Kunming
Tours

Our most recommended things to do in Kunming

Kunming: Stone Forest Private Day Tour

Kunming: Stone Forest Private Day Tour

The Stone Forest is a remarkable set of limestone formations located in Yunnan Province China, near Shilin and approximately 120 kilometers from the provincial capital Kunming. At this unique place you'll see tall rocks that seem to rise from the ground in the manner of stalagmites, thereby creating the illusion of a forest made of stone. Your tour will take you through the entire Stone Forest; which includes the Greater Stone Forest, the Lesser Stone Forest, the Outer Stone Forest, and the Stone Forest Lake. Be prepared to be amazed by these incredible natural formation. You will spend a few hours walking through the winding trails as you learn from your guide about the legends behind these impressive but (just as equally) strange stone formations. Once the walking tour has concluded you will enjoy a local lunch before being driven back to your hotel in Kunming.

Shangri-La’s Tiger Leaping Gorge: A Canyon Adventure

Shangri-La’s Tiger Leaping Gorge: A Canyon Adventure

In the morning (7-8am), our driver will pick you up at the designated place, and then we will take 1.5 hours to go to the First Bend of Yangtze River Viewing Platform located in Shangri-La to take photos and have a short rest. The Yangtze River rushes down from the “Roof of the World”, the Tibetan Plateau, and enters Yunnan from Batang County, where it runs parallel to the Lancang River and the Nujiang River and crosses the high mountains and deep valleys of the Hengduan Mountains, forming the magnificent “Three Rivers” landscape. In the village of Shasongbi in Shangri-La County, the river suddenly turns more than 100 degrees to the northeast, forming a rare V-shaped bend, which is known as the “First Bay of Yangtze River”. Around 10:30, we will arrive at Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Spot, which is one of the deepest canyons in China. Here we will hike upstream of the canyon (you can also choose to pay to ride the escalator) and feel the power of nature, the strong current, the roaring sound of water... Here we visit for 2-2.5 hours. After browsing around 12:30, we will drive to Qiaotou for Chinese lunch (Lunch time: 1 hour). After lunch, you can take a short break in the car and our driver will take you back to the hotel to end the pleasant journey.

Private tour to Kunming Stone forest

Private tour to Kunming Stone forest

oday you will meet your guide in the hotel lobby and have day tour to Stone forest and Cuihu lake with lunch. Stone Forest Scenic Area is famous for its karst landscape, featuring various types of oddly shaped rocks, and a long complex geological history. Listed by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site, the Stone Forest or shilin is a 350-square-kilometer area near Kunming, overgrown with tree-shaped stones in the form of stalagmites formed 270 million years ago. The site is also known as "God's mini-scape" or "Sculpture Museum of Nature"One of the “wonders of the world”, it has the largest number of karst formations in the world. After tour we will drop you to hotel in Kunming city.

Essences of Kunming Downtown Day Tour

Essences of Kunming Downtown Day Tour

Discover the beauty and diversity of Kunming, the "Spring City" of China, on this one-day tour of its must-see attractions. You'll soar over the city and admire the stunning views from the Dragon Gate, a complex of grottoes carved into the cliffs of the Western Hills. You'll also learn about the rich history and culture of the Dragon Gate, which dates back to the Qing Dynasty. Then, you'll immerse yourself in the colorful and vibrant world of the 25 ethnic groups that live in Yunnan, and enjoy their folk dances, costumes, and crafts. Finally, you'll relax and unwind in a charming Kunmingnese backyard garden, where you can taste the local delicacies and experience the laid-back lifestyle of the locals. This tour will give you a memorable and authentic glimpse of Kunming's charm and diversity. 8:30 am Our guide and drive will meet you at your hotel 1st floor lobby. 8:30 am~09:00 am Drive to the foot of Western Hill 09:00 am-12:00 am Take scenic spot public tour bus up to the moutain. Visit the Dragon Gate and enjoy the bird-eye sight of Kunming city. 12:30-13:30 Enjoy lunch at the local folk street. 13:30-17:00 Drive from Western Hill to Yunnan Ethnic Museum(or you can take cable car from hill to there). Visit the museum. Go to Dianchi Lake National Tourism Resort and and have an easy walking along the lake shore, enjoy the beatiful sunset or lake view at west suburb of Kunming. 17:00-17:30 Drive back to your hotel.

