Kunming City Tour: Dragon Gate, Huating Temple and Daguan Pavilion

Kunming , China

Kunming City Tour: Dragon Gate, Huating Temple and Daguan Pavilion

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About this experience

With this private 5 hours tour, you will be escorted by your personal English-speaking tour guide and professional chauffeur to visit highlights of Kunming city attractions: Dragon Gate at West Hill, Huating Temple, and Grand View Tower. This is a perfect introduction to those who have a short stay in Kunming, city of perpetual Spring.

Available options

Kunming City Tour: Dragon Gate, Huating Temple and Daguan Pavilion

Pickup included

What's included

Friendly and experienced English-speaking tour guide.

All entrance tickets as listed in the itinerary.

One-way chairlift and eco-car at the West Hill.

Transfer by reliable driver and air-conditioned vehicle.

Lunch at a popular local restaurant

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

At around 9am, your private English-speaking tour guide and vehicle will pick you up from the lobby of your downtown Kunming hotel and drive to Dragon Gate at West Hill. Located 37km west of the down town Kunming, the Dragon Gate in Western Hill is close to the Dianchi Lake. This group of grottoes, sculptures, corridors and pavilions were hacked from the cliff between 1781 and 1835 by a Taoist monk and his co-workers.

Next, your will visit Huating Temple, which is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist complexes in Kunming with 572 painted sculptures and more than 260 stone carvings of animals and birds, which are of marvelous shape and some romantic feel. Still remained in the temple are 17 stone stele of Ming and Qing Dynasty, along with 7 tower tombs from Qing Dynasty.

After lunch, you will visit Grand View Tower (Daguan Park), which is located at the terminus of Daguan Road and is 6 km from the city center, near Dianchi Lake and facing Taihua Mountain which is on the other side of Dianchi Lake. Completed in 1690 during the Qing Dynasty, the park consists of hills, ponds, pavilions and rockeries in a style similar to that of the gardens of the Yangtze River Delta. Its lovely gardens and buildings have won the name of "West Lake Junior" commanding a panoramic view of Dianchi Lake with the charming Sleeping Beauty Hill in the background. After that, you will transfer be transferred back to your downtown Kunming hotel.

What's not included

Gratuities (recommended).

Food and drinks, unless specified

Airport transfer.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

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Tripadvisor 5.0

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Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

NOT recommended: if you have trouble with steps road or if you have to use a wheelchair, it might be a bit challenging for you to visit the Dragon Gate.

30-minute steps down from the West Hill.

Important notes

1. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
2. In the evening (between 6-8 pm) before tour, your tour guide will contact you via your hotel to confirm the exact pick-up time for the next day.
3. Please enter your hotel information in the location blank at the time of booking.
4. You also can contact customer service number for more assistance.
• WeChat ID: NikoHuang2017 (Highly recommended! WeChat is widely used in China.)
• iMessage: +86 181 7870 8175 (For Apple users)
• WhatsApp/Mobile: +86 188 0773 4970

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