A 6-day trip to Kunming - the city of eternal spring

Day Two: Hanging around downtown Kunming

Hanging around downtown is the simplest way to sample local life. There are many interesting places in downtown Kunming, with the top three considered to be Cuihu Lake Park, Yunnan University and Yunnan Military Academy. If you have plenty of time, the nearby Yuantong Temple and Kunming Zoo are also recommended.

Cuihu Lake Park is a popular leisure location for local residents. The beautiful park boasts traditional buildings dating back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Every winter, a large number of red-billed gulls will flock to the city from Siberia. Visitors will see some of them in the park.

Address: 67 Cuihu South Rd, Wuhua district, Kunming
Recommended duration for a visit: two to three hours
Ticket price: Free

Yunnan University is next to Cuihu Lake Park and you can walk there. Founded in 1922, it is the oldest comprehensive university in western China. It is reputed as one of the most beautiful universities in China because of the perfect combination of antique and modern buildings and the tranquil atmosphere. In autumn, ginkgo trees cover the university in a beautiful yellow glow which is well worth seeing.

Address: 2 Cuihu North Rd, Wuhua district, Kunming

The Yunnan Military Academy is the largest and best-preserved modern military school site in China and many famous Chinese generals have graduated from the school, such as Zhu De and Ye Jianying. The military museum puts on regular exhibitions as well as nightly light shows.

Address: 22 Cuihua West Rd, Wuhua district, Kunming
Opening hours: 9:00 -18:00
Recommend duration for a visit: one hour
Ticket price: free