Escape the Summer Heat in Yunnan: Kunming's Ancient Dian Offers Endless Fun
Travel is one of the many beautiful things in this world, and the charm of Colorful Yunnan, especially its alluring name, makes it even more special. Returning to Yunnan, to Kunming, I find myself once again at the Colorful Yunnan Ancient Dian Town Resort—a place that amazed me, filled me with nostalgia, and left me unwilling to leave. This summer, I truly understood what it means to escape the heat. I always knew Kunming as the 'Spring City,' but mistakenly thought southern cities were all hot. Here, I deeply appreciated the coolness: mornings and evenings are so cool you'd want a jacket, pure bliss. I'll never forget my first time kayaking, trying rock climbing, and the thrill of laser tag, as well as the romantic boat ride in the drizzling rain on the inner lake of Dianchi from the Yihai Wharf. The Happy World offered endless joy: gazing out from the Eye of Dianchi, riding the mini train through the park, the shouts echoing in the air, the moving 'Ancient Dian Storm' show, and so many splendid songs and dances. The beer carnival was buzzing with energy, and the evening bonfire party reflected off the Ferris wheel, the drone formations, and the stars above. On this hot summer day, the Ancient Dian Town Resort was infinitely pleasant and wonderful...
Day 1: Outbound – Shenyang to Kunming. Day 2: Baqianji Camp, Star Traveler Astronomical Science Museum, Ancient Dian Fine Wetland, Ancient Dian Resort Hotel. Day 3: Colorful Yunnan Happy World. Day 4: Dora Pet Paradise, Ancient Dian Hot Spring Villa. Day 5: Return – Kunming to Shenyang.
Travel self-media, multi-platform creator. Gear: Canon EOS R with 16-35mm f/2.8, 85mm f/1.8; Sony a7 with 50mm f/1.8; DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone; DJI Osmo; Zhiyun Smooth X. Post-processing: Lightroom, Final Cut Pro. On the vast internet, I'm touched that you're reading this, and thank you for following!
[Basics]: 1. ID card, passport, cash. [Electronics]: 1. Camera chargers (DSLR, mirrorless, drone, DJI Osmo), 2. Phone charger (plug adapter), 3. Power bank (cable), 4. Card reader / spare cards / spare batteries, 5. Earphones, 6. Multi-plug. [Daily items]: 1. Portable bag, 2. Tissue pack, 3. Rain gear (summer); mask, gloves, 4. Belt, 5. Thermos, 6. Skincare, sunscreen (summer). [For the soul]: 1. Downloaded songs, 2. Book – none.
Ancient Dian Wetland – Lakeside Campground
The Ancient Dian Fine Wetland is a representative and important part of the Ancient Dian Town Resort, covering over 73 hectares, a highly diverse wetland scenic area themed around wetland landscapes, showcasing its ecological beauty. Here you can take in the charming waterside scenery. We headed to the lakeside campground in the Ancient Dian Fine Wetland, a favorite spot for visitors. It consists of two parts: Star Picking Island and Moon Inviting Island, with plenty of supporting facilities and a large area, making up a significant portion of the wetland. It's a key part of the wetland park, beloved by tourists, and perfect for leisure and relaxation.
Here, you can shed all fatigue and worries. Camping by the beautiful lake is a wonderful treat, especially at night with the star-filled sky and the bright moonlight shining down. Such lakeside nights are surely idyllic for many. The scenery is incredibly beautiful, and you can fully enjoy the spirit of nature and the elegance of the landscapes.
There are many facilities here for an excellent visitor experience: a barbecue area, restrooms, and more importantly, some great recreational facilities and activities. I heard there's even a thrilling high-altitude zip line, cleverly designed using the steep terrain of Cherry Blossom Valley, giving visitors a sensation of plunging down.
The park also has many public facilities, large and small, not just recreational ones. We spotted a cabin marked 'Left-Behind Children Care Fund', which touched on the issue of left-behind children, a problem that has always been challenging in our country. I've followed related news and seen reports about companies contributing to caring for left-behind children, which made me reflect deeply.
