May Joy Always Be by Your Side | Colorful Yunnan · Ancient Dian Town (Ultimate Complete Guide)

📍 Kunming · 👁 6 reads · ❤️ 156 likes

When I was a child, if I felt down, I’d always head to the amusement park, and every worry would vanish.

Back then, our troubles came fast but faded just as quickly.

Growing up, the things that bother us only multiply.

So here in this sweltering summer, come wander around Kunming with me.

Like being a kid again, step into a world of joy and let your cares fall away.

Will you stumble into a realm of magic, or bump into a romantic tale?

Will you embark on an outdoor adventure, or lose yourself in a cute pet paradise?

.........

Our journey is just beginning.

Day 1: Boshi · Eight Thousand Collections Camp, Dora Cute Pet Park

Day 2: Gudian Hot Spring Villa, Gudian Mid-Mountain Hot Spring Hotel (private hot spring villa)

Day 3: Colorful Yunnan · Happy World

When I was little, I loved going to the amusement park, standing on the swings and swaying back and forth, riding the romantic Ferris wheel—a feeling like no other. Arriving at Colorful Yunnan · Happy World felt just like finding that childhood feeling again. Laughing and fooling around with my bestie, getting lost in a folk performance, screaming our heads off on high-altitude rides, snapping gorgeous photos—it was a wild, effortless joy.

Colorful Yunnan · Happy World is a major part of the "Colorful Yunnan · Ancient Dian Town" tourism resort in Kunming, Yunnan, and has become a new landmark for the city. Blending the unique traits of the Dai, Yi, and other ethnic minorities, drawing on Yunnan’s natural landscapes and cultural resources, it created the world’s first Dian-culture-themed park, offering a cultural experience themed park to the world.

"Ancient Dian", "ethnicity", and "landscape" are its three cultural veins. Yunnan’s distinctive customs merge with modern trends to create seven themed zones: Four-Season Flower Sea, Phantom Dian Wonderland, Dian Army Camp, Vientiane Tribe, Frost Moon Cold Land, Primordial Secret Realm, and Children’s Dream World.

Flowers bloom all year round. Before you even see their soft forms, you’re intoxicated by their fragrance. It feels like blossoms are forever in full bloom here, keeping you company through every season. Yunnan, the capital of flowers, adorns every zone with its year-round blooms.

And this peacock sculpture stands guard. This floral landscape with the peacock as its totem marks the start of the "Four-Season Flower Sea"—one of the seven themed areas—and embodies one of our most vivid imaginations of the ancient Dian Kingdom.

From a distance, I was captivated by the giant colorful Ferris wheel. It freezes romance and the beauty of Dianchi Lake in our memories. Riding it gives a bird’s-eye view of the whole park. As the sun dips, you’ll see the golden shimmer of Dianchi Lake and the Western Hills in the distance. How romantic can that be!

This romantic Ferris wheel is also called the Eye of Dianchi. Legend says each cabin holds a love lock, and lovers who step inside will be locked together forever. How lovely.

Stepping into the Eye of Dianchi’s cabin, as the door closes and it slowly rises, it’s as if all your beautiful memories and the entire Happy World view are locked inside. At the highest point, your heart gives a tiny flutter, like the electric spark of love. All the views unfold before you—a radiant pearl sparkling by the shore of Dianchi.

Snow Eagle Wide-Wing Roller Coaster

An escape-style coaster—the Snow Eagle Wide-Wing Roller Coaster might be the most thrilling ride I’ve ever tried. It flips 360 degrees, like a conversation with your own body you’ve never had before. In the twists, you feel your body’s delicate, uncontrollable movements; your legs involuntarily fling out, and every time you pass under an arch, you swear you’re going to get hit, as if your legs are no longer your own. But of course, that’s just a sensation.

Elephant Play Dragon Roller Coaster

Shot out like a bullet at 105 km/h, that push-back sensation gives you the thrill of launch in screams. This is true speed and passion.

This time, I mustered up all my courage for both coasters. The Elephant Play Dragon is faster than the Snow Eagle. As my friend and I sat in our seats, moments before the start, we muttered to each other, “I’m feeling kind of chicken, I want to back out.” While we were still debating, the coaster launched. It was so fast we barely had time to react; all we remembered was a scream, and just like that, we were back where we started. As if all our hesitation had been answered in a flash.

Phantom Dian Wonderland is themed around southern Yunnan scenery, featuring the star attraction "Tiger Leaping Gorge Splash". Yunnan’s distinctive elements are everywhere.

Famous for its double-drop, the Tiger Leaping Gorge Splash is a must-do in the park. Ride the wind and waves, and amid the ups and downs, feel the deep ancient Dian culture’s longing for the waves.

