Stone Forest Geological Park (Shilin)
The Stone Forest is Yunnan's most famous natural wonder, a maze of grey limestone pinnacles rising like a petrified woodland about two hours from Kunming. It is the classic day trip from the city.
China
Kunming & Yunnan
Kunming is the Spring City, the mild, flower-filled capital of Yunnan and the gateway to one of the most varied corners of China.
On a lake plateau at around 1,900 metres, it holds lakeside parks, a hilltop temple, a first-rate provincial museum and the noodle shops and tea houses that make Yunnan cooking famous. Day trips reach the grey limestone pinnacles of the Stone Forest, the caves of Jiuxiang, the red earth of Dongchuan and the snowy ridges of Jiaozi Mountain. Further afield, the high-speed railway carries visitors to Dali, where Bai lanes meet the Three Pagodas and Erhai Lake, and to Lijiang, a World Heritage old town below Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, with Tiger Leaping Gorge and the Tibetan highlands of Shangri-La beyond. To the south, the Hani rice terraces of Yuanyang and the old town of Jianshui show another side of the province. Twickly gathers the best sights, tours, hotels and local guides in one place, so you can plan a Yunnan trip that mixes landscape, culture and food with confidence.
Don't miss
Stone Forest Geological Park (Shilin)
The Stone Forest is Yunnan's most famous natural wonder, a maze of grey limestone pinnacles rising like a petrified woodland about two hours from Kunming. It is the classic day trip from the city.
Green Lake Park and the University Quarter
Green Lake is Kunming's relaxed heart, a lake park of causeways, pavilions, lotus and tea, with a lively university quarter on its doorstep. It is the easiest way to feel the Spring City.
Western Hills and Dragon Gate
The Western Hills rise steeply above Dianchi Lake, with temples, grottoes and the cliff-carved Dragon Gate. The views over the lake are among the best in Kunming.
Dynamic Yunnan Ethnic Cultural Performance
Dynamic Yunnan is a large-scale dance production built on the songs, rituals and costumes of Yunnan's peoples. It is Kunming's signature evening out.
Things to do in Kunming & Yunnan
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Jiuxiang Scenic Area and Caves
Jiuxiang is a karst wonderland of caves, canyons and underground streams east of Kunming. A boat ride and cool, atmospheric passages make it a good partner to the Stone Forest.
Green Lake Park and the University Quarter
Green Lake is Kunming's relaxed heart, a lake park of causeways, pavilions, lotus and tea, with a lively university quarter on its doorstep. It is the easiest way to feel the Spring City.
Yuantong Temple and Daguan Pavilion
Yuantong Temple is Kunming's most important Buddhist temple, a shaded complex of halls and ponds on a hillside in the city centre. A classic city tour pairs it with Daguan Pavilion and Green Lake.
Western Hills and Dragon Gate
The Western Hills rise steeply above Dianchi Lake, with temples, grottoes and the cliff-carved Dragon Gate. The views over the lake are among the best in Kunming.
Dianchi Lake and Haigeng Dam
Dianchi is Yunnan's largest lake, a broad plateau lake beside Kunming where cyclists, birdwatchers and sunset watchers gather. A half-day ride is the easiest way to enjoy it.
Yunnan Provincial Museum
The provincial museum is the best single place to understand Yunnan, from bronze-age Dian treasures and ancient fossils to the costumes of the region's many peoples.
Dynamic Yunnan Ethnic Cultural Performance
Dynamic Yunnan is a large-scale dance production built on the songs, rituals and costumes of Yunnan's peoples. It is Kunming's signature evening out.
Kunming Flower and Bird Market with Flower Pastry Class
Kunming is called the Spring City and grows a huge share of China's cut flowers. A market visit and a flower pastry class turn that fame into a tasty half day.
Kunming Evening Food Tour with Locals
Yunnan has one of China's most distinctive cuisines, and Kunming is the place to taste it. An evening walk with local guides takes you to street stalls and small restaurants.
Dongchuan Red Land
Dongchuan's Red Land is a patchwork of rust-red hillsides, golden crops and green fields that looks like a painter's palette. It is a favourite with photographers.
Jiaozi Snow Mountain
Jiaozi Snow Mountain is the highest peak in the Kunming region, with a cable car, alpine meadows and winter snow. It is a mountain escape within a day's reach of the city.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Grand Hyatt Kunming
Kunming
A large international luxury hotel in Kunming for travellers who want polished service, big rooms and a comfortable base before and after Yunnan trips.
Check rates →Shangri-La Kunming
Kunming
A luxury city hotel from a well-known Asian brand, suited to travellers who value service and space in Kunming.
Check rates →Hyatt Place Kunming South Railway Station
Kunming South Railway Station
A modern mid-range hotel by Kunming South Railway Station, the departure point for bullet trains to Dali and Lijiang.
Check rates →Kunming Green Land Hotel
Kunming
A straightforward Kunming city hotel for travellers who want a sensible price, a central-city base and simple comforts.
Check rates →Hotel Indigo Dali Erhai
Erhai Lake, Dali
A design-led lakeside stay on Erhai, with views toward the Cangshan mountains, for travellers who want Dali at a slower pace.
Check rates →Dali Xianghe Hotel
Dali
A comfortable Dali hotel for travellers who want an easy base for the old town, the Three Pagodas and Erhai Lake.
Check rates →Hilton Lijiang
Lijiang
A full-service international hotel in Lijiang, with spacious rooms and an easy base for the old town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Check rates →Lijiang Wangfu Hotel
Lijiang
A mid-priced Lijiang hotel for travellers who want a comfortable room and an easy trip to the old town and mountains.
Check rates →Old Town of Lijiang Tianxiangge Hotel
Lijiang Old Town
A stay in Lijiang's Old Town itself, where lanes, canals and tiled roofs are on the doorstep.
Check rates →Holiday Inn Express Shangri La
Shangri-La
A dependable, modern hotel for Shangri-La, with warm rooms and simple breakfast for a high-altitude stay.
Check rates →Tour + stay
Ready-made pairings: a top sight and a hotel that suits it. Add both to your trip and book each when you are ready.
Do
Stone Forest Geological Park (Shilin)Stay
Grand Hyatt KunmingKunming
Do
Green Lake Park and the University QuarterStay
Hotel Indigo Dali ErhaiErhai Lake, Dali
Do
Western Hills and Dragon GateStay
Hilton LijiangLijiang
Kunming & Yunnan guides
First Time in Kunming and Yunnan: What to Know Before You Go
A first-timer guide to Kunming and Yunnan: how the province is laid out, how to travel between towns, altitude, money, language and the sights to prioritise.
Where to Stay in Kunming and Yunnan: Bases and Hotel Picks
A practical guide to choosing where to sleep in Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La, with hotel picks and tips for altitude, noise and arrival.
Three Days in Kunming: A Practical Itinerary
A three-day Kunming plan with Green Lake, Yuantong Temple, the Western Hills, the Stone Forest, local food and an evening at Dynamic Yunnan.
Eating in Kunming and Yunnan: A Food Guide
A guide to Yunnan cuisine: rice noodles, steam-pot chicken, mushrooms, cheese, flower dishes, regional specialities in Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La, and ordering tips.
Best Time to Visit Kunming and Yunnan: Seasons, Weather and Festivals
When to visit Kunming and Yunnan: season-by-season weather, the best months for the Stone Forest, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La and the Yuanyang terraces, plus festivals.
Kunming to Dali and Lijiang: Trains, Day Trips and Overnights
How to travel from Kunming to Dali and Lijiang by high-speed train, whether to do a day trip or stay overnight, and how to link Erhai, the old towns and the snow mountains.
