Kunming , China

1-Day Kunming Civil Culture Tour

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About this experience

Our tour takes place in Kunming, capital of Yunnan province and a historical and cultural city. Throughout China she’s also called “Spring City” because her climate is like spring all year round. In this trip we will show you Kunming’s hidden side. We will visit Yuantong Temple first, the oldest and biggest temple in Kunming and the center-point of Buddhism in Yunnan. Then we will show you some hidden cultural gems along Yunnan University and Green lake and visit the Yunnan military academy, a famous military school in the last century. Jingxing Bird and flower market, an interesting place full of life will show you the Old Kunming’s way of life.
• Yuantong Temple: oldest temple in Kunming and the center-point of Buddhism in Yunnan.
• Hidden cultural sites: hidden cultural sites along the Green Lake
• Yunnan military academy: one of the most famous military academies in Yunnan
• Flower and Bird Market: the real Old Kunming

Available options

1-Day Kunming Civil Culture Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Experienced private English-speaking tour guides

Transportation: Gas, tolls, parking fee and any additional pick-ups and drop-offs

2 bottles of local drinking water per person per day

Supplement for the tour guide (meals)

Entrance tickets to the attractions listed

24/7 English-speaking customer services

Government taxes

Detailed itinerary

Here, locals find peace and harmony in a noisy neighborhood. Here you can see Southern Buddhism, Northern Buddhism, and Tibetan Buddhism all at the same time.

From there we will walk to Yunnan university and see some less known ancient cultural sites of Kunming city. Behind the university there is a charming narrow street named Wenhua Xiang (Culture Alley) with many small coffee shops, special bookstores, bars and all kinds of food from all over the world.

After lunch, we will walk to Yunnan military academy, which was a famous military school in the last century. Learn about recent Chinese military history and Kunming’s importance as a military center.

Stop 4

From there we will walk through the Green Lake park to Jingxing Bird and Flower Market. The Green Lake is the bustling green center of Kunming city. Stroll through this beautiful park to see the daily life of modern Chinese people, where people practice Taiichi, local middle-aged ladies come to ‘square dance’ and grandpa’s jam together with their traditional Chinese instruments. In summer the whole lake is covered with a carpet of fragrant lotus flowers, in the winter the lake is filled with thousands of seagulls that migrate here from Siberia.

Jingxing Flower and Bird Market reflects the Old Kunming way of life, with a lot of people selling flowers, birds, fish, insects, bamboo bongs and pipes. Sometime you can even see old people “Liu Niao” which means they take their bird cages out for a walk in the park.

What's not included

Meals are not included

Chinese visa

International and domestic flights and/or trains

Personal travel insurance

Personal expenses

Tips for drivers and guides (highly appreciated but not requested)

Anything not listed in inclusions

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN EN

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants

Full payment will be collected in advance, including all admission fees, fuel, and equipment rental.

Important notes

• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

About Kunming

Kunming, known as the 'City of Eternal Spring' for its pleasant climate year-round, is the capital of Yunnan Province in Southwest China. It's a gateway to the country's southwestern ethnic minorities and offers a blend of modern city life and rich cultural heritage.

Top Attractions

Dianchi Lake

A large, scenic lake near Kunming, known for its beautiful views and recreational activities.

Nature Half day to full day Free to explore, activities may have fees

Stone Forest (Shilin)

A UNESCO-listed geological wonder featuring towering limestone formations that resemble a forest made of stone.

Nature Full day ¥120-150

Yunnan Ethnology Museum

A museum showcasing the diverse ethnic groups of Yunnan, with exhibits on their history, culture, and traditions.

Cultural 2-3 hours ¥50

Green Lake Park (Cuihu Park)

A scenic park in the heart of Kunming, featuring a large lake, gardens, and walking paths.

Nature 1-2 hours Free, boat rides may have a fee

Kunming Golden Temple (Jindian)

A historic Buddhist temple complex with a rich history and beautiful architecture.

Religious 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles (Guoqiao Mixian)

A famous Yunnan noodle dish served in a savory broth with a variety of toppings, including vegetables, meat, and eggs.

Noodle dish Can be customized to be vegetarian or vegan

Yunnan Rice Noodles (Mixian)

A popular Yunnan street food made with rice noodles, often served with a spicy broth and a variety of toppings.

Noodle dish Can be customized to be vegetarian or vegan

Steamed Chicken with Rice (Jiding Xiangguo)

A traditional Yunnan dish featuring steamed chicken served with rice, often flavored with local herbs and spices.

Main dish Contains poultry

Er Kuai (Yunnan Flatbread)

A crispy, savory flatbread often served with a variety of dipping sauces and toppings.

Street food Vegetarian (check for egg or dairy in specific varieties)

Popular Activities

Hiking Caving Mountain biking Whitewater rafting Tea tasting Boat rides Spas and wellness Parks and gardens

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

The weather is most pleasant during these seasons, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. It's ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Chinese (Mandarin)
Widely spoken: Yunnanese (a dialect of Chinese), Various ethnic minority languages
English: Limited, especially outside of tourist areas and hotels

Currency

Renminbi (RMB) (CNY)

Time Zone

China Standard Time (CST, UTC+8)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, with some precautions recommended for tourists

Kunming is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests

Getting there

By air

Kunming Changshui International Airport • 25 km from city center

By train

Kunming South Railway Station, Kunming Railway Station

By bus

Kunming West Bus Station, Kunming South Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient, clean, and easy to navigate. It's the most convenient way to get around the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Wuhua District Panlong District Dongchuan District

Day trips

Jiuxiang Scenic Area

130 km from Kunming • Full day

A scenic area featuring limestone caves, rivers, and waterfalls, as well as traditional villages and local culture.

Dongchuan Red Land

200 km from Kunming • Full day to overnight

A scenic area known for its vibrant red soil, terraced fields, and picturesque villages. It's a popular spot for photography and outdoor activities.

Jianshui

160 km from Kunming • Full day to overnight

A historic town known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, traditional culture, and local crafts. It's a great place to experience the rich history and traditions of Yunnan.

Festivals

Kunming International Flower Expo • Annual, typically in March or April Torch Festival (Huosheng Jie) • Annual, typically in July or August (dates vary by ethnic group) Yunnan Ethnic Minority Cultural Tourism Festival • Annual, typically in September

Pro tips

Visit during the spring or autumn for the most pleasant weather and fewer crowds
Try the local street food and snacks, such as Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles and Yunnan Rice Noodles
Explore the city's many parks and gardens, such as Green Lake Park and Dianchi Lake
Take a day trip to nearby attractions, such as the Stone Forest or Jiuxiang Scenic Area
Learn some basic Chinese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture