3 Days Kunming Tour with Stone Forest & Local Essence
Tour Overview
Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan Province, is known as the “Spring City” because of its mild climate throughout the year. It is a very popular nature travel destination in China.
This 3-day Kunming tour will take you to explore the unique karst landscape in the Stone Forest. You will see large gray limestone peaks growing in a green forest. Capture this marvelous sight with your camera. In addition, the tour also allows you to experience the local ethnic minorities and savor their traditional fine. Finally, you will explore the daily life of the locals at a local flower and bird market and discover a wide variety of flowers, birds, fish, insects, pets and antique paintings.
Travel destinations: Kunming
Suitable for: Nature & Cultural Lovers
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Capture the natural sight of karst limestone pillars at the Stone Forest.
- Pay a visit to the oldest Buddhist temple in Kunming, Yuantong Temple.
- Enjoy the beautiful panoramic city views of Kunming from the Dragon Gate of Western Hill.
- Browse the colorful birds, flowers, insects, fish and unique local products at Jingxing Flower and Bird Market.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in KunmingEnjoy a Stroll through Scenic Green Lake on Your Own
Welcome to the City of Eternal Spring, Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan Province. Upon your arrival at the airport/train station, your private local driver will meet you at the exit of the arrival hall and escort you to your selected hotel in downtown Kunming. If you arrive early, you can explore the city on your own.
Recommended Activities: You are suggested to visit Yunnan Ethnic Village, located on the banks of Dianchi Lake. This village showcases the culture of the twenty-six ethnic groups of Yunnan through traditional costumes and handicrafts. Or you can visit Green Lake, one of Kunming's most beautiful city parks. Take a leisurely stroll here and enjoy the large tulips in spring, the beautiful lotus flowers in summer, and the thousands of red-billed gulls competing for food in winter. Perhaps, you will also find locals dancing, playing musical instruments and practicing Tai Chi.
Meal: N/A
Accommodation: in Kunming
Yunnan Minority Village - Day 2: Kunming City TourMarvel at the Remarkable Karst Stone Forest & Visit a Unique Buddhist Site
After breakfast, your guided Kunming tour begins at a a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Stone Forest in Shilin Yi Autonomous County. Featuring the remarkable karst landforms, the Stone Forest greets you with various limestone shapes including columns, cones, pagodas, and mushrooms, etc. Marvel at the breathtaking scenery and capture some stunning photos with your camera.
After that, you will enjoy a lunch of local specialties in a secluded courtyard restaurant. The highlight is your view of the Stone Forest from this courtyard.
Stone Forest After lunch, continue your Kunming tour to Yuantong Temple, which is located in the heart of Kunming. The temple is the oldest Buddhist temple in Kunming, with a history of 1,200 years. Located at the foot of a mountain, Yuantong Temple is not built on the mountain. The further inward visitors go, they will find the terrain getting lower and lower, which is very rare among temples. The whole temple looks like a garden, with turquoise pools and exquisite old buildings in the courtyard. What is especially wonderful is that the architecture here incorporates features of Chinese Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism and Southern Buddhism from Southeast Asia.
In the late afternoon, you will be escorted back to your hotel for rest.
Note: If you are interested in Karst caves, we suggest you go to Jiuxiang Cave (additional charge) after visiting the Stone Forest. It takes about an hour to get there.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Kunming
Yuantong Temple - Day 3: Departure from KunmingAscend Dragon Gate for Panoramic Views, Explore the Vibrant Flower & Bird Market
Today's Kunming tour of Yunnan takes you to Xishan Mountain, Western Hill, just outside of Kunming, about an hour's drive. It is known for its dense forests as well as its prime location offering panoramic views of the city. The Dragon Gate is a highlight here. You will be amazed by intricate pavilions & sculptures carved into the cliffs. Enjoy beautiful panoramic city views of Kunming from the Dragon Gate.
Dragon Gate After that, you will be transferred to Jingxing Flower and Bird Market. This bustling market is about half a kilometer long, with numerous shops and a lively atmosphere. You can find colorful birds, exotic flowers, various kinds of fish, insects, antique calligraphy and paintings, fishing gear, and jewelry. At the end of the tour, your tour guide will escort you to the airport/train station to your next destination.
Tropical Fish in Jingxing Bird and Flower Market Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
Tour Price ($=USD)
From $389 P.P, which is based on a private tour for 2 people. The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel.
