Who likes to go to Kunming? (Me! Attached is a three-day travel guide for the small crowd)

I miss Kunming so much! How can there be a city with such a strong sense of happiness? Let me share a niche, non-"special forces" 3-day tour route in Kunming, perfect for literary souls who love nature and hate rigid urban tourism check-ins.

Day 1️⃣
[Fuli Palace] in Kunming Botanical Garden is a niche spot that even many locals haven’t visited, hiding thousands of rare plants! Start with various spices like catnip and scented geranium, then wander through five themed venues. There are plenty of fascinating finds—for example, the small-leaved pagoda tree: its seeds need to be roasted to germinate, making it the quickest plant to recover after a wildfire. Though the location is a bit remote, it’s totally worth the trip!

Buy tickets and make reservations at least one day in advance. There are three 1.5-hour guided tours daily, with limited spots—this ensures a great experience. Try to stay close to the guide while listening; you’ll learn so much more.

Afterward, you can explore [Kunming Old Street]. [Oriental Bookstore] offers "Southwest Associated University-style" afternoon tea, with options like the Wang Zengqi or Qian Mu sets—super interesting. The store also has tons of cultural and creative products; you can sit quietly on the second floor, reading and sipping tea. Nearby, there are mushroom hotpot restaurants, [Jingxing Flower & Bird Jewelry Market], [Wine Cup Building], and [Old Street Night Market]—enough to fill a whole day of exploration!

Day 2️⃣
A route that feels like an adventure but never tiring—just walk and discover what suits you best!

Wake up naturally in the morning, head to [Cuihu Park] to watch birds, then snap photos on [Huanggong East Street]. We wandered to [Kafka Bookstore]; the owner was lovely and even gave us some hanging ear coffee.

At around 2 p.m., go to [West Mountain Park Gate A], buy a 5-yuan bus ticket to [Huating Temple], then take the [Taihua Ancient Road] (to the right of the exit) to continue uphill. After about 1.6km of mountain trails, you’ll reach [Taihua Temple]—at its entrance stands a ginkgo tree planted by Emperor Jianwen, often visited by cute squirrels.

Walk another 1km to [Nie Er’s Tomb], then take the [Dianchi Cableway] around 4 p.m. to overlook Dianchi Lake from above. Get off at Haigeng Park, where there are plenty of eateries to refuel. Later, head to Laoyu River Wetland Park (about a 1-hour drive). Put on some music and take a little nap—pure relaxation.

The park also has nice food spots. After eating, stroll along Laoyu River Wetland to watch the water flow gently through the green forest, then wait for sunset—when the light shimmers on the water like scattered gold, it’s magical.

Take a taxi or e-bike to Xiangfeng Street Subway Station early. If you pass by Dounan around 8:30 p.m., peek into Dounan Flower Market as it starts bustling—such a lively scene!

Day 3️⃣
On the last day, slow down completely. Wenlin Street is lined with charming cafes—don’t miss Rubber Bookstore, where you can experience the beauty of "maximalism." Many books have handwritten recommendations from staff, and you can even stay overnight here! It’s truly one-of-a-kind. Nearby, Elephant Bookstore and Really Happy Cafe are also wonderful.

Have lunch at Mana Restaurant—try the mint beef and golden sand corn. Spend the afternoon prepping for your return. If you’re flying out of Changshui Airport, stop by [Shangshan Drink Tea] for a cup, and don’t miss their [Dayi Tea] flower Pu’er ice cream!