This was one I absolutely loved, and everyone who’s seen it raves about it. It took three years of aerial filming to capture Yunnan’s mountains and rivers, taking you soaring over breathtaking landscapes of high peaks, gorges, rivers, and lakes.

Double-Tower Space Shot | Weightlessness — that thrill we all secretly crave and fear

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Take this Double-Tower Space Shot, for instance. It offers both extreme upward acceleration and rapid free-fall. Supposedly imported from the US, one tower shoots you upwards for a super-gravity rush; the other drops you for a stomach-flipping freefall. Maybe it’s that thrill we all secretly desire yet fear.

Happy World Colorful Train, a fairytale journey begins

To me, the Colorful Train in the park is like the cat bus in Totoro, heading toward happiness and adventure. The train line runs through the entire park, letting you hop on and off at different stations. Miyazaki decorated his train with Totoro; here, peacocks carry us away.

Riding the train feels like embarking on a magical journey, gliding through Colorful Yunnan · Happy World with a stunning aerial perspective of the park.

The Colorful Train is wonderfully thoughtful. For girls like me lugging heavy cameras, shooting while playing can be exhausting, and that fatigue can ruin the fun. This train completely eliminates any worry about that. I think it’s equally considerate for the elderly and kids. It blends harmoniously into the surroundings, capturing the natural charm of Happy World, and lets you unwind on a relaxing train ride with soothing music.

Besides rides, the Happy World offers many timed shows and roving performances throughout the day. A few are well worth catching, each lasting about half an hour.

The water show "Peacock Princess" is an evening performance. It’s based on a thousand-year-old Dai narrative poem, the nationally listed intangible cultural heritage piece "Zhaoshutun".

Perhaps nighttime is made for romance and always linked with love. The love story of the prince and princess, the magical frontier scenery, and the colorful ethnic customs have captivated countless viewers, becoming a shared beautiful memory and artistic inspiration for generations.

The poem is profound, ancient Dai melodies are hauntingly melodious, the classic legend stirs the soul, and the spectacular water show unfolds—when a love story travels across a thousand years, it transforms into a mega multimedia water extravaganza, "Peacock Princess".

Even after seeing so many shows, this night, in moods alternating between lush opulence, majestic grandeur, and tender beauty, left a lingering aftertaste.

There’s also a "Gudian Special Effects Theater" with a strong Ancient Dian character. When tired from playing during the day, you can watch "The Epic of Ancient Dian" here.

Based on ancient Dian cultural elements and themed around "ancient Dian warfare", it creates a raw "primitive sense" and a historical "time-travel feel". Combined with stage mechanical effects, equestrian shows, martial arts, wire-flying stunts, and water performances, it delivers a thrilling, climactic ancient battle spectacular.

All of Yunnan’s ethnic minorities are known for "dancing as soon as they can walk, singing as soon as they can talk." Next to Vientiane Tribe, there’s an ethnic grand theater where you can see artistic performances from various groups—a bewitching, enchanting Yunnan folk song-and-dance show.

The parades in Happy World are also spectacular, blending Yunnan’s natural scenery, ethnic minority culture, and unique ancient Dian elements. Following the procession feels like stepping into a wondrous journey—full of passion, fervor, and vitality—a carnival feast for the eyes and ears.

There’s just so much to see, and now is the "Midsummer Carnival Season". The Midsummer Hot Dance Stage features Wild Kenya, Charming Russia, Fiery Colombia, Ethnic Welcome Dance, Dai-style Summer, Colorful Ethnic Rhythms, and the Midsummer Carnival Parade. No matter where you wander in the park, it’s bound to light your fire.

There’s also the Midsummer Passion Beer Bash and the Midsummer Bonfire Carnival Party. Hot songs, sultry dances, and beer contests keep the energy soaring.

A crowd gathered around the bonfire ignites the summer and stirs everyone’s hearts. This moment is pure poetry, a dream of romance. Even after the park closed and I watched the fireworks show, near 11 p.m., I still longed for more—another innocent, joyful day of childlike delight.

Dianwang Restaurant: Right opposite the Beer Bash, specializing in Yunnan and Dian cuisine. Around 58 yuan per person.

BBQ Tribe: Various Dai-style skewers, honestly recommended.

Address: Colorful Yunnan · Happy World is a star attraction in the Colorful Yunnan · Ancient Dian Town resort, about 50 km from Kunming’s main city.

Self-drive: Follow Huanhu East Road all the way south. Bus: From the city, take bus K31 or 942.

Tickets: Adult: 198 yuan; Child/Senior: 118 yuan; University student (advance booking required): 170 yuan. Buy a day ahead for discounts. Annual passes are also available.

At the mountaintop infinity pool of "Gudian Hot Spring Villa", wait for the sunset. The Ferris wheel slowly turns in golden light, and Dianchi Lake in the evening glow is exceptionally tender and romantic.