Kunming: Yunnan Ethnic Village Private Tour (Half Day)

Kunming: Yunnan Ethnic Village Private Tour (Half Day)

Explore the Yunnan Ethnic Village, a cultural theme park showcasing 26 ethnic minority villages including Dai, Bai, Yi, Naxi, Wa, Lahu, Tibetan, Hani, Zhuang, Miao, Nu, Buyi, Susu, and Yao. Enjoy singing and dancing performances, taste authentic ethnic food, and experience traditional ethnic handicrafts. Each ethnic village retains its unique architectural style, folk customs, marriage customs, and religion and other cultural elements. During the tour, enjoy the singing and dancing performances of different ethnic groups, taste authentic ethnic food, and even experience some traditional ethnic handicrafts. The Ethnic Square and Yunnan Nationalities Museum are rich in history and culture, and a rare learning opportunity for those who want to learn more about the culture of Yunnan ethnic minorities.

Kunming Western Hills Scenic Area Private Tour (Half Day)

Kunming Western Hills Scenic Area Private Tour (Half Day)

Explore the Western Hills, also known as Xishan, on this guided tour. Take the Dianchi Lake Cable Car and the Dragon Gateway Ropeway, hike to the Dragon Gate, visit the Taihua Temple, and stroll through the Magnolia Garden and Camellia Street. Start your tour by taking the Dianchi Lake Cable Car and slowly cross the sparkling water surface of Dianchi Lake. Then, board the Dragon Gateway Ropeway and enjoy the spectacular scenery as the ropeway winds its way up the ridge. One of the main attractions of the Western Hill Scenic Area is the hike to the Dragon Gate. Walking up the stone steps, the Buddha statues come to life. Stand on the top of the Dragon Gate and overlook the Dianchi Lake where the blue waves ripple, and the Kunming City in the distance reflecting each other. Next, visit the ancient Taihua Temple which is hidden in the greenery with incense and melodious bells. Walk into the temple and feel the tranquility and solemnity. Pass through Taihua Temple and come to Magnolia Garden where there are various varieties of magnolia trees planted here. Stroll along the flower path and feel the breath of spring and the vitality of life. Finally, walk through Camellia Street where it is lined with shops selling everything from ethnic costumes to handicrafts, specialty snacks to creative gifts. Pick up a favorite item here as a treasure trove of beautiful memories of Yunnan.

Kunming: Private Tour with Customizable Itinerary (4 hours)

Kunming: Private Tour with Customizable Itinerary (4 hours)

Hire a private guide for 4 hours to bring you and your group around the Eternal Spring City of Kunming. Choose and customize your own itinerary or let your guide know what you like and receive suggestions. Learn about the city's history and culture from your guide as you explore. Explore the city's top attractions such as Western Hill (Xishan), Green Lake Park (Cui Hu), Dian Lake (Dian Chi), Yunnan Ethnic Village, Flowers and Birds Market, Yuantong Temple, Yunnan Provincial Museum, Golden Temple (Jin Dian), Kunming Old Town, Guandu Ancient Town or Nanping Pedestrian Street. Sign up for the Tile Cat Making Experience or Chinese tea appreciation session and try some local delicacies and street foods. Please take note that admission fees, transport and meals will be on your own expenses. We can assist to provide pickup/dropoff and transport for extra fee. You can also choose to book with private vehicle option. The tour guide will meet you at your hotel or meeting location of your choice to bring you on the private tour based on your customized itinerary.

