Uncover the Enchanting Yunnan at the Colorful Yunnan Ancient Dian Town Resort
Are you eager to escape the city’s clamor and find a spiritual haven? Then the Colorful Yunnan Ancient Dian Town Resort is absolutely the place. Here, rich cultural heritage blends with refreshing natural scenery and delightful theme park experiences.
If you’re planning a winter getaway but still undecided, I strongly recommend Kunming, the Spring City. With brilliant sunshine, clear blue skies, and daytime temperatures near 20°C, it’s warm, comfortable, and perfect for a winter holiday.
I’ve heard that during the Spring Festival, the Colorful Yunnan Ancient Dian Town Resort puts on vibrant activities and experiences. Come to Kunming, come to Ancient Dian – enjoy a warm winter vacation and a lively Spring Festival!
For the Colorful Yunnan Happy World, try to arrive early in the morning and be among the first to enter. You can stay at the nearby Ancient Dian Resort Hotel or the Crowne Plaza Ancient Dian Town. From the hotel, take a double-decker bus according to the shuttle timetable to reach the Colorful Yunnan Happy World. The entire Happy World is made up of seven themed zones: Wonderland of Childhood Dreams, Four Seasons Flower Garden, Fantastic Yunnan Wonderland, Dian Army Camp, Myriad Tribes, Frost Moon Cold Continent, and the Primeval Realm. There are also spectacular performances throughout the day, like the Grand Ethnic Theater, Ancient Dian Stunt Arena, and float parades. As soon as you step into the park, you’ll be drawn to the giant Ferris wheel – the 108-meter-tall “Eye of Dianchi,” which offers views of the whole Ancient Dian area. Riding the wheel as it slowly rises is incredibly romantic. The city noise gradually fades away, replaced by an unprecedented stillness. At the very top, you feel as if you can touch the sky. In that moment, all worries and troubles seem insignificant.
The park boasts 81 rides, bringing together the best of the world’s top amusement equipment. Mega-attractions like the Snow Eagle Wide-Wing Roller Coaster, Elephant Play Dragon Coaster, and Double-Tower Space Shot perfectly blend local culture with modern technology.
The Elephant Play Dragon Coaster is even faster than the Snow Eagle Wide-Wing Coaster. Sitting in your seat, your heart races and your palms sweat before departure, tension building. As the car climbs slowly, it feels like the whole world is spreading out beneath you. Then suddenly it plunges down, wind roaring past your ears – you feel as though you might be thrown right out. Your heart leaps into your throat, and the world seems frozen. Next come tight turns and inversions, as if an invisible force grips you, spinning you between sky and earth. Every twist and flip brings unprecedented thrills and excitement, and your heart fills with exhilaration and satisfaction.
If you want to take in the beauty of Dianchi Lake, try the Sky Flight ride. It combines spinning, lifting, and tilting. As the umbrella-shaped disc and central turntable rotate in an offset motion, the tower rises smoothly while the disc sways, making the flying chairs undulate like waves. You’ll feel like you’re soaring high, enjoying a stunning, boundless view.
The varied shows are a highlight of the Colorful Yunnan Happy World. More than ten performances – shows, songs, dances, and film-style stunt shows – run continuously every day. The most iconic is undoubtedly the “Ancient Dian Epic.” This spectacular live-action stunt show is set against the backdrop of wars between the ancient Dian Kingdom and neighboring tribes over 2,000 years ago. Watching the immersive stunt performance, I felt as if I had traveled back to an ancient, mysterious world. The whole production is rooted in Ancient Dian culture, using superb skills and grand staging to recreate the heroism and legends of that era.
As stirring music swells, warriors in armor carrying weapons stride onto the stage with majestic airs. Their extraordinary martial arts skills and seamless teamwork create heart-stirring battle scenes. Every clash of blades, every fierce duel made my blood rush – I was transported to those ancient, war-torn battlefields.
Beyond the intense fighting, the show is packed with breathtaking stunts. Performers fly through the air on wires, displaying astonishing aerial feats. There are also thrilling horseback performances, with riders executing daring moves atop galloping horses, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
Throughout the show, sound, lighting, and stage sets are perfectly coordinated. Lights shift with the rhythm of the music, creating different moods and settings. The powerful sound effects make you feel truly present. Exquisite stage sets recreate the look and culture of the Ancient Dian era. The entire performance isn’t just a feast for eyes and ears; it’s nourishment for the soul. It made me feel the weight of human history and the profundity of culture.
