Want to visit a less crowded Kunming?

During the May Day holiday, Kunming is irresistibly charming with its jacaranda trees, but it's packed with crowds everywhere. We chose some off-the-beaten-path destinations for this trip. On the first day, we did a city walk along the Panlong River to see the jacarandas, checked in at the old-time Yunxianlou traditional crossing-the-bridge rice noodles & teahouse (photo nine), and came across the old railway site at Hongshiliu Station, which features Kunming’s famous yellow wall and a vast area of purple bougainvillea (photo seven). Of course, we also visited Wenhua Alley and Kunming Old Street. On the second day, we went counterclockwise around Dianchi Lake, took the kids on a boat ride at Daguan Park, fed pigeons at Haigeng Park, and visited the cliffside Huatian Yunhai Flower Field, a hidden gem with few people, beautiful scenery, and a touch of Studio Ghibli vibes, filled with purple and green hues (photos one and two). After circling the lake, we stayed at the Crowne Plaza Kunming Dianchi (Ancient Dianchi) Hotel, next to the Colorful Yunnan Ancient Dianchi Resort, where kids can enjoy Happy World. On the third day, we explored Haiyan Village, a newly popular spot still under renovation (photo three). At noon, we visited the famous Fuxian Lake beach, drove clockwise around the lake, encountered more jacarandas (photo six), and ended the day watching a stunning sunset at the Hilton Fuxian Lake Hotel (photos four and five). This trip was relaxed and unhurried. If you’re unsure how to explore Kunming and want to avoid the crowds, this might be a good reference!