Kunming: 8-Day Yunnan Impression Tour

Kunming: 8-Day Yunnan Impression Tour

DAY 1 Upon arrival in Kunming, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and driver. A comfortable vehicle will be at your service to transport you to the hotel. DAY 2 Discover the Naigu Stone Forest, where towering, jagged rock formations create a dramatic and peaceful landscape. Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this otherworldly environment, perfect for tranquility and adventure. Explore the Yuantong Temple, a 1200-year-old Buddhist temple that offers a glimpse into the diverse cultural heritage of Yunnan Province. Stroll through Green Lake Park, and you might stumble upon a vibrant local dance, where people in traditional dress create a cheerful atmosphere. DAY 3 Transfer to Kunming Railway Station for a bullet train to Dali, where a private guide and driver will greet you. Visit the homes of the local people in Xizhou Village to discover the heart of Bai culture. Experience the beauty of Erhai Lake on a leisurely bike ride along its western shore. DAY 4 Sit back and enjoy a convenient, private transfer from Dali to Lijiang with your guide and driver. Discover the tranquility of Black Dragon Pool Park, a hidden gem in Lijiang. Stroll through the verdant gardens and find tranquility as you contemplate the majestic reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Discover Lijiang Ancient Town (Dayan Town), a UNESCO site inhabited by the Naxi minority. Stroll cobblestone streets lined with traditional houses, admire local crafts and climb Lion Hill for stunning views. DAY 5 Explore Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the holy mountain of the Naxi people. Take a cable car to the Glacier Park at 4,680 meters, where you'll find stunning scenery of forests, meadows and potentially snow-covered peaks. Experience the Blue Moon Valley, a stunning Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Valley featuring an incredibly blue river winding its way through. DAY 6 Enjoy a seamless and private transfer from Lijiang to Shangri-La. Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most spectacular canyons. The mighty Jinsha River rushes through this narrow valley, carving a path around a central rock formation. Following lunch, ascend to Shangri-La, reaching an altitude of 3200 meters. Take some time to rest and adjust to the higher elevation at your hotel. DAY 7 Discover the grandeur of Songzanlin Lamasery, Yunnan's largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Explore this architectural masterpiece, filled with Buddhist statues and cultural treasures, providing insight into Tibetan spirituality. Explore the pristine beauty of Pudacuo National Park with its well-preserved ecosystem and stunning lakes - Bita Lake and Shudu Lake. DAY 8 Have some free time to stroll through Dukezong Ancient Town before a private transfer to the airport or train station for your onward journey.

Dongchuan red earth start from Kunming

Dongchuan red earth start from Kunming

Meet guide in the hotel lobby in Kunming city, transfer to Dongchuan red earth. Dongchuan is one district of Kunming, which is located in the northeast and the north most of Kunming area. It is 150km away from the city and it will take us about 2.5h on the way. The elevation changes from 695m to 4344m. The Red Soil Land of Dongchuan is the paradise for photographer. It is located in the southwest part in Dongchuan. It is such a piece of farmland of covering 100km2 along the mountain slopes with the center of Huashitou Village. The climate in this area is hot and rainy. The red color of farmland here comes from iron and aluminum in the soil. Meanwhile the farmland is cut into different color blocks by many species of crops. Seen from afar, the farmland is more like colourful carpet or oil pointing in the background of blue sky dotted with white cloud.

Kunming: Private Half Day Tour of Stone Forest Park w/Option

Kunming: Private Half Day Tour of Stone Forest Park w/Option

Meet your tour guide in the lobby of your hotel, hop aboard in to your private air-conditioned vehicle, heading directly to Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park which will take about 1.5 hours. Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park is a spectacular set of limestone groups and the representative of south China’s karst landscape. Since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), It is considered as the 'First Wonder of the World'. Just as its name suggests, stone pillars in various shapes densely tower in the park, and the whole complex seems to be a large-scale gray forest. Upon arrival, follow your tour guide to stroll around, learn many legendary stories along the way, use your imagination to discover the park, and your tour guide show you the best location for photos. While enjoying the splendor of the natural views, you also get a chance to witness the singing and dancing performance by Yi people with their unique costume. You will spend 2 hours to visit the Big Stone Forest Area and the Small Stone Forest Area. After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kunming. You can upgrade to have a full day tour to explore the flower and bird market after lunch.

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Frequently asked questions about Kunming

What are the best indoor activities in Kunming for rainy days?

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What people are saying about Kunming

Overall rating

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6
4.6 out of 5 stars
(5 reviews)
4 out of 5 stars

I had a terrible start to the tour as the tour operator did not communicate with us prior to the tour to confirm pickup time and tour details. So we waited at our pickup hotel at the tour start time at 830 am. However the tour guide didn't show up at the start time. we messaged the tour operator and they responded 15 minutes late saying that the tour guide will now show up at 930 am. Over an hour late. We think that the tour operator simply forgot about the tour we booked and had to last minute rush to find a guide. When the guide did arrive, she was excellent. Aster spoke great English and was very informative. she also took great care of my elderly parents. While I was not happy with the tour operator for forgetting about our tour, our tour guide Aster was awesome and made up for the lateness.

5 out of 5 stars

Reasonably priced to this national heritage unesco site. I was the only non chinese speaking person on the bus but the other tourists explained the essentials. The guide seemed a bit reluctant to communicate with me but that was fine. Lunch left a lot to be desired and many. guests left their food. When I booked the advert said 9 hours. where as it was actually more like 6.

5 out of 5 stars

Very enjoyable. The tour guide Jack was very knowledgeable of the history of Stone Forest and conscious of how to avoid the crowds (when I mentioned how many people were there).

5 out of 5 stars

Knowledgeable and personable local guide, and the flexibility with the schedule.