Top Kunming Historical Tours

If you’re short on time in Kunming but keen to give its top attractions the attention they deserve, this half-day private tour is ideal. Take in the rock-face Dragon Gate and Huating Temple in the Western Hills, and visit the Grand View Tower overlooking Lake Dianchi, all with a private guide to share their stories and significance. Your tour includes a Chinese restaurant lunch, entrance fees, and private transport with hotel pickup and drop-off.

In Kunming one most important place is Stone forest which is the unique of the world, your English speaking guide will pick you up from hotel lobby and drop you at your hotel. As the “Essence of World Karst Landform”, Stone Forest has been listed as the UNESCO World Natural Heritage with the incomparable coverage of 12 square kilometers’ stone pinnacle groups. It is a spectacular set of limestone groups and the representative of south China’s karst landscape. Known since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) as the 'First Wonder of the World' Jiuxiang is one of the most beautiful scenic spots near Kunming and is home to striking natural landscapes, magnificent underground scenery, and enchanting ethnic folk customs. It is inhabited mainly by the Yi and Hui nationalities, and is situated in northeastern part of Yiliang County. It' is praised as the "Home of Karst caves". Altogether, there are "only" 100 caves in the area.Regarded by experts as the 'Cave Museum'.

Kunming's Stone Forest (also known as the Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park), a landscape of dramatic limestone pinnacles, is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see when in Kunming. Public transit can be challenging if you don't speak Chinese, so make life easy by booking this private 2-way transfer service, with pickup from your hotel, the train station, or even the airport.

In just two days, you can accomplish a lot of sightseeing from Kunming on this private guided tour. Discover the incredible UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites of Stone Forest. Be amazed by the karst landscape, follow your tour guide to find the best location for photos. Take an easy walk around to snap photos of the famous Yuanyang Rice Terraces from different location. Capture stunning image of a dramatic sunrise and sunset moment. Visit local villages and market and learn from your guide about the local Hani communities. Tour including English speaking tour guide, entrance fee and travel by private vehicle. Please book your own hotel in Yuanyang

Embark on an exclusive private day tour to explore two iconic Yunnan gems: the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Forest and the time-honored Chengzi Ancient Village. This personalized journey lets you dive deep into natural wonders and authentic minority culture, with seamless service tailored just for you. Start your day with the breathtaking karst landscapes of Stone Forest, a UNESCO-listed natural marvel. Led by your professional guide, you’ll uncover hidden viewpoints, capture postcard-perfect photos, and marvel at the jagged limestone formations that have shaped this unique terrain over millions of years. Later, head to Chengzi Ancient Village, hailed as a “Living Fossil” of traditional residential architecture. Wander through its winding lanes, immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of the Yi, Han, and Miao ethnic groups, and discover the stories behind the village’s distinctive dwellings—where history comes alive in every courtyard and alley.

On the first day, visit Dounan Flower Market, the largest fresh-cut flower market in Asia, and experience the romance of thousands of flower clusters, and then explore ancient town of Guandu. The next day, strolling around the Dianchi Lake Haigeng Park, enjoying the blue waves blending with the distant mountains. Walk to connect the Yuantong Temple and the elegance of Cuihu Lake, and relive the historical echoes at the Army Military Academy. In the evening, wander through the old streets of Kunming, Jingxing Flower and Bird Market and Nanping Pedestrian Street, measuring the new charm of the ancient city with your feet. With in-depth explanations throughout the journey, avoid the crowds and visit during off-peak hours. Enjoy a worry-free trip and fully appreciate the essence of Kunming's culture and nature. Book now and let professional services safeguard your trip!

Visit highlights of Kunming including Stone Forest park and West hill park with this private day tour from Kunming. You will be picked up from your Kunming hotel and dropped off at the Kunming hotel.

Kunming driver will pick you up from hotel lobby in Kunming and drop you to Kunming train station, you will take bullet train to Lijiang, meet Lijiang guide and have day tour to Jade dragon snow Mountain. You will take a cable car up to Yunshanping (spruce Meadow) or Maoniuping (Yak Meadow) for the spectacular views of the Snow Mountains with the grasslands in the foreground, and visit White Water River, today it will be a beautiful day to make photos of Jade dragon snow Mountain as well as yarks. We will arrange small hot pot Lunch at Jade Dragon snow Mountain. After tour ends guide will drop you to train station and Kunming driver will pick you up and drop you to your hotel in Kunming city.

