I spent four unforgettable days exploring Kunming, China's City of Eternal Spring, following the footsteps of superstar Wang Yibo through the magnificent Ancient Dian Kingdom (Gudian Mingcheng) resort. From petting adorable alpacas at Dora Petting Zoo to screaming my lungs out on thrilling roller coasters at Colorful Yunnan Paradise, from watching thousands of red-billed gulls dancing over the wetlands to soaking in natural hot springs with panoramic views—this journey revealed a side of Kunming that most international travelers never discover. If you're seeking perfect winter weather, world-class entertainment, and authentic Yunnan experiences without the tourist crowds, this hidden gem delivers in ways that surprised even this seasoned traveler.
Trip Overview
When: December (Winter)
Duration: 4 days
Travelers: Solo
Budget: ~3,000 RMB (~$420 USD)
Transportation: Flight to Kunming + Local transport
Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions of the Ancient Dian Kingdom
When the biting winter cold of Chengdu became too much to bear, I knew I needed to escape to somewhere warm. Kunming (昆明, Kūnmíng)—the City of Eternal Spring—called to me with promises of mild temperatures and endless sunshine. But where exactly should I go? As an entertainment blogger, I discovered that superstar Wang Yibo had visited the Ancient Dian Kingdom Cultural Tourism Resort, and I decided to follow his footsteps.
The Ancient Dian Kingdom (七彩云南·古滇名城, Qīcǎi Yúnnán Gǔdiǎn Míngchéng) sits majestically by Dianchi Lake, spanning over 16,000 acres. This massive cultural tourism complex combines ancient Dian culture, ethnic minority traditions, and modern entertainment. As I stepped into this wonderland, I understood why Wang Yibo chose this place—it felt like entering another world where history and modernity dance together.
🎯 Practical Info
Location: Dianchi Lake, Kunming (昆明市滇池畔) Entry Fee: Free to enter the resort complex Best Time: Winter months (November-March) for mild weather Getting There: Taxi from Kunming city center (~50 minutes)
My Home Away from Home: Gudian Resort Hotel
I chose the Gudian Resort Hotel for my stay, and what a brilliant decision that was! For just over 400 RMB per night (~$56), I got an entire villa-style suite with two bedrooms, a living room, and a fully-equipped kitchen. The morning sunlight streaming through the windows made me forget it was winter—it felt like Chinese New Year all over again.
The resort, opened in 2017, boasts over 1,100 two-bedroom suites—perfect for families seeking a winter escape. I spent my first afternoon simply brewing tea by the window, reading a book, and embracing the laid-back lifestyle that Kunming is famous for.
Day 2: Crown Plaza Hotel and Colorful Yunnan Paradise
A Hotel That Welcomes Everyone—Including Pets!
For part of my stay, I moved to the Crowne Plaza Kunming Ancient Dian Resort. This place completely changed my impression of Holiday Inn properties—the amenities and service here rival luxury resorts. Located within the resort complex, surrounded by lush vegetation and blessed with Kunming's legendary winter sunshine, the atmosphere was pure bliss.
The lobby was elegantly designed with grand chandeliers and Christmas decorations—it was December, after all, and the festive spirit was everywhere. But what truly amazed me was their pet-friendly policy. They have dedicated pet rooms complete with gardens where your furry friends can run free! I've rarely seen hotels that genuinely welcome pets like this.
Family-Friendly Paradise
If you're traveling with children, this hotel is a dream come true. They offer specially designed themed rooms—blue-themed for boys with classic anime plushies, and pink-themed for girls with bunk beds and tents. Watching a little girl in my group fall in love with her princess room, playing endlessly without needing supervision, reminded me of the magic of childhood.
🎯 Practical Info - Crowne Plaza
Address: 七彩云南古滇名城 (Colorful Yunnan Ancient Dian Resort) Pet Policy: Yes! Dedicated pet rooms with private gardens Room Features: Large balconies with views of Colorful Yunnan Paradise Nearby: Walking distance to amusement park, petting zoo, and wetlands
Culinary Delights at the Buffet
Food lovers, rejoice! The hotel's buffet dinner is an absolute feast. I'm talking Beijing roast duck, Sichuan spicy skewers, Fujian Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, and an endless array of fresh fruits and desserts. Just looking at my photos makes me drool all over again!
