Kunming: Yunnan Military Academy & Kunming Old Town

Kunming’s Yunnan Military Academy stands as a testament to the city’s rich military history, established in 1912 and pivotal during key conflicts. Visitors can explore its historic classrooms and training grounds, gaining insight into China’s 20th-century military heritage. Nearby, Kunming Old Town captivates with its charming blend of ancient architecture and modern shops, featuring intricate wood carvings and vibrant local crafts. This dynamic juxtaposition of the old and new offers a compelling glimpse into Kunming’s cultural evolution.

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Key Points

The Yunnan Military Academy, founded in 1912, played a significant role in China’s modern military history and the nation’s historical narrative.
Green Lake Park offers a tranquil respite from the city, allowing visitors to immerse in Kunming’s natural beauty through leisurely strolls and seagull feeding.
Authentic Kunming cuisine, such as cross-bridge rice noodles and steamed chicken infused with Yunnan spices, represents the vibrant food culture of the city.
Huang Gong East Street showcases a blend of old and new architecture, featuring intricate wood carvings and providing a warm atmosphere for an engaging local shopping experience.
The 8-hour guided tour explores Kunming’s military history, nature, and old town, offering a comprehensive sightseeing experience for visitors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore Kunming’s rich military history, serene natural landscapes, and well-preserved old town.

Over 8 hours, you’ll visit the Yunnan Military Academy, Green Lake Park, and the charming Huang Gong East Street and Kunming Old Street.

Spend 8 hours exploring Kunming’s military academy, green spaces, and historic streets on this guided tour.

Led by an English or Chinese-speaking guide, the tour costs $82.34 per person. Private group options are available, and you can reserve your spot without upfront payment.

Complimentary bottled water and guide tips are included, while meals and transportation are at your own expense.

Mobility restrictions and photography rules apply.

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Highlights of the Itinerary

Visitors begin their journey by exploring the Yunnan Military Academy, an institution significant in China’s modern military history. After soaking in the sights, they head to the serene Green Lake Park to admire the greenery and feed the seagulls. Lunch at a local restaurant offers a chance to savor authentic Kunming cuisine, including cross-bridge rice noodles, steamed chicken, and wild mushrooms. The tour continues through the charming Huang Gong East Street, showcasing unique wood carvings and the old city’s allure. The day culminates with a stroll through Kunming Old Street, where Paper Building, Anti-Japanese War Victory Memorial Hall, and Fulin Hall await discovery.

| Itinerary Highlights |

|——————–|

| Visit Yunnan Military Academy |

| Relax at Green Lake Park |

| Lunch at local restaurant |

| Stroll Huang Gong East Street |

Visiting the Yunnan Military Academy

As guests arrive at the Yunnan Military Academy, they’re immediately captivated by its historical significance. Founded in 1912, the academy played a crucial role in China’s modern military history.

Visitors explore the well-preserved campus, discovering classrooms, dormitories, and military training grounds. They learn about the academy’s contributions to the Nationalist forces during the Chinese Civil War and the Anti-Japanese War.

Touring the Yunnan Military Academy offers a unique window into China’s 20th-century military heritage, enlightening guests on the country’s complex political and social transformations. The academy stands as a testament to Kunming’s pivotal place in the nation’s history.

Relaxing at Green Lake Park

After exploring the hallowed grounds of the Yunnan Military Academy, the tour moves on to the serene oasis of Green Lake Park.

Surrounded by lush greenery, the park’s centerpiece is the picturesque lake. Visitors can stroll along the peaceful pathways, admiring the lake’s calm waters and feeding the graceful seagulls.

The park offers a tranquil respite from the bustling city, allowing travelers to recharge and enjoy the natural beauty of Kunming.

With its scenic landscapes and leisurely ambiance, Green Lake Park is a cherished highlight of the Kunming sightseeing experience.

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Savoring Local Kunming Cuisine

Following the delightful stroll through Green Lake Park, the tour group indulges in a midday feast of authentic Kunming cuisine.

They savor cross-bridge rice noodles, a beloved local dish featuring a rich, aromatic broth and an array of fresh ingredients. The steamed chicken, infused with Yunnan spices, melts in their mouths.

Wild mushrooms, foraged from the nearby forests, add an earthy depth to the meal. The flavors, a harmonious blend of local produce and culinary traditions, immerse the group in the vibrant food culture of Kunming.

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Exploring Huang Gong East Street

Leaving the tantalizing flavors of Kunming’s local cuisine behind, the group now sets its sights on Huang Gong East Street. This charming neighborhood boasts a unique blend of old and new, showcasing traditional wood carvings alongside modern boutiques and cafes.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Wood Carvings | Intricate and ornate, these works of art adorn the facades of historic buildings, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage. |

| Old City Charm | Strolling along the winding lanes, visitors are transported back in time, surrounded by the warm atmosphere and quaint ambiance of a bygone era. |

| Eclectic Shops | From artisanal crafts to trendy fashion, Huang Gong East Street caters to a diverse range of interests, inviting travelers to enjoy the local shopping experience. |

Discovering Kunming Old Street

As the group bids farewell to the charming Huang Gong East Street, they eagerly turn their attention to the captivating Kunming Old Street.

Wandering through the quaint alleys, they’re mesmerized by the historic buildings and unique attractions. The Paper Building, a stunning architectural marvel, catches their eye.

Wandering through quaint alleys, the group is mesmerized by historic buildings and unique attractions, with the Paper Building catching their eye.

Nearby, the Anti-Japanese War Victory Memorial Hall stands as a poignant reminder of the city’s past. The Fulin Hall, with its intricate wood carvings, showcases Kunming’s artisanal heritage.

Immersed in the old-world charm, the group savors the authentic atmosphere of this vibrant cultural hub.

Tour Inclusions and Recommendations

The tour includes an English-speaking private guide who’ll lead the group through the key highlights. The guide will provide commentary at the Yunnan Military Academy, Green Lake Park, and the lively Kunming Old Street.

Travelers are encouraged to:

Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the historical sites and scenic areas.
Bring a camera to capture the unique architecture, wood carvings, and vibrant street scenes.
Pack snacks and water for the day, as meals aren’t included in the tour.

The tour adheres to restrictions, prohibiting smoking and flash photography.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Modify the Itinerary to Visit Other Attractions?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be modified to visit other attractions in Kunming. The tour operator typically offers flexibility to customize the tour based on the traveler’s interests and preferences.

Are Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or students. However, you can inquire about any special offers or promotions when booking the tour, as these may vary over time.

How Reliable Is the Guide’s English Proficiency?

The tour provider states the guide’s English proficiency is reliable, as they offer live English-speaking guides. Customers should still expect some differences in accents or fluency levels compared to native speakers.

Are There Options for Vegetarian or Halal Meals?

The tour doesn’t specify vegetarian or halal meal options, but the guide can likely assist in finding appropriate local restaurants to accommodate dietary preferences upon request. Travelers should inquire about meal options when booking the tour.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for Tour Bookings?

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for a full refund. Travelers can book their spot without upfront payment under the "reserve now & pay later" option.

The Sum Up

Kunming’s Yunnan Military Academy and Kunming Old Town offer a unique glimpse into the city’s rich history and cultural evolution. Visitors can explore the academy’s historic classrooms and training grounds, while the charming old town captivates with its blend of ancient architecture and modern shops, showcasing the vibrant local crafts and delectable cuisine that reflect Kunming’s enduring traditions.