Kunming in April: Step into the Jacaranda Wonderland of a Miyazaki Anime
| Step into the Jacaranda Wonderland of a Miyazaki Anime. In April and May, while other places are still lamenting the passing of spring, Kunming welcomes its most romantic season - the jacarandas are in full bloom, and the entire city seems to have been overturned by a purple palette, dreamy and charming, making it the perfect time to visit. Not only that, Kunming's temperature is comfortable at this time, the sun is not dry, and it avoids the peak tourist season, allowing you to enjoy your trip more comfortably. Below is your Kunming travel guide 📝
Food Recommendations
1. Steamed Chicken in Pot: A must-try specialty in Kunming, steamed in a pot, the chicken is tender, the soup is delicious, and it is rich in nutrition. Recommended restaurants: Huixiang Xilou (Cuihu Branch), Fuzhaolou Steamed Chicken in Pot · Yunnan Specialty Cuisine (Railway Station Jinjiang Branch).
2. Wild Mushroom Hot Pot: April and May are the best time to taste wild mushrooms. Various fresh wild mushrooms gather in a pot, and the cooked soup is fresh, fragrant, and rich. One bite is full of nature's gifts. For example, Boletus edulis rice, Shiping tofu, old potato, and small pot rice noodles are also worth a try.
3. Yunnan Specialty Snacks: Canned stinky tofu rice noodles, classic rose cakes, and Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles can immerse your taste buds in Yunnan's unique flavors. Yunping Flavor Garden (Huguo Road Branch)'s canned stinky tofu rice noodles, Jiahuaxian Flower Cake (Nanping Flagship Store)'s rose cakes, and New World · Yunqian Yixian (Main Store)'s Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles are not to be missed.
Scenic Spots
1. Jiaochang Middle Road Jacaranda Avenue: The most concentrated and spectacular place for jacarandas in Kunming. The jacarandas on both sides of the road cover the sky and the sun. Looking up, it is a blue-purple sea of flowers. The breeze blows, and the petals fall, as if you are in a fairy tale world.
2. Dianchi Lake: The largest freshwater lake in Yunnan, known as the "Pearl of the Plateau". Here, you can take a boat trip on the lake to enjoy the scenery of the lake and mountains, or you can stroll along the lake and feel the breeze on your face. If you are lucky, you can also see black-headed gulls.
3. Stone Forest Scenic Area: A world natural heritage site with a unique karst landform. The stones are in various shapes, some like animals and some like people, making people marvel at the nature's craftsmanship.
4. Yunnan Ethnic Village: A good place to experience the culture of 25 ethnic groups in Yunnan. Here, you can see the characteristic buildings of various ethnic groups, enjoy their traditional song and dance performances, and taste the delicacies of various ethnic groups.
Suggested Itinerary
1: Arrive in Kunming in the morning and go to the hotel to check in > Go to Jiaochang Middle Road Jacaranda Avenue in the afternoon to take photos and experience the romantic sea of flowers > Go to Nanqiang Night Market in the evening to taste Yunnan specialty snacks and feel the local life of Kunming.
2: Go to Dianchi Lake in the morning, take a boat trip on the lake or feed seagulls at Haigeng Dam > Go to Yunnan Ethnic Village in the afternoon to experience the culture of various ethnic groups > Taste steamed chicken in pot and other delicacies at nearby restaurants in the evening.
3: Visit Stone Forest Scenic Area all day, explore the unique karst landform, and return to the city for rest in the evening.
Precautions
1. Weather and Clothing: Although Kunming is like spring all year round, the temperature difference between morning and evening is large, so it is recommended to bring a light jacket. At the same time, the sun is strong in April and May, so take sun protection measures and bring sunscreen, sun hats, sunglasses, etc.
2. Transportation: Kunming's transportation is relatively convenient, but traffic jams may occur during peak tourist seasons and rush hours. You can check the traffic conditions in advance before traveling and choose the appropriate travel method. If you want to go to farther attractions, you can also choose to join a local day tour, but you must choose a regular travel agency to avoid being ripped off.
3. Travel Shopping: When buying specialties such as flowers, pay attention to checking the quality and price to avoid buying goods of poor quality or high prices. Be cautious when shopping in scenic spots and avoid impulsive spending.
4. Civilized Tourism: When visiting scenic spots, protect the environment, do not litter, and do not destroy flowers, trees, and cultural relics at will. Respect local customs, especially in areas where ethnic minorities live, and pay attention to your words and deeds.