If you’re with children, head to the Wonderland of Childhood Dreams – kids will absolutely love it. The area is filled with colorful cartoon buildings, houses made of cake, and a pool sprinkled with candy. This is a magical world for little ones, with 11 attractions that can easily occupy them for half a day.
This big kid also tried the spinning teacups. Slowly twirling, I felt a long-lost childlike joy bubble up. Once moving, the teacups spin to the rhythm of the music. As I spun, all worries and stress seemed to vanish, and I just enjoyed that fleeting freedom and delight.
Food: Come lunchtime, there are plenty of restaurants right inside the park. We ate at the Yunnan Little Knife Duck Restaurant, which features Yiliang’s specialty young duck from the central Yunnan granary. Raised for just 40 days, they’re coated with local honey and roasted until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender, juicy, and sweet. There’s also Yunnan clay pot rice with Xuanwei ham, Dongchuan red-soil potatoes, and soft rice from Kaiyuan’s Wolong Valley. Slow-cooked, every grain absorbs the ham’s aroma, mingling with the delightful, grainy potatoes – absolutely delicious, not to be missed.
[Spring Festival Themed Activities] During Spring Festival, the Colorful Yunnan Happy World will also host activities brimming with festive New Year spirit.
As soon as you enter the Colorful Yunnan Happy World, you’ll be enveloped by a strong festive atmosphere. Colorful lanterns hang high, illuminating the entire park and adding a warm glow to the cold winter days. Decorations with Spring Festival elements line the pathways, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a dreamy fairy tale world.
The rides, too, are dressed in holiday finery. These carefully arranged decorations not only offer visual delight but also let you feel the warmth and joy of the Spring Festival.
Of course there will be traditional performances, letting visitors soak up the lively holiday vibe; children can experience the charm of traditional culture; and vibrant activities let everyone share in the fun of the New Year.
Spending Spring Festival at the Colorful Yunnan Happy World is like a full-sensory feast for the eyes, ears, and touch. Here, you’ll find laughter and cheerful bustle, as well as warm, happy family moments.
Ancient Dian Hot Spring Villa
Leaving the Colorful Yunnan Happy World, I headed to the Ancient Dian Hot Spring Villa. Built against the mountains, this villa boasts a beautiful environment and fresh air. It has 108 hot spring pools of different styles and benefits, letting you fully relax body and mind. At the Ancient Dian Hot Spring Villa, you soak in the warm, soothing waters, feeling the gentle caress of the current, listening to birdsong, and enjoying nature’s beauty. There are also various massage and beauty treatments to help you completely unwind and rejuvenate.
The spring water’s temperature is just right, making you feel comfortable and relaxed as you soak. The water slowly seeps into your skin, carrying away fatigue and stress. The surrounding forested hills and streams create a serene, delightful atmosphere, like being in a natural oxygen bar.
While soaking, I also enjoyed the villa’s many facilities and services. In winter, free hot ginger tea is provided, warming you right through. These thoughtful touches made me feel perfectly at home, fulfilling all my relaxation and leisure needs.
Jade Terrace Infinity Pool: Don’t miss the mountaintop infinity pool called the Jade Terrace. The poetic mood of “bathing in sunset by Dianchi” is exactly here. Perched at the highest point of the villa, this is the best viewing pool, a must-visit for nearly every guest, and a superb photo spot. While enjoying the soothing hot spring, you can gaze out over beautiful Dianchi Lake in the distance or take in the majestic Ancient Dian Palace nearby. The whole villa unfolds beneath you, the azure sky reflected in the pool, creating a seamless horizon of water and sky. At dawn, you can watch the sunrise; at dusk, admire the sunset – this is the embodiment of poetic living.
Zhaoyang Spring: Located in the “Ancient Dian Secret Realm” area near the main entrance, this is a natural high-temperature carbonated hot spring. The poolside is surrounded by green trees, with intriguing rocks, flowers, and gurgling spring water. Statues of “Auspicious Deer” and “Lucky Peacock” stand gracefully, symbolizing good fortune and happiness for visitors.
