Kunming
Located in the tropical highlands of southwest China, Kunming sits at 6,600 feet (2,011 meters), making it a temperate and mild city. Though Kunming first rose to prominence under the Nanzhao Kingdom, it played a key role at several important points in history; during World War II, it served as a base for the famous Flying Tigers, a squadron of American pilots who dueled Imperial Japanese pilots in the skies over southwest China.
Today, as the gateway to China's southwestern Yunnan province, Kunming has seen a variety of infrastructure projects in recent years, including a new airport that features flights to destinations across Asia. Its conspicuous greenery, wide avenues, and lakeside views make it one of China's most pleasant cities.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Dongchuan Rice Terraces
Drive to Dongchuan, home of the beautiful Red Land rice terraces: iron oxide deposits in the soil cause beautiful patches of yellow, red, green and white to grow. Take in the scenery as the multitudinous colors of the rice fields spread out like a palate across the horizon.
Flower & Bird Market
Visit the Flower and Bird Market for a unique shopping experience. Among the flora and fauna for sale, guests can also find many souvenirs crafted by local minorities, include jade and Chinese games.
Impression of Yunnan
See Impression of Yunnan, a spectacular combination of song and dance that highlights various customs and celebrations of Yunnan’s many ethnic minorities.
Sani Tribe
The area is inhabited by the Sani minority. A distinctive feature of this southern tribe, which descends from the much larger Yi minority, is their hats. On women’s hats in particular, one can identify the person’s marital status.
Shilin Stone Forest
Drive 2.5 hours to the Shilin Stone Forest, a natural wonder of limestone formations as tall as 100 feet, much like a petrified forest. The park is littered with pagodas, lakes and vantage points from which to take in the scenery.
Tanhua Temple
Visit the beautiful Tanhua Temple, built in 1634 and home to magnificent gardens designed in the traditional Chinese style. The temple grounds are filled with the famous perennial flowers of Kunming, as well as ancient Buddhist statues and relics.
Yunnan Cuisine
Enjoy local Yunnanese food at one of the city’s most exclusive restaurants. Specialties include over-the-bridge rice noodles (guoqiao mixian), steamed potted chicken, and Xuanwei ham.
The story behind guoqiao mixian is a fascinating one: after her husband secluded himself on an island to study for the imperial examinations, his wife brought him daily meals. Unfortunately, by the time she crossed the bridge, the food was often cold; as a solution, she put a thin layer of oil on top of the soup, and separated the ingredients - combining them only before eating. Thus, this distinct noodle soup was born, and has since become a trademark of the area.
Yunnan Provincial Museum
Visit the Provincial Museum, where an expert in Yunnan’s eclectic history and peoples will guide you through the collection of ancient relics of the many ethnic minorities that populate this diverse province.
China Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
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Southeastern
Central
Western & Silk Road
Southern
Yunnan
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Why Remote Lands?
Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
Red Soil, Greener Pastures: The Sun Sets in the Red Lands
- Author
- Jay Tindall
The old man had wrinkled skin that was weather-beaten from years spent working in the fields and seemingly possessed no teeth. “I’ve been sitting in the same spot, every day, for the last 10 years,” he said, through my translator. He told us about his 10 children.
Off the Grid in Yunnan: Lijiang to Shangri La
- Author
- Jay Tindall
I recently took a trip to Yunnan, upon which I did as I always do, and strayed as far off the tourist trail as possible. What followed were some of the most incredible memories I’ve ever made in China.
Shooting Yunnan: A Journey through China’s Most Photogenic Province
- Author
- Jordan Hammond
Photographer Jordan Hammond travels to Luoping and Yuanyang in Yunnan to get a better vantage on China’s most popular province.
What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
A California father and son
Also unforgettable was our experience driving through Beijing in an old fashioned motorcycle side car followed by lunch with a local family in their traditional hutong house.