Baqianji Camp – Kayaking Experience
I never expected that at Baqianji Camp I would try kayaking for the first time—an unexpected bonus from my simple plan to escape the heat in Kunming, Yunnan. Besides the cool weather, there were surprises. Although the beautiful inner lake of Ancient Dian made the kayaking start with a bit of a fright, I adjusted my breathing and gradually got used to it, even paddling a small loop on Dianchi's inner lake. Exercise really is addictive. The Baqianji Camp became even more attractive then; it's a comprehensive outdoor camp integrating rock climbing, kayaking, laser tag, drone racing, team building, parent-child activities, and more.
Kayaking is a very popular water sport, and with it available here, we naturally had to try it. Actually, compared to kayaking, I preferred the scenery. Before getting on the kayak, I launched my drone to appreciate the beauty around—really quite nice.
There were professional coaches to teach us how to paddle and accompanied us to ensure our safety, giving us peace of mind.
Gently gliding on the calm water in a kayak brought a particularly relaxing experience for body and mind, perfect for unwinding. Such a feeling is not something you get often—quite a nice experience.
The wide water surface allowed us to see many park attractions, with elephant sculptures and the Ferris wheel clearly visible in the distance. Not far away on the shore, there was a garden of salvias, looking so beautiful and full of charm.
Baqianji Camp – Laser Tag
There are many excellent recreational activities and facilities in the Ancient Dian Fine Wetland, mostly concentrated at Baqianji Camp. With so many fun things to do, we couldn't miss out and tried them one by one.
Next is my favorite activity: laser tag. It's a hugely popular one, and many people want to try it. We had heard about it for a long time and always wanted to experience it firsthand.
The setting is really well done, with a battlefield-style background and excellent layout that gives you an immersive feeling—quite impressive.
Some beat-up cars and tires add a very realistic touch. The attention to detail is great; it's clear this activity was designed with care, and it turned out to be a fantastic one.
We had a blast with laser tag, and it didn't disappoint—fully meeting our expectations. Finally trying the laser tag we'd long heard about made us really happy. Each activity in the Ancient Dian Fine Wetland has its own charm, and we enjoyed them all.
Baqianji Camp – Rock Climbing
Rock climbing has become a popular sport in recent years. Not just for fun, this high-intensity activity provides a great workout, and many people love it. As our first stop here, we thoroughly enjoyed it.
For climbing, equipment is paramount; safety always comes first alongside fun. The gear here is almost all new and top-quality, so safety concerns are minimal. Regular maintenance and replacement add peace of mind.
Lunch: Whole Roasted Lamb
Immersed in the joy of activities, lunchtime arrived. We went to the distinctive barbecue area to try their barbecue, including a whole roasted lamb and two additional skewer sets. The roasted lamb here is famous, wonderfully aromatic, and with tasty seasonings. And it's huge—just looking at one lamb leg, it was enormous.
Of course, we didn't just eat roasted lamb; we also grilled many other items like chicken wings, spicy chicken chunks, zucchini, some small sausages—all delicious. Adding some chives made it look wonderful, with enticing aromas wafting up. It was a feast for the eyes and palate. This barbecue experience was fantastic, and the roasted lamb here is no less delicious than what you'd get on the grasslands. A great barbecue experience.
At the lakeside campground of Ancient Dian Fine Wetland, we not only enjoyed unforgettable wetland ecological scenery and many fun recreational facilities but also savored roasted lamb and other barbecued treats—a truly wonderful experience.
After lunch, we went to the next famous spot: Yihai Grand Wharf. The architecture of the Ancient Dian Yihai Wharf is very simple and rustic, blending innovation and creativity with the inherent style of Ancient Dian buildings. This led to its winning the 'Hong Kong Institute of Architects Cross-Strait Four-Region Architectural Design Award' for excellence. Such a poetic and picturesque place—to appreciate its beauty from every angle, the drone came in handy. Through drone footage, we could better enjoy the scenery, and exploring on foot also yielded many discoveries.
I must say, the design of this wharf aligns with my aesthetic taste, inspired by boats used by the wealthy in ancient times. It's visually striking, and when you sit inside, the shade is excellent, allowing you to leisurely enjoy the pleasure of boating.
