Best Places to Visit in Chengdu: Stone Forest, City Center‌, Dongchuan, etc

If you are looking for a city with a pleasant spring-like climate all year round and streets filled with the fragrance of flowers? the answer is undoubtedly Kunming. Known as the “Spring City” and “Flower City,” Kunming is blessed with mild weather, making it an inviting destination in every season.

Here, you can marvel at the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its dramatic karst landscapes, and stroll along the shores of Dianchi Lake with the majestic Western Hills rising in the background. In the city, visit the Yunnan Nationalities Village to experience diverse ethnic cultures, or explore the vibrant local markets brimming with fresh flowers. For something truly unique, Dongchuan Red Land in the Dongchuan district, often called the “palette of the earth,” where colorful fields create scenery as stunning as a painting. Kunming perfectly blends natural wonders, cultural diversity, and a relaxing atmosphere, making it one of the best destinations in China for a year-round escape.

Top 1: Stone Forest Scene Area

Stone Forest

The Stone Forest, located in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, is one of Yunnan’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the “First Wonder of the World,” it features a vast expanse of towering limestone formations shaped over millions of years. These dramatic stone pillars resemble trees, animals, and figures, creating a natural maze that feels like stepping into a stone-carved world. Famous spots include the Great Stone Forest, the Small Stone Forest, and the legendary Ashima Rock, which is linked to the Yi ethnic love story of Ashima.

Beyond its breathtaking scenery, the Stone Forest is also a cultural destination. It is home to the Yi people, whose traditions bring the landscape to life through music, dance, and storytelling. Visitors can learn about Yi customs, enjoy folk performances, or even join in the lively Fire Torch Festival. The mix of stunning karst formations and rich ethnic culture makes the Stone Forest a must-visit attraction for families, nature lovers, and culture seekers alike.

Approximate travel times from Kunming city center to destination by car:

• Stone Forest: about 1.5 hours

Top 2: City Center Area

Green Lake Park

Kunming city area is renowned tourist destination celebrated for its stunning landscape and flowers. The city’s highlights include explore Kunming Old Street, where you can stroll past historic architecture and discover local snacks and handicrafts. Visit Green Lake Park, a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. Nearby, the Yunnan Provincial Museum showcases the province’s diverse history and ethnic culture. The charm of Dianchi Lake lies in its ever-changing scenery, especially in winter when thousands of red-beaked seagulls gather, creating a lively and picturesque scene. In the distance, the majestic Western Hills stretch like a giant dragon, guarding Kunming and adding a sense of grandeur to the city’s landscape.

As the gateway to Yunnan, Kunming blends urban charm with cultural richness. The Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Archways mark the city center, while the Yunnan Nationalities Village offers an introduction to the traditions of Yunnan’s many ethnic groups. For art lovers, Yunnan Art Museum and small creative spaces around Nanping Street provide a window into contemporary creativity. Don’t miss the local markets such as Zhuanxin Farmers’ Market, where you can sample authentic snacks and discover fresh seasonal produce. At Dounan Flower Market and Jinxing Bird and Flower Market, you will feel as if you are swimming in a sea of blossoms, surrounded by vibrant colors and fragrances that capture the essence of Kunming, the “Spring City.”

Kunming‘s unique blend of scenic splendor and cultural heritage, urban life, and a gateway to Yunnan’s wider wonders, makes it a must-visit for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience.

Approximate travel times from Kunming city center to various destinations by car:

• Dianchi Lake: about 20 mins
• Green Lake Park: about 40 mins
• Western Mountain: about 30 mins
• Kunming Old Street: about 10 mins
• Laoyu River Wetland Park: about 25 mins
• Dounan Flower Market: about 40 mins
• Yunnan Provincial Museum: about 20 mins
• Nanping Pedestrian Street: about 10 mins
• Yunnan Nationalities Village: about 25 mins

Top 3: Dongchuan District

Dongchuan Red Land

Dongchuan, known as the “Copper Capital of the South,” is rich in copper resources and steeped in copper culture. It is also home to the world-famous Dongchuan Red Land, often compared to Brazil’s red soil landscapes and praised as “God’s Palette.” Here, the land displays breathtaking natural colors that shift with the seasons, creating a paradise for photographers and travelers alike.

The first stop is Luoshi Bay, where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset as the gateway to the Red Land. From there, highlights unfold one by one. At Music Score Hollow, patchwork fields resemble a five-line musical staff. Luoxia Valley is one of the most stunning spots, perfect for both sunrise and sunset. Jinxiu Garden showcases the region’s iconic scenery, while nearby Qicai Slope (Seven-Color Slope) looks like a rainbow fallen onto the earth. Continuing about 6 kilometers uphill, Damakan offers the best sunrise views. Other attractions include the Millennium Old Dragon Tree and the lakeside town of Gele in Tuobuka.

Approximate travel times from Kunming city center to destination by car:

• Dongchuang Red Land: about 3 hours

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