I spent four unforgettable days exploring the Ancient Dian Resort in Kunming with my family, discovering why this hidden gem has become Yunnan's hottest new destination for summer getaways. From the thrilling rides at Colorful Yunnan Happy World to peaceful boat rides on Dianchi Lake, from outdoor adventures at the Baqianji Camp to cuddling with adorable animals at the petting zoo—every moment was filled with joy and wonder. This resort perfectly blends excitement and relaxation, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a refreshing escape from the summer heat while creating lasting memories together.
Trip Overview
When: August (Summer)
Duration: 4 days
Travelers: Family with children
Budget: ~2,000 RMB (~$280 USD) per person
Transportation: Self-driving recommended (53km from airport, 35km from city center); Bus routes K31 and K38 available from downtown; Metro Line 9 under construction
Day 1: Arrival at Ancient Dian Resort Hotel
When I first arrived at the Ancient Dian Resort Hotel, I was immediately struck by its elegant European architecture. The pink-white walls contrasted beautifully with the dark roof tiles, and the Gothic-style clock tower on the right gave the building a castle-like charm. I couldn't wait to see how it looked at night.
We checked into the family suite, and the moment I opened the door, my child squealed with delight. The room was decorated with adorable cartoon wallpapers and child-friendly furnishings. The two-bedroom, one-living-room layout felt just like home, complete with all the amenities a family could need. I immediately collapsed onto the king-sized bed, enveloped by the soft cotton sheets and fluffy pillows—pure bliss after our journey.
The living room was spacious and elegantly furnished, with a comfortable sofa and a well-crafted table. For a family traveling with kids, this was the perfect place to relax. Through the windows, I could see the bright sunshine and lush scenery outside—whether for morning coffee or afternoon naps, the view never failed to lift my spirits.
For dinner, we headed to Yixin Garden Restaurant, a 24-year-old local establishment famous for authentic Yunnan cuisine. The dishes were exquisite and flavorful—the spicy chicken, cured meat stir-fry, and signature dipping sauces left an unforgettable impression on my taste buds. If you're feeling adventurous, don't miss the seasonal wild mushroom feast, a true delicacy that embodies the essence of Yunnan's culinary heritage.
As I sat in this elegant and comfortable room, savoring authentic Yunnan dishes with my loved ones, I realized something profound: scenery only becomes meaningful when shared with the people you love most.
Day 2: Outdoor Adventures and Lake Exploration
🎯 Day 2 Itinerary
Morning: Baqianji Camp activities Lunch: Camp barbecue and roast lamb Afternoon: Dianchi Lake wetlands and boat tour Dinner: Peacock Hand-Grab Feast (特色孔雀手抓宴) Stay: Ancient Dian Resort Hotel
Our second day officially kicked off our summer escape adventure. Our first stop was Baqianji Camp, and as soon as we arrived, I was surrounded by dense trees, lush vegetation, and the sweet fragrance of flowers. The neatly trimmed lawns stretched out before us, and my child ran and jumped with pure joy, thrilled to be so close to nature.
Baqianji Camp is a nationally renowned youth outdoor activity center, spanning nearly 50,000 square meters. It offers rock climbing, paintball CS, balance bikes, kayaking, and more—perfect for team building and professional training. During our visit, the camp was adorned with foxtail grass and pink muhly grass, creating picture-perfect moments for family photos.
Driven by curiosity, we tried the balance bikes with my little one. Even though he had just learned to walk, the staff showed incredible patience and professional guidance, which made our entire family feel truly welcomed.
On the nearby lake, groups of kayaking enthusiasts were gliding across the water, riding the waves with exhilarating speed—a rare experience indeed. Meanwhile, our family chose to relax in the camp tents, cherishing these precious moments together.
Of course, no visit would be complete without trying the paintball CS game. Unlike video games, everyone here wore camouflage gear—adults and children alike played with abandon, screaming and charging in the thrill of battle. Dodging, hiding, then suddenly emerging to shoot—the entire experience brought us to the peak of happiness.
These outdoor experiences really enhance children's love for sports while improving their mental and physical agility.
