Kunming, China-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kunming

  • Morning: Arrive at Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMIA)
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or airport bus (around 20-30 CNY) to your hotel
  • Where to Stay: Hotel Ibis Kunming, a budget-friendly option with comfortable rooms and good location (around 250 CNY per night)
  • Activities:
    • Visit the nearby Bird and Flower Market, a popular spot for buying souvenirs and local snacks
    • Take a stroll around the Green Lake Park, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city
  • Where to Eat: Try some local street food at the Guangchang Street Food Market, with options like noodles, dumplings, and roasted chestnuts (around 10-20 CNY per dish)
  • Things to Know:
    • Kunming has a relatively mild climate compared to other parts of China
    • Be prepared for crowds and traffic in the city center

Day 2: Explore Dianchi Lake and Western Hills

  • Morning: Visit Dianchi Lake, a large freshwater lake with stunning scenery (free admission)
  • Transportation: Take bus 11 or 12 from the lake to the Western Hills area
  • Where to Stay: Hotel Green Lake, a hotel located near the lake with comfortable rooms and good amenities (around 350 CNY per night)
  • Activities:
    • Explore the Western Hills, a scenic area with walking trails and stunning views of the city (free admission)
    • Visit the Qiongzhusi Temple, a historic temple dedicated to Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy (10 CNY admission)
  • Where to Eat: Try some local specialties like Yunnan Ham and Sour Mustard Noodles at Restaurant Qingzhousi (around 50-100 CNY per dish)
  • Tips:
    • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions
    • Don’t drink tap water

Day 3: Visit the Stone Forest

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about an hour outside of Kunming (around 100 CNY per person, including transportation)
  • Transportation: Take a bus or taxi from the city center to the Stone Forest
  • Where to Stay: Hotel Ibis Kunming, a budget-friendly option with comfortable rooms and good location (around 250 CNY per night)
  • Activities:
    • Explore the stunning Stone Forest, a natural wonder of towering limestone pillars (free admission)
    • Visit the nearby Yunnan Ethnic Village, showcasing the traditional culture and architecture of Yunnan’s ethnic groups (50 CNY admission)
  • Where to Eat: Try some local street food at the Guangchang Street Food Market, with options like noodles, dumplings, and roasted chestnuts (around 10-20 CNY per dish)
  • Things to Know:
    • The Stone Forest is a popular day-trip destination from Kunming
    • Be prepared for crowds and traffic on the road to the Stone Forest

Day 4: Explore the Golden Temple

  • Morning: Visit the Golden Temple, a stunning Buddhist temple located in the heart of the city (10 CNY admission)
  • Transportation: Take bus 11 or 12 from the city center to the Golden Temple
  • Where to Stay: Hotel Green Lake, a hotel located near the lake with comfortable rooms and good amenities (around 350 CNY per night)
  • Activities:
    • Explore the beautiful grounds of the Golden Temple, featuring stunning gardens and walking trails
    • Visit the nearby Kunming Museum, showcasing the history and culture of Yunnan Province (20 CNY admission)
  • Where to Eat: Try some local specialties like Yunnan Ham and Sour Mustard Noodles at Restaurant Qingzhousi (around 50-100 CNY per dish)
  • Tips:
    • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions
    • Don’t drink tap water

Day 5: Visit the Yunnan Ethnic Village

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the Yunnan Ethnic Village, showcasing the traditional culture and architecture of Yunnan’s ethnic groups (around 100 CNY per person, including transportation)
  • Transportation: Take a bus or taxi from the city center to the Yunnan Ethnic Village
  • Where to Stay: Hotel Ibis Kunming, a budget-friendly option with comfortable rooms and good location (around 250 CNY per night)
  • Activities:
    • Explore the traditional villages and learn about the culture of Yunnan’s ethnic groups
    • Visit the nearby Yunnan Nationalities Museum, showcasing the history and culture of Yunnan’s ethnic groups (20 CNY admission)
  • Where to Eat: Try some local street food at the Guangchang Street Food Market, with options like noodles, dumplings, and roasted chestnuts (around 10-20 CNY per dish)
  • Things to Know:
    • The Yunnan Ethnic Village is a popular day-trip destination from Kunming
    • Be prepared for crowds and traffic on the road to the Yunnan Ethnic Village

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Return to the airport or bus station for your departure (around 20-30 CNY by taxi or bus)
  • Tips:
    • Don’t forget to try some local snacks like Yunnan Ham and Sour Mustard Noodles before you leave
    • Bring some souvenirs from Kunming to share with friends and family back home