Taking my children to Kunming for the first time this summer was a truly amazing experience! Stepping from Chengdu's steam rooms into Kunming's ”fresh air,” the average temperature, just over 20 degrees Celsius, was a delightful relief from the summer heat.
Considering we were planning to explore the surrounding area, we specifically booked a hotel near Kunming South Railway Station. The moment we opened the door, our children cheered—the view from the window was stunning, overlooking Bailongtan Park, with a breathtaking view. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so I carefully checked the sheets, quilt, pillows, and towels—everything was spotless, with no odors at all, which was incredibly reassuring.
My children are picky eaters and aren't keen on local cuisine, but thankfully, the hotel breakfast catered to their needs. While the selection wasn't extensive, we had the basics—rice noodles, noodles, bread, fruit, soy milk, milk, and fried eggs—which was more than enough for us. Once, when we were catching a train, the restaurant staff even offered to pack our breakfast—a thoughtful gesture that truly warmed my heart.
Sometimes we'd grab lunch near the attractions because we were on a tight schedule, but sometimes we'd skip it altogether and eat it back at the hotel in the afternoon. The hotel's Western-style food was surprisingly enjoyable for my child: the steak, pasta, and fried chicken wings were all perfectly cooked. He even devoured local specialties like milk bean curd, beef brisket rice, and Jianshui tofu. Every evening, the hotel front desk also provided warm porridge with egg yolk and peanuts, which was delicious!
The hotel staff recommended Laoyu River Wetland Park, Haiyan Village, and Dounan Flower Market, which we visited. Each one offered unexpected surprises. Coming from the bustling city of Chengdu, we were looking for a place to escape the crowds, and these places perfectly suited our needs.
Over the past few days, we've also taken the high-speed rail to visit Mile, Puzhehei, and Shilin. The high-speed rail is fast, affordable, and extremely convenient for traveling with children. This trip to Kunming and the surrounding areas was relaxing and rewarding. It was a truly worthwhile experience!