I declare! Kunming is the top spring destination in the country!

My dears, I just got back from chasing flowers in Kunming, and it was absolutely amazing. I have to share it with you! It's no exaggeration to say that springtime in Kunming is like a real-life Monet's Garden—beautiful, delicious, and fun. This trip completely swept me off my feet~ Pre-trip Preparations Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Kunming! The weather is mild, and the flowers are in full bloom. For a 3-5 day trip, a budget of RMB 2,000-3,000, excluding shopping, is generally sufficient. The main expenses are accommodation and entrance fees. Transportation Guide ✈️ Kunming Changshui International Airport is a bit far from the city center. There are airport buses that go directly to the city, or you can take Subway Line 6 and transfer to other lines, which is very convenient! If you're traveling with a few people, taking a taxi and splitting the fare is also cost-effective. 🚇 Kunming's subway can take you directly to most attractions. Download the "Kunming Subway" app on your phone in advance, and you can enter the station by scanning the code, which is much more convenient than buying tickets! If you don't want to take the subway, the bus system is also well-developed, and you can enjoy the scenery along the way~ Attraction Check-in 🌸 Kunming Dounan Flower Market: The largest fresh-cut flower trading market in Asia. Stepping inside is like falling into an ocean of flowers—roses, lilies, baby's breath... all kinds of flowers, whether you know their names or not, are available here. And the prices are unbelievably low! You can buy a large bouquet for just RMB 20! I recommend going in the evening, as you can also see the flower farmers trading, which is super impressive! 🌳 Kunming Botanical Garden: You must visit the Fuli Palace here! The greenhouse houses a vast collection of rare plants, making you feel like you've stepped into a tropical rainforest. There are also large flower fields, with crabapple and cherry blossoms in spring and hydrangeas in summer. Each season offers unique and beautiful scenery. 🏞️ Dianchi Lake: A must-visit in Kunming! You can stroll along the lake, admire the picturesque scenery, and feed the seagulls. Every year, from November to March, red-billed gulls from Siberia come here to spend the winter. The sight of seagulls flying all over the sky is spectacular, and every photo you take is a masterpiece! Food Recommendations 🍜 Cross-bridge Rice Noodles: How can you come to Kunming and not try Cross-bridge Rice Noodles? Piping hot chicken broth, served with various slices of raw meat, vegetables, and rice noodles. You get to cook the ingredients in the broth yourself, which is a fun experience, and the taste is super fresh! I recommend Qiao Xiang Yuan, a time-honored brand with authentic flavors. 🥙 Flower Cakes: Pastries made with fresh roses. The crust is crispy, and the filling is soft and chewy. Each bite is filled with the fragrance of roses, sweet but not greasy. They make perfect gifts! Jia Hua Flower Cakes has stores all over Kunming, so you can buy a few boxes to take home. 🍢 Roasted Tofu: A Kunming specialty snack. The tofu is roasted until golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside. Served with a dipping sauce, you won't be able to stop at just one! You can find delicious roasted tofu at any street stall. Accommodation Guide 🏨 I recommend staying in Kunming's city center, as it's convenient for transportation and has plenty of food options. If you have a larger budget, you can choose the Crowne Plaza Kunming City Centre, which has an excellent location, service, and facilities. For those on a tighter budget, check out the Kunming City International Youth Hostel, which offers great value for money, a fantastic atmosphere, and the chance to meet fellow travelers from all over the world! Itinerary Planning Day 1: Kunming Changshui International Airport → Hotel check-in → Kunming Old Street (explore and enjoy the local atmosphere) → Nanqiang Street Night Market (try various snacks) Day 2: Dianchi Lake (feed seagulls, watch the sunrise) → Kunming Dounan Flower Market (buy flowers, experience the joy of buying flowers by the pound) Day 3: Kunming Botanical Garden (visit the greenhouse, admire the flowers) → Yunnan University (experience the campus atmosphere) Day 4: Haigeng Dam (watch the sunset, take photos) → Guandu Old Town (experience the historical culture) Tips to Avoid Pitfalls 1. Dounan Flower Market is more lively at night than during the day, but be sure to keep your belongings safe. It gets crowded, so don't let pickpockets steal your joy! 2. When feeding seagulls by Dianchi Lake, don't feed them directly with your hands. Be careful not to get pecked! 3. Make sure wild mushroom hot pot is thoroughly cooked. While Yunnan's wild mushrooms are delicious, some can cause hallucinations if not cooked properly! My dears, Kunming is truly a treasure of a city, perfect for family trips, romantic getaways, or trips with friends! Bring your family and friends and come to Kunming for a spring rendezvous!