3-Day Leisurely Itinerary for Kunming, the “City of Spring”
Three Days to Experience the Gentleness of the “City of Spring”—Feeding Seagulls at Dianchi Lake, Exploring the Stone Forest, Shopping at the Flower Market, and Enjoying Mushroom Hot Pot.
Best for: First-time visitors to Kunming who want to experience the best of the “City of Spring’s” natural and cultural attractions.
Day 1: Cultural Highlights of the “City of Spring” + Sunset at Dianchi Lake
City stroll, watching seagulls at Cuihu Lake, sunset at Haigeng Dam, and Nanqiang Street Night Market.
Cuihu Park
Free admission. Spot red-billed gulls in winter and admire cherry blossoms in spring. The Nine-Turn Bridge at the Lake Center Pavilion makes for a perfect photo spot.
Yunnan Military Academy
A yellow Republican-era building next to Cuihu Lake; free admission; don’t miss the cultural and creative fridge magnets.
Haigeng Dam on Dianchi Lake
From November through March, thousands of red-billed gulls migrate here from Siberia. Buy gull feed for 10 yuan per bag to feed the birds. Watch the “Sleeping Beauty” sunset over the Western Hills.
Nanqiang Street Night Market
Grilled milk curd with rose jam for 15 yuan; Pao Lu Da for 12 yuan. Try the pot-cooked rice noodles at Yunping Flavor Garden. Don’t miss the freshly baked flower-shaped pastries at Jiahua.
Day 2: One-Day Tour of the Hidden Wonders of Shilin
Full-day in-depth tour of the Stone Forest, a World Natural Heritage Site.
Depart for Shilin
Take the dedicated bus from Kunming East Bus Station for 34 yuan per person; the ride takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, take the high-speed rail to Shilin West Station and transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus for 12 yuan.
Wear non-slip sneakers! The ground is slippery
Shilin Scenic Area
Enjoy the panoramic view from Wangfeng Pavilion → Take silhouette photos at Ashima Rock → View the reflections at Jianfeng Pool. We recommend hiring a tour guide for 80 yuan; hearing the legend of Ashima makes the experience even more interesting.
Dinner: Mushroom Hot Pot
“King of Yunnan Mushrooms” free-range chicken broth with Jianshouqing mushrooms, chicken-of-the-woods, and matsutake mushrooms; 150 yuan per person. Alternatively, steamed pot chicken at Fuzhao Lou costs 60–100 yuan per person.
Mushrooms are at their most delicious during the rainy season (July–September)
Day 3: Cultural Exploration in Huadu + Culinary Finale
Shop at the Dounan Flower Market, visit Longmen in Xishan, and grab a bite at the Zhuanshin Market.
Longmen on West Hill
Take the Dianchi Lake Cable Car (70 yuan) → Longmen Cable Car (25 yuan) to reach the summit. Touch the Longmen carp statue for good luck and enjoy a panoramic view of the 500-li-long Dianchi Lake.
Dounan Flower Market
Asia’s largest fresh flower market! Baby’s breath: 5 yuan per bunch; sunflowers: 8 yuan per bunch. The auction hall is liveliest at 8:00 p.m. Flowers can be shipped nationwide.
Zhuanxin Farmers’ Market
Kunming’s most down-to-earth farmers’ market. Tofu pudding rice noodles for 10 yuan, spicy snacks, and all kinds of mushrooms. The best place to buy souvenirs at great prices.