Kunming
See how the places connect before choosing days
A first Kunming stay works better when Green Lake and the old city, Dianchi and the Western Hills, Naigu Stone Forest, and Yunnan meals each get their own block instead of being treated as an airport transfer.
Scenery
Green Lake, Dianchi, and Stone Forest
Culture
Old city and Yunnan daily life
Food
Rice noodles, mushrooms, and Yunnan flavours
Start with Kunming by interest
Where things are
Separate Green Lake, Dianchi and Western Hills, and the Stone Forest day
Kunming is more than an arrival airport. Green Lake and the old city form a walkable half day, Dianchi and the Western Hills sit southwest of the centre, and Naigu Stone Forest needs its own return journey. Separating these blocks protects arrival time and leaves room to adjust to the plateau pace.
Questions before you go
Continue through Yunnan
The current source-backed route connects Kunming, Dali, Shaxi, and Lijiang. This Kunming guide explains the city; the eight-day route explains the cross-city order.
This first Yunnan route moves from Kunming through Dali and Shaxi to Lijiang, pairing stone forest, Erhai, Bai villages, and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.