Kunming China 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Itinerary for Travelling in Kunming, China

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning

  • Arrive at Kunming Changshui International Airport
  • Take a taxi or metro (Line 3) to your hotel in the city center
  • Check-in at Kunming UChoice Hotel or similar

Afternoon

  • Visit the Yunnan Provincial Museum () to learn about the region’s history and culture
  • Explore the nearby Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (), a popular shopping and dining area

Evening

  • Enjoy a traditional Yunnan dinner at Crossing Bridge Noodles
  • Take a stroll around the Green Lake Park (), a beautiful spot for people-watching and relaxation

Transportation

  • Taxi: ~30 CNY (~4.50 USD) from airport to city center
  • Metro: 5 CNY (~0.75 USD) per ride, or purchase a prepaid card

Tips

  • Download the Didi Chuxing app (Chinese Uber) for convenient transportation
  • Learn some basic Chinese phrases to communicate with locals

Day 2: Stone Forest and Local Markets

Morning

  • Visit the Stone Forest (), a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring stunning karst landscape
  • Take a guided tour or explore on your own

Afternoon

  • Explore the Bird and Flower Market (), a vibrant market selling local handicrafts, flowers, and birds
  • Try some street food at the market, such as grilled squid or stinky tofu

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at 1910 Restaurant, serving traditional Yunnan cuisine
  • Relax at your hotel or explore the nearby Wenhua Alley (), a trendy area with bars and cafes

Transportation

  • Taxi: ~60 CNY (~9 USD) from city center to Stone Forest, or take bus 603/604 (10 CNY / ~1.50 USD)

Tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for the Stone Forest visit
  • Be prepared for crowds and haggling at the Bird and Flower Market

Day 3: Dianchi Lake and Western Hills

Morning

  • Take a boat ride on Dianchi Lake (), the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan Province
  • Enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding mountains

Afternoon

  • Visit the Western Hills (), a popular hiking spot with stunning views of the city
  • Explore the nearby Huating Temple (), a historic Buddhist temple

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Maison Kayser, a French bakery and cafe
  • Take a stroll around the Dianchi Lake Scenic Area (), a beautiful spot for sunset viewing

Transportation

  • Taxi: ~30 CNY (~4.50 USD) from city center to Dianchi Lake, or take bus 2/44 (5 CNY / ~0.75 USD)
  • Hiking in Western Hills: wear comfortable shoes and bring water and snacks

Tips

  • Try some local fruits, such as strawberries or grapes, at the lake shore
  • Be prepared for crowds and steep hiking trails in Western Hills

Day 4: Kunming Botanical Garden and Golden Temple

Morning

  • Visit the Kunming Botanical Garden (), a peaceful oasis featuring various plant species
  • Explore the garden’s scenic paths and pavilions

Afternoon

  • Visit the Golden Temple (), a historic Buddhist temple featuring intricate golden decorations
  • Learn about the temple’s history and significance from local monks

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Lao Fang Zi, a popular restaurant serving traditional Yunnan cuisine
  • Take a stroll around the Jinbi Square (), a vibrant area with street performers and live music

Transportation

  • Taxi: ~20 CNY (~3 USD) from city center to botanical garden, or take bus 1/22 (5 CNY / ~0.75 USD)
  • Dress modestly when visiting temples and gardens

Tips

  • Bring sunscreen and a hat for outdoor exploration
  • Try some local desserts, such as rice cakes or sweet potato pastry

Day 5: Day Trip to Jiuxiang Scenic Area

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Jiuxiang Scenic Area (), a stunning karst landscape featuring caves, rivers, and waterfalls
  • Explore the scenic area’s natural wonders with a guided tour or on your own

Afternoon

  • Enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants in the scenic area, serving traditional Yunnan cuisine
  • Continue exploring the scenic area’s many attractions, such as the Jiuxiang Cave ()

Evening

  • Return to Kunming city center and enjoy dinner at Waixi Snack Bar, a popular spot for local snacks
  • Relax at your hotel or explore the nearby Wangfujing Street (), a vibrant shopping and dining area

Transportation

  • Bus: ~100 CNY (~15 USD) round-trip from Kunming to Jiuxiang Scenic Area, or take a private car ( ~500 CNY / ~75 USD)
  • Wear comfortable shoes and bring water and snacks for the day trip

Tips

  • Be prepared for crowds and long bus rides
  • Try some local fruits, such as lychees or bananas, at the scenic area

Day 6: Yunnan University and nearby attractions

Morning

  • Visit Yunnan University (), one of the top universities in China
  • Explore the campus’s beautiful gardens and historic buildings

Afternoon

  • Visit the nearby Yunnan Military Academy (), a historic military academy with impressive architecture
  • Explore the Kunming Museum (), featuring exhibits on Yunnan Province’s history and culture

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Dali Restaurant, serving traditional Bai minority cuisine
  • Take a stroll around the Wenhua Alley (), a trendy area with bars and cafes

Transportation

  • Taxi: ~20 CNY (~3 USD) from city center to Yunnan University, or take bus 1/22 (5 CNY / ~0.75 USD)
  • Dress modestly when visiting university campuses and museums

Tips

  • Bring a camera to capture the beautiful campus scenery
  • Try some local snacks, such as rice cakes or stinky tofu

Day 7: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market
  • Visit the Kunming Flower and Bird Market (), a vibrant market selling flowers, birds, and local handicrafts

Afternoon

  • Return to Kunming Changshui International Airport for departure
  • Take a taxi ( ~30 CNY / ~4.50 USD) or metro (Line 3, 5 CNY / ~0.75 USD)

Transportation

  • Taxi: ~30 CNY (~4.50 USD) from city center to airport
  • Metro: 5 CNY (~0.75 USD) per ride, or purchase a prepaid card

Tips

  • Check with your airline for any travel restrictions or requirements
  • Bring some local currency (CNY) for any last-minute purchases

Accommodation

Transportation

  • Taxi: ~30 CNY (~4.50 USD) from airport to city center
  • Metro: 5 CNY (~0.75 USD) per ride, or purchase a prepaid card
  • Bus: ~10-20 CNY (~1.50-3 USD) for short trips, or take a private car ( ~500 CNY / ~75 USD) for longer trips

Tips

  • Download the Didi Chuxing app (Chinese Uber) for convenient transportation
  • Learn some basic Chinese phrases to communicate with locals
  • Bring sunscreen and a hat for outdoor exploration
  • Try some local fruits, such as strawberries or grapes
  • Be prepared for crowds and haggling at markets

Other Things to Know

  • Weather: Kunming has a mild climate year-round, but summer can be hot and humid
  • Culture: Yunnan Province is home to many ethnic minorities, including the Bai, Dai, and Yi people
  • Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but many locals also speak the Yunnan dialect
  • Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY) is the local currency, although some places may accept US dollars or credit cards

Note: Prices are estimates and may vary depending on the season and availability. This itinerary is just a suggestion, and you should research and customize it based on your personal preferences and travel style.