What to do and see in Kunming, Yunnan: The Best Multi-day Tours

December 23, 2021 Jasper Kershner

Kunming is the capital and largest city of Yunnan province in southwest China. Known as Yunnan-Fu until the 1920s, today it is a prefecture-level city and the political, economic, communications and cultural centre of the province as well as the seat of the provincial government. Kunming is also called the Spring city due to its weather. The headquarters of many of Yunnan's large businesses are in Kunming. It was important during World War II as a Chinese military center, American air base, and transport terminus for the Burma Road. Located in the middle of the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau, Kunming is located at an altitude of 1,900 metres (6,234 feet) above sea level and at a latitude just north of the Tropic of Cancer. Kunming has as of 2014 a population of 6,626,000 with an urban population of 4,575,000, and is located at the northern edge of the large Lake Dian, surrounded by temples and lake-and-limestone hill landscapes.
Restaurants in Kunming

1. 8-Day Private Yunnan Tour to Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La

Travel China Guide Tour
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This private tour packages covers the most interesting facets of Yunnan Province. Highlights include Kunming’s geological wonder the Stone Forest; Dali Old Town, the former political, cultural and economic center of Yunnan; Lijian Old Town, for 800 years home to the Naxi ethnic minority and Pudacuo National Park, a protected wetlands area in Shangri-La (Zhongdian).

Inclusions: Econmy-class airfare from Kunming to Dali, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Accommodation based on twin-sharing room as per itinerary, Two bottled waters per person, per day, Transport by private air conditioned vehicle, Professional private tour guide

Exclusions: Gratuities, China Visa Fee

Reviewed By newtella

I contacted Travel China Guide to help me arrange a private airport to train station transfer, train tickets between Kunming and Dali, and a 3-day solo custom private tour that included Lijiang, Xizhou, Shihgu, Yuhu, Shuhe, Baisha, Shaxi, and Tiger Leaping Gorge. Doris Chang was my contact and she was a star from the get-go: responsive, patient, professional, and thorough. Our pre-trip planning email communication was seamless. Once in China, we communicated by WeChat. Mike, my English-speaking airport to train transfer guide in Kunming was also great. Mike was friendly, professional, and made sure I got on the right train. Kevin was my Dali-based guide who took me around Xizhuo, Shaxi, and the Shizhonshan Grottoes. Alice, my Lijiang-based guide, took me around Lijiang, Yuhu, Shuhe, Shigu, and Tiger Leaping Gorge. Kevin and Alice were friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. My private driver was also excellent. Travel China Guide delivered excellent, trouble-free service. I look forward to arranging future trips with Travel China Guide. Thank you!

2. Yunnan Photography Trip- Kunming, Luoping, Yuanyang, Jianshui

YAT Travel
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Yunnan in early spring is a paradise of blooming flowers. We will enjoy the scene of thousands of acres of rapeseed blooming, spectacular and beautiful. And also, Yunnan is rich in cultural prosperity. We will explore along the ancient Tea-horse road to realise the life trajectory of Yunnan people and customs of all minority nationalities.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch

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Reviewed By Elena_gltan

I have travelled with YAT Travel since 2018 and the places that I went with them are North-East China, Harbin, Heilongjiang, Guizhou, West Sichuan and the most recent one that I went is the Silk Road and North Xinjiang. All together they were 3 long tours, all covering more than 20 days in each trip. I find this travel agency reliable and they deliver what were promised in the itineraries. They guides that were assigned to us are passionate and responsible in their duties..namely Zach and Jason whom I have the privilege to meet. Both of them went all the way out to make sure their guests are comfortable and well taken care of. If not for the pandemic the whole world is facing now, I would have gone with YAT for my fourth trip and that is to Yunnan Photography Tour in March this year. When the trip was cancelled due to the pandemic our deposits were promptly refunded by the company to our much relieved. If you plan to see China as a traveller and not seeing the usual touristy stuff which is often jam packed and very commercialised I would highly recommend YAT Travel. They will bring you to see the real interesting China and not forgetting to mention the delicious local food they bring to.

3. 9-Day Private West Yunnan RV Trip with Ethnic Minority Culture Experience

This trip takes you to the mythical places(Shangri-La, Lijiang and Dali) with the unique travel method - Motorhome and travel route. Enjoy a private travel experience with a professional guide and chauffeur. Hundreds of old villages are to be explored.

Inclusions: Accommodation as per itinerary, Driver/guide, Professional art historian guide, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Use of bicycle, Live entertainment, Private tour, Landing and facility fees

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch, Gratuities, Highway Toll, Fuel

4. 7 Days RV Tour in Southeast Yunnan with Red Land and Rice Terrace

Enjoy a relaxing travel with RV to see the wonderful and unique natural scene and local culture in Southeast Yunnan. The tour will take you to Dongchuan Red Land, Stone Forest, Puzhehei, and Yuanyang rice terrace in 7 days. Yunnan, a place with unique scene and culture, is an ideal tourism destination for the whole year.