Not only is the design novel, but the architecture also leans toward a blend of modernity and antiquity. The grand wharf combined with the waiting hall creates beautiful reflections on the water, forming a lovely scene. When visitors first arrive, it feels like a historic Dian ferry with numerous sails, carrying the legacy of the past.
As the largest water entertainment wharf in Southwest China, it has 46 electrically powered painted boats, light and airy with exquisite designs. The largest can hold up to 22 people—a real bonus for group visitors. They also feature designs reminiscent of Jiangnan painted boats.
The boat shapes echo the 'long ridge, short eaves' architectural style of the Ancient Dian Kingdom, fitting Yunnan's unique ethnic charm and the mysterious culture of Ancient Dian. The boats visitors ride are called Dianhai Fishing Boats, numbered and finely crafted. They glide forward slowly, very pleasant, with a gentle breeze brushing the cheeks, delightfully cool. On the river, we met people cleaning the water surface and greeted them. They chatted with us in authentic Yunnan dialect; though I understood little, I gathered that the water quality here is excellent, thanks to their meticulous care.
I leisurely paddled, enjoying the surrounding beauty. The willow branches were lush, flowers were blooming profusely, and the greenery was well maintained. The most eye-catching sight was the towering Ferris wheel. Even without the nighttime lighting that enhances the atmosphere, the daytime Ferris wheel still had a visual impact, leaving a deep impression. Opportunities to boat like this are rare, and I treasured it.
Yunnan Cuisine – Peacock Feast
For dinner, we tasted Yunnan's specialty Peacock Feast. I couldn't wait to capture this dish—it's truly beautiful. With its peacock-shaped arrangement and an assortment of dishes, a good balance of meat and vegetables, we were in for a real treat.
Let me talk about this special Peacock Feast. It's actually composed of various dishes prepared by frying, stir-frying, boiling, and other methods. The flavors range from sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, to salty. Modeled after a peacock displaying its feathers, it satisfies all senses of color, aroma, and taste.
This creatively designed dish requires meticulousness and patience in every detail, from ingredient selection to cooking and plating. And there were also Yunnan's distinctive bugs—haha, the grasshoppers I used to catch as a kid.
The Peacock Feast tasted great, with a sensible mix of meat and vegetables. It had been a long time since I'd seen such an exquisite dish. The colorful rice balls were delicious, and the soul sauce had a strong Yunnan flavor—more intense, salty, and spicy. The portions were generous.
Day 3: Colorful Yunnan Happy World
The joy at Colorful Yunnan Happy World is well worth it, and I felt it could last from morning till night. This place is the most important part of the tourist cultural sector of the Colorful Yunnan Ancient Dian Town. There are as many as 81 attractions to enjoy—the most I've ever seen in one location. The design style is dreamy, like entering a fairy tale world, suitable for visitors of all ages.
In fact, the attractions are thoughtfully crafted, starting from the uniqueness of regional, ethnic, and Ancient Dian cultures, then incorporating Yunnan's ethnic culture, natural landscapes, multimedia interactions, and some thrilling experiences. It caters to a wide range of visitors from all over the country and even Southeast Asia. It's a world-class theme park that highlights ethnic culture and offers rich, immersive experiences.
We happened to visit during the midsummer carnival. A foreign band, dressed in exotic costumes, welcomed guests with upbeat, powerful welcome songs played on various instruments, all looking energetic and smiling. Behind them, the peacock shape set against the Ferris wheel looked like a peacock spreading its tail, with various flowers blooming nearby, adding visual beauty.
There are also five mega-sized imported rides. The world-class roller coasters are designed and manufactured by renowned companies MACK from Germany and B&M from Switzerland, with one coaster having over a kilometer of track. Another is a 'Super Splash' ride. Most eye-catching is the giant Ferris wheel, which can hold many people. The park is organized into themed areas; at first glance it might seem chaotic, but upon deeper understanding, you'll see the attractions are well-planned, not haphazard.
