Kunming in the off-season is not recommended.
✨In the cold winter, when most cities are shrouded in cold, Kunming is as warm as spring. It is warm all year round and is a great place to visit in winter. If you want to escape the cold and go on a warm trip in winter, come with me to Kunming!
My itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kunming → Kunming Old Street → Nanping Street → Taste Kunming food
Day 2: Dianchi Lake → Haigeng Dam → Yunnan Ethnic Village
Day 3: Stone Forest Scenic Area
Day 4: Cuihu Park → Yunnan University (Cuihu Campus) → Military Academy
8 must-see attractions
1. Kunming Old Street: A microcosm of Kunming's history and culture. Stroll through the old streets and alleys and feel the traces of time. There are many well-preserved ancient buildings and various specialty shops, full of life. 🎇
2. Nanping Street: One of the most prosperous commercial streets in Kunming, with shopping, food, and entertainment. At night, Nanping Street is brightly lit and bustling, a great place to experience Kunming's nightlife. 🎉
3. Dianchi Lake: The largest freshwater lake in Yunnan, with sparkling water and beautiful scenery. Stroll along the lake and enjoy the scenery. You can also see flocks of red-billed gulls flying over the lake. Interact with them! 🕊️
4. Haigeng Dam: A great place to see Dianchi Lake and red-billed gulls. Every winter, many red-billed gulls fly from Siberia to rest and feed here. Stand on the dam, feed the seagulls, and enjoy the lake breeze. 🌊
5. Yunnan Ethnic Village: A collection of villages of 25 ethnic minorities in Yunnan. Learn about the culture, customs, and architecture of each ethnic group. Enjoy ethnic songs and dances, taste special foods, and experience colorful ethnic customs. 🎊
6. Stone Forest Scenic Area: A World Natural Heritage Site, known as the "First Wonder of the World". The unique karst landform and the amazing stone forest landscape make people marvel at the magic of nature. Walk through the stone forest and feel like you are in a fairyland. 🗿
7. Cuihu Park: A pearl in Kunming, with green water and beautiful scenery all year round. In winter, Cuihu is a gathering place for red-billed gulls. Unlike Dianchi Lake, the seagulls here are closer to people. 🐦
8. Yunnan University (Cuihu Campus): A beautiful campus with a long history. Stroll around the campus and feel the strong academic atmosphere. The unique architectural style of the campus is great for photos. 📸
9. Military Academy: A famous military academy in modern China that has trained many outstanding military generals. The academy has preserved ancient buildings and rich historical relics. It is a great place to learn about modern Chinese military history. 🏛️
Must-try food
1. Cross-bridge rice noodles: A signature dish of Kunming. The delicious soup and rich side dishes make the rice noodles taste great. Be sure to try it at an authentic rice noodle shop. 🍜
2. Flower cake: Made with fresh rose petals, with a crispy crust and soft filling. It is very suitable as a gift or for yourself. You can buy a few more boxes to take home. 😋
3. Wild mushroom hot pot: Although winter is not the peak season for wild mushrooms, you can still taste some artificially grown mushrooms. Cook the mushrooms in the pot and drink the delicious soup. Be sure to check if the mushrooms are cooked to avoid poisoning. 🍄
4. Tofu rice noodles: A traditional snack in Kunming. The smooth rice noodles with tender tofu, meat sauce, chives, and crushed peanuts make it taste great. You can find authentic ones in small shops on the street. 🥣
5. Grilled milk fan: A specialty snack in Yunnan. The milk fan is made from milk and grilled until golden and crispy, then sprinkled with sugar. It is sweet and delicious. 🧀
Accommodation guide
1. Near Kunming Old Street: Convenient transportation, many attractions, and many accommodation options. You can stay in an inn or homestay to experience the style of old Kunming. You can also visit the old street at night and taste the food.
2. Near Dianchi Lake: If you want to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Dianchi Lake, staying near the lake is a good choice. There are many hotels and resorts with beautiful environments and fresh air. You can watch the sunrise in the morning and the sunset in the evening.
3. City center: Near Nanping Street is the city center of Kunming, with convenient shopping, entertainment, and dining. Accommodation prices are relatively high, but it is very convenient to travel. If you like a lively atmosphere, you can choose to stay here.
Tips
1. Keep warm: Although the temperature in Kunming is relatively high in winter, the temperature difference between morning and evening is large. Remember to bring warm clothes, such as down jackets and sweaters. 🧥
2. Sun protection: Kunming has plenty of sunshine and strong ultraviolet rays. Be sure to take sun protection measures, such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats.
3. Mosquito repellent: Even in winter, there are many mosquitoes in Kunming, especially in humid places such as lakesides. You can bring mosquito repellent spray to avoid mosquito bites.
4. Travel time: It is recommended to visit Dianchi Lake and Haigeng Dam in the morning or evening. The light is better at these times, and you can avoid the peak crowds. The Stone Forest Scenic Area is relatively large, so it is recommended to reserve a day to visit.
5. Buy specialties: When buying flower cakes and other specialties, be sure to choose a reputable store to avoid buying fake products. You can compare several stores and choose the one with the best value for money.
🌅Winter in Kunming is full of warmth and surprises. Here, you can enjoy beautiful natural scenery, experience colorful ethnic culture, and taste delicious food. Come to Kunming and start your winter trip! You will fall in love with this city!