10 Days Kunming Travel Itinerary

How would you plan a 10-day trip to Kunming? We offer both a 10-day itinerary with in the city and a 10-day itinerary that includes Kunming's surrounding areas. Besides city attractions like the Stone Forest, Dianchi Lake, Cui Lake Park, we also include trips to Western hill, Dongchuang Red Land, Jianshui Ancient Town and Yunyang rice terrace. Our itineraries not only cover the usual tourist spots but also include local cultural experiences such as cooking Yunna cuisine, cycling Dianchi Lake, Watch and Feed the Red-Billed Gulls, experiencing local life in tea houses, and Boat on the wetland.

Actually, all the itineraries are flexible. If none of these suits your needs, please feel free to contact us. We would be honored to customize a perfect, personalized itinerary specifically for you.

10 Days Itinerary in Kunming for Family with kids

Day 1: Arrival and Explore Flower & Bird Market

Arrive in Kunming and check into your hotel. Take some time to settle in and rest from your journey. Head to the Jingxing Flower and Bird Market, while kids will be delighted by the colorful displays.

Day 2: Dianchi Lake & the UNESCO World Heritage Site

In the morning, visit Dianchi Lake, Kunming’s iconic natural landmark. Families can stroll along Haigeng Park, watch flocks of seagulls (seasonal in winter). Enjoy a local lunch and try specialties like Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles and Steam-Pot Chicken.

After lunch, drive 1.5 hours to the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The striking limestone formations invite kids to explore and discover the Yi legend of “Ashima.”

Day 3: Adventure Red Land, enjoy the and sunrise and sunset

After breakfast, head to Dongchuan (about 3hours drive), visit Jinxiu Garden, explore the Luoxiagou wait till the sunset, which makes the red land more charming. Stay overnight in Dongchuan.

Day 4: Red Land to Kunming, enjoy the sunrise before back to Kunming

Wake up earlier, enjoy the sunrise in Luoxia Valley where is one of the most stunning spots, and then, return to Kunming, if time permits, visit Jinma Biji Archway or with a relaxed walk along Nanping Pedestrian Street.

Day 5: Western Hill and Yunnan Nationalities Village

Morning, take a cable car ride up to the Western Hill (Xishan), where panoramic views of Dianchi Lake and the city await. Families can explore the Dragon Gate grottoes carved into cliffs and enjoy light hiking suitable for kids. visit the Yunnan Nationalities village, where children can see traditional house, costumes, and performances.

In the evening, explore Kunming Old Street, where cobblestone lanes, traditional courtyards, and the iconic Jiubei Tower create a charming atmosphere.

Day 6: Green Lake and Museum

Spend the morning at Green Lake Park (Cuihu Park), a peaceful urban oasis. In the afternoon, visit the Kunming Natural History Museum of Zoology, where fascinating dinosaur fossils, wildlife specimens, and interactive exhibits will capture children’s curiosity.

Day 7: Boat Ride & Flower cake Cooking Class

Take a relaxing boat ride through Laoyu River Wetland Park, where the family can enjoy the fresh air, lush greenery, and peaceful waters. Kids will love spotting birds and small wildlife along the way. In the afternoon, join a fun hands-on Flower cake cooking class and learn to prepare local specialties together, turning the experience into both a feast and a family memory.

Day 8: Explore Jianshui Ancient Town

Set out for an exciting tour today, explore Jianshui Ancient Town (approx. 3 hours by car from Kunming), one of Yunnan’s historic gems. Stroll through the old streets, visit Chaoyang Gate Tower (the “Mini Tian’anmen”), and explore the well-preserved traditional courtyard houses.

In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Jianshui Confucius Temple, the second largest in China, and learn about its deep cultural significance. Visit the Double Dragon Bridge (Shuanglong Bridge). Stay overnight in Jianshui.

Day 9: Leisure in the Ancient Town

In the morning, stroll around village, discover the Zhu Family Garden, a vast traditional residence with elegant courtyards, gardens, and ancient architecture. Afternoon, return to Kunming.

Day 10: Return to Kunming

Take a cultural stroll to Yuantong Temple, where children can see traditional architecture and peaceful gardens.

Departure with wonderful experience.

