Kunming, China 3 Day Itinerary

Kunming 3-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Kunming’s City Centre

  • Morning:

    • Start your day with a visit to the Green Lake Park (Cui Hu). This beautiful park is located in the heart of Kunming and is a great place to enjoy the city’s scenic beauty and relaxed atmosphere.
    • Next, head to the Yunnan Provincial Museum to learn about the rich history and culture of Yunnan province.

  • Lunch:

    • Have lunch at Xiaochengdu Snack Street, where you can try local delicacies such as Crossing-Bridge Noodles (Guoqiao Mi Xian) and Yunnan Ham Slices (Yunxiang Rou Si).

  • Afternoon:

    • Visit the Golden Temple (Jinlong Si). This beautiful Buddhist temple offers a tranquil escape from the city hustle.
    • Explore the Dragon Spring Park (Longquan Amusement Park), which features unique limestone formations, a botanical garden, and various entertainment options.

  • Dinner:

    • Dine at Restaurant Dian Dian Xin, known for its traditional Yunnan dishes such as Steamed Fish in Chili Sauce (La Pi Yu) and Roasted Squirrel (Zhu Ya Kao).

  • Accommodation:

    • Stay at the Shangri-La Hotel, Kunming. This luxury hotel offers comfortable rooms, a rooftop pool, and a great location.

Day 2: Stone Forest and Western Hills

  • Morning:

    • Take a day trip to the Stone Forest (Shilin). Known for its unique karst formations, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site not to be missed.

  • Lunch:

    • Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the Stone Forest area.

  • Afternoon:

    • Return to Kunming and head to the Western Hills (Xishan), where you can hike, visit temples, and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

  • Dinner:

    • Dine at Nanzhao Yunnan Restaurant for more authentic Yunnanese cuisine.

Day 3: Ethnic Minorities Villages and Baihu Shengting Scenic Area

  • Morning:

    • Visit the Dongchuan Red Terraces, a stunning natural landscape of red soil terraces. It’s best to visit early in the morning for the best light.

  • Lunch:

    • Have lunch at a local restaurant in Dongchuan.

  • Afternoon:

    • Head to a nearby ethnic minority village such as Jinsha Village or Shibaoshan Yi Village. Here, you can learn about the rich culture and traditions of the various ethnic groups in Yunnan.

  • Dinner:

    • Dine at a local restaurant in the village area for a taste of traditional dishes from the ethnic minority communities.

Things to Know:

  • Kunming has a subtropical highland climate, so pack layers and be prepared for occasional rain.
  • English is less common here than in other major Chinese cities, so learning a few basic Mandarin phrases can be helpful.
  • Taxi drivers may not always speak English, so it’s a good idea to have the address of your destination written in both English and Chinese characters.
  • Always carry cash, as some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards.

Transportation:

  • Taxis and Didi (China’s version of Uber) are widely available in Kunming.
  • For day trips, consider hiring a car or joining a guided tour.

Tips:

  • Try the local tea, Pu’er Tea (Pu Er Cha), which is produced in Yunnan.
  • Don’t forget to bargain at markets and street stalls.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting ethnic minority villages.