Inclusions: Accommodation as per itinerary, Driver/guide, Professional art historian guide, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Use of bicycle, Live entertainment, Private tour

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch, Gratuities, Highway Toll, Fuel

5. 3 Days Group Tour to Jianshui and Yuanyang

Longteng Hotel, 632 Bei Jing Lu, Panlong Qu, Kunming Shi, Yunnan Sheng, China, 650051 Century Holiday Hong Kong

This 3 days tour is an amazing natural scenic tour to visit Yuanyang Scenic Area, one of Yunnan’s famous UNESCO World Heritage sites where you will visit Bada Rice Terraces and Qingkou Village. You will also watch sunrise at Duoyishu Village and visit Zhu Family Garden in Jianshui as well as other wonderful attractions. This tour includes round-trip transfer, entrance fees, 2-day accommodations, and professional English speaking tour guide service.

Inclusions: 2 nights accommodation, 1 breakfast, Round-trip transfer, An English-speaking guide, 2 bottles of water each day each person

Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch&Dinner, Personal expenses, Single room supplement

Reviewed By Laperformance

Olea semi lunch buffet has a nice offer. Available Mon-Sun. Service, staff & food are excellent. Great location - trabsportation & shopping malls are convenient. Looking forward for my next visit

6. 1-Day Shangri-La Monastery and Lake Tour

Wonders Of Yunnan Travel

Enter deep into the Tibetan world of Shangri-La, with its lofty and all year-round snow-capped mountains, endless grasslands and idyllic villages. Visit the biggest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan, meet a local family, explore a hidden temple and see a lot of yaks, wild flowers and birds around Napa Lake.  Highlights: • Songzanlin Monastery: Learn about Tibetan Buddhism in the biggest Tibetan monastery of Yunnan. • Visit to a traditional Tibetan Family: Experience the real Tibetan lifestyle in a traditional house. • Baiji Temple: Look into the deep history of this hidden place. • Napa Lake: Walk around this beautiful highland meadow surrounded by mountains and full of yaks, horses and wild birds. 

Inclusions: Private transportation and transfers, including pick-up and drop-off, with skilled driver, 2 bottles of local drinking water per person per day, Experienced private English-speaking tour guides, Supplement for the tour guide (meals), 24/7 English-speaking customer services, Government taxes

Exclusions: Lunch and Dinner, Shopping, Chinese visa, Personal expenses, Domestic and international flights, Tourist bus / minibus transportation between airport / train station, Personal Travel Accident Insurance., Tips for drivers and guides, highly appreciated but not requested, Things not mentioned in this itinerary

Reviewed By Luke_huihui

Just returned home from our first Yunnan trip. Kaylee at Wonders of Yunnan arranged everything for us and provided many useful tips. As a result, we had a great time in Yunnan and it certainly exceeded our expectation. Will definitely use the service of Wonders of Yunnan again when we visit the region next time. Well done!

7. 18 Days Tour - China Minorities Adventure

Metropark Hotel Kowloon, 75號 Waterloo Rd, Ho Man Tin, Hong Kong Truly China Travel

Experience HK’s vibrant contrasts, Cycle past scenic Karsts formations in Yangshuo, Walk on the top of amazing Longji-Rice Terrace, Feel traditional life in Chengyang, Discover Dong & Yao people’s customs in Zhaoxing, trek to minority Miao village around Kaili, Face to the largest Waterfall of China, Enjoy a local cultural show in Guizhou province, Roam the lane ways of Lijiang, Get to know the Naxi and Bai people, Wind down in picturesque Dali, Stroll in Stone Forest and explore local markets in Kunming. Highlights • Cycling tour in Yangshuo • Hiking tour on top of Rice Terraces • Walking tour in minority Dong village • Walking tour to Chinese minority village in Zhaoxing • Bus tour to minority Miao village in Kaili • Walking tour to Huangguoshu waterfall in Anshun • Cycling tour in Lijiang • Bus tour to Xizhou in Dali

Inclusions: All accommodations in double rooms with private facilities as specified, including breakfast, All private transfers from/to airport/train station, Cycling tour in Yangshuo, Hiking tour on top of Rice Terraces, Walking tour in minority Dong village, Walking tour to Chinese minority village in Zhaoxing, Bus tour to minority Miao village in Kaili, Walking tour to Huangguoshu waterfall in Anshun, Cycling tour in Lijiang, Bus tour to Xizhou in Dali, High speed train (Hong Kong-Guilin, Kaili-Anshun, Anshun-Guiyang, Dali-Kunming), 2nd class, Domestic flight (Guiyang to Lijiang), including departure tax, English speaking tour guide, Fuel surcharge, Landing and facility fees, Breakfast, Bottled water

Exclusions: International flight and departure tax, Lunches and dinners, Other optional excursions and entrance tickets, Tips to drivers and tour guides, Other personal expenses, Visa to China

Reviewed By Nancy W

Anna took very good care of me. She was caring, respectful and fun. We had a wonderful time biking along the Yulong River and seeing the sights. She was an outstanding guide and I would recommend her as a guide. She spoke very good English. We had a great day together.

