You’ve decided that Kunming, China is the best place for you to learn Chinese in China but now you’re thinking “what kind of Kunming attractioncs can I visit when I’m not studying? Is there any special sites for me to enjoy trips in Yunnan? ”

It’s an earnest question, and we’re here to answer it for you.

Kunming, China, is known for its beautiful, breathtaking, unique landscapes and, not to mention, has the nickname “city of eternal spring.” What city could beat that?

It is the capital and largest city of Yunnan Province in Southwestern China and is Yunnan’s political, economic, and cultural center. Kunming is also home to several universities, a private language school for learning Chinese in China like Keats School, museums, galleries, etc. There are so many things to do and to see in Kunming, that’s why we’re sharing with you 7 places to visit in Kunming, China, when you’re not studying.

DONGCHUAN RED LAND

If you want to look out at the landscape and be in awe that such a beautiful view exists, you’re going to want to visit Dongchuan Red Land, one of the famous Kunming touring attractions to visit when touring in Yunnan.

The colors of the land combined make it look like someone magically dropped a palette of paint on the ground to create this natural masterpiece. You can see reds, greens, whites, and yellows together in the hills.

The beauty is said to have been created by iron oxide being deposited slowly throughout centuries, gradually forming the colours.

Driving to this attraction will take a while, approximately a beautiful 3-hour drive by car from Kunming. There are several points of interest on the drive.

Do you know what to order in a local Chinese restaurant? Be sure to stop at one of the many restaurants to try Dongchuan noodles, Dongchuan potatoes, Dongchuan muttons, or yak hotpot.

Some buses can take you there for a trip but expect a slightly longer ride. Checking out what types of transportation you can have in China when learning and living here.

This attraction is free, and we suggest you visit in the late spring or early summer.

THE STONE FOREST

These amazing karst formations are located in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, around 90km east of Kunming. The tall rocks seem to pop up from the ground, with many looking like petrified trees, which explains the name “The Stone Forest.”

The Stone Forest became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 and has become a huge tourist attraction of Kunming.

In addition to the forest, there are the nearby Qifeng Caves, Lake Yue, and the Dadie Waterfall.

To sees these formations that are believed to be over 270 million years old will cost you CNY 175.

YUAN TONG TEMPLE

You can’t move to Kunming and not visit the Yuantong Temple.

The multi-colored temple is located centrally in the city and is one of the popular touring attractions in Kunming. It’s located close to Green Lake Park, an added bonus spot you should walk along!

Yuantong Temple is the most famous Buddhist temple in the city. It was first built in the late 8th and early 9th century, the time of the Nanzhao Kingdom in the Tang Dynasty.

The temple is known for its unusual structure, which is high in the front and lower in the back. Don’t forget to look out for the koi fish in the water below the bridge.

This attraction will cost you CNY 8 / 1 Euro / 1 USD to enter.

DIAN LAKE (DIAN CHI)

Dian Lake is the perfect spot to go for a walk along the nearby promenade, take a boat on or ride your bike around the lake. Don’t forget to bring some goodies for the nearby seagulls. You can’t visit Dian Lake without feeding the nearly famous birds that hang out there.

The lake is close to the Yunnan Ethnic Villages, Haigeng Bank, Xishan Forest Park, and several temples. It’s the 6th largest freshwater lake in China and has an area of 340 square feet.

This attraction will cost you nothing to view, and it’s open all year round. Lakes don’t go anywhere!

KUNMING DRAGON GATE

When you ask a local what Kunming attractions you cannot miss, over half of the persons will reply with the answer of the Western Hill Park.

To the west of Kunming, practically right next door to Dianchi Lake, the Sleeping Buddha Hill rises above the city. The nickname was created because when you look at the Western Hills from a distance, they look like a giant sleeping Buddha.

There are several scenic spots to visit around this area, including the Kunming Dragon Gate. The gate peaks up to 8,202 feet and has breathtaking views over the nearby lake and the city of Kunming.

It will cost you CNY 90 / 13.50 USD / 11 Euro to travel to the Dragon gate, including the cable car and shuttle bus rides.

NANPING BUSINESS STREET

Located in old Kunming, Nanping Business Street is a collection of finance and commerce buildings.

Take a walk through the street, which has become an emerging landmark of Kunming and an entertainment center. You can expect beautiful elaborate local crafts and fashionable, stylish clothing.

In addition to shopping, you need to taste the local snacks and food options on Nanping Street. There are 10 dishes you must try when you learn Chinese in Kunming.

It will cost you nothing to visit the street and window shop, but you will more than likely spend a little cash when you’re on Nanping Street.

GUANDU ANCIENT TOWN

The beautiful ancient town is different from the rest of Kunming. There is beautiful old architecture to gaze at, take pictures of, and dream about.

Much money has been spent on sprucing up this old town, with parts being converted into park space and pedestrian streets.

Not only is this town a place for tourists to visit, but many locals spend time there hanging out, having tea, playing games, and having meals together.

Like the attraction above, it’s free to visit the Ancient Town, but you could end up spending a bit of money, so prepare yourself for that.

IT’S TIME TO PLAN YOUR DAY TRIPS

Kunming and the surrounding areas offer so many attractions. Not only are there tourist attractions, but there are also attractions that are free that locals even love exploring, which means it’s worth the trip! Such as the 6 parks that you must see in Kunming or other Keats branch locations that allow you to enjoy both intensive Mandarin learning and a wonderful touring experience.

Besides Kunming city, Keats School has set up other branch school locations in different regions of Yunnan. Dali and Lijiang branch schools are located in the northwest of Yunnan;  Puzhehei branch school can present you with the most amazing karst landscape; Yuanyang owns the famous intangible cultural heritage, the rice terrace fields; Xishuangbanna allows you to enjoy warm sunshine even during the cold winter; Tengchong and Jianshui are ancient border cities that can relax both your body and mind; Jingmai Tea Mountain is a good place to know more about Chinese tea, especially the famous Pu’er tea. With multiple learning programs and various learning locations for your choices, Keats School is the top Chinese language school you can have in China.

So, it’s time to start planning the trips you’re going to take when you’re not studying. Not sure where to start? Keats School in Kunming, China, offers a study program that includes touring around China. Not only that, but Keats teachers will help you plan your next day trip and give you advice on what to see, where to eat, and what to bring with you.

Contact Keats School today to apply to the Chinese Language Course + Tour In China or learn more about Keats Offers.