The park has many attractions, each with specific opening times. There are Rainforest Expedition, Primitive Stone Hammer, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Children's Dream World, and many more. I won't list them all, but I want to mention Children's Dream World; it left a deep impression. The area is composed of plant elements and ethnic architecture, very suitable for younger children. So visitors with kids can accompany them here. Carousels and spinning cups offer happy times, plus other joyful rides.
Elephant Play Dragon Coaster
There are blue and red roller coasters, each with its own name: one called Elephant Play Dragon Coaster, the other Snow Eagle Wide-wing Coaster. Let me start with the blue one. Two large elephant heads adorn the front of the coaster, as if two elephants are joyfully playing, so the name makes sense. Watching from the side, its speed seemed even faster and more thrilling than the red one.
Snow Eagle Wide-wing Coaster
Now the red roller coaster. Its track and theming are based on Meili Snow Mountain and a snow eagle design, so calling it Snow Eagle Wide-wing Coaster is fitting. This is the one I rode. With 360-degree spins and rolls, it was extremely thrilling. I wanted to keep my eyes open, but the weightlessness forced them shut. I screamed madly, but then noticed the person next to me was screaming even louder, turning my screams into chuckles.
Tiger Leaping Gorge Splash
The Tiger Leaping Gorge Splash is a perfect combo of roller coaster and water slide. With two massive tiger head sculptures, it's very distinctive. After experiencing the coaster's drops, your boat plunges into the river, splashing up high. Thrilling and fun. You might get a little wet, but that's fine—on a day like this, it's refreshing.
Double Tower Space Shot and Giant Pendulum
The predominantly yellow Double Tower Space Shot is quite thrilling. Actually, the ascent isn't scary; you can overlook the park's scenery. But when it drops, there's a pause before the sudden plummet, which makes you scream wildly—that actually helps relieve the tension. Afterward, you'll find the experience lingering. The Giant Pendulum lets you feel the rush of spinning and screaming high up in the air to vent emotions.
The mini train features a peacock design with ethnic cultural elements. Riding it is a great way to tour the park's scenery. It chugs along the tracks smoothly, very relaxing. Compared to the thrilling rides, this is a chance to unwind and enjoy the views.
The Flying Theater gives you a realistic sensation of flight, suitable for all ages. Inside, you experience flying over Yunnan's various landscapes and feel the simplicity of local customs. It's like truly soaring above the clouds, crossing mountains, gliding through forests, taking in all the beauty. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The float parade is very well done, infusing ethnic culture into the costumes and floats, giving a strong sense of ethnic flavor. Handsome men and beautiful women in ethnic attire perform welcoming dances, drawing large crowds.
At the Ancient Dian Stunt Theater, we enjoyed Indian dance. Slim girls in colorful Indian costumes performed captivating dances, truly beautiful. The male dancers were also impressive, their moves showing off their charm. Many visitors came to watch.
The theater's style has Indian architectural influences mixed with ethnic features, a great venue for performances. They are professionally trained, and the dances are distinctive. The combination of male and female dancers is very appealing.
The Drum of the Mystic Land has its own flavor. Performers in ethnic minority costumes danced, showcasing ethnic charm. The costumes were beautiful, and the dance was good. You can take photos and mingle with the performers; they're very willing.
At that moment, the charm of the ethnic culture silently moved you. There was also a fire-breathing performance. The drums have ethnic designs, and the drummers were full of energy.
We also watched a Japanese-style dance, quite distinctive. The costumes were kimono-like, brightly colored, and performed by men—it had a unique flavor. Their graceful postures were no less than female dancers.
The design of this Japanese-style dance was excellent. Incorporating dance features from different countries makes it more interesting, not just monotonous dancing, but adding cultural depth. Their thoughtful performance shows the park's capability, which is why visitors love it.
At night, the Happy World transformed, becoming even more dazzling with colorful lights. The most eye-catching was the Ferris wheel, which, under the lights, fully displayed the peacock spreading its tail. The lights, ever-changing, evoked different feelings.
The evening bonfire party was a highlight. People gathered in a circle around the roaring fire, watching young men and women in ethnic costumes sing and dance, applauding enthusiastically from time to time. The host mentioned that those wanting photos could rent local attire to take pictures with them. The host played music and got everyone dancing. Together by the bonfire, though strangers, we circled and danced to the music, creating an electric atmosphere—truly fun.