8. 4days private tour Stone forest Yuanyang Terrace Jianshui old town from Kunming

China Kongfu Panda tour

The private tour is only for your group, you will visit the Unique of the world Stone forest, Yuyang Terrace trekking to see sunrise and Sunset with beautiful view of countryside, stay in the local boutique guest house in Yuanyang for 2night and 1 night hotel in Jianshui city, visit the Zhujia Garden imposing Qing style residential complex architecture. Here you will be not only amazed by the combination of the courtyards and architectures, and learn the confucianism at the 2nd biggest Confucius temple in Jianshui old town, night tour in the old town, visit Local Toufu factory. It will start from Kunming city and end at Kunming airport (need flight take off afternoon 16:00pm)/ Kunming bullet train station(need train depart after 16:00) or Kunming hotel.

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, English/Chinese speaking guide, Private transfers, Accommodation with breakfast, 2 bottles of water p.p per day, Entrance fee

Exclusions: Tips, Personal things, Dinner, All flights, train tickets, Accommodation in Kunming city

Reviewed By 630johank

I had booked this private tour with Viator (written confirmation, with date, time, hotel name and pick-up). The operator/guide never showed up, and couldn’t be reached on the designated phone number, despite several tries. Neither I nor Viator could reach them. An hour later they returned my calls and said “I don’t think we have any tours planned today.” (Viator has refunded the tour-cost.)

9. 6 Days Yunnan Province:Kunming, Dali, Lijiang Nature&Culture Tour (5-star hotel)

China Toruk Tour

Yunnan is a province of the China, located in the far southwest of the China. Due to its unique geographical environment and historical reasons, Yunnan is rich in tourism resources, including natural resources and historical site. This 6 days Yunnan tour covered the 3 major destinations: Kunming,the capital of Yunnan province, you will be amazed by the unique stone forest. Dali Ancient Town, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Yunnan, known for its natural scenery, historical and cultural heritage, and vibrant nightlife. Lijiang is famous for its UNESCO Heritage Site, the Old Town of Lijiang.The town has a history going back more than 800 years and was once a confluence for trade along the old tea horse road. The Lijiang old town is famous for its orderly system of waterways and bridges. The old town of Lijiang differs from other ancient Chinese cities in architecture, history and the culture of its traditional residents the Nakhi people.

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Professional English-speaking guide, Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary, Accommodation as listed in the itinerary, Airport or train station pick up and drop off,necessary vehicle transfers as listed in the itinerary, Bullet Train Tickets from Kunming to Dali, Accident insurance

Exclusions: Personal expenses, Accommodation not listed in the itinerary, Tourist sites which are not listed in the itinerary, Recommended optional activities, Optional tips to guides, drivers

10. 14-Days Private Tour from Yunnan to Guizhou

Yunnan One Day Tours

Visit highlights of Yunnan province and Guizhou province including the Shangri-La(Diqing),Lijiang,Dali,Kunming,Xingyi,Anshun,Guiyang,Kaili and Zhaoxing with this Private 14 days tour from Shangri-La(Diqing). You will be picked up Shangri-La hotel/airport and dropped off at the Congjiang train station/Guiyang airport.

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Air-conditioned vehicle, The private car & private guide, The entrance tickets

Exclusions: The hotels & Breakfast & Dinner

Reviewed By ericmQ5744JJ

This was our second time to Yunnan province and our first time to Dali and this tour made us fall in love with Dali! We were staying in kunming for a 3 day weekend and decided to go to Dali for the day, this tour gives you all it promises and more. It was very easy to book and communicate with the company via WeChat. Even though it was a holiday and we only gave them a few hours notice (not to mention the middle of a pandemic) they arranged everything quickly and hassle free. Everything from that day (from leaving our hotel room in the morning to returning to our hotel at night) was extremely simple thanks to the tour company. Our tour guide, Linda, was the best tour guide we have ever had! She helped us with everything and showed us the real Dali, her English is extremely good so make sure you ask for Linda if you go! Even though we already did this trip, we would definitely do it again without hesitation! Also the lunch is absolutely out of this world, make sure you choose the traditional Dali Chinese food option it is so good and let's you taste real traditional local food.

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