Kunming, China 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Itinerary for Kunming, China

Day 1: Arrival & City Exploration

Places to Go

  1. Green Lake Park (Cuihu Park) - A beautiful park with a lake in the heart of Kunming. Ideal for a leisurely stroll or picnic.
  2. Flower and Bird Market - One of the oldest markets in Kunming, offering a variety of local flowers, birds, and unique souvenirs.
  3. Dragon Spring Park (Longquan Park) - Another scenic park with beautiful pavilions, bridges, and traditional Yunnan architecture.

Activities

  1. Take a traditional tea tasting class at the Green Lake Tea House.
  2. Visit the Yunnan Provincial Museum to learn about the rich history and culture of the region.

Where to Eat

  1. Xiaochengfu Dian - Try the famous “Crossing-Bridge Noodles” (Guoqiao MiXian).
  2. Jiufeng Snack Street - A street food market offering a variety of local dishes.

Where to Stay

  1. Kunming Marriott Hotel - Luxury hotel located in the heart of the city.
  2. Yindang Hostel - Budget-friendly hostel with a friendly atmosphere.

Things to Know

  1. English is not widely spoken, so it’s useful to have some basic Mandarin phrases.
  2. Taxis are cheap and plentiful, but downloading a translation app might come in handy.
  3. Yunnan Mosaic Square is a great place for evening strolls with beautiful lights and performances.

Day 2: Stone Forest & Ethnic Villages

Places to Go

  1. The Stone Forest (Shilin) - A stunning natural wonder, UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring unique karst formations.
  2. Tongshan Village - An authentic Bai ethnic village where you can experience the local culture and architecture.

Activities

  1. Take a guided tour of the Stone Forest to learn about its geological history.
  2. Participate in traditional Bai dance performances in Tongshan Village.

Where to Eat

  1. Li’s Farmhouse Restaurant - Enjoy local Yunnan cuisine with a view of the Stone Forest.

Day 3: Western Hills & Golden Temple

Places to Go

  1. Western Hills (Xishan) - A scenic area featuring ancient temples, bamboo forests, and stunning views over Kunming.
  2. Golden Temple (Jiguangsi Temple) - An impressive Buddhist temple with intricate carvings and golden architecture.

Activities

  1. Take a cable car up to the Western Hills for panoramic views of the city.
  2. Visit the Dragon Gate and explore the ancient temples.

Where to Eat

  1. Xishan Yunling Guest House - Enjoy a buffet lunch with various local dishes.

Day 4: Dianchi Lake & Cuihu New Area

Places to Go

  1. Dianchi Lake - The largest freshwater lake in Yunnan, offering boat rides and scenic views.
  2. Cuihu New Area (Green Lake New District) - A modern area featuring shopping malls, restaurants, and an impressive Buddha statue.

Activities

  1. Rent a bike and ride around Dianchi Lake.
  2. Visit the Kunming Museum to learn about the city’s history and culture.

Where to Eat

  1. Yunnan Snack Street - A modern food court offering various local dishes.

Day 5: Free & Easy Day/Departure

Use this day for last-minute shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing before your departure. Don’t forget to try some local Yunnan tea as a souvenir!

Things to Know

  1. Kunming Changshui International Airport is approximately 25 km from the city center and offers direct flights to major Chinese cities and beyond.
  2. Be sure to check the opening hours of attractions before you visit.
  3. Enjoy your trip and remember to respect local customs and traditions!