The City of Eternal Spring — mild all year, ringed by lakes and the karst pillars of the Stone Forest. China's launchpad into Yunnan: Dali, Lijiang and the road to Shangri-La.
Tip Kunming is the launchpad for Yunnan — most travelers do a day at the Stone Forest, then take the high-speed rail on to Dali and Lijiang. Spring weather all year, but the high-altitude sun is fierce.
Food guideThe ritual of the scalding broth, the plates of raw toppings, and where to slurp the real thing.
Day guideWhen to go, how to beat the tour buses, and the quieter back trails through the karst pillars.
Route guideKunming → Dali → Lijiang by bullet train, plus the detour south to the Yuanyang rice terraces.
Kunming South has fast trains right across Yunnan — book a day or two ahead in peak season.
Summer rains bring the famous Yunnan fungi — try them cooked through at a reputable spot only.
Kunming sits at ~1,900 m; the sun is strong even when it's cool. Hat and SPF beat the altitude burn.
Everyone clusters at the entrance maze. Walk 20 min deeper and it's just you and the karst pillars.
Land late, train to Dali next afternoon. Stone Forest day trip or just chill by Green Lake?