Have only a limited amount of time in Kunming? Take this half day tour to discover the UNESCO site of Yunnan Stone Forest Park. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, travel by private air-conditioned vehicle, stroll around the Stone Forest Park and spend some leisure time to explore. Your tour guide will explain the legendary stories along the way and find the best location for photos. You even can extend the tour to a full day tour to explore the famous flower and bird market. This private tour including English speaking tour guide, travel by private air-conditioned vehicle, entrance fee, lunch and door-to-door hotel transfers.

Make your trip to Kunming even more enchanting on an evening tour following by a noodle dinner. With an expert guide, seeing and learning about the night life of the local people, get a peek at landmarks illuminated in glittering lights, such as Kunming Old Street, Cuihu Park. Then head to Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Memorial Arch to stroll round the snack and souvenir street. You can also customized the tour to the sites you want to go in city, just feel free to discuss with your personal tour guide and enjoy! Tour ends with the famous Crossing-over Bridge Rice Noodles" Dinner in the local restaurant where you can see how locals enjoy their food, life with their friends. When make booking you can choose to travel by foot or have a private vehicle to save time.

Explore the Yunnan Ethnic Village, a cultural theme park showcasing 26 ethnic minority villages including Dai, Bai, Yi, Naxi, Wa, Lahu, Tibetan, Hani, Zhuang, Miao, Nu, Buyi, Susu, and Yao. Enjoy singing and dancing performances, taste authentic ethnic food, and experience traditional ethnic handicrafts. Each ethnic village retains its unique architectural style, folk customs, marriage customs, and religion and other cultural elements. During the tour, enjoy the singing and dancing performances of different ethnic groups, taste authentic ethnic food, and even experience some traditional ethnic handicrafts. The Ethnic Square and Yunnan Nationalities Museum are rich in history and culture, and a rare learning opportunity for those who want to learn more about the culture of Yunnan ethnic minorities. Extra fees: Admission Tickets to Ethnic Village (CNY95) Admission Tickets for Western Hills/Cable Car/Rope Access (CNY140)

Explore Dali City at your own pace and with the attention of a private guide on this day tour. You won’t have to organize any logistics, including transport from your hotel to the bullet train, the train itself, or paying on the spot for your guide or admission fees. Just be ready to get collected from Kunming, and then enjoy the ride to Dali city to enjoy your private guided tour.

Book this private tour to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Naigu Stone Forest (乃古石林) and Suogeyi Sani village. Naigu Stone Forest is classified as a AAAAA-class scenic area but it is much less touristy than the Major and Minor Stone Forest in Stone Forest Scenic Area). The Suogeyi Village Sani village (所各邑村) is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site for a huge area of limestone landscape. You'll walk on the stone-paved trails through the unique limestone formations and trek up to the peak to get a bird-eye view of the entire site. We'll bring you to eat like a local in a local Yi restaurant for lunch before heading to the village.

Experience Yuanyang Rice Terrace and Jianshui Ancient City on a 3-day guided tour from Kunming. Take an easy walk around to snap photos of the famous Yuanyang Rice Terraces from different location. Capture stunning image of a dramatic sunrise and sunset moment. Visit local villages and market and learn from your guide about the local Hani communities. Visit the 1,200 years old Jianshui Ancient city, explore major attractions including: Double Dragon Bridge, Jianshui Confucius Temple, Zhu Family Garden etc. Tour including English speaking tour guide, entrance fee, lunch and travel by private vehicle. Tour includes the option to book local 3 or 4 star accommodation with daily breakfast.

The 7 days Best of Yunnan hightlights tour gives you a great overview of the beautiful region with stunning visits to Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-la. During this trip you will visit Yi,Bai, Naxi ethnic groups’ land and the legendary Shangri-La. The most magnificent scenery and colorful ethnic culture of Yunnan are waiting to be explored, from ancient towns to snow mountains, from the world’s deepest canyon to notable limestone formations, local market, beautiful pagodas, mesdow , local tibeatans family, holy temples, and so on. What you are waiting just join us.

