Itinerary: Arrive in Kunming by plane or train, check in at the hotel with your name, and enjoy free time. Recommended routes:

Expo Garden + Jinding Scenic Area

Green Lake Park (red-billed gulls) + Yunnan Military Academy

Yunnan Ethnic Village + Xishan Longmen

Kunming Daguan Park + Jinma Biji Square

After breakfast, travel to Haigeng Dam to watch red-billed gulls. Located by Dianchi Lake, the dam offers stunning views of Xishan Mountain and Dianchi. Feed the gulls (2 yuan for bird food) for an interactive experience. Note: The dam is windy – dress warmly in winter. Since 1985, red-billed gulls from Siberia have migrated to Kunming annually, attracting locals and tourists alike. Later, head to Jianshui Ancient City (formerly Lin’an), a cultural heritage site with well-preserved ancient architecture. Visit and photograph Chaoyang Building (exterior), West Gate Ancient Well, and local tofu workshops before checking into the hotel.

Early morning departure to photograph the sunrise at Seventeen-Arch Bridge (Shuanglong Bridge), a landmark of Jianshui with a long history and grand architecture. Next, visit Tuanshan Folk Residences, a well-preserved Han immigrant village dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Recognized as a World Monumental Building Heritage in 2005 and a national key cultural relic protection unit in 2013, it features exquisite traditional architecture. In the afternoon, travel to Yuanyang and photograph the sunset at Laohuzui Terraced Fields.

Wake up early to shoot the sunrise and sea of clouds at Duoyishu Terraced Fields, followed by Aichun Blue Terraced Fields (famous for their blue-hued water reflections). Visit Badaguan Terraced Fields, known for their vast scale and dramatic light changes (turning pink and red at sunset). After lunch, travel to Bisezhai, the filming location of the movie “Youth”. Enjoy free costume photography (military uniforms) and explore the century-old Yunnan-Vietnam Railway (electric car fee not included). Later, arrive at Mile Huquan Ecological Park, a comprehensive resort covering over 3,000 mu (including 1,700 mu of lake).

After breakfast, visit Jinping Mountain Scenic Area (10 km from Mile County). Climb 1,999 steps to the 19.99-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha statue (the world’s largest outdoor wood-carved Maitreya Buddha). Later, travel to Puzhehei Scenic Area. Hike Qinglong Mountain for panoramic views of karst peaks, farmland, and rivers – a top photography spot. Explore Xianrendong Village (ancient Yi village by the lake), Lover’s Bridge, and the “Eternal Love” filming location. Optional paid activities: Willow boat tour on the lake. In the afternoon, transfer to Guangnan and check into the hotel.

After breakfast, travel to Bamei “Peach Blossom Land” Scenic Area (optional small transportation fee: 140 yuan/person). Accessible only by boat through a long underground river, Bamei features a tranquil village surrounded by mountains, rivers, and farmland – resembling the idyllic world described by Tao Yuanming. After lunch, head to Luoping Niujie Luositian (Snail Field), a famous rape flower photography spot with spiral-shaped terraces. The terraces display vibrant colors (golden rapeseed, green wheat) in spring and winter. Check into the hotel in Luoping.

Early morning to Jinjifeng to photograph the sunrise over the endless rape flower sea – a iconic Luoping scene. Weather permitting, capture “Jesus light” shining through clouds onto the flowers. Later, visit Jiulong Waterfall Group, located 22 km northeast of Luoping. The 4-km-long river features 10 waterfalls, including the 56-meter-high “Shenlong Waterfall” (the largest). In the afternoon, transfer to Dongchuan Red Land (optional scenic area shuttle: 10 yuan/person). Hailed as one of the most spectacular red lands in the world (more magnificent than Brazil’s), it offers breathtaking views of red soil, green crops, and golden wheat.

Wake up early to shoot the sunrise at Jinxiuyuan, where the rising sun casts a red glow over the colorful land. Around 09:00, visit and photograph Luosiwan, Yupu’ao, Luoxia Gou, Qianlong Tree, Duoyishu, and the internet-famous elder staged shoot. Afterward, return to Kunming and be dropped off at Kunming Changshui International Airport to end the trip.

Friendly Reminder: Please arrive at the airport 3 hours in advance to avoid missing your flight. The itinerary order may be adjusted by the guide due to traffic or crowding without reducing any attractions.