Our next destination after Zhangjiajie was Kunming, often referred to as China’s “Spring City.”
Nestled at an elevation of 1,900 meters in the mountains, Kunming is the capital of Yunnan province. Initially, we planned to stop in Kunming just as a layover on our way to Lijiang, another destination in Yunnan. However, we were pleasantly surprised to find that Kunming has so much to offer. In fact, it quickly became one of our favorite cities in China, alongside Guangzhou and Hangzhou. Many travelers also begin their Tibet/Lhasa tours from Kunming, so if you love mountains as much as we do, this is the place for you.
How to Get There
Kunming is accessible by both plane and train. Since we were traveling from Zhangjiajie—a less common route—we opted for a direct flight with Juneyao Air. The ticket cost $85 USD, and the flight took just under 2 hours.
Alternatively, you can reach Kunming by train from cities like Chengdu, Guilin, or Guangzhou. The average train ticket price from these cities is around $75 USD. You can easily book your tickets through Trip.com.
Where to Stay
We had an amazing experience at Grand Park Kunming. The hotel is perfectly located, and the staff is not only welcoming but also fluent in English. If you’re a food lover like us, be sure to include breakfast in your booking—the buffet is outstanding!
MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS
1. Hike in Stone Forest
If you find yourself in Kunming, visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Stone Forest is a must. This vast area, covering 1,100 square kilometers, features unique and impressive stone formations. The site includes both the Major and Minor Stone Forests, where towering stone pillars create a surreal landscape. As it’s a popular tourist destination, the Minor Stone Forest can get crowded, so plan your visit accordingly.
To avoid the crowds, consider visiting the Major Stone Forest early in the day or exploring the less frequented Naigu Stone Forest, located 8 km from the Major Stone Forest. Naigu offers a more peaceful experience, allowing you to appreciate the stunning natural beauty with fewer people around.
You can explore the Major Stone Forest by hiking or by taking advantage of the free shuttle bus that operates within the national park. Additionally, there is a cable car available that transports visitors from the visitor center to the forest entrance. Tickets cost 130 yuan per person, with an additional 25 yuan for the cable car.’
How to Get There
The train station is just a 10-minute drive from the visitor center. For a budget-friendly option, you can take a train from Kunming Station to Shilin Station and then catch a taxi to the visitor center. The train ride takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
We opted for a DiDi ride from Kunming to save time. The one-way trip cost around 250 yuan.
What to See in Stone Forest
If you’re visiting the Stone Forest in late October, as we did, be sure to bring some warm clothing. The weather in the park can be quite different from Kunming, especially in the morning.
Upon arrival, you can purchase your admission ticket at the visitor center. I also recommend getting a cable car ticket, which essentially serves as a shuttle bus to take you to the park entrance. Walking is an option, but be aware that the route isn’t always well-maintained, even though the scenery is pleasant. The walk takes about 30-40 minutes.
The shuttle bus drops you off at the entrance, right in front of the Minor Stone Forest, which tends to be crowded. Avoid visiting during holidays to escape the throngs of local tourists.
The first thing you’ll likely see is Shilin Lake, which is truly mesmerizing and offers a preview of the park’s beauty.
From the lake, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the Minor Stone Forest, which is absolutely stunning.
Follow the signs to Lianhua Lake and then walk to the Bushaoshan Scenic Area, a less popular but equally beautiful spot.
Most people take the shuttle bus around the Major Stone Forest without stopping to walk the trails. After exiting the Minor Stone Forest, we found ourselves alone on the trails, which was perfect for a closer look at the stone pillars and enjoying the surrounding persimmon gardens.
Next, head to the Lizi Yuanqing Scenic Area to see poetically named formations like the Seven Goddesses, Camel on Elephant, and Mother and Son. After that, you can continue to Jianfeng Pool.
From here, choose a path to Wangfeng Pavilion, which will lead you back to the Minor Stone Forest through beautifully named formations. Once you reach the Strip of Sky, you can enjoy an elevated view of the forest before heading back to Lianhua Lake.
We spent about 3 hours exploring the Stone Forest and felt we were able to see all the main highlights.
Tips:
- Visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds.
- Start early to beat the rush.
- Walk instead of using the shuttle buses for a quieter, more peaceful experience (this tip applies to many places in China).
- Bring warm clothes if you’re visiting in spring or autumn, as temperatures can drop.
- Plan to spend around 3-4 hours exploring the park.
- If you have extra time, consider visiting Naigu Stone Forest for a more tranquil experience.
2. admire Dragon Gate on Western Hill
About 15 kilometers from the city center lies the marvelous Western Hill Forest Park, home to many temples and the famous Dragon Gate. Perched on the edge of a cliff, the Dragon Gate offers breathtaking views of Dian Lake from above. You can reach the gate by cable car for 40 yuan one-way, by bus, or by walking.
While entry to Western Hill is free, there is a 40 yuan fee to enter the Dragon Gate.
3. Stroll Around Green Lake
One of the most famous parks in Kunming is Green Lake Park. It’s a beautiful place to spend an evening and enjoy stunning lake views. Established in the 17th century, the park offers a lot to see and do. However, if you want to see the blooming lotuses, October is not the best time to visit.
4.Learn about China’s Minorities at Yunnan Ethnic Village
Yunnan Ethnic Village is a theme park that showcases the ethnic minorities of Yunnan province and their unique lifestyles. Initially, we didn’t have high expectations for this location, but it truly surprised us. The culture of each ethnic group is beautifully presented, and it was fascinating to discover how diverse a single Chinese province can be.
The entrance fee is 90 yuan per person, and you can purchase tickets at the tourist center at the park entrance. Be sure to arrive early, as the park gets crowded with local school groups in the middle of the day.
The taxi ride from the city center to the park costs around 35 yuan.
Inside the park, there are numerous charming restaurants and food stalls where you can take a break and enjoy lunch after a long walk.
Plan to spend around 3-4 hours in the park, as there is a lot to see and experience.
5.Visit Dongchuan Red Land
If you have a few extra days in Kunming, consider taking a day trip to Dongchuan Red Land to witness its colorful fields. We didn’t get the chance to visit because the drive takes about 4 hours, and the spots in Dongchuan are spread out. The most convenient way to travel there is by renting a car or hiring a driver for the day.
6.Spend a Day in Yuanyang Rice Terraces
Yuanyang Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013, is a popular destination for hiking and exploring cultural villages. The journey from Kunming to the terraces takes around 5.5 hours, so it’s a good idea to stay overnight to fully enjoy the activities available. You can find plenty of accommodation options on Booking.com.
The ticket costs 100 yuan per person and includes admission to Duoyishu, Bada, Luohuzui rice terraces, as well as Jingkou Folk Village.
7.Nanping Street
Sample some delicious food on Nanping Street, Kunming’s famous pedestrian street. In the evening, the street comes alive with food stalls and charming restaurants offering a variety of tasty dishes.
We originally planned to use Kunming as just a stopover on our way to Lijiang. However, the city quickly won us over with its welcoming locals, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural landscapes.
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