Kunming , China

1-Day Kunming Scenery Tour

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About this experience

Our tour takes place in Kunming, capital of Yunnan province and a historical and cultural city. Local people also call it “Spring City” because its climate is like spring all year round. The Golden Temple, also called Taihe Palace is a famous Taoist complex, with the largest completely pure-copper temple in China, surrounded by a big park of green pines and verdant cypresses. The Black dragon pool is also a Taoist temple where legend says a dragon used to live inside the pool. There is also a big forest with ancient trees surrounding it and a lot of plum blossoms during spring, which makes a perfect place for a stroll.

Available options

1-Day Kunming Scenery Tour

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

What you'll see

In the morning, your driver and tour guide will pick you up at your hotel (within the second ring road of Kunming) and drive you to the Black Dragon Pool. The pool in this beautiful and typical Chinese park is divided in two, one side with clean spring water and the other side with muddy spring water. Even though the waters touch each other, they never mix and according to legend the fish will not leave their own side. There are three ancient trees in front of the temple: a 1200 year old plum tree from the Tang dynasty (618–907), a cypress tree from the Song dynasty (960-1127) and a camelia tree from the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).

After lunch, we will go to the Golden Temple, not far from the city, and learn about the history of this century-old Taoist temple built in the Ming dynasty. This temple is the largest pure copper temple in China and the most famous Taoist temple in Yunnan. The park around the temple is huge and the stone steps through Heavenly gates up to the temple are surrounded by beautiful scenery. You can relax in big surrounding forest of pines and cypresses or sit down at one of the serene ponds and feel inner peace come over you. At the end of the day we will return to Kunming where your trip will end.

What's not included

Lunch and Dinner

Shopping

Chinese visa

Personal expenses

Domestic and international flights

Tourist bus / minibus transportation between airport / train station

Personal Travel Accident Insurance.

Tips for drivers and guides, highly appreciated but not requested

Things not mentioned in this itinerary

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN EN

Reviews breakdown

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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

Entrance tickets to the attractions listed

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