Kunming China 6 Day Itinerary

Kunming, China 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City

  • Arrival: Arrive at Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) and take a taxi or metro to your hotel
  • Hotel: Stay at Jinjiang Hotel or similar, located in the city center
  • Morning: Visit the Bird and Flower Market (), a bustling marketplace selling various birds, flowers, and local souvenirs
  • Afternoon: Explore the Kunming City Museum (), which showcases the history and culture of Yunnan Province
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Yunnan dinner at Lao Fangzi, known for its Crossing Bridge Rice Noodles ()
  • Transportation: Take taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing

Day 2: Scenic Spots and Local Cuisine

  • Morning: Visit the Yuantong Temple (), a peaceful Buddhist temple with beautiful gardens
  • Afternoon: Explore the Green Lake Park (), a popular spot for boating, strolling, and people-watching
  • Evening: Savor local street food at Jinbi Road, known for its grilled squid and BBQ skewers
  • Tips: Try to avoid visiting during peak season (June to August) when the park is crowded

Day 3: Stone Forest and Sani Tribe Village

  • Morning: Visit the Stone Forest (), a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring towering limestone pillars
  • Afternoon: Explore the Sani Tribe Village (), where you can learn about the traditional culture of the Sani people
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Hidden Kitchen, serving modern Yunnan cuisine
  • Transportation: Take a guided tour or hire a private car for the day

Day 4: Dianchi Lake and Western Hills

  • Morning: Visit Dianchi Lake (), the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan Province, offering stunning views and boat rides
  • Afternoon: Explore the Western Hills (), featuring temples, pagodas, and hiking trails with breathtaking views
  • Evening: Enjoy a relaxing dinner at The Park, serving international cuisine
  • Tips: Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular scenic spots

Day 5: Ancient Towns and Local Markets

  • Morning: Visit the Guandu Ancient Town (), a well-preserved ancient town with traditional architecture
  • Afternoon: Explore the Qiongzhuang Market (), offering local handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Maoxian, serving traditional Yunnan hot pot
  • Transportation: Take taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market
  • Afternoon: Depart for the airport and fly back home

Things to Know

  • Kunming is known as the “Eternal Spring City” due to its mild climate year-round
  • Yunnan Province is home to 25 ethnic minority groups, each with their own unique culture and traditions
  • The local currency is Chinese yuan (RMB), although many places accept credit cards or mobile payments

Tips

  • Learn some basic Mandarin Chinese phrases to help you communicate with locals
  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular scenic spots
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak season (June to August) when prices are higher and tourist spots are more crowded

Transportation

  • Taxis: widely available, but may not speak English
  • Ride-hailing apps: Didi Chuxing is a popular option with an English interface
  • Metro: a convenient way to travel around the city, with signs and announcements in English
  • Private cars or guided tours: can be hired for day trips or longer excursions