Meet your guide at your central hotel in Kunming, and hop inside a comfortable, climate-controlled vehicle. Then, set off through the bustling streets with your small group of no more than 10 travelers.
Hear tales of Kunming’s colorful past, architecture, and culture from your guide, and make your first stop at the Grand View Tower, a beautiful pagoda-style building perched on the banks of Dianchi Lake in Daguan Park.
Admire the 3-story pavilion with its upturned roofs, and learn how it was built by the Emperor Kangxi during the Qing dynasty in the 17th century, before being rebuilt in the 1800s. Explore inside to see the tower’s intricately painted calligraphy, and admire the panoramic views over the lake to the forest-covered Western Hills.
Having explored here, continue to Yuantong Temple, Kunming’s biggest Buddhist temple, and the most important in Yunnan Province. Built during the Tang dynasty, this 1,200-year-old architectural gem overlooks a small lake, and is known for its elaborate snake carvings.
Head inside with your guide to admire the richly decorative architecture, and after your tour, break for a delicious Chinese lunch at a well-known local restaurant.
After around an hour over lunch, make your way to the Flowers and Birds Market in downtown Kunming. Delve into the lanes of this popular outdoor market, where hundreds of vendors hawk vast arrays of colorful blooms and exotic birds, as well as all manner of antiques, jewelry, handicrafts, and knick-knacks.
Soak in the atmosphere as you watch the locals go about their daily business, and peruse and purchase any goodies as souvenirs (own expense).
After five hours, your tour concludes with a hotel drop-off.
