[4K] Discover China’s Kunming｜Dianchi Lake, Stone Forest & Everyday Yunnan Life

[4K] Discover China’s Kunming｜Dianchi Lake, Stone Forest & Everyday Yunnan Life

Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province— whose name poetically means “south of the clouds”— rests gently on the highlands of southwest China. Surrounded by mountains on three sides and kissed by the waters of Dian Lake, the city enjoys a spring-like climate all year round. Here the vastness of the plateau meets the grace of the south, creating a landscape both bold and serene Life moves at an unhurried rhythm filled with sunlight, blossoms, and quiet poetry. Konming is not loud, but it lingers in memory like a soft breeze. Dianchi Lake stretches vast like an inland sea— the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan. Each winter, red-billed gulls arrive from Siberia, bringing life and motion to the still waters. Along Haigeng Dam, people gather to capture the golden sunset and soaring birds. Together, the lake, the gulls, and the glow of evening form a vivid memory—warm and unforgettable. Dianchi is the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan. It is known as the “Pearl of the Plateau.” The lake covers an area of 330 square kilometers. Every year, flocks of red-billed gulls come to spend the winter. Strolling along the lake is very relaxing. A gentle breeze brushes your face—truly delightful. This scene is so healing. ❤️ Cuihu Lake was once a part of Dianchi. After Haikou was dredged during the Yuan Dynasty, the water level dropped significantly. It became separated from Dianchi, though some waterways still connect to Caohai. The Yunnan Military Academy is a famous military school in modern Chinese history. Established in 1909 during the Qing Dynasty, it was created to strengthen border defense. Unfortunately, I came at the wrong time and couldn’t go inside. Continuing my walk along Cuihu Lake. The sunset turned the lake surface golden. Time passes; clouds come and go. Walking through the streets of Kunming feels like stepping into a colorful painting. Wenlin Street is filled with the scent of books and memories of the past. Xiangpi Bookstore stands quietly, full of independent spirit. Kunming Old street keeps the flavors of everyday life alive. A bite of rice noodles or grilled rushan brings out the city’s warmth and charm. These streets reflect the timeless soul of Kunming. Wenlin Street is known as the most artistic street in Kunming. It’s lined with artsy little shops, perfect for wandering and exploring. In the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it was near the provincial examination site. So it was named to reflect the idea that “scholars gathered like a forest.” This shelf is for exchanging secondhand books. Take a book, and in return, leave one of your own. This little shop is so beautiful. This cozy atmosphere is perfect for those who enjoy quiet reading. Unlike Wenlin Street, Kunming Old Street is full of local flavor. It’s the last remaining historic district in Kunming. Its fame rivals that of Kuanzhai Alley in Chengdu and Xintiandi in Shanghai. Some of the buildings here date back nearly 900 years. This is where traditional Yunnan rice noodles are being prepared. A mushroom-based delicacy. Spicy and tasty! Yunnan is rich in mushrooms. This shop specializes in mushroom products. Haha, that’s hilarious. Just 78 kilometers from Kunming, he Stone Forest unfolds— a breathtaking landscape carved by tectonic forces 270 million years ago. Towering limestone peaks rise like blades, forming a maze of stone that stirs the imagination. Local legend tells of Ashima, a kind-hearted Yi girl who stayed here with her beloved, turning into stone to guard this land forever. Today, the Stone Forest is known as the hometown of Ashima— where nature and legend meet in timeless harmony. From Kunming, it takes a 1.5-hour drive to reach the Stone Forest Scenic Area. The karst landscape here spans over 1,100 square kilometers. The scenic area includes five sections such as the Big and Small Stone Forests. Within the scenic area lies a touching love legend. It tells of a beautiful Yi girl, Ashima, who loved a man named Ahei. But she was taken away by Azhi, the son of a local landlord. Ahei tried to rescue her, but Ashima was swept away by a flood. She turned into a stone peak, remaining forever in the Stone Forest. The formation of this Stone Forest was a long and complex geological process. 270 million years ago, during the Early Permian period, this area was under the sea. Tectonic uplift and volcanic eruptions shaped the land. Over time, the ancient landscape disappeared. Only this diverse stone forest remains, silently standing guard. “Inscription by Zhu De” The characters “Stone Forest” in the distance were inscribed in 1931 by the then-Governor of Yunnan. Continuing to “explore” the Stone Forest—it really feels like a maze. This path is so narrow you have to pass sideways. Doesn’t this rock wall look like the profile of a panther? Trees growing out of the cracks in the rocks. Such incredible vitality. 👍 In Kunming, the scent of flowers lingers all year round. And at the Dounan Flower Market—t his city’s most iconic floral haven— beauty blooms in endless forms. From vibrant roses to fragrant lilies, from elegant succulents to seasonal bouquets, the variety is dazzling. Whether for festive celebrations or everyday joy, you’ll find the perfect bloom here. Let’s take a moment to simply enjoy the beauty of now. Dounan Flower Market is the largest fresh-cut flower trading market in Asia. Here, the variety of flowers is vast, and the prices are affordable. Visitors can easily find flowers they love while strolling through the market. The market has two levels—Level 1 is for fresh and cut flowers. Level 2 features succulents, dried flowers, and more. Sunflowers: 6 yuan per bunch, 10 yuan for two bunches. Roses: 5 yuan per bunch, 10 yuan for three bunches. Lavender: 10 yuan for three packs. You can even have the flowers shipped to your home. Large roses: 18 yuan for one bunch, 35 yuan for two, 50 yuan for three. Special offer: 10 yuan per bunch. This sign says “suitable for express delivery.” These potted flowers are all 10 yuan per pot. Jasmine: 20 yuan per pot. Now let’s take a look upstairs. I’ve never seen so many varieties of succulents before. They’re absolutely stunning. I want to take them all home. Large potted succulents are generally 10 yuan per pot. Small succulents: 10 yuan for 6. These succulents here: 10 yuan for one, 25 yuan for three. Earrings made with fresh flowers. These succulents look like they’re glowing. These are drinks made with roses and goji berries. These are dried flowers. Guandu Ancient Town— where time seems to linger. Once the commercial and cultural heart of old Kunming, this town still preserves its stone-paved alleys and traditional wooden buildings. As you stroll through its narrow lanes, history seems to murmur beneath your feet. Every worn doorstep, every weathered wall, tells a story etched by the passage of centuries. Here, the past is not forgotten— it quietly lives on. Guandu Ancient Town has a long history and is one of the birthplaces of Dian culture. During the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdom periods, it was already a major hub on the northeastern shore of Dianchi. There are more than 30 historical sites preserved in the town. Each one tells a story of the town’s past glory and changes over time. Snacks with Dai ethnic flavor. Grilled pig trotters. This is the oldest surviving Tibetan-style Buddhist pagoda made of sandstone in China. It was first built in 1457 during the Ming Dynasty. I got hungry while walking, so I stopped for dinner. Douhua rice noodles are a traditional Kunming snack. Mix all the ingredients together. Looks absolutely delicious.