Our second stop was the Star Traveler Astronomy Science Museum. Every child dreams of leaving Earth to explore the unknown universe, and here, those dreams come true. Beyond physical health, children need to develop an interest in science and technology. On a deeper level, humanity will never stop exploring the unknown, and among the next generation, heroes who venture into the cosmos will surely emerge.
Our third stop brought us to the Ancient Dian Art Sea Pier. The scenery was enchanting, with the vast Dianchi Lake stretching into the horizon. This pier has won the Excellence Award from the Hong Kong Institute of Architects' Cross-Strait and Four Regions Architectural Design Awards. The entire corridor features a retro, rugged architectural style, and boating on Dianchi Lake feels like sailing through a painting of countless sails against an endless blue sky.
Dianchi Lake is so vast it can only be described in thousands of acres. Even strong winds merely ripple its surface. Taking a deep breath, I caught the subtle fragrance of lotus flowers wafting through the air. Though I couldn't see the lotus pond, the scent had already filled my heart.
As the moon rose and night deepened, the pier's beauty was only beginning to reveal itself. If a poet stood here, they would surely find inspiration to compose verses under the moonlight, allowing children to personally experience the hazy artistic意境 depicted in paintings and calligraphy.
If you visit during the day, you must try the painted boat cruise. White clouds lingered in the distance, emerald mountains dripped with greenery, and thousands of acres of trees formed a forest. The Happy World was within reach, and watching the Ferris wheel approach from afar filled me with a sense of dreamy intoxication.
Boarding the painted boat, we gently swayed to the center of the lake. Looking around, the azure sky covered everything, while emerald waters rippled in my heart. Laughter and conversation filled my ears, while my eyes took in the vibrant vitality of green mountains and trees. As we continued forward, even more scenery came into view.
Cruising along the lake, we admired the full panorama of the resort area. They say when you come to Kunming, you must interact with the water—and they're absolutely right. The water temperature remains in the teens year-round; dipping your hands in, you can feel the true temperature of the Spring City.
Excitement belongs to the day, while tranquility belongs to the night. We must learn to chase excitement, but also to embrace quietness. Only when we calm our hearts can we see life clearly. This is a lesson that will greatly benefit the children.
Baqianji Camp offers local specialty snacks, and if you're with a large family or group of friends, I highly recommend arranging a barbecue feast with roast lamb—delicious, flavorful, and full of life. For dinner, we chose the food plaza near the Ancient Dian Resort Hotel. If it's your first time in Yunnan, you absolutely must try the Peacock Hand-Grab Feast.
Day 3: Full Day at Colorful Yunnan Happy World
🎯 Practical Info
Location: Colorful Yunnan Happy World (七彩云南欢乐世界) Total Rides: 81 attractions Super Rides: 5 imported large-scale attractions Height Limit: 108-meter Ferris wheel Best Time: Whole day (arrive early) Stay: Ancient Dian Resort Hotel
Time flies when you're having fun! On day three, we finally arrived at the eagerly anticipated Colorful Yunnan Happy World.
You absolutely must set aside an entire day for this—there's so much to experience here.
Amusement parks exist everywhere, but distinctive theme parks are rare. Colorful Yunnan Happy World enjoys great renown, and we'd been longing to experience it for ourselves. Even before entering the gates, we were captivated by the riot of colors and the sound of drums and gongs—it was the park's grand opening welcome dance.
The park is packed with exciting attractions, and almost everything is included in the ticket price. With 81 attractions in total, including five super-large imported rides. For thrill-seekers, there's the Twin Tower Space Shot, the Primordial Stone Hammer, the Snow Eagle Wing Coaster, and the Dragon Elephant Roller Coaster—guaranteed to get your heart racing. For couples and families, there's the Dianchi Eye Ferris Wheel, the Colorful Special Train, the carousel, and the Couple Flying Car. For families with young children, there's the educational Baby Paradise and a series of kid-friendly attractions.
The children were eager to try everything—the thrilling roller coasters and the nostalgic pirate ships. Even some newer attractions surprised many parents. Most popular of all was the 108-meter-high Ferris wheel.