It’s the divine soup by Dianchi’s shore, gathering the spirits of mountains and sea, like a heavenly health-preserving spring. In the glow of sundown, gaze at where water and sky meld into one.

At Colorful Yunnan · Happy World, play like a child and revel in passionate joy; at Gudian Hot Spring Villa, the hot springs calm our spirits.

Supremely soft and kind, as if ice and snow have become supple skin—hot springs are the top choice for wellness and relaxation. There are bath lovers all over the world, but for the most delightful hot spring experience in Yunnan, you must come to "Gudian Hot Spring Villa".

The afternoon tea at Muyuntai Restaurant is a real treat for girls. When floating desserts and red wine meet the Ferris wheel and sunset, it’s a tiny anticipation of romance and heartiness.

"Gudian Hot Spring Villa" inherits the traditional culture of the ancient Dian Kingdom, original Yunnan folk customs, and bronze culture. Moreover, unlike artificial urban hot springs, it taps the Zhaoyang natural hot spring buried 2,622 meters underground (rich in metasilicic acid, lithium, sodium, calcium, zinc, and other trace elements). Soaking in artificial springs can’t match the wellness effects of natural geothermal water.

There are pools themed on hidden realms, like Zhaoyang Spring, Ox and Tiger Pool, Standing Peacock Pool… as well as health-themed pools such as Tianma (Gastrodia) Pool, Yunnan Herbal Pool, Camellia Pool…

It blends hot spring bathing, wellness, and ancient Dian culture together. Four themed zones—Gudian Secret Realm, Cloud Flower Fragrance Path, Tea Zen Heart, and Jade Terrace Elixir—each have their own charm while preserving the beauty of the natural ecology.

Winding paths lead through secluded spots, streams babble gently, and greenery and blossoms envelop the hot springs. The scenery varies with each season, making the enjoyment endless. Truly a luxurious feast of a hot spring spa.

In addition to the spa, there are bathing suites, a thermal swimming complex, health massages, aromatherapy treatments, wellness foot baths, plus dining, chess and card rooms, a cinema, a gym, and many other services. It’s the ultimate relaxation and indulgence on a journey.

"Rosy clouds are for resting and bathing; each season has its own mood."

The quintessential Yunnan light-luxury resort hot spring hotel,

one villa, one courtyard, one private hot spring.

Midway up the hill at Gudian Hot Spring Villa, there’s the Gudian Mid-Mountain Hot Spring Hotel. A total of 36 hot spring villas, built along the mountain and carved by the water, as if made by nature. They roughly come in three types: two-bedroom with courtyard, two-bedroom suite with courtyard, and single-bedroom with courtyard.

Each villa has a private garden, a natural hot spring pool, a spa treatment room and sauna, plus an independent parking spot—you can drive right up.

In addition to soaking in your own courtyard hot spring, you also enjoy access to the 72 outdoor forest hot springs and the temperature-controlled swimming pool within the hot spring villa complex.

We stayed in the Yunshan Pavilion Two-Bedroom Hot Spring Villa, which includes four breakfasts. Besides being perfect for couples and families, it’s also wonderful for a few close friends to gather and have fun.

Afternoon tea was a Dai-style hand-grabbed rice feast. Soaking while casually snacking, with Dianchi Lake and the Ferris wheel in the distance—what a blissful afternoon.

Though there are many different pools, don’t be greedy and soak too long. It’s recommended to soak about 20–30 minutes each time. Longer soaks can cause dizziness and fatigue. If you feel thirsty or tight-chested, rest by the poolside or drink some fluids. For those with specific health conditions, be sure to consult the service staff and follow their professional advice before choosing the most suitable pool. Also, gradually adjust to the water temperature before entering to avoid discomfort.

I. Self-drive routes:

1. Kunming city center – Kunyu Expressway – (exit at Fuyou toll gate) – Laokunluo Highway toward Chenggong – Zhongguang Highway – Huanhu Highway – Colorful Yunnan · Ancient Dian Town (about 35 km);

2. Kunming city center – Huanhu East Road – Huanhu South Road – Colorful Yunnan · Ancient Dian Town (slightly longer).

II. Bus routes:

1. Near Juhua Interchange, there are direct minibuses to Jincheng, about 1 hour’s journey;

2. Xinluoshwan Bus Hub (Southern Bus Terminal) – Jincheng: take bus C4A for 8 stops, get off at Fukang Intersection and transfer to bus 14 to Jincheng. Other options: C4 line for 8 stops, transfer to 14; 170 line for 8 stops, transfer to 11; 177 line for 11 stops, transfer to 14; 221A line for 13 stops, transfer to 14;

3. Jincheng – Ancient Dian Town: take a taxi.

For little ones, nurturing a proper understanding of the relationship between people, nature, and animals from an early age is incredibly meaningful.

