Essence of Kunming
Kunming is highly praised as "the spring city", due to its comfortable weather all year round. This tour will allow you to discover the most popular attractions in Kunming, including historical sites and unique natural scenery at the Naigu Stone Forest. Our "no shopping" policy ensures you will have a memorable trip in China.
Highlights
See the Beauty of Yunnan's Picturesque Peaks and Buddhist and Taoist Architecture
Be amazed at the magical landscape of the Stone Forest.
Visit the largest Buddhist complex in Kunming — Yuantong Temple.
Burn incense and make a wish (prayer) in Yuantong Temple like a local.
Discover the secrets in the Taoist Grottoes at the Dragon Gate.
Immerse Yourself in Local Life and Savor the Local Dishes
Join in a square dance with local people in a popular park.
Try the most famous Yunnan food — over-the-bridge rice noodles.
Experience local life at Zhuanxin Wet Market or the Old Town.
Taste authentic dishes at an old restaurant on Kunming Old Street.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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We had a great experience with China Highlights in Yunnan. The itinerary was well executed with good tour guides. I'd like to commend Lulu in particular, our tour guide in Kunming. She handled our family of 9 quite well and was very knowledgeable and helpful. more
Jun 2025, John Z
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Kunming and Yunnan China Highlights guide Lulu
Our time in Yunnan and Kunming was too short. We had a knowledgeable guide from China Highlights named Lulu. For English speakers Lulu majored in English. Our driver Mr. Han had very nice vehicle for us and like all the drivers with China Highlights his driving was fantastic. Lulu was patient for we were a bit stiff from 5 days of intense hiking prior to arriving at Kunming. The hotel: Cachet Boutique Hotel was perfect. The buffet breakfast was appropriate for Western and Eastern visitors. And the hotel restaurant/Biergarten had tasty German food options. The area around our hotel was easy to navigate and we were located within walking distance of the Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Archway. The highlight of our trip to Yunnan province was the Ancient Stone Forest. It was peaceful, and I love how they name many stone structures. It is a manageable walk / hike for all ages in my opinion. For birdwatchers they have boards listing local birds. After the Forest we stopped at a point and eat restaurant-Fabulous. My husband was a happy man with his duck meal. Kunming parks and people very friendly. Lulu's friend has a wonderful tea distribution shop- wish we had room in our suitcases to load up on some of the wonderful teas she showed us. The tea shop owner was very informative. Lulu's friend studied tea production, distribution, and everything tea at University. I highly doubt we have a tea degree in the US. Due to colder temperatures the Jacaranda trees were just beginning to bloom the day before we left the area. Lulu was determined to find me some blooming jacaranda-and luckily she tracked down a few locations. more
Jun 2025, Mara K
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Unforgettable experiences in China!
Amazing experiences in Yunnan & Gaungix province with China Highlights. Memories for a lifetime!Our family group of 11 felt much joy, guidance, and knowledge from our local expert guides. Such wisdom & care from Rachel(Lijiang), Lee(Dali), May(Kunming), and Lele (Guilin & Yangshuo). Thank you! They are the best! Beyond exceeded our expectations in the best possible ways!! Highly recommend!! more
Jun 2025, May L
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Suggested Itinerary
Your private guide will pick you up outside the luggage claim area and transfer you to your hotel in a professionally-chauffeured vehicle. The rest of the day is for you to acclimatize and explore the city, or relax and recoup ready for the tour tomorrow.
Good to know:
If you arrive early in the morning and have some time to kill, you may consider enriching your day by visiting Yunnan Minority Village, which gives a very quick view of the various minorities in Yunnan and their cultures, costumes, and customs. If you are interested in the history of the American Flying Tigers during World War II, Kunming Museum is recommended.
Accommodation
Kunming New Era Hotel (4-star)/Green Lake Hotel (5-star).
After a 1½-hour drive, visit a fantastic natural phenomenon located 90 kilometers southeast of Kunming — the Stone Forest. The various shapes of limestone were formed due to millions of years' movement of the Earth. The Stone Forest area is the home of the Yi people, and their folk customs have become a spectacular scene. The colorful embroidery and minority dances combined with the natural scenery will surely leave you with a lasting impression. Enjoy a local lunch in a quaint courtyard with the Stone Forest Park in the background.
In the afternoon, transfer back to Kunming and visit the Yuantong Temple, the largest and most ancient Buddhist temple in Kunming, to learn about the differences between the halls of the three denominations of Buddhism.
After the tour, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel for a good rest.
Good to know:
For Chinese tourists, the Stone Forest Park is a must-see attraction; therefore, the countless tourist groups there during the peak season rank among travelers' pet peeves. Due to the gigantic size of the park, your guide will help you find quieter, more remote areas to avoid the crowds, especially in the winter months.
Follow the saying and walk pass the Dragon Gate on Xishan (Western Hills) to get prosperity in the future. You will have a bird's-eye view of the Dianchi Lake and appreciate the groups of Taoist sculptures in the grottoes on the cliff in this scenic area.
After lunch in a traditional style restaurant, visit the Jingxing Bird and Flower Market, a building focusing on flowers and pets such as gold fish, birds, and a wide array of knick-knacks. The market retains the feel of a traditional Chinese market and it's a nice place to experience local life.
Sit back and relax as your guide will already have called to confirm your next journey. You will be transferred to your station or the airport in advance.
Good to know:
Round-trip shuttle buses between Xianshan Entrance and Dragon Gate Entrance are included (20 minutes each way). If you would like to save time and energy, you can choose to take chairlift up to the mountain top (20-30 minutes) and walk down the Dragon Gate Plank way (1-2 hours).
Trip Notes
1. Tailoring Your Tour
This tour is very flexible. You can alter the itinerary, and extend or shorten it to suit your price, interest, and schedule. Feel free to tell us your requirements, and we will be happy to help you arrange a tour using our professional knowledge and experience. We promise a "No Shopping Policy".
2. Optional Extension
Jiuxiang Cave
If you are interested in seeing the karst caves, Jiuxiang Cave is recommended after your visit to the Stone Forest and it takes approximately one hour to get there. There are more than 100 karst caves in Jiuxiang scenic area and it is the largest cave group system in China. Climbing up the 336 steps that lead to the Bat Cave could be a challenge for seniors. Please inform your trip advisor about your preferences.
Show and Entertainment
Dynamic Yunnan in Kunming is a large-scale song and dance performance featuring the remarkable and diverse local ethnic culture. It is another masterpiece from the famous Chinese dancer Yangliping who directs and heads the cast.
It is recommended to book with your guide a day before, or on the day, to allow flexibility.
3. Getting There and Traveling Away
Kunming is a convenient transportation hub. There are domestic flights to most of China's major cities, such as Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Chengdu and Shanghai. International routes include flights between Kunming and Hong Kong, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Rangoon and Singapore.
4. Hotel
Standard hotels with a convenient location and good reviews are recommended in the itinerary. If you prefer other hotel options (boutique hotels, economical choices, or Chinese-style hotels) or would like to book the hotels on your own, please feel free to inform us and we will be happy to adjust the details.
Price includes: