7-Day In-Depth Tour of Kunming and Other Places: Regret Not Reading the Guide

Don't miss this essential 7-day itinerary for a trip to Kunming and its surrounding areas! Experience the Yi ethnic fireworks at the Chuxiong Long Street Banquet, savor the Bai ethnic minority's spicy and sour fish by the Erhai Lake, warm your stomach with a Naxi traditional hotpot, watch the Nanjian Tiaocai (a traditional folk dance performance), take photos at Erhai Lake, enjoy the Impression Lijiang performance, and much more!
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🌈Route Suggestion:
This itinerary is compact, allowing you to visit numerous attractions within a limited timeframe.
Day 1️⃣: Arrive at Kunming Changshui Airport ✈️, meet and transfer to your hotel. After arranging your hotel, enjoy free time at leisure!
💡 Enjoy your first visit to the Spring City, soak up Kunming's warm climate, and explore the surrounding area at your own pace.
Day 2️⃣: Stone Forest Scenic Area - Small Stone Forest Scenic Area - Ashima
💡 Explore the wonders of the Stone Forest, visit the Ashima Incarnation Stone, and witness the wonders of nature. Day 3️⃣: Ideal Garden – Xizhou – Xizhou Wheat Field – Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor – Xicheng, Nanzhao – Taihe City Ruins
💡 Stroll through Ideal Garden, explore Xizhou Wheat Field, cycle along the Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor, and experience the ancient charm of Nanzhao.
Days 4️⃣-5️⃣: Dali Ancient Town – Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – Glacier Park Cableway – "Impression Lijiang" Performance – Lijiang Old Town – Lijiang Dongba Culture Museum – Shuhe Ancient Town
💡 Climb Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, enjoy the magnificent scenery of Glacier Park, watch the "Impression Lijiang" performance, explore Lijiang Old Town and Shuhe Ancient Town, experience Naxi customs, and enjoy a warming Naxi Hot Pot dinner. Day 6️⃣: Tiger Leaping Gorge (Shangri-La Section) – Yi Village – Pudacuo National Park
💡 Journey to Tiger Leaping Gorge, visit a Yi village, experience the traditional Yi culture at the Chuxiong Long Street Banquet, and enjoy the plateau scenery at Pudacuo National Park.
Day 7️⃣: Dukezong Ancient Town – Turtle Mountain Park – Shambhala Tibetan Culture Museum – Napahai (Yila Grassland) – Return
💡 Visit Dukezong Ancient Town, climb Turtle Mountain Park, explore the Shambhala Tibetan Culture Museum, and visit the Napahai Grassland. Return with a treasure trove of memories! --
Recommended Attractions:
🏞️Shilin Scenic Area 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Address: Shilin Avenue, Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province
⏰Opening Hours: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
⏳Duration: 3-4 hours
💬Rugged rocks and breathtaking peaks, each awe-inspiring scene at nature's wonders!
❄️Jade Dragon Snow Mountain 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Address: Xuehua Village, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
⏰Opening Hours: 5:40 AM - 4:40 PM
⏳Duration: 1 day
💬A sacred mountain for the Naxi people, its 13 snow-capped peaks stretch endlessly, resembling a silver dragon dancing in the sky! Tiger Leaping Gorge (Shangri-La Section)
Address: Shangri-La Upper Tiger Leaping Scenic Area, Tiger Leaping Gorge Town, Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, East Ring Road, Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area
⏰Opening Hours: October 8th - December 31st, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
⏳Duration: 2-3 hours
💬The precipitous canyon and surging river create a breathtaking spectacle of natural beauty! --
🌤️ Travel Preparation: Essential October Travel Guide for a Lightweight Trip in Kunming and the Surrounding Area
👗 [Clothing] A light jacket and long pants are essential. The temperature difference between morning and evening is significant near Dianchi Lake. Ethnic-style shawls are photogenic. Always bring sun protection.
🕶️ [Accessories] Sunglasses and a sun hat are essential. Non-slip sneakers are recommended for hiking in the Stone Forest. A folding umbrella is always available for a rain shower.
📱 [Electronics] Bring two power banks. The Dianchi Lake cycling navigation app drains quickly. A waterproof phone bag is also recommended for capturing underwater photos of Fuxian Lake.
💊 [Medicine] Gastrointestinal medication for mushroom hotpot, motion sickness patches for visiting Jiuxiang Cave, and mosquito repellent for visiting the Botanical Garden.
🪪 [ID] Bring your ID. Student IDs are available for half-price admission to attractions. Connecting your UnionPay app to your health code for convenient entry to scenic spots is a breeze.
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Traveling with a tour group in Kunming is incredibly hassle-free. I'll reveal more hidden gems later. Follow me to avoid getting lost. 😜