Kunming in 4 Days: Streets to Stone Peak

🗓️ Day 1: Discovering Old Kunming on Foot

We started our adventure with a relaxing walking tour around Old Kunming Street, a charming area just steps from our hotel. Here, traditional storefronts, tiled roofs, and boutique cafés set the mood for a culture-rich trip.

Evening: We made our way to Nanping Pedestrian Street, a lively hub filled with shopping centers, local snack vendors, and a buzzing night scene.

📍 Top Tip: Try the street skewers and pick up a handmade trinket or two!

🏞️ Day 2: Shilin Stone Forest, Jiuxiang Cave & Flower Market Delight

We booked a private car for the day and journeyed to the incredible Stone Forest (Shilin) — a UNESCO site with towering limestone formations carved by time. It felt like walking through a natural maze.

From there, we continued to Jiuxiang Caves, where glowing stalactites and underground rivers made it one of the most magical spots of the trip.

🌸 Evening Stop: We ended our day at Dounan Flower Market, one of Asia’s largest. Flowers here are unbelievably affordable, and we stocked up on beautiful dried flower teas — both fragrant and great for gifts!

🚌 Travel Tip: Hiring a driver or joining a small group tour makes this packed day much easier.

🛕 Day 3: Temples, Green Lake & Guandu Ancient Town

We spent our morning visiting three local temples, where soft chants and incense filled the air. It was a grounding way to explore the city’s spiritual side.

Next, we relaxed at Cuihu Park (Green Lake) — a peaceful spot with swan boats, street performers, and dancing locals.

🏘️ Afternoon: We headed to Guandu Ancient Town, just a short ride from downtown Kunming. It’s a beautifully preserved area with traditional houses, bridges, and temples — quieter and less touristy than others.

🌃 Evening: We returned to the Nanping night market for one last round of local snacks and souvenir hunting.

🥐 Day 4: Rose Flower Cake & Airport Send-Off

With only half a day left, we grabbed breakfast and made one final stop at Happy Miss (花满楼) — a beloved pastry shop known for its famous rose flower cakes (鲜花饼). Light, flaky, and filled with Yunnan rose petals, these pastries are the perfect goodbye gift (and a great snack on the flight!).

✈️ We checked out, loaded up on rose cake boxes, and headed to the airport — ending our trip on a sweet, floral note.

🧳 Final Tips for Your Kunming Trip

✔️ Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for mild weather
✔️ Getting Around: Use DiDi for easy local transport
✔️ Must-Try Local Food: Crossing-the-bridge noodles, grilled skewers, rose pastries
✔️ Souvenir Ideas: Dried flower teas, fresh rose cakes, handmade fans from Guandu.

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