Kunming, China 7 Day Itinerary

Title: 7-Day Itinerary for Exploring Kunming, China

Day 1: Arrival & City Orientation

  • Arrival: Arrive at Kunming Changshui International Airport. You can use taxis or public buses (No. 9, No. 25, No. 37, No. 46) to reach the city center.
  • Accommodation: Recommended: [Kunming Garden Hotel](https://www. booking.com/hotel/china/kunming-garden-hotel.html) or The Pavilions Kunming.
  • Lunch: Visit Tuanjie Snack Street for local Yunnan cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Explore Green Lake Park, a beautiful urban park with lots of greenery and stunning views.
  • Dinner: Head to Hongshan Road Snack Street for a variety of street food options.
  • Evening: Walk around Jinma Biji Street, a historical pedestrian road with various souvenir shops and local eateries.

Day 2: Stone Forest & Ethnic Villages

  • Transportation: Rent a car or join a tour to the Stone Forest.
  • Morning: Visit the larger and more spectacular “Astonishing Stone Forest” (Amazing Stone Forest in English). Lunch at a local restaurant nearby.
  • Afternoon: Head to Tonghai County to explore the Yi & Hani Ethnic Villages.
  • Dinner: Try local Yi or Hani cuisine at a restaurant in Tonghai County.
  • Return: Return to Kunming and rest for the night.

Day 3: Western Hills & Golden Temple

  • Transportation: Take a bus (No. 1, No. 26, No. 40, No. 79) or hire a taxi to visit Western Hills and Golden Temple.
  • Morning: Hike in the beautiful Western Hills and enjoy the stunning views.
  • Lunch: Eat at a restaurant in the Western Hills area.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Golden Temple, a beautiful Buddhist temple with intricate architecture.
  • Dinner: Head to Guandu Old Town for dinner and explore the old town.

Day 4: Botanical Garden & Dianchi Lake

  • Transportation: Use public buses (No. 9, No. 25, No. 37, No. 46) to visit the Botanical Garden and Dianchi Lake.
  • Morning: Explore the Kunming Botanical Garden.
  • Lunch: Eat at a local restaurant near the Botanical Garden or Dianchi Lake.
  • Afternoon: Visit Dianchi Lake, enjoy the lake view, and rent a bike or boat if you wish.
  • Dinner: Try local Yunnan hotpot at Xiao Ke Hot Pot or similar restaurants in the city center.

Day 5: Yuantong Temple & Dragon Spring Park

  • Transportation: Use public buses (No. 1, No. 26, No. 40, No. 79) to visit Yuantong Temple and Dragon Spring Park.
  • Morning: Visit Yuantong Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Kunming.
  • Lunch: Eat at a local restaurant near Yuantong Temple or Dragon Spring Park.
  • Afternoon: Visit Dragon Spring Park and enjoy the beautiful scenery and local performances.
  • Dinner: Head to Nanwang Street for dinner and shopping.

Day 6: Leisure Day & Night Market

  • Morning/Afternoon: Spend the day at leisure, exploring areas not covered or revisiting your favorite spots.
  • Lunch: Try a new restaurant or revisit one you enjoyed during your stay.
  • Evening: Visit Guangdong Road Night Market for shopping and local snacks.
  • Dinner: Enjoy a variety of street food at the night market or find a restaurant nearby.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning/Afternoon: Spend your last hours in Kunming for any last-minute shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a farewell meal at a restaurant of your choice.
  • Departure: Head to the airport for your departure. Safe travels!