Kunming’s Myths, Mountains and Temples

Kunming’s Myths,
Mountains and Temples

Explore Kunming, the City of Spring, and discover the local culture
along with panoramic views of expansive mountain ranges
and intriguing temples full of history, legends and myths.

WHY THIS TOUR?

Situated in the south-western region of China, the capital of Yunnan province is known as the ‘city of eternal spring’ for its pleasant year-round climate. It dates back over 2,400 years and it was the gateway to the famed Silk Road, the ancient merchant route that connected trade between China and the south-west of Asia.

The city is also a focal point of ethnic culture. Twenty-six ethnic minorities such as the Yi, Bai, Miao, Dai and Hani reside in Kunming and its environs. The rich history, spring-like climate, expansive mountain ranges, fertile fields, colourful tribal culture and intriguing temples have attracted visitors for hundreds of years.

TRAIL ITINERARY

Kunming’s Myths, Mountains and Temples

08:30 - 17:30

After an early start in the morning, you head out to the suburbs to admire the Western Hills, one of the region’s most mesmerising views. From a distance this mountain range covered in wild flowers and dense forest resembles a sleeping Buddha and has earned the nickname ‘sleeping Buddha hills’. The guide and driver will take you to Dragon Gate, the steepest spot in the Western Hills. The temple seems to almost hang off the side of a steep cliff and it is accessed by a winding staircase and through a stone archway. From here there are spectacular views over the shimmering Dianchi Lake and the expansive valley.

Nearby is Qiongzhu Temple, also known as Bamboo Temple, this is believed to date back to the Tang Dynasty. Tucked away up a mountain road, it is the first temple dedicated to Zen Buddhism in Yunnan. Inside there are many lifelike statues of Buddha and various animals. The guide will be happy to relate some of the myths and stories that surround the Bamboo Temple.

After lunch in a local restaurant, you will make your way back to Kunming to visit the renowned Golden Temple. This Taoist shrine is located on top of Mingfeng Hill in a park-like environment of pines and cypress trees. The temple is not actually made of gold, but from pure bronze – over 200 tonnes! Climb the steps that lead up to the temple. The walls have been made with cast panels covered with exquisite designs and these are well-preserved examples of the smelting and casting techniques common in Yunnan during the Qing Dynasty. Don’t leave without seeing the beautiful statue of the Guanyin Bodhisattva and the 14-tonne bronze bell.

After exploring the temple, the driver will take you back to the hotel.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

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INCLUSIONS

  • A full-day tour with a professional English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request and may be subject to supplementary charges
  • Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver.
  • All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the description.
  • All applicable taxes and service charges
  • Lunch at a local restaurant is included (food only)

EXCLUSIONS

  • Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated
  • Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement.
  • Compulsory Christmas, country-specific festival and/or New Year dinner at included hotels
  • Single supplement charges for single travelers, where applicable
  • Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point
  • Supplements for transfers for customers arriving or departing from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations
  • Hotel expenses of a personal nature, should an overnight be included: this includes mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program
  • Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

GOOD TO KNOW

  • This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply
  • Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying inside downtown Kunming. Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation outside this area such as the Stone Forest, any cruise and ferry terminal and Kunming International Airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions
  • Customers are advised that during the Lunar Festival celebrations (celebration of Chinese New Year), excursions and tours may be subject to supplementary charges and/or may see longer waiting times than normal
  • We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this excursion; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of local restaurant
  • We regret to inform you that this excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Guests are advised that some walking is required during this excursion; we always ensure that we take the most comfortable ways from the entrance of the sight to the sight itself
  • We will always make the effort to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour
  • Please note pick-up and drop-off services may not be confirmed for customers staying at private residences, apartment complexes, or other non-registered tourism accommodations. Customers may be asked to meet at a nearby hotel for pick-up and drop off
  • Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It is the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this
  • Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sun’s rays are still very powerful
  • We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the excursion in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests
  • The protection of the country’s flora and fauna is of immense importance for us. We will not pursue any activities for guests that are not in line with our animal, wildlife and environment protection principles
  • It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 24 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 24 hours may be on request
  • In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions.

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