At Kunming Gudian Dora Cute Pet Park, we found that meaning. Prairie dogs dig their burrows, little white rabbits munch contentedly on grass, alpacas smile at you, and peacocks wander by your side.

It creates an ecological, harmonious, and edutainment-filled natural space for children. Staff also provide information about the animals’ habits and more.

The park has 17 play areas including Squirrel Tribe, Blacknose Sheep Alliance, Kangaroo Hamlet, Capybara Hot Spring, Sheep Herding Show, Hobbit Street, Alpaca Ranch, and Safari Strip, featuring nearly 300 adorable animals.

Opening hours: 10:00–18:00.

Tickets: Adult 75 yuan; Child 48 yuan; Parent-child (one adult + one child) 118 yuan; Family (two adults + one child) 188 yuan.

Ticket types: Type 1 – Kunming Dora Cute Pet Park Summer Special General Admission (adult) ×1; Type 2 – Kunming Dora Cute Pet Park Summer Special Family Package (2 adults + 1 child) ×1.

Tickets do not include animal-feeding, dining purchases, souvenir purchases, or other secondary consumption items.

Children above 80 cm need a ticket like adults.

Location: Colorful Yunnan · Ancient Dian Town, Jinning District, Kunming, Yunnan, Gudian Dora Cute Pet Park.

Transport: Bus K38 to Ma’anshan North Station, then a 1.1 km walk.

Come with me to the Eight Thousand Collections Camp, pitch a tent, and watch the sunset; then have an outdoor survival training session.

Rock climbing, rope skills (SRT), dirt track cycling (balance bikes, BMX), kayaking, wilderness survival, and other outdoor skill trainings—you can experience all these at the Eight Thousand Collections Camp in Kunming’s Ancient Dian Town.

Walking into the camp, you’ll see a container-style building; that’s the climbing gym. There are routes for advanced climbers and ones perfect for kids.

My first time trying this block-type climbing, I felt completely out of my depth, but that just made me even more determined to train.

Sports unleash potential and open up endless play possibilities.

Location: Inside Colorful Yunnan, Jinning District, Kunming, Yunnan, Boshi·Eight Thousand Collections Camp

Opening hours: Year-round 08:00–19:00

Kunming Ancient Dian Town Crowne Plaza Hotel

The hotel’s service and facilities are reassuring, being a high-end brand under the InterContinental Hotels Group. It features a sumptuous buffet, a temperature-controlled pool, a gym, courts, and more.

Overlooking the Western Hills and boasting gorgeous Dianchi scenery, right next to the unique theme park Colorful Yunnan · Happy World, it blends eco-landscapes with leisure and entertainment.

Beyond scenic rooms, it also features super-cute family rooms and thoughtful pet-friendly rooms, a great convenience for pet owners. Automatic water dispensers, pet toilets, sofas... it’s all incredibly considerate.

All pet rooms are on the same floor, with a small garden so even big dogs won’t lack a spot to make friends.

The hotel is right beside Colorful Yunnan · Happy World and super close to all attractions.

Enjoy a five-star quality buffet at the all-day dining restaurant Dianchi 1887 on the ground floor: fresh seafood, sashimi, steaks, lamb chops, BBQ, desserts, and a multitude of snacks. Whatever your taste, you’ll be satisfied here.

Location: No. 18 Huanhu South Road, Kunming

Transport: About a 40–60-minute taxi ride from the airport.

Gudian Holiday Hotel

The hotel is within the Ancient Dian Town resort complex, very close to Happy World and the wetlands. The environment is lovely, with Chinese and European architectural styles to choose from—also very photogenic.

Room types range from standard, superior, family, to residential-style. The moment you walk into a room, it feels warm, just like home.

Rooms come with a kitchen, perfect for cooking if you feel like it; it’s an ideal choice for family trips.

Family rooms are beautifully designed, laden with toys, and include special toiletries for kids—very thoughtful.

If you’re craving authentic Yunnan flavors, don’t miss the Yixinyuan Restaurant here, guaranteed to please your picky palate.

There’s a free shuttle bus circulating right outside the hotel, covering the entire resort area, including all scenic spots and hotels. Buses run every hour on weekdays and every half hour on weekends.

Location: No. 18 Huanhu South Road, Kunming

Time at Colorful Yunnan · Ancient Dian Town flew by.

If you ask me what left the deepest impression,

I’d tell you, “Joy is always by your side.”

Travelogue Contents

1. Introduction

2. Itinerary

3. Colorful Yunnan · Happy World | Joy Always by Your Side

4. Unmissable Show 1: Water Spectacle "Peacock Princess"

5. Unmissable Show 2: "The Epic of Ancient Dian"

6. Unmissable Show 3: Ethnic Theater "Colorful Yunnan"

7. Ancient Dian Grand Parade