Kunming , China

1-Day Kunming 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. People around China also call her “Spring City” because her climate is like spring all year round.

The Nationalities village is a huge park that reunites Yunnan’s 26 ethnic groups and where you can learn a lot about their culture and traditions. Close by are the Western Hills, where you can visit the temples carved on the side of a natural cliff and admire a big panoramic view of Kunming and Dianchi lake. Next to the dragon gate you will find the largest Taoist grotto of Yunnan.

Highlights include:
Western Hill and Dragon Grotto: temples on the side of a natural cliff, the largest Taoist grotto of Yunnan, big panoramic view of Kunming city and Dianchi lake.

Nationalities Village: Learn about Yunnan’s 26 different ethnic groups way of life, architecture, clothing and traditions.

Available options

1-Day Kunming 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

A beautiful and big park that reunites Yunnan’s 26 ethnic groups. Every single of Yunnan’s ethnic minority has their own village built in their own unique style. People from these ethnicities live here to show their colorful and traditional way of life, showing their rituals, dances, crafts, festivals and so on.

Up the western hills, cultural temples are mixed with natural cliffs, Taoist grottoes, flowers and forests. Especially when you go through the stone corridor carved into the face of the cliff, you can really imagine how dangerous and difficult work it must have been to build all this. You can visit a big Taoist Grotto close to the famous Dragon Gate and on the mountain top, you can enjoy a big panoramic view of Kunming. At the end of the day we will drive back to Kunming.

What's not included

Flight tickets

Chinese visa

Personal travel insurance

Personal expenses

Tips for tour guide (not requested, but highly appreciated)

Anything not listed in inclusions

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.5

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

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