pig trotters at Shuangqiao Night Market (15 RMB each)
 • Recommended by locals, spicy and tender
Day 3: Dianchi Lake + Western Hills + Dounan Flower Market
Morning: Haigeng Dam (free) → Western Hills Longmen Scenic Area (cable car + ticket 75 RMB)
 • Feed seagulls at Haigeng Dam, overlook Dianchi Lake from Western Hills
Lunch: Farmhouse restaurant by Dianchi Lake (50 RMB per person)
 • Sour and spicy fish, stir-fried Jianshouqing vegetable, perfect with rice
Afternoon: Dounan Flower Market (free)
 • Wholesale prices after 5 pm, roses 5 RMB per bunch, can be shipped home
Dinner: Mysterious Stir-fry at Culture Alley (40 RMB per person)
 • Stir-fried pork kidney, Sichuan pepper chicken, great with rice
Day 4: Culture Alley + Return Trip
Morning: Yunnan University (free) → Culture Alley
 • Check in at Huize Courtyard of Yunnan University, shop for handmade crafts and drink coffee at Culture Alley
Lunch: Small Pot Rice Noodles at Culture Alley (12 RMB per bowl)
 • Adding minced meat makes it more fragrant, served with crispy pastry (5 RMB each)
Afternoon: Return trip according to flight/train schedule
 • Recommended to leave 2 hours early for the airport (Metro Line 6 direct)
Budget Breakdown (Total for 2 people)
 • Accommodation: 3 nights × 300 RMB = 900 RMB
 • Transportation: Stone Forest group tour 400 RMB + city taxi/metro 200 RMB = 600 RMB
 • Tickets: Western Hills 150 RMB + Stone Forest 200 RMB = 350 RMB
 • Meals: Main meals 80 RMB/meal × 8 meals + snacks = 1500 RMB
 • Others: Dounan Flower Market 200 RMB + souvenirs = 500 RMB
Total: About 4650 RMB (350 RMB reserved for emergencies)
Pitfall Avoidance Guide
 1. Seagull food by Dianchi Lake 10 RMB/bag, bringing your own bread is more cost-effective
 2. Stone Forest electric cart 25 RMB/person, can walk if physically fit
 3. Wild mushrooms are freshest from June to October, be cautious ordering in other seasons
 4. Dounan Flower Market shipping fees are weight-based, recommend buying in small quantities
Tips
 • Large temperature difference between day and night in Kunming in October, bring a light jacket + sunscreen
 • Use Didi for taxis to avoid unlicensed cars at airport/train station
 • Food recommendation: Fuzhaolou Steamed Chicken in Pot (intangible cultural heritage old brand)
Trip Advantages:
✅ Combination of classic attractions + niche experiences
✅ Local recommended food, avoid overrated popular spots
✅ Accommodation near attractions, saves travel time
✅ Flexible and controllable budget with reserved buffer space
Article Highlights:
 1. Accurate budget: detailed breakdown, easily achievable within 5000 RMB
 2. Practical pitfall avoidance: based on local experience to avoid mistakes
 3. Time efficient: compact 4 days 3 nights, suitable for weekend trips
 4. Emotional resonance: uses words like "must-eat" and "must-photograph" to enhance immersion
Post by Luna~Carter | Oct 24, 2025










