Kunming

This add-on is a 3-day tour of Kunming that can be booked in conjunction with any of our Signature China group tours, private tours or tailor-made tours.

Kunming, an ancient cultural city and home to many of China’s ethnic minorities, is the capital of Yunnan Province. The name ‘Yunnan’ actually means ‘Beyond the Clouds’ in Chinese. This is perhaps quite apt, for Kunming sits at an elevation of some 1,900 m. Kunming is surrounded by gorgeous mountain scenery including the unique Stone Forest, which comprises a unique 270-million-year-old limestone karst formation of bundled rocky grey outcrops, resembling a petrified forest. With an annual mean average temperature of 14.5 degrees Celsius, it is also known as the ‘City of Perpetual Spring’. Kunming itself offers an interesting market, temples, pagodas and stores selling unique ethnic handicrafts. Tucked into side streets, many of Kunming’s traditional teahouses have survived. Here, older citizens play mah jong and drink gallons of jasmine tea. Kunming offers a decidedly different side to China.

Day 1 – Kunming
Arrival into Kunming. Overnight – Kunming

Day 2 – Stone Forest
Spend a day exploring the Stone Forest and the colourful Yunan Shopping market - a huge shopping complex selling local produce including jade, herbs, aromatherapy oils and tea. The following day visit the Western Hill Dragon Gate - the highest temple of the Western Hills with spectacular views of Dianchi Lake. Overnight – Kunming (B, L)

Day 3 – Western Hill Dragon Gate
Today you’ll take a visit out to the famous Western Hill Dragon Gate – a beautiful look out point affording fantastic views of the lake. (B)