Kunming 3-Day Tour
Stone Forest Karst + Western Hills Dragon Gate + Kunming Night Views
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Stone Forest Scenic Area + Naigu Stone Forest + Dadie Waterfall
Shilin Scenic Area
The Shilin Scenic Area (Shilin) is a series of famous limestone formations covering an area of approximately 500 square kilometers, located in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Yunnan Province, China. It is about 90 kilometers (56 miles) from the provincial capital Kunming. Towering rocks rise from the ground like stalagmites, many resembling petrified trees, creating the illusion of a stone forest. Since 2007, two parts of the site – Naigu Stone Forest and Suogeyi Village – have been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the South China Karst. The area is classified as a National AAAAA-level Tourist Attraction. These landforms were formed by the weathering of limestone and are believed to be over 270 million years old, making it a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors.
Naigu Stone Forest Scenic Area
The Naigu Stone Forest Scenic Area is located in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, and is an important part of the Shilin Scenic Area. It is famous for its unique karst landforms, where towering limestone pillars resemble petrified trees, forming a spectacular 'stone forest' landscape. Since 2007, Naigu Stone Forest, along with Suogeyi Village, has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the South China Karst and has been rated as a National AAAAA Tourist Attraction. These landforms, formed by the weathering of limestone, are believed to be over 270 million years old and are a renowned tourist attraction for both domestic and international visitors.
Dadieshui Waterfall
Dadieshui Waterfall is located in Lufu Street, Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming. It is the largest waterfall in Yunnan and the first waterfall at the source of the Pearl River. The waterfall is 87.8 meters high and 30 meters wide, with a magnificent momentum. The water cascades down from a great height, creating a powerful sound and a spectacular view. It is also one of the filming locations where Jackie Chan jumped off the waterfall in the movie 'The Myth'. As one of the seven major scenic areas of the Shilin Scenic Area, Dadieshui Waterfall is an important stop for tourists visiting Shilin from Kunming. Its karst landform dates back 270 million years, bearing witness to natural wonders and geological changes.
2
Xishan Forest Park + Dragon Gate → Huating Temple + Taihua Temple
Xishan Forest Park
Kunming Xishan Forest Park is a park primarily featuring forest landscapes, a great place for citizens to relax and travel. Here, mountains are stacked, vegetation is dense, and the air is fresh, making it an ideal place to get close to nature.
Dragon Gate Grottoes
The Dragon Gate Grottoes are located within Kunming's Western Hills Forest Park, representing the most essential part of the Western Hills scenic area. It is famous for its grottoes carved into cliffs and its Taoist architectural complex. Visitors can enjoy magnificent views of Dian Lake here and experience the perilous grotto plank roads.
Huating Chan Temple
Huating Chan Temple, located within Xishan Forest Park in Kunming, Yunnan, China, is a historic Buddhist temple. It was first built in 1320 during the Yuan Dynasty, initially named 'Yuanjue Temple'. In 1441 during the Ming Dynasty, it was renamed 'Huating Temple' and has been known by this name ever since. The temple has experienced periods of prosperity and decline, undergoing a major reconstruction in 1920 under the abbacy of Venerable Master Xuyun. In 1983, it was designated as a key temple for Chinese Mahayana Buddhism nationwide. Its main buildings include the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Mahavira Hall, the Guanyin Hall, and the Sutra Repository, among others. It is an important place to understand Buddhist culture and experience a serene atmosphere, as well as one of the main attractions within the Xishan scenic area.
Xishan Scenic Area - Taihua Temple
Taihua Temple is located within the Xishan National Scenic Area in Kunming City. It is a historic Buddhist temple renowned for its serene environment and rich historical and cultural heritage. Surrounded by mountains and lush vegetation, the temple is an excellent place to escape the city's hustle and bustle and experience nature and religious culture.
3
Daguan Park + Kunming Old Street Qianwang Street + Confucian Temple + Nanping Street Night Market
Daguan Park
Daguan Park is a lakeside park located in the southwestern suburbs of Kunming City. The Daguan Tower within the park is a square three-story pavilion, famous for the 118-character long couplet created by Sun Ranweng, a scholar from the Qing Dynasty, which is hailed as China's longest couplet. The park is situated along the Daguan River, which flows south into Dianchi Lake. The park is a great place for locals to relax, where people often enjoy tea, fly kites, and go boating.
Kunming Old Street Qianwang Street
Kunming Old Street Qianwang Street is a commercial district full of historical charm in the heart of Kunming, gathering numerous distinctive shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, making it a great place to experience Kunming's traditional customs.
Confucian Temple
Kunming Confucian Temple is a historic temple and Taoist temple, as well as a scenic spot, located at No. 96 Renmin Middle Road, Huguo Street, Wuhua District, Kunming City. The Confucian Temple is an ancient building for worshipping Confucius and also served as a school, possessing significant historical and cultural value.
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