Day 3: Adorable Animals and Thrilling Rides
Morning: Dora Petting Zoo (朵拉萌宠乐园)
The morning of day three found me at Dora Petting Zoo, located within the Ancient Dian Resort about 50 minutes from Kunming's city center. Parents, take note—this place is pure magic for children!
Walking through the gates, I was greeted by an incredible variety of animals—squirrels, black-nosed sheep, little pigs, rabbits, capybaras, raccoons, and of course, alpacas (草泥马, cǎonímǎ). What struck me immediately was how gentle and well-cared-for all the animals were. Staff members were everywhere, ensuring both animal welfare and visitor safety.
For just 10 RMB (~$1.40), you can buy feed at the entrance. Watching a little girl in our group giggle with delight as she fed animal after animal—I haven't seen such pure joy in ages! The alpacas, though incredibly cute, have quite the temper. I learned this the hard way when one spat at my friend for not feeding it quickly enough. That spit is... pungent, to say the least!
🎯 Practical Info - Dora Petting Zoo
Entry Fee: 48 RMB (~$6.70) per person; Family package: 128 RMB (~$18) for 2 adults + 1 child Animal Feed: 10 RMB (~$1.40) per bag Special Moment: I witnessed peacocks displaying their feathers for the first time! Pro Tip: Feed the alpacas quickly, or risk getting spit on!
The zoo also features animal performances—parrots doing tricks, dogs showing off their skills. I seriously considered adopting a pet after watching them!
Afternoon: Colorful Yunnan Paradise (七彩云南欢乐世界)
If there's one place that made this trip unforgettable, it's Colorful Yunnan Paradise. As the centerpiece of the Ancient Dian Resort, this 700+ acre amusement park represents an investment of over 3 billion yuan—and it shows!
The park is divided into seven themed zones: Dian Army Camp, Fantasy Dian Wonderland, Children's Dream World, Vientiane Tribe, Prehistoric Mystery, Frost Moon Cold Island, and Four Seasons Flower Sea. With 81 attractions, there's truly something for everyone.
My first stop was the Dianchi Eye Ferris Wheel (滇池之眼, Diānchí Zhī Yǎn)—standing 108 meters tall, it's the highest Ferris wheel in Yunnan province. From the top, I could see the entire Dianchi Lake spread out before me, the water sparkling under the winter sun. Absolutely breathtaking!
Then came the moment of truth—Elephant Play Dragon Roller Coaster. This beast stretches 1,056 meters with a 38-meter drop, using electromagnetic launch technology. It goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds! I screamed my lungs out and loved every second of it.
Not to be outdone, the Tiger Leaping Gorge Rapids ride plunges you 36 meters down a mountain-themed water slide. In summer, the queues for this must be insane—but in December, I walked right on!
🎯 Practical Info - Colorful Yunnan Paradise
Entry Fee: Check current pricing at the entrance Must-Try Rides: Dianchi Eye Ferris Wheel, Elephant Play Dragon Coaster, Tiger Leaping Gorge Rapids Best Time: December (no crowds!) or weekdays year-round Don't Miss: Evening water show 'Princess Peacock' (孔雀公主)
But here's what surprised me most—this park isn't just for thrill-seekers. The 'Baby Paradise' section features 34 specially designed attractions perfect for children aged 2-6. Watching families create memories together reminded me why I love traveling so much.
As the sun began to set, I stumbled upon a message wall—one of those 'leave a note for a stranger' spots that every Chinese attraction seems to have. Reading messages like 'Missing you is the biggest regret of my life' somehow touched my heart. Travel has a way of making you feel things you didn't expect.
Evening: Shows and Performances
When your legs get tired from all the rides, the park offers incredible shows. I caught the 'Ancient Dian Chronicles' at the special effects theater—a spectacular performance recreating the wars and culture of the Western Han Dynasty's Dian Kingdom. The scale and production value were mind-blowing.
The Ethnic Grand Theater performs 'Colorful Yunnan,' showcasing the traditional arts of Yunnan's minority groups. And if you visit during weekends or holidays, don't miss the Ancient Dian Parade—elaborate floats, beautiful costumes, and music that'll make you want to dance along!
