Kunming China 2 Day Itinerary

Kunming, China: A 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Morning

  • Yuantong Temple (9:00 am - 10:30 am)
    • Address: 118 Wuyi Rd, Wuhua District, Kunming
    • A tranquil Buddhist temple with a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful gardens, and a fascinating history.
  • Walk around Green Lake Park (11:00 am - 12:30 pm)
    • A scenic park with a large lake, walking paths, and plenty of locals playing traditional instruments or dancing.

Afternoon

  • Lunch at Jianxin Cheng Huang Mutton Restaurant
    • Address: 136 Dongfeng E Rd, Wuhua District, Kunming
    • Try the famous Crossing Bridge Rice Noodles and local mutton dishes.
  • Kunming City Museum (2:00 pm - 4:00 pm)
    • Address: 71 Wuyi Rd, Wuhua District, Kunming
    • Learn about the history and culture of Yunnan Province at this comprehensive museum.

Evening

  • Dinner at 1910 Restaurant
    • Address: 113 Dongfeng E Rd, Wuhua District, Kunming
    • Savor local specialties like Xuanwei Ham and Erkuai (a type of rice cake).
  • Explore the Bird and Flower Market (7:00 pm - 9:00 pm)
    • A bustling market filled with exotic flowers, birds, and souvenirs.

Accommodation

  • Hotel Recommendation: Kunming UChoice Hotel
    • Address: No. 888, Qingnian Rd, Wuhua District, Kunming
    • A comfortable hotel with modern amenities and a convenient location.

Day 2

Morning

  • Stone Forest (9:00 am - 12:00 pm)
    • Address: Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming
    • Marvel at the stunning natural limestone formations and explore the scenic walking trails.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant near Stone Forest
    • Try some traditional Yunnan dishes like Wild Mushroom Hot Pot.

Afternoon

  • Dianchi Lake (2:00 pm - 4:00 pm)
    • Take a leisurely boat ride on the lake and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
  • Western Hills (5:00 pm - 7:00 pm)
    • Hike up to the top for panoramic views of Kunming and Dianchi Lake.

Evening

  • Dinner at Lao Fang Zi
    • Address: 1/F, No. 123, Wuyi Rd, Wuhua District, Kunming
    • Enjoy local street food and snacks in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Explore the Nanping Street Night Market (8:00 pm - 10:00 pm)
    • A lively night market with souvenirs, clothing, and snacks.

Transportation

  • Taxi: widely available, but not all drivers speak English
  • Bus: an efficient way to get around, with many routes covering the city
  • Didi Chuxing (Chinese Uber): a convenient option for door-to-door transportation

Tips and Essentials

  • Weather: Kunming has a mild climate year-round, but pack layers for cooler mornings and evenings.
  • Language: Mandarin Chinese is spoken widely, but some locals may speak Yunnan dialect; consider downloading a translation app or carrying a phrasebook.
  • Currency: Chinese yuan (RMB); credit cards are accepted at major tourist spots and hotels.
  • Safety: Kunming is generally a safe city, but take usual precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
  • Respect Local Customs: dress modestly when visiting temples or rural areas, and avoid public displays of affection.

Other Things of Interest

  • Kunming Zoo: home to giant pandas, golden monkeys, and other exotic animals
  • Yunnan Nationalities Village: a cultural theme park showcasing the traditions and customs of Yunnan’s ethnic minorities
  • Flower Market: a colorful market selling a wide variety of fresh flowers and plants

Enjoy your trip to Kunming!