https://nz.trip.com/moments/detail/kunming-29-134435400?locale=en-NZ
Benjamin59 Carter_Singapore

Yunnan

Yunnan is truly perfect for a spontaneous getaway! This 8-day, 7-night journey took me from Kunming to Dali and then to Lijiang, with every frame as picturesque as a postcard🏞️ 🚗Itinerary: Day 1: Kunming Changshui Airport → Dianchi Lake → Jinma Biji Archway → Nanping Street Headed straight to Dianchi Lake after landing—watching the red-billed gulls at Haigeng Dam was so therapeutic! Tip: Wear light-colored clothes for better photos! Address: No. 1318, Dianchi Road, Xishan District, Kunming Day 2: Day trip to Stone Forest Scenic Area Wear comfortable shoes—it's huge and involves lots of walking. Recommended restaurant: Yi Xiang Zhi Wei (Stone Forest Scenic Area Branch) for authentic Yi cuisine. Day 3: Kunming → Dali → Dali Ancient Town Just a 2-hour high-speed train ride! Be sure to explore Renmin Road and Fuxing Road at night. Stay within the ancient town for convenient nighttime strolls. Day 4: Erhai Lake Loop + Xizhou Ancient Town Renting an e-bike for the ride is super relaxing! Don’t miss the Corner Tower and rice fields in Xizhou. Recommended restaurant: Yuan Lai Xiao Yuan·Private Kitchen (Xizhou Branch). Day 5: Dali → Lijiang → Shuhe Ancient Town Shuhe is much quieter than Dayan, perfect for leisurely wandering. Must-visit: The rooftop of Backpacker Ten Youth Hostel—offers views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain! Day 6: Day trip to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Remember to buy oxygen bottles in advance! Visit Blue Moon Valley in the morning—the lake is unbelievably blue under sunlight. Day 7: Stroll through Lijiang Ancient Town Don’t miss Sifang Street, Wuyi Street, and Mufu Palace. Recommended restaurant: Ama Yi Naxi Cuisine. Day 8: Return trip 🍜Must-try foods: Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles, Steam Pot Chicken, Cured Ribs Hot Pot, Er Kuai, Flower Pastry Recommended spots: Qiao Xiang Yuan (Kunming), Naxi Fire Pit (Lijiang). ⚠️Practical tips: 1. Sunscreen is a must—Yunnan’s UV rays are intense! 2. Bring a jacket for the significant temperature drop at night. 3. Carpooling from Dali to Lijiang is more convenient than taking the high-speed train. 4. Accommodation is much cheaper during the off-season.
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Posted: Aug 1, 2025
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Dianchi Lake

4.7/58700 reviews | Natural scenery
Kunming
No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Yunnan
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Take a trip to the stone forest and check in the "giant fantasy world" in nature! Kunming, Yunnan is not only about city delicacies, this time I came to the Stone Forest Scenic Area to really feel the magic of nature. The stone pillars are super spectacular. Walking the whole scenic spot with the group is like being taken into a surreal world - every step you can't help but imagine yourself as the protagonist of a fantasy film! 👣 Recommended Attractions Inventory: Stone Forest Scenic Area When we talk about stone forest, we only think of "a lot of stones", but I have been there to know how magnificent it is. It is recommended to bring your camera or phone fully charged, as anytime you cross an intersection you will see novel shapes! The stone forest scenic area is divided into several areas such as large stone forest, small stone forest, sword peak pool and other areas, whether it is the magnificent stone pillars or the mysterious path, it is worth exploring slowly. The Stone Forest Avenue is several kilometers long. Scenic spot information: - Address: Shilin Avenue, Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming, Yunnan Province - Opening hours: year-round 07:30-18:00 (entrance closes at 18:00) Itinerary Tips: 1. The Stone Forest Scenic Area is really super big! Walking with the group feels like going to a fantasy world, it is recommended to follow the guide at the beginning, otherwise you will easily get lost or miss the key stone pillars. 2. Pay attention to your physical strength. You have to walk on most sections of the road. Remember to bring a hat, sunscreen and water in hot weather to replenish your energy while walking. 3. Take a panoramic photo, each main road and fork in the stone forest will have different characteristic stones, the composition does not have to be framed, can contrast the majesty of the rocks and portrait fantasy, the effect is very mysterious. 4. If you want to take pictures of uninhabited stone scenery, it is recommended to enter early, or choose Monday to Thursday less crowded time period. Food Recommendations: There are many snack shops near the Shilin Scenic Area. It is recommended to try the local Yi flavor, such as barbecue skewers and pickled bean curd. However, there are fewer choices of restaurants in the scenic area. Remember to prepare food in advance or bring your own simple dry food. Transportation Guide: From Kunming city, you can choose to follow the tour bus or drive (approximately 1.5 hours), the biggest advantage of the tour is that the ticket includes a guided tour, easily directly to the entrance of the main scenic spot, do not have to worry about transportation connections. Practical tips: The scenic area is huge and easy to get lost. It is recommended to pay more attention to the guide instructions or the scenic map, and not to "change yourself" too quickly. Many of the stone pillars are shaped like fantasy movies. Walking slowly and feeling seriously is definitely worth the price of admission! #Stone Forest Photography #Yunnan Natural Wonders #Kunming Around Tour #Fantasy World #Yi Stories

