Kunming China 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Kunming Itinerary: Exploring the “City of Eternal Spring”

This itinerary focuses on experiencing both the natural beauty and cultural attractions of Kunming. It’s adaptable for different interests - you can focus more on one type of experience over another depending on your preferences.

Things to know:

• Weather: Kunming enjoys a pleasant climate year-round, earning it the nickname “City of Eternal Spring.” Pack light clothing and be prepared for occasional rain or cooler temperatures in the morning and evening.
• Language: English is not widely spoken in Kunming, so learning some basic Mandarin phrases or using a translation app will be helpful.

Day 1: Flowers and History

• Morning: Start your day at the Yuantong Mountain Scenic Area. Enjoy the panoramic views of Kunming from the top, explore the ancient temples, and take in the fresh mountain air.

  • Transportation: Taxi or bus to the base of the mountain.
  • Things to see:
    • The Pavilion of Heavenly Scenery (天坛) for breathtaking views over the city.
    • The Yuantong Temple (also known as the “Temple of the Jade Hall”) for its intricate architecture and serene atmosphere.

• Afternoon: Visit the Stone Forest (Shilin) (石林). Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with its towering limestone formations and experience the unique geological landscape.

• Evening: Enjoy a delicious Yunnan cuisine dinner at Yunnan Food Street (云南菜), a vibrant area offering a variety of local dishes, or at The Stone Forest Scenic Area, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery while dining on traditional food.

Meals:

• Lunch: Picnic lunch near the Yuantong Mountain: Enjoy the fresh mountain air and stunning views while having a bite to eat.
• Dinner: Explore the Yunnan Food Street for dinner, trying local delicacies like “crossing the bridge noodles” (过桥米线) or “stone pot rice noodles” (石锅米线), steamed fish with mushrooms (蒸鱼), and other traditional dishes.

Accommodation:

Consider staying in a hotel near the Stone Forest, such as:

• Shilin Yunqi Hotel: A comfortable and convenient option for access to the scenic area.
• Yunnan Holiday Inn: Offers a variety of rooms and amenities, suitable for different budgets.

Day 2: Western Hills and Local Culture

• Morning: Hike through the Western Hills Scenic Area, exploring the beautiful landscapes and temples scattered throughout. Take in the views from the Dragon Gate (龙门) and enjoy the serenity of Duanmen Mountain.

• Afternoon: Immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to the Yunnan Provincial Museum (云南省博物馆). This museum offers a glimpse into the rich history and cultural traditions of the region.

• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, like Dian Dian Restaurant for its authentic Yunnan dishes and traditional atmosphere.

Day 3: Lake Dian and Flower Markets

• Morning: Visit the Yuantong Mountain Scenic Area (for those staying in the area) or take a leisurely stroll through the World Horticultural Exposition Garden, experiencing the beauty of the gardens and enjoying the unique scenery.
• Afternoon: Explore the Western Hills with a boat trip on Lake Dian, offering stunning views of the water and surrounding mountains.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Flower Market, savoring the flavors of Yunnan’s diverse culinary scene.

Things to see and do:

• Explore the Western Hills (西山) (Dali Food Street):

  • Experience the local culture by:
    • Visiting the bustling flower markets near Tuodong Market and the Dali Flower Market, where you can find a wide variety of fresh flowers, traditional crafts and goods.
    • Enjoying the tea houses in the area for an authentic experience.**

• Sample the local cuisine:

  • Indulge in Yunnan’s famous culinary traditions.
  • Try a variety of local dishes, such as “crossing the bridge noodles” (过桥米线) at the Dali market.
  • Enjoy a traditional Dali Bai minority performance in the evening, featuring music, dance and acrobatics.

Things to know:

• Food:

  • Yunnan cuisine is known for its diversity and use of fresh ingredients.
  • Be sure to try some of the local specialties like “crossing the bridge noodles” (a unique dish with different toppings), “Yunnan steam pot chicken”, and “bamboo shoot rice”.

• Transportation:

  • Enjoying the city’s attractions is best done by taking a taxi, bus, or using ride-sharing apps.
  • Public transportation:
    • Bus: Buses are a cheap and convenient way to get around Kunming. The city has an extensive bus network that covers most areas.

Things to do:

• Visit the Stone Forest (Diaozhui): Explore the unique karst formations, enjoy the local culture and cuisine.

• Shop at Tuodou Market:

  • Immerse yourself in the local markets, experiencing the hustle and bustle of daily life while enjoying fresh ingredients and Yunnanese flavors.

• Learn some basic Mandarin phrases: “Ni hao” (hello), “xiexie” (thank you), and “zai jian” (goodbye) will be helpful for navigating.

Things to consider:

• Altitude: Kunming is located at a high altitude, so it’s important to be aware of altitude sickness. Drink plenty of water and take it easy for the first day or two to acclimate.
• Weather: Check the weather forecast before you go, as it can vary greatly depending on the season.

Other activities:

• Explore the charming cobblestone streets of the Old City, enjoy traditional Yunnanese tea culture and architecture.
• Visit the “Dali Ancient City”, experience local history and culture.
• Explore the “Western Hills Tourist Area”, a popular destination for “Bai” cuisine enthusiasts, with restaurants like the “Yunnan Restaurant” offering stunning views and delicious meals.
• Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony

Enjoy a traditional “Dali” experience:

• Shop at the “Yunnan Street Market” (or visit other local markets)

• Explore the history of the Yunnan province:

  • Visit the Dali Ancient City, a popular tourist destination in the region.

• Learn some basic “Dali” food preparation techniques:

• Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony

Tips:

• Stay hydrated: Kunming’s altitude can make you susceptible to dehydration.
• Pack for all weather: The weather can change quickly, so bring clothes for both warm and cool conditions.
• Learn to bargain: In the bustling markets of Kunming, bargaining is common practice. Don’t be afraid to negotiate a better price.

Accommodation Options (near the Western Hills):

• Dali Old Town Guesthouses: For a budget-friendly and immersive experience, choose from the many charming guesthouses in the heart of Dali.
• Hotels with Mountain Views: Consider staying in hotels within the “Three Pagodas” area for beautiful scenery.

Things to consider when choosing a place to stay:

• Location: Stay close to the “Dali Three Pagodas” (Dali’s main attraction) or in the “Dali City” area.

• Amenities: Check for amenities like Wi-Fi, breakfast options, and proximity to attractions.

• Food Safety: When sampling “Bai” cuisine, it’s best to stick with reputable establishments.

Enjoy a “Dail” experience:

• Try the local dishes from street vendors: For a truly authentic (and affordable) experience, explore the culinary offerings of local vendors.

• Safety: Be cautious when eating at restaurants and food stalls that are not in the “Old City” area.

• Look for “Dali Street Food” experiences: Enjoy the variety and deliciousness of “Dali” cuisine while experiencing the local culture and enjoying the scenery.

Food Options (in Dali) - 3-Day Itinerary:

• Try a cooking class: Learn to make some traditional “Bai” dishes, such as “Erkuai” (a type of rice noodle) or “Yunnan yogurt”.
• Enjoy “Dali cuisine” in the local market:

For the “Dian Dian” restaurant:

• Choose a variety of fresh ingredients: Look for vendors selling local produce and specialties.

• Food:

  • For a more authentic experience, explore the “Dali” food scene around “the Three Pagodas”.

• Enjoy a traditional “Yunnanese tea house” atmosphere:

• Look for restaurants with a focus on traditional “Bai” cuisine.

Bring your appetite and an adventurous spirit!