First Stop in Kunming: Experience the Rich and Colorful Ancient Dian Culture at Colorful Yunnan Ancient Dian Town

When traveling to Yunnan, most people choose to fly to Kunming as their first stop, explore Kunming first, and then fly to other cities, which is relatively convenient. So where would you choose as your first stop in Kunming? I'd pick the Colorful Yunnan Ancient Dian Town Resort. It integrates travel, vacation, entertainment, leisure, culture, cuisine, and wellness all in one, suitable for all ages—a truly fantastic choice.

Before the trip: Kunming weather is still summery, so it's quite sunny. Sun protection gear is a must—sunscreen and a hat. Lately it's also the rainy season, so don't forget an umbrella; it can shield you from both sun and rain. Summer clothes are the main attire, but it's wise to bring an extra thin long-sleeved jacket, as mornings and evenings can be rather cool.

Day 1: Flying from Guangzhou to Kunming

Upon arriving at Kunming Changshui International Airport, I immediately felt the spring-like perfect weather, and my mood was as sunny as the day. We headed straight to the Colorful Yunnan Ancient Dian Town Resort and checked into the Ancient Dian Resort Hotel. Our suite was well-equipped—kitchen, living room, large balcony... it felt just like home. The balcony offered sweeping views, perfect for taking in the scenery. We planned to stay here for three nights.

The resort hotel is located within the Retirement Town, with an extremely comfortable surrounding environment and very complete supporting facilities—supermarket, restaurants, hospital—everything you need. The area also has many wellness amenities, so coming here for a relaxing retirement would be an excellent choice.

For dinner, we walked to the nearby Yixin Garden Restaurant, which specializes in authentic Yunnan cuisine. Using fresh local ingredients, they cook a wide range of dishes with delicious flavors. The highlight was the braised beef brisket pot. First, sip a bowl of the rich and warming soup, then add fresh vegetables to soak up all that goodness—the taste will make you give a thumbs-up.

Day 2: Ancient Dian Fine Wetland Park

Today we mainly explored the Ancient Dian Fine Wetland Park, one of the core scenic areas of the Colorful Yunnan Ancient Dian Town Resort. Covering over 73 hectares, it serves as an ecological buffer for Dianchi Lake. The park is filled with lush trees, blooming flowers, birdsong, and wild charm. At the Boshuo Eight Thousand Collection · Ancient Dian Camp here, you can experience super fun and exciting activities. I couldn't resist trying rock climbing, kayaking, and live-action CS.

Rock climbing may look easy, but it's actually quite challenging! It really tests your physical fitness, especially arm strength—my arms felt sore and weak afterwards. Judgment is also key, as you need to plan each step up. But what tested me the most was coming down. Inexperienced and a bit timid, I couldn't descend as effortlessly as the coach; I had to slowly climb down instead of sliding coolly, haha. Rock climbing truly builds willpower and courage. Parents can bring their kids to give it a try.

Next, I tried kayaking, which felt much easier compared to rock climbing. It's mostly about balance. As long as you follow the coach's instructions carefully, there's no need to worry about capsizing. Paddling gently toward the middle of the lake, you can also enjoy the scenery along the way—so relaxing.

Live-action CS is also worth experiencing, especially for teams. When we went, a large group was there for team-building, and they seemed to be having a blast. So we joined in and got that real-life 'chicken dinner' thrill.

At noon, we had a barbecue and a whole roast lamb right at the camp. After all that gaming, sitting around grilling and chatting was really joyful.

Actually, there are many more activities—tent camping, balance bikes, an astronomy museum—something for men, women, young, and old. One day was definitely not enough!

It rained a little in the afternoon, but it didn't dampen our spirits. After the passing shower, we went on an Ancient Dian painted pleasure boat ride. Forty-six classical painted boats docked at the Ancient Dian Yihai Grand Pier—already a beautiful scene in itself.

Personally, I preferred the Dianhai Fishing Boat. Sitting in the small open boat with a wide view, drifting across the lake, a gentle breeze in my face, enjoying the scenery on both banks. Fish occasionally leaped out of the water, flowers and birds were everywhere, and in the distance stood a giant Ferris wheel. It felt like sailing through a fairy tale world.

As dusk approached, we went to the best viewpoint—the Visitor Service Center observation deck. There you can take in the full expanse of Dianchi Lake and admire the hazy beauty of the Western Hills at sunset.

For dinner, we ate at another restaurant next to the hotel, tasting Yunnan's signature Peacock Feast. The presentation was stunning—a rich assortment of ingredients arranged on a large bamboo tray like a peacock displaying its feathers. Every dish was a local specialty, from meats to veggies, and even fried insects—truly unique.