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Yunnan, a heartwarming place! The trip departs from Kunming and passes through Dali and Lijiang—a classic route with strong ethnic style and natural beauty. Whether you want to take pictures of ancient cities, taste specialties, or feel the magnificent plateau lakes, Yunnan can satisfy all your fantasies. During the trip I really felt the "Yunnan nice trip🫶🏻", there was novelty and fun everywhere! Itinerary inventory recommendation 🌟 Kunming: As the starting point of the journey, also known as the "Spring City", the weather is comfortable and suitable for all year round travel. Cuihu Park, Jinma Bijifang, and Yunnan Ethnic Village are landmarks not to be missed. If you want to eat authentic snacks, you can go to the food street in Zhuan Xin Neighborhood. Yunnan rice noodles are a must-try! 🌟 Dali: Dali Ancient City Old Town atmosphere full! Suitable for walking slowly, taking photos and checking in, there are many cafes and shops with stories hidden in the alleys. Cycling by the seaside of Erlh to feel the breeze is very healing. There are also the three pagodas of Chongsheng Temple to feel the thousand-year-old Buddhist culture. 🌟 Lijiang: The ancient city of Lijiang is most attractive at night. Walk along the stone road into the ancient street and hear the melodious Naxi ancient music. The ancient town of Bundle River is more quiet, suitable for wedding photography and photo shoots. Black Dragon Pool Park and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain are worth visiting. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is recommended to go up the mountain early. There is an oxygen bottle rental service at the foot of the mountain. Be careful with your outdoor equipment to keep warm! 🔥 Itinerary Tips: 1. Yunnan morning and evening temperature difference is large, remember to bring a jacket, even in summer will be cold. 2. Kunming, Dali, Lijiang three places convenient transportation, shuttle buses, online ride-hailing cars are easy to find, smooth and effortless journey. 3. Do not exercise vigorously to higher altitudes (such as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain), pay attention to physical reactions. 4. Yunnan UV rays are strong, remember to apply sunscreen + wear a hat. 5. Lijiang Old Town is crowded at night, belongings to be careful. Yunnan Practical Information Supplement Transportation Tips: It is recommended to plan the high-speed rail, long-distance bus schedule between various places in advance, trip.com inquiry and booking high-speed rail, scenic spot tickets, hotels most convenient. The Kunming-Dali high-speed railway takes about 2 hours and the Dali-Lijiang high-speed railway takes about 1.5 hours. Food recommendations: Kunming must-eat cross-bridge rice noodles, Dali recommend casserole fish (restaurants next to Erhai are very atmospheric), Lijiang can try Naxi barbecue, cured ribs hot pot. Accommodation advice: The ancient city B&B is full of design. There are many celebrities taking pictures of B&B. Remember to book a room in advance! Finally, Yunnan is really a “Nice Trip”! The ethnic colors, natural scenery and human touch are all perfect. The itinerary is flexible, suitable for both independent travel and group travel. What other reason not to leave immediately? #Yunnan #Ethnic Style #Natural Healing #Plateau Travel #Travel Tips

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Dianchi Lake

Kunming is calling—and this city knows how to serve mountain air and crazy good food, trust me! 🏞️🍲 Whether you live for scenic lakeside chills or want to upgrade your next meal with legit Yunnan flavors, here’s your go-to Kunming quick guide. Top Spots to Visit: 1. Dianchi Lake (Dianchi Lu, Xishan District, open 7am–7pm) — The views are insane, especially in the morning when the mist rolls over the water. Pro tip: Skip the crowds by going before 10am. 2. Green Lake Park (No.67 Cuihu South Rd, open 7am–10pm) — Perfect spot for a sunset stroll with loads of locals and street performers. 3. Yunnan Nationalities Village (Near Dianchi Rd, open 8:30am–5:30pm) — Eye-opening for culture and some cool photo ops alongside traditional homes. Food to Try: Yunnan cuisine is spicy, colorful, and seriously the highlight. Hit up shiping tofu and wild mushroom hotpot at local restaurants near Green Lake Park—you can grab lunch at Lao Fangzi (West of Cuihu South Rd). For a snack, look for baba (Yunnan sticky rice pancake) sold by street vendors. Getting Around: Kunming’s metro is modern and easy—Line 1 gets you most major spots. Use buses for lakeside parks, but taxis are cheap if you’re in a rush. Download a Chinese map app for easy routes. Pro Tips: Bring your own tissue packs—restrooms at parks might not supply. Cash or Alipay/WeChat Pay is king; international cards rarely work. Kunming’s altitude means cool evenings even in summer—pack a light jacket. No major visa drama: just check latest China requirements online before you go. #KunmingViews #YunnanEats #TravelChina

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