3-Day Leisurely Tour of 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.
Suitable for: First-time visitors to Kunming want to experience the natural and cultural highlights of the “City of Spring.”
Day 1: The Culture of the “City of Spring” + Sunset over Dianchi Lake
Stroll through the city, watch seagulls at Cuihu Lake, catch the sunset at Haigeng Dam, and explore the Nanqiang Street Night Market.
Cuihu Park
Free admission. Spot red-billed gulls in winter and admire cherry blossoms in spring. The Nine-Turn Bridge and the pavilion in the center of the lake are incredibly photogenic.
Yunnan Military Academy
The yellow Republican-era building next to Cuihu Lake is free to visit—be sure to pick up some of the creative fridge magnets.
Haigeng Dam on Dianchi Lake
From November to March, thousands upon thousands of red-billed gulls fly in from Siberia. Buy gull feed for 10 yuan per bag to feed the gulls. 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. Can Can Rice Noodles at Yunping Flavor Garden. Jiahua’s freshly baked flower-shaped pastries are a must-buy.
Day 2: One-Day Tour of the Mysterious Stone Forest
Full-day in-depth tour of the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
Heading to Shilin
Take the express bus from Kunming Eastern Bus Station for 34 yuan per person (approx. 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
Stone Forest Scenic Area
Panoramic view from Wangfeng Pavilion → Silhouette photo 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
Try the “Dianjun Wang” free-range chicken soup base with Jianshouqing mushrooms, chicken-of-the-woods, and matsutake mushrooms—150 yuan per person. Alternatively, try the steamed pot chicken at Fuzhao Lou, priced at 60–100 yuan per person.
Mushrooms are at their freshest during the rainy season (July–September)
Day 3: Cultural Highlights in Huadu + A Culinary Finale
Go shopping at the Dounan Flower Market, visit Longmen on the Western Hills, and grab a bite to eat at the Zhuanxin Market.
Longmen on the Western Hills
Take the Dianchi Lake Cable Car (70 yuan) → transfer to the Longmen Cable Car (25 yuan) to reach the summit. Touch the Longmen carp statue for good luck and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the 500-li-long Dianchi Lake.
Dounan Flower Market
Asia’s largest flower market! Baby’s breath is 5 yuan per bunch, and sunflowers are 8 yuan per bunch. The auction hall is liveliest at 8:00 PM. Flowers can be shipped nationwide.
Zuanxin Farmers’ Market
Kunming’s most down-to-earth farmers’ market. Tofu pudding with rice noodles for 10 yuan, spicy snacks, and all kinds of mushrooms. The best place to buy souvenirs at great prices.