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China Train Adventure: Kunming's Culture & Dali's Charm

Our Epic China Train Adventure BEGINS IN KUNMING 🇨🇳 我們的史詩級中國火車之旅從昆明開始

Destination:ChinaProvince:YunnanCity:Kunming
Our Epic China Train Adventure BEGINS IN KUNMING 🇨🇳 我們的史詩級中國火車之旅從昆明開始
Max and Jacqueline32 min

Our Epic China Train Adventure BEGINS IN. This was filmed by Max and Jacqueline. Watch the full journey and explore the filming details and destinations on this page.

Welcome to the start of our most ambitious adventure yet — we're spending the next 30 days traveling across China using only high-speed trains. In this first episode, we arrive in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, and kick things off with a deep dive into local culture, history, and food. We wander through the peaceful Green Lake Park, visit the vibrant Yuantong Temple, taste unique dishes from Dai cuisine, and hike up the dramatic cliffs of the Dragon Gate at Xishan (Western Hills) for an epic view over Kunming. Green Lake Park (翠湖公园) Yuantong Temple (圆通寺) Dai Cuisine Restaurant: FOOD STREET YUANXI (圓西路) Dragon Gate Scenic Area (西山龙门) We head to the ancient town of Dali, nestled between mountains and a massive lake.

--- Max and Jacqueline
April 13, 2025, Spring in China

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

Max and Jacqueline start their 30-day high-speed train trip in Kunming. Their first day includes Green Lake Park, Yuantong Temple and a meal of Dai cuisine, followed by a cable car and hike to the Dragon Gate at Xishan. They visit Nan Tong Street for noodles and other food, then head to the Stone Forest and Guandu Ancient Town. Along the way, they comment on the city's greenery, electric vehicles and the different landscapes they encounter.

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Our Epic China Train Adventure BEGINS IN KUNMING 🇨🇳 我們的史詩級中國火車之旅從昆明開始

A first day in Kunming

Max and Jacqueline begin a 30-day journey across China using high-speed trains in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan. At Green Lake Park, they watch locals practice Tai Chi and enjoy a quiet start to the trip. They continue to Yuantong Temple, described as one of the city's oldest Buddhist temples. Its downhill entrance surprises them because it feels like descending into a sacred space.

They notice Kunming's greenery, cleanliness and electric vehicles, which make the city feel quieter than they expected. For lunch they try Dai cuisine, which they describe as influenced by food from Laos, Thailand and Myanmar. A large grilled fish is the main dish, and they comment on its spicy sensation and affordable price. Later they take a cable car toward Xishan, or the Western Hills, then hike to the Dragon Gate, a gate carved into the cliff about 200 years ago. The views and the unusual carved entrance make it a highlight of their Kunming visit.

Street food, the Stone Forest and next steps

In the evening, Max and Jacqueline visit Nan Tong Street, where food stalls and shops provide more chances to try local dishes. They sample noodles and other foods, then spend time at a night market. On another day they travel to the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although there are many visitors, they find quieter moments among the distinctive rock formations. Guandu Ancient Town is their final listed stop, adding another historical setting to the itinerary.

The source's practical notes include a recently introduced 30-day visa, using China's train network to travel between regions, and treating Kunming as a starting point for exploring Yunnan. It also mentions that public toilets may have digital occupancy indicators but not soap, that ride-hailing such as Didi can help outside city centers, and that foreign visitors may need to buy train tickets at a station with a passport. The Stone Forest takes time to reach, so they recommend allowing enough time if nature is a priority. The trip sets up their wider rail journey through China, with Kunming's temples, food and mountain scenery as its opening chapter.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What surprised Max and Jacqueline most in Kunming?
A: They mention getting a one-dollar haircut and being able to enter Zhu-long Cave without buying a ticket.
Q: What were the sweet potato noodles like?
A: They said the sweet potato noodles looked like shining leather and tasted good.
Q: Which cultural sites did they visit in Kunming?
A: Their route included Yuantong Temple and Guandu Ancient Town, alongside Green Lake Park, Xishan and the Stone Forest.

Previous travel video:

China Train Adventure: Kunming's Culture & Dali's Charm

Welcome to the start of our most ambitious adventure yet — we're spending the next 30 days traveling across China using only high-speed trains. In this first episode, we arrive in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, and kick things off with a deep dive into local culture, history, and food. We...

China Train Adventure: Kunming's Culture, Cuisine & Dragon Gate

Max and Jacqueline embark on a thrilling 30-day high-speed train adventure across China! Their journey begins in Kunming, Yunnan Province, where they explore Green Lake Park's tranquility, Yuantong Temple's vibrancy, and savor unique Dai cuisine. A breathtaking hike to the Dragon Gate at Xishan provides stunning panoramic views. Next stop: the enchanting Dali ancient town!

Attractions in this video: Green Lake Park, Yuantong Temple, Dragon Gate, Stone Forest, Guandu Ancient Town