Kunming Tour: Daguan Pavilion, Yuantong Temple, Green Lake

Walk through a 1,200-year-old temple, then join locals dancing in traditional dress at the lake.

A private 5-hour tour of Kunming's classic sites: Grand View Tower overlooking Dianchi Lake, Yuantong Temple (the largest in the city with 1,200 years of history), lunch at a well-known local restaurant, Green Lake Park where you can watch or join locals performing traditional music and dance, and the Flower and Bird Market. English-speaking guide, hotel pickup, and all entrance tickets included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Kunming's classic attractions

• Visit Grand View Tower and gardens
• Explore Yuantong Temple and learn history
• Have lunch at local restaurant
• Walk through Green Lake Park
• Shop at Flower and Bird Market

The experience

You start from your hotel and head to Grand View Tower in Daguan Park, 6 km from the city center on the shore of Dianchi Lake. Built in 1690 during the Qing Dynasty, the park spreads across hills, ponds, pavilions and rockeries in the style of Yangtze River Delta gardens. From the tower you get a panoramic view of the lake with Sleeping Beauty Hill across the water: the reason locals call it "West Lake Junior."

Next is Yuantong Temple, the largest temple in Kunming and one of the grandest Buddhist temples in Yunnan Province. Your guide walks you through the ancient architecture and explains the stories behind it as you explore. After the temple, you break for lunch at a well-known local restaurant for about an hour. Then comes Green Lake Park in downtown Kunming, fed by nine spring outlets at its north end (which is why it was called "Nine Dragon Pond" in ancient times). Here the day opens up: you can take a leisure walk, or watch locals in traditional dress dancing together and playing traditional instruments. You're welcome to join them if you want.

The tour ends at the Flower and Bird Market, one of the most popular spots in the city. Year-round flowers, birds, fish, and antiques fill the stalls and shops. Prices are reasonable and you can bargain with shopkeepers. Just watch out for fakes. It's a treasure trove for souvenirs and a good place to pick up something that feels like Kunming.

What’s included

• English-speaking guide for the full tour.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• all entrance tickets to Grand View Tower, Yuantong Temple, Green Lake Park and the Flower and Bird Market.
• lunch at a local restaurant.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

AgesAdult (12 to 90 years) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Trippest Travel

Is this one for you?Choose this if you're visiting Kunming for the first time or have limited time. A private guide takes you through the main landmarks and includes lunch and all tickets, so you only need to show up.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Grand View Tower and why is it called West Lake Junior?

Grand View Tower sits in Daguan Park on the shore of Dianchi Lake, 6 km from the city center. Built in 1690 during the Qing Dynasty, the park has hills, ponds, pavilions and rockeries designed in the style of Yangtze River Delta gardens. From the tower you see a panoramic view of Dianchi Lake with Sleeping Beauty Hill across the water, which earned it the name "West Lake Junior."

Can I actually join the locals dancing at Green Lake Park?

Yes. At Green Lake Park you'll see locals in traditional dress dancing together and playing traditional instruments. The itinerary notes you're welcome to join them if you want to participate.

How long do we spend at lunch?

Lunch at a well-known local restaurant lasts about an hour, giving you time to rest and eat before continuing to Green Lake Park and the market.

What can I buy at the Flower and Bird Market?

The Flower and Bird Market sells flowers, birds, fish, and antiques year-round. It's also a popular spot for souvenirs. Prices are reasonable and you can bargain with shopkeepers, though you should watch out for fakes.