Get ready to explore the very best of Kunming in this immersive travel video!From the serene beauty of Dianchi Lake and the breathtaking Stone Forest to the vibrant flower markets loved by locals, bustling old streets, and the history-rich Guandu Ancient Town — every scene is a highlight.
Shot in stunning 4K, this film captures the true rhythm of the city and the natural charm of Yunnan. Whether you’re planning a trip or just dreaming of travel from home, this video is your one-stop guide for scenic views, local flavors, and unforgettable experiences.
Let’s discover the hidden gems and cultural wonders of Kunming — a place where nature, history, and everyday life come together beautifully.

💡 About Kunming
Often called the “Spring City” or “City of Flowers,” Kunming is the capital of Yunnan Province. It covers 21,012.54 km² and has a permanent population of around 8.687 million (as of late 2024). The city flower is the camellia.

✨ Featured Attractions
🌊 Dianchi Lake
The sixth-largest freshwater lake in China, Dianchi is considered the spiritual heart of Kunming. Its vast, rippling waters offer breathtaking views year-round. Popular nearby spots include Xishan (Western Hills), Haigeng Park, and Dianchi Dam. It’s also a perfect place to spot red-billed gulls in winter.

🪨 Stone Forest
Formed over 270 million years ago through crustal shifts and karst erosion, the Stone Forest is a UNESCO-listed marvel of nature. Its towering limestone formations resemble a petrified forest, and legends of the Yi ethnic group bring extra magic to this otherworldly landscape.

🏘 Guandu Ancient Town
With over a thousand years of history, Guandu is one of the cradles of Dian culture. Once a major trade and transport hub, it still preserves its old bluestone streets, wooden buildings, and vibrant temple life — offering a glimpse into both the ancient and modern spirit of Kunming.

⏱ Chapters
00:00:00 – Highlights
00:01:20 – Dianchi Lake, the Pearl of the Plateau
00:12:05 – Exploring Kunming’s Streets
00:32:03 – Stone Forest, a 270-Million-Year-Old Wonder
00:53:45 – The Flower Market Experience
01:03:40 – Guandu Ancient Town