Day 3: Colorful Yunnan Happy World

Today was spent entirely at Colorful Yunnan Happy World. Since spotting the enormous Ferris wheel yesterday, I'd been looking forward to this place. It's definitely the must-visit amusement park in Kunming, with 81 rides and attractions, featuring world-class equipment and themed with Yunnan's local characteristics.

If you arrive early, you can catch a wonderful opening welcome dance. But don't worry if you miss it—inside the park, besides thrilling rides, there are nonstop performances all day long to keep visitors entertained.

As you enter, the Eye of Dianchi Lake—a giant peacock-patterned Ferris wheel standing 108 meters tall—immediately catches your eye. From the top, you can overlook the entire Colorful Yunnan Ancient Dian Town Resort. I suggest riding the Ferris wheel first to get a sense of where everything is, then choose your favorite attractions to explore.

There are two signature roller coasters: the Elephant Play Dragon and the Snow Eagle Wide Wing. Brave souls must try them. We rode both, and they were incredibly thrilling—you can scream at the top of your lungs and release all your stress.

There are many other fun themed attractions: the Flying Cinema's 'Flying Over Colorful Yunnan', Tiger Leaping Gorge Rapids, Twin Towers Space Shot, Primordial Stone Hammer... all inspired by Yunnan features and well worth trying.

The park offers continuous spectacular shows in different areas. The Midsummer Carnival Parade starts at 3:30 p.m. and circles the entire park. Be sure to grab a park map when you enter and do a bit of planning—it makes your experience even more enjoyable.

In the evening, we headed in front of the Ancient Dian Stunt Theater. On weekends, a Midsummer Beer Carnival is held there—great food, beer, and performances.

The nighttime entertainment is also rich: a bonfire party at the Main Gate Square, a drone show beside the Eye of Dianchi Lake, and a fireworks display at the park's main entrance. One wonderful show after another.

Address: Huanhu South Road, Jinning District, Kunming, Yunnan, inside Colorful Yunnan Ancient Dian Town, Colorful Yunnan Happy World

Monday to Thursday, full day/10:00-21:00

Friday, full day/10:00-22:00, evening session/18:00-22:00

Saturday to Sunday, full day/9:30-22:00, evening session/18:00-22:00

Ticket prices: single day 185 RMB, two days 245 RMB, evening session 99 RMB

Day 4: Ancient Dian Dora Cute Pet Paradise, Ancient Dian Mid-Hill Hot Spring Hotel

Animal lovers will adore this place—Ancient Dian Dora Cute Pet Paradise. With so many adorable and gentle animals, both adults and kids love it here. It's especially great for family outings.

The best part is interacting with the animals and feeding them under staff guidance. The silly alpacas love carrots the most; you can use a carrot to lure them into posing for photos.

The black-headed sheep are goofy and cute too; they're especially greedy and will follow you around begging for food.

There are also many other lovely animals: miniature pigs, bunnies, raccoons (crumbly faces)... spending time here is utterly healing.

In the afternoon, we headed to the nearby Ancient Dian Mid-Hill Hot Spring Hotel, ready to relax in the health-boosting hot springs—a perfect place to unwind. Before bathing, we visited the Banshan Puyu Teahouse for tea and experienced flower arranging. The environment was elegant and serene. Following the teacher's guidance, I calmed my mind and learned flower arrangement, gaining not just a beautiful basket but also a relaxed mood.

After the flower arranging, a light drizzle fell and the temperature dropped, making it even better for a hot spring soak. The hot spring water here is drawn from 2,622 meters underground, rich in beneficial minerals that beautify the skin.

The hot spring area is divided into four zones, with a total of 72 forested pools and 36 private villas with their own hot spring, each pool offering different therapeutic benefits.

At the mountaintop is an infinity pool called Qiongtai Bathing Pool, where you can enjoy the hot spring while taking in the ancient Dian scenery.

Next to the Qiongtai Bathing Pool is Muyuntai Restaurant. After our soak, we dined here. The restaurant's advantage is its hilltop location—you can feast on both the view and the food. I especially loved the steak and pumpkin soup. Enjoying a meal after a hot spring bath was pure bliss.

On this final night, we stayed at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, a relatively luxurious star-rated hotel. Every corner of its decor and layout was exquisite and grand, and the service was attentive and thoughtful.

The room was spacious and bright, with a huge and comfortable bed, a large bathtub, and a big balcony—all adding to a sense of happiness. After several days of fun, we were a bit tired, so this hotel was a perfect fit for the last night of our trip.

The next day, we left Kunming reluctantly. Yunnan, with its spring-like climate, pleasant weather, and picturesque scenery, is a place everyone yearns for. The Colorful Yunnan Ancient Dian Town Resort is a rare comprehensive holiday destination in Kunming. I hope we can come again someday and delve even deeper into the rich and colorful ancient Dian culture.

I'm Wonder Wanwan, sharing fresh and beautiful things.

Follow me and let's go play together~

Travel · Explore · Cuisine · Beautiful Things