Kunming, China-3-day-itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Downtown Kunming

  • Morning
    • 9:00 am: Start the day at Green Lake Park (Baihuasi Gongyuan), a beautiful park with lakes, gardens, and walking paths. Take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the scenery.
    • 10:30 am: Visit the nearby Kunming Botanical Garden, one of China’s largest botanical gardens. With over 1,000 species of plants, it’s a great place to learn about Chinese flora.
  • Lunch
    • Head to Jia Jie Restaurant (address: Xinyi Lu, near Huangtian Xi Lu) for some delicious Yunnan-style cuisine. Try their famous Cross Bridge Noodles and Yunnan Chicken.
  • Afternoon
    • 1:00 pm: Visit the Kunming City Museum, which tells the history of Kunming from ancient times to the present day.
    • 3:00 pm: Take a walk through the vibrant streets of Dongfeng Lu, one of the city’s main shopping areas. You’ll find everything from souvenirs to electronics to clothing stores.
  • Evening
    • 6:00 pm: Head to the trendy Xi Shan area for dinner and nightlife. Try Shangri-La Restaurant (address: Xi Shan Lu, near Zhongshan Lu) for some upscale dining options.
  • Accommodation
    • Stay at Kunming Hotel (address: No. 17 Dongfeng Lu), a 4-star hotel with comfortable rooms and a convenient location.

Day 2: Nature Escapes

  • Morning
    • 9:00 am: Take a day trip to the nearby Dragon Gate, a stunning limestone cave system located about an hour outside of Kunming. You can take a taxi or bus from the city center.
    • 12:30 pm: Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it at one of the scenic spots in Dragon Gate.
  • Afternoon
    • 2:00 pm: Visit the Kunming Wild Botanical Garden, a beautiful garden featuring over 600 species of plants native to China.
    • 4:00 pm: Head back to the city center and explore the Bird and Flower Market (Niao Hua Shi Chang), a bustling marketplace with all sorts of souvenirs, snacks, and local goods.
  • Evening
    • 6:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at Xiang Zi Lou Restaurant (address: Bei Xin Lu, near Xiang Zi Jie) for some authentic Yunnan cuisine.

Day 3: Cultural Experiences

  • Morning
    • 9:00 am: Visit the Kunming Museum of Science and Technology, which features interactive exhibits on science, technology, and local culture.
    • 11:30 am: Head to the nearby Zhongshan Lu Shopping Street for some last-minute shopping and browsing.
  • Lunch
    • Try Dian Cang Restaurant (address: Zhongshan Lu, near Jin Mao Bei) for some delicious Yunnan snacks and souvenirs.
  • Afternoon
    • 1:00 pm: Visit the Kunming Grand View Garden, a beautiful garden with plenty of walking paths, gardens, and scenic views.
    • 3:30 pm: Explore the nearby Jin Mao Bei area for some last-minute shopping and browsing.

Things to Know

  • Kunming is known for its mild climate year-round. Be prepared for occasional rain showers.
  • The city has a well-developed transportation system, with buses and taxis readily available. You can also take a taxi or ride-hailing app like Didi Chuxing.
  • Don’t forget to try some of the local snacks, such as Cross Bridge Noodles or Yunnan Chicken!
  • Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.

Tips

  • Try to learn some basic Chinese phrases to help with communication. “Xièxiè” (thank you) is always appreciated.
  • Don’t be afraid to try new foods and drinks, such as Yunnan tea or Kunming street snacks!
  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular tourist spots.

Other Things of Interest

  • Visit the nearby Kunming Zoological Garden for a fun day out with the family.
  • Take a scenic drive through the surrounding countryside to enjoy the stunning views and rural landscapes.
  • Explore the city’s many markets, such as the Bird and Flower Market or Dongfeng Lu Shopping Street, for some unique souvenirs and local goods.

I hope you have a wonderful time exploring Kunming!