Beyond the springs themselves, the natural setting of the Ancient Dian Hot Spring Villa left a deep impression. There are mountains and streams, with enchanting scenery. After bathing, I strolled along the mountain paths, admiring the landscape and feeling nature’s freshness and tranquility. This experience of soaking in the hot springs at the Ancient Dian Hot Spring Villa truly relaxed and nourished me. It’s a wonderful place to forget worries and stress, a place to truly quiet your mind and savor life. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience and wholeheartedly recommend everyone to come and feel its charm.
There’s also a buffet at the Ancient Dian Hot Spring Villa. A dazzling array of dishes fills the counters, a feast for the eyes. Fresh fruit, delicious pastries, tempting roasts, and seafood – each exudes an alluring aroma. Beyond the tasty food, the buffet restaurant’s ambiance is equally comfortable. Soft lighting, elegant décor, and gentle music create a serene dining environment. The warm, attentive staff constantly anticipate your needs, providing meticulous service.
Accommodation: In Ancient Dian, you can choose to stay at the Crowne Plaza Ancient Dian Town or the Ancient Dian Resort Hotel. Both are perfectly located, very close to the Colorful Yunnan Happy World and the Ancient Dian Hot Spring Villa.
Ancient Dian Resort Hotel: The room I stayed in at the Ancient Dian Resort Hotel was wonderful. Unlike typical hotels, it felt more like home. The 85㎡ two-bedroom layout is very convenient, ideal for the whole family, young and old.
The family-friendly rooms have high aesthetic appeal and plenty of toys, with playful, whimsical décor. Thoughtfully, to make children’s holidays easier, they come equipped with child-sized toilets, children’s toiletries, and more – very considerate.
Yixinyuan Restaurant: While staying at the Ancient Dian Resort Hotel, you can dine at Yixinyuan Restaurant. When it comes to Yunnan’s most famous food, rice noodles top the list – you’ve probably tried all kinds elsewhere. So when in Yunnan, you must sample authentic Yunnan Bridge-Crossing Noodles, a dish with over 100 years of history. The Yixinyuan Restaurant in the resort town serves genuine Yunnan rice noodles with a clay pot broth, ready for you to add rice noodles, meat, vegetables, and other ingredients.
Crowne Plaza Hotel: If you prefer to be even closer to the attractions, stay at the Crowne Plaza Kunming Ancient Dian Town. Located within the Colorful Yunnan·Ancient Dian Town resort area, it gazes out to the Western Hills and commands lovely Dianchi Lake views, with quick access to the Happy World via a direct pathway.
Families with kids can choose a themed family room. The pink bunk beds have different throw pillows, the wallpaper is sweet pink, and the crisp bed linens are printed with cartoon characters – treasures your little ones will adore. The hotel also has pet-themed rooms, a blessing for those traveling with furry friends, since suitable hotels can be hard to find. These rooms are on the ground floor with their own small courtyard and even a pet den. A truly touching touch: each guest receives a pet towel embroidered with their pet’s name. Every pet need is met – such thoughtful hospitality is a delightful surprise.
Recently, the hotel launched a Warm Winter Hotpot Buffet. Choose from four soup bases: tom yum, spicy, mushroom, and tomato. Sake, beer, and soft drinks are free-flowing. At 188 yuan per person, it’s great value.
The hotpot buffet dinner offers an overwhelming variety. Fresh ingredients, artful presentation, and rich flavors reflect the chefs’ skill and passion. I especially loved the spicy, aromatic hotpot, its bubbling broth paired with all kinds of vegetables, meats, and seafood – each bite pure deliciousness and satisfaction.
Besides the tasty hotpot, the buffet area boasts a wide selection of other foods. Exquisite desserts, fresh fruits, and flavorful drinks. Here, you can indulge in a feast of flavors and satisfy all your taste buds.
My Yunnan rendezvous has drawn to a close, and my pursuit of art has paused for now, but my heart is always on the road. Yunnan is beautiful, and the Colorful Yunnan·Ancient Dian Town Resort is beautiful – their charm extends far beyond what I’ve captured. “2024 Spring City Warm Winter, Celebrate the New Year in Ancient Dian” – let’s meet at the Colorful Yunnan·Ancient Dian Town Resort and spend a wonderful holiday together.