We also saw a brilliant drone show, displaying the words 'Colorful Yunnan' and 'Happy World' in the sky with changing colors, very spectacular. I actually didn't get to try many attractions because time was limited. You can't explore it all in one or two days, so it's wise to plan ahead when visiting.
Good things always seem to accompany beauty. Colorful Yunnan Happy World now has fireworks shows every weekend. After a joyful day, seeing the beautiful fireworks makes you even more reluctant to leave.
Such beautiful fireworks are now becoming precious, as many cities no longer allow them. My own city will ban them next year. These memories from childhood reappeared dreamily before my eyes.
The fireworks bursting in the night sky, reflected against the park's lights, made the evening even more enchanting, even bringing a mix of joy and melancholy. I truly didn't want to leave.
Happy World – Ancient Dian Storm Show
Many travel memories are etched more vividly because of wonderful performances. The large-scale live show 'Ancient Dian Storm' moved me almost to tears, with its dedicated actors, touching story, and cultural celebration. Don't miss it at the Ancient Dian Resort Town—highly recommended.
In a fast-paced life, more and more people choose to escape the city's hustle and bustle, seeking quieter, freer places. Everyone has somewhere they long for; Yunnan's Ancient Dian seems to be such a haven.
At Happy World, I was fortunate to watch the 'Ancient Dian Storm' show at the Ancient Dian Stunt Theater. Set 2,000 years ago during the Western Han Dynasty, it depicts a war between the Ancient Dian Kingdom and surrounding tribes, featuring special effects and live stunts. The theater is huge, holding over 2,000 people. When I went, there was a huge crowd; many visitors were watching and taking photos, a lively scene.
'Ancient Dian Storm' is the stunt performance at Colorful Yunnan Happy World. The story centers on surrounding tribes, driven by scarce resources and harsh living conditions, who coveted the prosperity and wealth of the Ancient Dian Kingdom and started a war. It begins with a grand sacrificial ceremony.
The performance stunned me from the start. The sacrificial ritual showcased the Ancient Dian Kingdom's religious culture, sharing similarities with ancient Central Plains rituals yet possessing its own unique charm—part of Yunnan's diverse ethnic culture. The ceremony was magnificent, leaving visitors in awe, and also foreshadowed the ensuing war theme.
The enthusiastic atmosphere filled the theater, and the performance got better and better. As the plot unfolded, there were thrilling displays of mounted combat and equestrian stunts. I was impressed by the actors' superb horsemanship, performing dangerous moves on horseback, vividly presenting the 'mystery and sanctity' of Ancient Dian culture.
Next, the second act featured a naval battle on water, with boats charging forth, showing the allied forces' determination to attack from the water. The scene was stunning, as if traveling back in time to the distant Ancient Dian Kingdom, with the fierce battles unfolding before our eyes. The defenders on land protecting their capital, combined with special effects and live acting, perfectly presented a water-land battle. It was fantastic, with thunderous applause, gasps, and cheers from the audience.
At the climax, the third act showed smoke and fire, siege and conquest, with all sorts of large weapons clashing. Underwater and fire effects, along with sound and light, created a breathtaking siege scene.
In the final act, a divine tiger appeared to bring peace. With superb acting and perfect effects, the god of peace was worshipped by the people. War brings slaughter, and ultimately the helpless commoners suffer. They prayed for peace, to end the war, and reconcile. Seeing this, the audience couldn't help but cheer and applaud.
After the show, thunderous applause erupted, winning the actors affection from many visitors. I was very moved, experiencing the unique charm of Ancient Dian culture, and it made me more hopeful for today's world—may there be no war, world peace!
I didn't expect Kunming to be so cool, nor the nights so pleasant and colorful. As someone who generally prefers quiet, I was moved by scenes like tonight's beer festival. Whether sentimental or melodramatic, I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and its atmosphere. The stage performances were electrifying, yet a sense of reluctance brought a tinge of sadness—this unforgettable night, I can't bear to leave Kunming or the Ancient Dian Resort Town. Visitors happily watched the show, the atmosphere lively and spirited. The performances by handsome men and beautiful women were brilliant, quite different from the daytime ones.
