Things to do in Yiliang

I'd long heard the saying, "See the Stone Forest above ground, and Jiuxiang underground," and after experiencing it firsthand, I can confirm it's definitely one of the most worthwhile karst caves in China to visit, though it's not an easy trip. The scenic area follows a one-way route. Upon entering, you take a vertical elevator directly down to the canyon, skipping a long steep climb. Then, you take a boat in Yincui Gorge, where the steep cliffs on both sides and the emerald green water create a serene and comfortable atmosphere—a delightful and surprising start to the journey. After entering the cave, you pass through Jinghun Gorge, the Lion Hall, the Goddess Palace, and then to Shentian and the Twin Waterfalls. The Lion Hall's vast and open underground space is particularly breathtaking; no wonder it was a filming location for old movies. The Twin Waterfalls roar with powerful water, and the spray hits you in the face; standing on the viewing platform, you can truly feel the power of the underground mountains and rivers. The cascading travertine terraces of Shentian, illuminated by lights, are incredibly dreamlike. The entire cave system boasts a high density of scenic features, offering a more natural and wild feel than many caves that rely solely on colored lights. However, to be honest, the entire route is made up of stone steps, going up and down, with many sections being steep and slippery, and wet everywhere, so be sure to wear non-slip sports shoes. The cave is consistently cool, and there's heavy mist near the waterfall, so it's best to bring a light jacket and a waterproof phone case. If you happen to visit during peak tour periods, the narrow passages can easily cause congestion, and you'll have to queue for photos. The free photos are small; larger sizes require an extra fee. It's recommended to choose a combined ticket for the cable car, otherwise the return climb will be extremely tiring. Overall, if you enjoy geology, canyons, and caves, this is highly recommended; combining it with a day trip to the Stone Forest is perfect. If you have leg problems, knee injuries, or are simply worried about fatigue, you should consider this carefully. Try to enter the park early to avoid large tour groups for a much better experience.

The service staff were very friendly, as were the Yunnan Tourism Bureau and the staff at the Yunnan Ethnic Village. They even provided companionship for an 80-year-old, and at the Stone Forest, my 85-year-old mother didn't need to pay for the shuttle bus. Thank you to the Yunnan Tourism Bureau!

The Jiuxiang Caves were one of the most surprising parts of our Kunming trip. We didn’t expect them to be this massive — waterfalls inside the cave, rivers, and bridges connecting glowing chambers. The lighting highlights the natural textures without feeling too artificial, and some corners really felt like a dream world.There was even a peaceful boat ride along an underground river, which gave us a break before walking the rest of the route. It’s a bit outside the city, but 100% worth the effort.💡 Tip: Wear shoes with good grip. The cave is cool, damp, and full of stairs. The path is long

The trip to Yangzonghai Lake is a great experience. This is a treasured tourist destination. The lake is clear and sparkling under the sun, like a shining plateau pearl. The scenery here is beautiful, accompanied by lakes and mountains, which makes people feel relaxed and happy.

A truly perfect vacation experience! Kunming Bailian's garden hot springs lived up to their reputation; the pools were clean, the temperature was comfortable, and I felt completely relaxed after soaking. Facing Yangzonghai Lake, you can even see flocks of seagulls – the scenery is absolutely stunning. The lakeside tea bar is relaxing and pleasant; sipping tea and enjoying the view is such a comfortable way to slow down. The service was warm and attentive, the hygiene was top-notch, and the environment was quiet and private – perfect for couples or families. Highly recommended!

Here, the sparse yet vibrant stone peaks are a highlight, the most striking being the Ashima Stone—a rock pillar resembling a beautiful maiden from Yi folklore. At dusk, when the colorful lights illuminate the landscape, the stone formations are bathed in a kaleidoscope of colors, creating a scene of breathtaking beauty! The lake reflects the stone shadows, the grasslands stretch endlessly, and the vegetation is abundant, the air so pure it feels like natural oxygen. Strolling through this area, the tranquility and mystery are captivating, as if stepping into a living garden painting. Note: It's recommended to visit in the evening for better photos under the lights; remember to wear comfortable shoes to explore the stone paths.

Pleasant place to visit. The area is big and is not overcrowded when we visit. Wandering in a sea of pink. Lots of picture opportunities.

Jianfeng Pool is a particularly beautiful place, with water and rocks, making it perfect for taking photos. You can walk around the entire pool. It's also quite interesting, with its winding and meandering paths.

Location: Haigeng Park/No. 16 Hubin Road ↔ Xishan Longmen (West Mountain Dragon Gate), not near the old street, you have to go to the Dianchi Lake area. Experience: Crossing the lake + climbing the mountain, about 20 minutes one way, views of Dianchi Lake, Sleeping Beauty Mountain, and city scenery, great for taking photos. Ticket Price: One way about 59-60 RMB, round trip about 98-100 RMB. Advantages: Easy for lazy people to climb West Mountain, no climbing required, unique views; seagulls in winter. Disadvantages: Stops during strong winds/thunderstorms; long queues during peak season; separate ticket/walking required for Longmen after climbing the mountain; don't confuse with the "Xishan Longmen Cableway". Conclusion: First time in Kunming, taking the Dianchi-Xishan route → worth it; if just exploring the old street → not worth a special trip.

Teacher Cui's explanations are professional yet approachable, clear, vivid, and engaging. She provides in-depth interpretations of the Yunnan Provincial Museum's prized artifacts, making Yunnan's millennia-old history easily understandable. She patiently answers questions throughout, offering a wealth of valuable information that makes the visit anything but rushed. Highly recommended! 👍