Kunming Classic: Stone Forest & Dianchi Lake

Kunming Classic Panorama: Stone Forest & Dianchi Lake 3-Day Tour

Visit Stone Forest wonders, Dianchi Lake seagulls, Xishan Dragon Gate, and Ethnic Village in one trip

3 Days 2 NightsKunming690 – 990 USD
3Days
2Nights
1Destinations
690From
First-TimerStone ForestDianchi SeagullsClassic Highlights
Overview

Trip Overview

For your first visit to Kunming, this 3-day tour captures the city's iconic sights in one go. Explore the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, feed red-billed gulls at Dianchi Lake, climb the Western Hills Dragon Gate for panoramic lake views, and experience Yunnan's 25 ethnic minority cultures at the Nationalities Village. A comfortable pace perfect for first-time visitors to Yunnan.

Highlights

Trip Highlights

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A World Natural Heritage Site, wander through the karst stone peak maze of Stone Forest

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Feed red-billed gulls at Dianchi Lake Dam, a winter-exclusive romance

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Take the cable car up to Xishan Dragon Gate, overlooking the vast Dianchi Lake

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Yunnan Ethnic Village, experience 25 ethnic minority cultures in one day

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Jinma Biji Archways and Nanping Street, feel the nightlife of the Spring City

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Authentic Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles + Steam Pot Chicken, a journey for your taste buds too

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4-star hotels throughout, comfortable without rushing

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Local Chinese/English-speaking guide, in-depth commentary

Day-by-day

Day-by-day Itinerary

1DAYKunming
Dianchi Lake Shore · Xishan Dragon Gate · Ethnic Village
BreakfastNot included · Hotel breakfast
MorningDepart from the hotel to Dianchi Lake Haigeng Dam, stroll along the lakeside. In winter, you can hand-feed red-billed gulls and capture the joyful scene of people and gulls together.
LunchIncluded · Dianchi Lake lakeside restaurant · Group meal, taste Dianchi Lake fish
AfternoonTake the cable car up to Xishan Dragon Gate, overlooking the panoramic view of Dianchi Lake, and visit the Dragon Gate Grottoes. Then head to Yunnan Ethnic Village to enjoy song and dance performances and distinctive architecture of ethnic groups such as the Bai and Dai.
DinnerNot included · Self-arranged at Nanping Street
EveningReturn to the city center, explore Jinma Biji Archways and Nanping Pedestrian Street, and freely taste Yunnan delicacies such as Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles and Steam Pot Chicken.
TransportAir-conditioned tour bus + Xishan cable carStay4-star hotel in Kunming city center
2DAYKunming
Stone Forest Wonders Day Tour
BreakfastIncluded · Hotel · Buffet breakfast
MorningAfter breakfast, drive to Stone Forest Scenic Area (about 1.5 hours). Visit the Major Stone Forest and Minor Stone Forest, find the Ashima incarnation stone, and listen to your guide tell the legend of the Sani people.
LunchIncluded · Stone Forest Scenic Area restaurant · Yiliang roast duck specialty
AfternoonContinue exploring Stone Forest, climb Wangfeng Pavilion to overlook the stone sea, and visit attractions such as Liziyuanqing and the Ten-Thousand-Year Lingzhi. Enjoy Yiliang roast duck for lunch.
DinnerNot included · Self-arranged in the city center
EveningReturn to Kunming city center, free time. You may visit Kunming Old Street to taste snacks, or enjoy the Dynamic Yunnan show (at your own expense).
TransportAir-conditioned tour busStay4-star hotel in Kunming city center
3DAYKunming
Golden Temple Scenic Area · Daguan Tower · Guandu Ancient Town
BreakfastIncluded · Hotel · Buffet breakfast
MorningVisit Golden Temple Scenic Area, see China's largest pure copper-cast hall, and learn about the historical story of Wu Sangui and Chen Yuanyuan.
LunchIncluded · Guandu Ancient Town restaurant · Guandu snack specialty
AfternoonHead to Daguan Tower, admire the world's longest couplet, and gaze at the beautiful Dianchi Lake. Then visit Guandu Ancient Town, see the Vajra Pagoda and Miaozhan Temple, and taste snacks such as Guandu baba and pea flour jelly.
DinnerNot included · Self-arranged
EveningTransfer to the airport or railway station according to your flight/train schedule, ending a pleasant Kunming journey.
TransportAir-conditioned tour busStayNone
Hotels

Hotel Reference

DestinationHotelRatingRoom typeNights
Kunming4-star hotel in Kunming city center4-starStandard Twin Room2 nights
Activities

Recommended Activities

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Stone Forest Scenic Area

A World Natural Heritage site featuring spectacular karst stone peaks

Dianchi Lake
Dianchi Lake

Yunnan's largest freshwater lake and winter habitat for black-headed gulls

Xishan Longmen (Dragon Gate)
Xishan Longmen (Dragon Gate)

Grottoes on the cliff, the best spot to overlook Dianchi Lake

Yunnan Ethnic Village
Yunnan Ethnic Village

A theme park showcasing the cultures of 25 ethnic minorities

Jindian Scenic Area (Golden Temple)
Jindian Scenic Area (Golden Temple)

China's largest pure copper palace and a Taoist sacred site

Daguan Pavilion
Daguan Pavilion

Home of the world's longest couplet and a famous pavilion for viewing Dianchi Lake

Guandu Ancient Town
Guandu Ancient Town

A thousand-year-old town with the Vajra Pagoda and authentic local snacks

Add-ons

Add-on Services

ItemDestinationDetailsCurrencyFeeRemark
Yunnan Impression Show ticketKunmingTicket for the large-scale original ecological song and dance performanceCNYPrice negotiableAdvance reservation required
Professional photography follow-shootKunmingHalf-day follow-shoot with 20 retouched photosCNYPrice negotiable
Airport transfer upgrade to private carKunmingPrivate car airport pickup and drop-offCNYPrice negotiable
Included / Not included

Pricing

Included

  • 2 nights of 4-star hotel accommodation as listed in the itinerary (breakfast included)
  • Air-conditioned tour vehicle throughout the trip and Xishan cable car
  • Professional Chinese/English-speaking guide service
  • First admission tickets to all attractions listed in the itinerary
  • 4 main meals (2 lunches + 2 dinners? Actually 2 lunches)
  • Travel agency liability insurance and travel accident insurance

Not Included

  • Round-trip transportation to and from Kunming (airfare/train tickets)
  • Meals and drinks not listed in the itinerary
  • Single room supplement
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Optional activities and show tickets
  • Additional expenses caused by force majeure
Notes

Good to Know

  • This is a private customized tour; it can operate with just 2 people, with a private vehicle and private guide.
  • Black-headed gulls are seasonal migratory birds and cannot be seen outside winter. Thank you for your understanding.
  • The Stone Forest Scenic Area involves a lot of walking; comfortable sports shoes are recommended.
  • The order of the itinerary may be adjusted due to weather, traffic, and other actual conditions, but the attractions will not be reduced.

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