Explore the Yunnan Ethnic Village, a cultural theme park showcasing 26 ethnic minority villages including Dai, Bai, Yi, Naxi, Wa, Lahu, Tibetan, Hani, Zhuang, Miao, Nu, Buyi, Susu, and Yao. Enjoy singing and dancing performances, taste authentic ethnic food, and experience traditional ethnic handicrafts. Each ethnic village retains its unique architectural style, folk customs, marriage customs, and religion and other cultural elements. During the tour, enjoy the singing and dancing performances of different ethnic groups, taste authentic ethnic food, and even experience some traditional ethnic handicrafts. The Ethnic Square and Yunnan Nationalities Museum are rich in history and culture, and a rare learning opportunity for those who want to learn more about the culture of Yunnan ethnic minorities.

The Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park is Kunming’s #1 don’t-miss attraction: UNESCO recognized it as one of China’s most beautiful karst landscapes. Yet, at around 58 miles (93 kilometers) from Kunming, it’s best appreciated with the comfort of a private car—and an English-speaking guide to explain its unique geology. Book this classic tour for door-to-door private transfers and guiding: price excludes entrance fees and shuttle bus charges.

Explore the Yunnan Museum and discover the history and culture of Yunnan. Admire the magnificent architecture and exquisite decoration, soaring ceilings, ornate lighting, and elaborate exhibition area with ancient bronzes. Enter the permanent exhibition area and see ancient dinosaur fossils, bronzes, and ceramics, modern national costumes, and handicrafts. Find exquisite costumes and handicrafts of various ethnic groups in Yunnan on display with the terraced patterns of the Hani people, the torch festival costumes of the Yi people, and the silver jewelry of the Miao people. In the Bronze & Ceramics section, see how ancient craftsmen used their wisdom and skill to create these beautiful artworks that have been passed down through the ages. Admire the unique luster of each piece of bronze and the delicate craftsmanship of each piece of ceramics.

This incredible experience will open your eyes to the magical world of Yunnan dance. Navigating in an unfamiliar city at night can be daunting, but you won’t have to worry as hotel pickup and drop-off is included. Travel in a comfortable vehicle, and avoid long visitor lines as entrance fees for Dynamic Yunnan Show are included. You’ll witness singing, dancing, and incredible performances directed by one of China’s well-known dancers—Yang Liping. Beat the crowds—entrance ticket for Dynamic Yunnan Show included No navigation worries—hotel pickup and drop-off included A perfect choice for those interested in music, dance, and theater See a production by one of China’s best-known dancers—Yang Liping

Discover Kunming’s two most celebrated charms—its diversity and its karst landscapes—on this combo door-to-door tour that reaches parts public transport cannot reach. Start at the Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park, capturing timeless shots of peaks, pillars, and pinnacles. After a restaurant lunch, head to Nuohei, a village where the Sani people, a branch of the Yi minority, live among mountains and lakes.

Explore the Yunnan Museum and discover the history and culture of Yunnan. Admire the magnificent architecture and exquisite decoration, soaring ceilings, ornate lighting, and elaborate exhibition area with ancient bronzes. Enter the permanent exhibition area and see ancient dinosaur fossils, bronzes, and ceramics, modern national costumes, and handicrafts. Find exquisite costumes and handicrafts of various ethnic groups in Yunnan on display with the terraced patterns of the Hani people, the torch festival costumes of the Yi people, and the silver jewelry of the Miao people. In the Bronze & Ceramics section, see how ancient craftsmen used their wisdom and skill to create these beautiful artworks that have been passed down through the ages. Admire the unique luster of each piece of bronze and the delicate craftsmanship of each piece of ceramics. Chinese Tea Tasting (CNY400 for up to 4 pax, CNY20 for additional pax)

Participate in a hands-on activity where you can create your own version of the traditional Yunnan tile cats, which are unique clay figures commonly seen on the rooftops of local buildings. Learn about the history and cultural significance of tile cats in Yunnan and get the chance to mold and shape your own tile cat using clay, guided by artisans who teach the techniques for crafting these iconic figures. Once sculpted, the clay figures are fired and often painted, making for a fun and creative souvenir from Kunming.

A trip to Kunming must include a visit to the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and following that a visit to Cuihu, or Jade Lake. This 7-8 hour tour starts from a hotel pick up, and then a visit to the Stone Forest’s amazing rock formations, looking like stalagmites or petrified trees. After you’ll explore Chihu lake’s green waters and surrounding nature- possibly spotting a Siberian Black Headed Gull.