Even before the event started, the excitement was high, but I was drawn by the aroma of Dian Kingdom barbecue nearby. The barbecue here is quite famous, judging by the number of visitors buying it—I certainly couldn't miss it. The grilled meat sizzling on the grill looked very appetizing.
The carnival offered plenty of barbecued items; meat was just one. Eggplants could be grilled over charcoal too, looking good, plus some seafood. I grabbed some fragrant squid and grilled chicken, asking my companion to capture my contented state. Before dark, I had a hearty meal to be energized for the beer carnival.
The beer carnival, embracing the spirit of 'play now and enjoy', let visitors relax thoroughly. We had already enjoyed foreign-style dances and ethnic cultural shows during the day, but tonight's beer carnival presented a fresh format, equally wonderful and memorable. The crowd was huge, all full of energy.
The host was humorous and witty, and the singing and dancing were passionate. The guitarist in the talent show was very skilled. It's their careful preparation that captures visitors' attention and affection. Such a large-scale event best sparks curiosity, drawing people to join and enjoy the moment.
The host's calls were commanding, and the audience was very responsive. There were interactive games, with several people gathering around the host, using their strong bodies to protect her—quite a spectacle. The cheers and glow sticks waving were plentiful.
On stage were exciting performances, off stage heartwarming scenes: couples, families, a father with his child on his shoulders. Slim performers in bright cheongsams danced gracefully in high heels, showcasing their unique charm. Their dancing was elegant and beautiful.
Their dancing was accompanied by drifting smoke, adding a hazy effect that reminded me of old Shanghai nights. There were many other wonderful acts, but I won't list them all. I just want to say the beer carnival was excellently organized. In this Happy World, you can witness all kinds of performances, letting your spirits soar with the summer coolness.
Ancient Dian Dora Pet Paradise
Another highlight of the Ancient Dian Resort Town, especially not to be missed with kids, is the Ancient Dian Dora Pet Paradise. It's China's first outdoor ecological pet paradise, where you can interact closely with cute animals and play with them. However, the capacity is limited to 3,000 visitors, so it's not easy to get in given the daily flow of tens of thousands. I was lucky to visit.
This Dora Pet Paradise uses the most natural ecological environment as the animals' habitat, fostering intimate connections between humans and nature, humans and animals. It promotes values of 'returning to authenticity, harmonizing with nature' and the concept of 'making children's growth more enjoyable'. It opened in December 2019.
In such a harmonious environment, it creates a joyful leisure place for visitors, especially children. There are dozens of species and hundreds of adorable animals for you to watch and play with. The park's design is diverse, offering various ways to explore: immersive designs, interactive experiences, and three-dimensional play, allowing visitors and children to better appreciate the ecological environment. Kids can stamp each animal station; collecting them all earns prizes.
Actually, zoos are common in big cities, but here it's not about typical animals—it's about cute pets. This paradise abandons the traditional cage zoo format; most areas are covered with vegetation, allowing people to get close to animals and feel the harmony and happiness between humans and animals.
Entering Dora Pet Paradise, you see many kinds of cute pets roaming happily. They're very gentle and unafraid of visitors looking at or photographing them. Their living environment is well-built with attention to detail, and the animals seem content and accustomed to close human contact.
The pets here are selected from all over the country, among the top ten animals that love human interaction. Colorful rabbits looked gentle yet somewhat majestic, ignoring people while munching grass. Marmots were cute digging in the dirt, and guinea pigs eagerly crawled out to see when visitors approached, very enthusiastic.
There are many alpacas here, fenced in but we could go in to interact. I brought food to feed the adorable alpacas, and they clumsily ate from my hand, instantly melting my heart. Their housing is also lovely and exquisite.
Horses also have a designated area, not tied up, leisurely eating. Their white and brown coloring reminded me of zebras. We took photos up close, and they remained calm, unfazed by our presence.