Riding the Ferris wheel, we slowly ascended to the highest point in the park. Looking out, everything appeared so lively and joyful. Visitors ran freely below, and the festive atmosphere was infectious.
If I had to recommend one must-see attraction, the Flying Cinema would definitely top the list. It features holographic 5D imaging—flying while introducing Yunnan's scenic spots and cultural beauty. It takes visitors on a breathtaking journey through the magnificent landscapes and customs of greater Yunnan, showcasing the province's beauty in all its glory. Even locals find it worth watching, so out-of-town visitors definitely shouldn't miss it.
The park also features multiple interactive shows: Wind Dance, Bharatanatyam, Ancient Dian Chronicles, Summer Carnival Parade, and Drum of the Secret Realm—each one captivating and novel. The performers and staff were incredibly charismatic and engaging.
In the evening, be sure to take the kids to the Summer Beer Carnival. This summer festival runs from July 25 to August 23, with the beer festival taking place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Come enjoy the refreshing exuberance of summer! Participate in the bonfire party, and there will also be spectacular drone shows—absolutely amazing! The children were especially happy, munching on barbecue while the fathers chatted over drinks. As night deepened, the bonfire party reached its climax.
The performers sang and danced, everyone enjoying themselves together in an incredibly romantic atmosphere. Looking up, fireworks burst into brilliant colors above the Ferris wheel, continuously shooting upward and blooming into gorgeous flowers. Standing beneath the fireworks felt like being surrounded by a shower of meteors.
Spending an entire day having fun—this is the right way to enjoy a summer vacation in Kunming, Yunnan.
Day 4: Animal Encounters and Hot Spring Relaxation
🎯 Day 4 Itinerary
Morning: Dora Petting Zoo (朵拉萌宠乐园) Afternoon: Ancient Dian Hot Spring Resort Stay: Crowne Plaza Hotel
On our final day, we visited Dora Petting Zoo. If you're traveling with young children, this place is absolutely unmissable. Upon entering the park, a clown and his parrot friend warmly greeted us. Staff members handed out stamp collection cards to the children, and on the spacious lawn, photo props were set up for kids to interact with to their hearts' content.
This petting zoo, built within pristine woodland, is home to adorable animals of all sizes—meerkats, capybaras, alpacas, prairie dogs... so cute you want to stuff them in your pockets! Beyond close encounters with the animals, Dora Petting Zoo also offers a series of fun activities that foster emotional growth for both children and parents.
In the afternoon, we took our little one to the Hot Spring Resort.
After several days of traveling, parents are bound to feel tired. At the Ancient Dian Hot Spring Resort, natural hot springs are drawn from 2,622 meters underground, rich in metasilicic acid, lithium, sodium, calcium, zinc, and other trace elements.
There are 72 outdoor forest hot spring pools in total—there's definitely one perfect for you. The rosy clouds are perfect for resting and bathing, with each season offering its own charm. Currently, there are also free tea ceremony and flower arrangement experiences available. Warm springs in the forest, summer wild fun—such a transcendent summer wellness experience, aren't you tempted?
Having dinner at the mountaintop of the resort is definitely an excellent choice. The resort is elegantly decorated, like something out of a poem or painting. During dinner, there was a wide variety of dishes to satisfy everyone's tastes.
In the evening, we returned to the Crowne Plaza Hotel. This flagship brand of the Spring City is located just a wall away from Colorful Yunnan Happy World. The highly recommended family rooms are exceptionally spacious and generous. The hotel is newly decorated with European styling, presenting an overall luxurious and grand atmosphere.
Entering the room, the air was fragrant and the children's amenities were well-appointed. After freshening up, I cuddled with my child in the big bed.
In the deep night, we enjoyed the best sleep.
And so, our four-day, three-night family summer escape to Kunming's Ancient Dian Resort came to an end.
Childlike innocence is not a synonym for naivety, but rather represents the kindness and enthusiasm that still resides in people's hearts.
May all the loves of summer be long and joyful.