10 Days Kunming Itinerary for Seniors with Slow Travel Pace

Day 1: Arrival and Free Time

After landing, you will be met by our friendly guide. Along with the driver, the guide will escort you to your hotel. Enjoy some free time to rest and recover from your journey.

Day 2: Scenic and Cultural Highlights

In the morning, take a short drive to the Western Hills (Xishan Forest Park). Then enjoy panoramic views of Dianchi Lake and Kunming city. Visit Dragon Gate Grottoes, accessible via gentle paths with handrails (choose sections suitable for seniors).

Have lunch at a nearby restaurant, visit Yuantong Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Kunming.

Day 3: Explore UNESCO World Heritage Site and Green Lake Park

After breakfast, visit the Stone Forest (1.5hours drive), marvel at the unique limestone formations, and enjoy local Yi cultural performance and learn about their unique traditions, and taste regional delicacies.

After lunch, Visit Green Lake Park (Cuihu Park), a serene urban oasis ideal for a leisurely stroll, birdwatching, and enjoying the scenic lotus-filled ponds. Visit Jinma Biji Archway and Flowers and Birds Market.

Day 4: Wetland Leisure Cruise and Flower Market

Spend a relaxing day by Dianchi Lake. For a more leisurely experience, aboard a boat cruise to admire the lake’s tranquil waters and surrounding mountain scenery at a comfortable pace. Join a fun hands-on Flower cake cooking class.

Day 5: Explore Guandu Ancient Town and Jiangshui

In the morning, visit Guandu Ancient Town, an old settlement with historic temples, traditional courtyards, and charming local snacks. Drive to Jianshui (around 3–4 hours), stay overnight in Jianshui.

Day 6: Explore Jianshui Ancient Town

Set out for an exciting tour today, explore Jianshui Ancient Town, one of Yunnan’s historic gems. Stroll through the old streets, visit Chaoyang Gate Tower (the “Mini Tian’anmen”), and explore the well-preserved traditional courtyard houses.

In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Jianshui Confucius Temple, the second largest in China, and learn about its deep cultural significance. Stay overnight in Jianshui.

Day 7: Yuanyang Terrace Fields

Spend the day exploring the breathtaking Yuanyang Terrace Fields (about 2hours drive), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These vast, layered rice terraces are especially stunning at sunrise and sunset, when the fields glisten with light and reflect the changing colors of the sky. Take leisurely walks along the terraces and stop at local villages to experience the unique Hani ethnic culture. Stay overnight in Yuanyang.

Day 8: Yuanyang to Jianshui

After breakfast, take a final leisurely walk through Sheng Village in Yuanyang to enjoy the terraces and village scenery before leaving. On the way back to Jianshui, visit Beishan Pottery Workshop to discover the town’s traditional pottery-making craft. Return to Jianshui in the afternoon and relax at your hotel.

Day 9: Leisure in the Ancient Town and Return to Kunming

In the morning, stroll around village, discover the Zhu Family Garden, a vast traditional residence with elegant courtyards, gardens, and ancient architecture. Visit Shuanglong Bridge, and then return to Kunming.

Day 10: Yunna Nationalities Village and Departure

Head to Yunnan Nationalities Village to explore the culture, architecture, costumes, and performances of 25 ethnic groups. Participate in tea ceremonies or traditional dances.

Finish the 10-day trip with wonderful experience.

10 Days Kunming Itinerary for Young Travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Kunming

Arrive in Kunming and check in to your hotel. Start your journey in Kunming Old Street, where cobblestone alleys, traditional courtyards, and lively shops give you the first taste of Yunnan’s charm.

Day 2: Stone Forest & Green Lake

Take a day trip to the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its dramatic limestone formations and Yi ethnic legends. In the afternoon, relax at Cuihu (Green Lake) Park, a favorite spot for locals, with lotus ponds and lively street performances.

Day 3: Kunming to Fuxian Lake (1hour drive)

Head to Fuxian Lake, China’s second-deepest freshwater lake, known for its crystal-clear waters. Enjoy boating, swimming, or cycling along the lakeside. Stay overnight by the lake for a relaxing evening.