Both the environment and location are very suitable for these pet habitats, and it's a great place for kids to play. The cute pets can truly melt your heart, and interacting with them feels wonderful. Of course, the visit was short, and I felt reluctant to leave. I captured the scenery at the entrance with a photo.
Ancient Dian Hot Spring Villa
I've always felt that the Ancient Dian Hot Spring Resort has built a town, and within this town is a hot spring villa, not only suitable for wellness trips but also a great place for young people to relax after days of fun.
This hot spring villa is imbued with mystery and romance, infused with Ancient Dian culture, built in the most distinctive Ancient Dian style. The design is exquisite, blending seamlessly with nature, making it mysterious and intriguing, sparking my curiosity to explore it thoroughly.
Ancient Dian Hot Spring Villa is a highly desired destination for tourism, vacation, and wellness, with excellent water quality. At the mountaintop, there's an infinity pool, a must-visit for almost every guest. From there, you can see the entire villa's beauty, soaking in the hot spring while enjoying the views. Most famous are the sunsets and evening glow by the infinity pool, almost iconic scenery here.
The environment in the Ancient Dian hot spring is like Kunming itself: ecological and beautiful. The springs are on the mountain, among forests, making it delightful to pass through the woods. On the walls, there are carvings depicting the civilization development of the Ancient Dian people, vividly presented for visitors to appreciate. There's an abundance of flowers, with many varieties.
On the way to the infinity pool, there was plenty of scenery to enjoy. The two-way steps allowed more visitors to pass without crowding. Hot spring water flowed naturally from the rocks, mist rising, giving a dreamy, fairyland-like feel. The greenery was excellent, and the paths were elegantly built. I especially liked how the hot spring water cascaded in tiers, creating a visually striking effect.
We had a buffet lunch inside the Ancient Dian hot spring. The restaurant was elegantly designed, quite high-end, and looked good. The buffet had a wide variety, with a reasonable mix of meat and vegetables. I found the taste acceptable; given the upscale setting, the price was fair.
After lunch, we went to Banshan Puyu in the Ancient Dian hot spring. From the outside, it looked very tranquil, like a secluded mountain retreat. The small pool had clear water with many lotus leaves, surrounded by trees, perfect for resting and relaxing.
Inside Banshan Puyu, I realized it was a place for tea ceremony and flower arrangement viewing. We were lucky to catch the 'Forest Elegance Gathering' session, so we joined. The tea ceremony girl demonstrated skilled tea making with very proficient movements; every detail was perfect. Even before the tea was ready, the fragrance wafted out, and the taste was wonderful and memorable.
The flower arrangement was also lovely. Different flowers were artfully placed in woven baskets, very tasteful, and the chosen varieties were well-coordinated, looking similar yet distinct. I'm not an expert, so I can only describe them as beautiful and fragrant.
For dinner, we had Western cuisine at Muyuntai, a very stylish place at the highest point, with glass walls all around and the infinity pool outside, offering great views. The interior decoration was exquisite.
The spot we chose was elegant, with soft lighting and comfortable seating. The window seat provided a better view of the outside.
The Western food was beautifully presented on distinctive plates, but of course taste matters most. I found it quite good and the portions were generous—I was stuffed. The Ancient Dian hot spring felt completely different from other hot springs I've visited, with very complete facilities. There was much I didn't get to see, due to time constraints.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Ancient Dian Hotel
I've always felt the Ancient Dian resort is like a town, complete with high-end hotels. On the last night, I chose the Crowne Plaza, very close to Happy World, to better enjoy the vacation and end the Kunming trip on a high note.
The Crowne Plaza's facilities and service are backed by a major brand, ensuring a great hotel experience.
The guest rooms are elegantly decorated, making the vacation mood even more delightful.
The room has a large balcony where you can sit and enjoy the cool breeze, watch the scenery, and relax. In fact, from the balcony, you can see the rides of Happy World. With luck, the view might include the beautiful Ferris wheel, the Eye of Dianchi.
Even the most enjoyable vacations must end. The pleasant journey makes one more reluctant to leave. This summer, I'm even more attached to the rich and wonderful times at Kunming's Colorful Yunnan Ancient Dian Town Resort. I hope to meet again next time!
