Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Kunming 2020: Latest 3-Day Self-Guided Travel Guide, Nanping Pedestrian Street Hotel Recommendations, Best Youth Hostels Ranking

The scorching summer is about to pass, and the 'Autumn Tiger' (late summer heat) is on its way. The weather turns cool in the blink of an eye. Facing the recent changeable weather and the upcoming holiday, would you like to visit a city with gentle breezes and spring-like weather all year round, to enjoy this rare relaxing vacation?

Kunming, as the 'Spring City,' attracts tourists from all over the world every year with its pleasant weather. Hereby, I attach a local travel guide to let you experience the gentle Spring City in advance.

【Stone Forest Scenic Area (Kunming)】

Located in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming, the Yunnan Stone Forest is known for its various shapes of stone forest landscapes and has been rated as a 'World Geopark' and 'World Natural Heritage' by UNESCO. The scenic area is divided into various themed zones. Experience the unique and diverse 'Stonehenge' of China.

Here you can experience the unique 'Karst landform' of the subtropical plateau. Immerse yourself in the jagged rocks and diverse stone forest scenery.

【Dianchi Lake Scenic Area】

The resort area is divided into nine functional zones: comprehensive service area, resort villa area, golf course, modern amusement park, large freshwater beach bathing area, ethnic cultural park, fishing base, water entertainment center, and rare animal viewing area. The scenic area is built as a comprehensive entertainment zone integrating 'food, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment,' meeting all your travel needs. Here you can enjoy a one-stop experience.

【Alu Scenic Area】

This scenic area is a great deal, encompassing more than 50 various attractions. The core area, Alu Ancient Cave, is known as 'the No.1 Cave in Yunnan.' Inside the cave, there are four breathtaking natural wonders: the sudden appearance of Buddha's light, the divine creation, the ancient cave sea of clouds, and the phantom water scenery. It is rare to see such diverse landscapes gathered in one place.

Tips: This scenic area is adjacent to the famous Stone Forest Scenic Area, with numerous surrounding attractions. You can plan your route in advance to avoid backtracking and manage your time wisely.

【Colorful Yunnan Scenic Area】

Legend says that when Zhuge Liang captured Meng Huo for the first time, a colorful auspicious cloud appeared in the sky. Zhuge Liang thought it was a sign from heaven that he needed to capture Meng Huo seven times to truly win the hearts of the locals. Hence the story of 'Seven Captures of Meng Huo' and the term 'Colorful Yunnan.' Today, it is a large-scale comprehensive tourist destination integrating sightseeing, leisure, dining, and shopping.

You can make this your last stop. After enjoying all the scenery, immerse yourself in the local historical and cultural atmosphere to deepen your understanding of the area.

【Jiaozi Snow Mountain】

Jiaozi Snow Mountain is the highest mountain in central Yunnan, named after its peak resembling a 'sedan chair.' It consists of Jiaozi Mountain, Qiwang Mountain, Dongying Mountain, Guanyin Mountain, etc. It is a typical mountain glacial landform in central Yunnan. You can experience the majestic grandeur of nature here.

Tips: Due to individual physical differences, you may experience altitude sickness. If you go, be sure to bring oxygen and other protective measures.

Flower cake (Xianhua Bing) is a specialty snack in Kunming. It is made from unique roses, flour, honey, and other ingredients, baked into a distinctive pastry. Flower cakes can be found in streets and alleys all over Kunming. Freshly baked flower cakes emit a faint rose fragrance that is very tempting. You can follow the scent to find them.

【Assorted Cold Rice Noodles (Shijin Liang Mixian)】

Assorted cold rice noodles are very famous in Kunming. In summer and autumn, many snack shops serve this dish. It has many toppings and ingredients, combining sour, spicy, numbing, sweet, and fragrant flavors, with a smooth texture. Traditional Yunnan-style platters often use assorted cold rice noodles as a base, topped with 'five-color ingredients,' making it a colorful treat.

Bamboo Tube Chicken (Zhu Tong Ji) is a local delicacy. Almost every local can make this dish. Cooking food in bamboo tubes gives it a fragrant and delicious flavor. Bamboo tube chicken combines the sweetness of chicken with the freshness of green bamboo. Its unique preparation makes it very representative. It is suitable for both young and old.

Recommended locations: Guanshang Zhonglu Food Street, Xiba Road Food Street, Beijing Road Food Street, Sanshi Road Food Street, etc.

【Dajiaoshi International Youth Hostel (Kunming)】

Dajiaoshi International Youth Hostel is close to the city center, with buses and subways directly to major attractions (Dianchi Lake, Xishan, Yunnan Ethnic Village, Daguan Tower) nearby. The convenient transportation network offers many options, so you don't have to worry about catching a bus at a specific time.

This is also a food lover's paradise. A 3-minute walk takes you to Daguan Night Market and snack streets, as well as Kunming's largest market, 'Zhuanxin Agricultural Market.' This market gathers various Kunming old-brand foods, fresh fruits from Yunnan, lamb rice noodles, tofu rice noodles, Dai-style chicken feet, etc., all in one stop. It is said that shop owners often invite friends from around the world to buy groceries and cook together, sharing world cuisines. Due to the pandemic, there are fewer international friends this year, but the atmosphere is still great.

The small bar hidden in the courtyard is also a highlight of this hostel. Here you can experience a 'romantic and leisurely' lifestyle and compete in drinking with 'energetic lads' from outside. Of course, the atmosphere is still good during the day; you can relax here, read a book, and enjoy the afternoon sun.

The owner said that Henry Lau once performed here! What a fantastic hostel! Ahhh! I'm so envious.

Actually, my favorite is this small balcony. Although a bit simple, everyone can sit here and chat freely. The environment is really good.

As a cat lover, I just can't move when I see cats. The owner happens to have two very cute cats. One is a bit shy, so please interact kindly.

Ahem, a bit official. According to the owner, as an 'official member of the International Youth Hostel Federation,' Dajiaoshi not only pursues comfort for backpackers but also strives to provide a 'home away from home' experience for friends from all over the world, promoting exchange among travelers. The dormitory rooms facilitate interaction while also focusing on privacy, so no worries.

In the courtyard public space, you can play ball games, organize Werewolf games, drink at the bar, chat in groups, watch movies indoors, or sunbathe in the courtyard. Based on my observation, this hostel integrates a cinema, bar, dining bar, and entertainment bar into one.

PS: The staff at the hostel are also energetic and lovely, and they will take you to participate in various recreational activities.

That's all for today's sharing. The charm of Kunming is more than this. Looking forward to your visit!