Day 4: Jianshui Exploration

Drive to Jianshui (about 2.5hours). Visit the iconic Shuanglong Bridge, and explore Jianshui Ancient Town, where well-preserved architecture and authentic local life await. Take the historic Jianshui narrow-gauge railway.

Day 5: Jianshui to Yuanyang (2hours drive)

On the way to Yuanyang, stop at Beishan Pottery Workshop to try traditional pottery-making. Continue to Aichun Blue Terraces, then arrive at Sheng Village, where you’ll stay overnight to experience authentic rural life.

Day 6: Yuanyang to Mile via Mengzi (3hours drive)

Wake up early to catch the magical sunrise over the Duoyishu Rice Terraces. Continue to Bisezhai Station in Mengzi, a historic railway site, before heading to Mile City, known for hot springs and vineyards.

Day 7: Mile to Dongchuan Red Land (4hours drive)

Drive to the breathtaking Dongchuan Red Land, often called “God’s Palette.” Visit highlights including Luoxia Valley, Qicai Slope, and Jinxiu Garden, where the patchwork of red soil, green fields, and golden crops creates a surreal landscape.

Day 8: Dongchuan to Kunming

Catch sunrise at Damakan and admire the unique patterns at Lepu’ao before returning to Kunming.

Day 9: Dianchi Lake & Western Hills

Enjoy a relaxing morning at Dianchi Lake, where you can watch flocks of seagulls in winter. Take a cable car up to the Western Hills, and walk along the Dragon Gate cliffs for sweeping views of the lake and city.

Day 10: Guandu Ancient Town

End your trip with a visit to Guandu Ancient Town, where old temples, tea houses, and local snacks make the perfect farewell to Kunming.

10 Days Culture Tour in Kunming

Day 1: Arrival and Feel Charm of Kunming Old Street

Arrive in Kunming and wander Kunming Old Street. Discover traditional courtyards, local snacks, and the city’s history as a crossroads of the Southern Silk Road.

Day 2: Stone Forest and Sani Culture

Excursion to the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest. Learn about the Sani branch of the Yi ethnic group, their embroidery, folk songs, and dances. Return to Kunming.

Day 3: Green Lake and Yunnan University

Enjoy Green Lake Park where locals gather for music and dance. Walk through Yunnan University’s historic campus, one of the most beautiful in China.

Day 4: Kunming to Dongchuan Red Land

Travel to Dongchuan. Visit Luoxia Valley and Qicai Slope, known as “God’s palette.” Learn how Hani and Yi farmers shaped this colorful agricultural landscape. Overnight in Dongchuan.

Day 5: Dongchuan to Mile

Drive south to Mile, known for hot springs and Buddhist culture. Relax in the hot springs and explore lakeside temples, experiencing a slower rhythm of life. Overnight in Mile.

Day 6: Mile to Yuanyang Terraced Fields

Head to Yuanyang, a UNESCO-listed Hani cultural landscape. Enjoy sunset views of the rice terraces, one of the most spectacular human-shaped landscapes in the world. Overnight in Yuanyang.

Day 7: Yuanyang – Hani Villages and Terraces

Wake up early for sunrise at Duoyishu Terraces. Visit Hani villages with their mushroom-shaped houses and learn about farming traditions passed down for generations. Overnight in Yuanyang.

Day 8: Yuanyang to Jianshui

Depart Yuanyang, visit pottery workshops at Beishan Village on the way, then reach Jianshui. Explore the Confucius Temple and Jianshui Ancient Town, rich in architectural heritage. Overnight in Jianshui.

Day 9: Tuanshan Village and Shuanglong Bridge

Discover Tuanshan Village, a living museum of traditional dwellings blending Han, Yi, and Hui elements. Stop at the elegant Shuanglong Bridge before returning to Kunming.

Day 10: Yunnan Nationalities Village and Guandu Ancient Town

Head to Yunnan Nationalities Village to explore the culture, architecture, costumes, and performances of 25 ethnic groups. Participate in tea ceremonies or traditional dances. Visit Guandu Ancient Town, enjoy the historic architecture, local temples, and handicrafts, and learn about Kunming’s history along the Tea Horse Road.

Departure with wonderful Culture experience.

Customize Your Spring City Kunming Tour

If you are interested in the Kunming itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Kunming Tour, please visit our Kunming Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

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