But the highlight was definitely the evening water show 'Princess Peacock' (孔雀公主, Kǒngquè Gōngzhǔ)—a multi-million yuan production combining water screens, lights, and Yunnan ethnic culture. Words can't describe how magical it felt watching the story unfold against the night sky.
Oh, and I should mention—Wang Yibo, Wang Han, and the Day Day Up TV crew have all been here! So if you come, you'll literally be walking in celebrity footsteps.
Day 4: Red-Billed Gulls and Natural Hot Springs
Morning: Ancient Dian Premium Wetland Park (古滇精品湿地公园)
When winter comes to Yunnan, something magical happens. Thousands of red-billed gulls (红嘴鸥, Hóngzuǐ ōu) fly all the way from Siberia to escape the harsh northern winter—and they choose Kunming as their holiday destination. Who can blame them?
At the Ancient Dian Premium Wetland Park, I witnessed this spectacle firsthand. Tens of thousands of these elegant birds filled the sky, their white wings contrasting beautifully against the blue winter sky. You can see them everywhere—dancing on the water, soaring overhead, or accepting food from visitors.
I took so many photos my camera battery died twice. Every angle was picture-perfect—gulls in flight, gulls on the water, gulls silhouetted against the setting sun. My Instagram followers got quite the show that week!
🎯 Practical Info - Wetland Park
Best Season: November through March (gull migration period) What to Bring: Camera, extra batteries, bird feed (available for purchase) Photography Tip: Golden hour (sunset) provides the most stunning shots Entry: Usually free or minimal fee
Afternoon: Ancient Dian Hot Spring Resort (古滇温泉山庄)
After three days of exploring, my muscles were screaming for relief. Enter the Ancient Dian Hot Spring Resort—an upscale spa facility nestled in the mountains of the resort complex.
The standout feature here is the sheer number of pools—dozens of them cascading down the mountainside. Each pool offers different temperatures, mineral contents, and views. I found myself a secluded pool, soaked in the warm water, and caught up on my phone messages. Heaven!
At the mountain's peak sits an infinity pool with panoramic views of the entire Ancient Dian Resort. Soaking there while watching the sunset paint the sky in shades of orange and pink—I don't think I've ever felt more relaxed in my life.
I noticed many families enjoying the hot springs too—the kids splashing happily while parents finally got to relax. It struck me how this place truly caters to everyone, from solo travelers like me to multi-generational families.
Final Thoughts: Kunming, You're Hard to Forget
As I packed my bags on the final morning, I found myself already planning my return. Kunming isn't just a city—it's an experience that seeps into your bones. The eternal spring weather, the warmth of the people, the incredible variety of activities available at the Ancient Dian Resort...
This trip taught me that sometimes the best destinations aren't the ones on everyone's bucket list—they're the hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Following Wang Yibo's footsteps led me to one of the most memorable trips of my life.
If you're looking for a winter escape with perfect weather, world-class entertainment, natural beauty, and genuine cultural experiences, Kunming delivers. And if you happen to run into me there next time—I'll be the one soaking in the hot springs, phone in hand, already planning my next adventure.
Kunming, if fate brings us together again, I'll pass by you with a smile.
Quick Reference Guide
Getting There
From Airport: Taxi (~1 hour) or airport shuttle + taxi From City Center: Taxi (~50 minutes, ~80-100 RMB)
Where to Stay
Budget Option: Gudian Resort Hotel (~400 RMB/night, villa suites) Luxury Option: Crowne Plaza Kunming Ancient Dian (pet-friendly, family rooms)
Must-Do Activities
Dora Petting Zoo (perfect for families) Colorful Yunnan Paradise (thrill rides + shows) Wetland Park (November-March for red-billed gulls) Ancient Dian Hot Springs (infinity pool at sunset)
Best Time to Visit
Winter (November-March) offers mild weather (15-20°C), no crowds, and the spectacular gull migration. Summer is possible but expect crowds and occasional rain.
Budget Breakdown
Accommodation: 400-800 RMB/night (~$56-112) Amusement Park: ~200-300 RMB (~$28-42) Petting Zoo: 48 RMB (~$6.70) Hot Springs: ~150-200 RMB (~$21-28) Food: 100-200 RMB/day (~$14-28)
Useful Phrases
"Where is...?" – ...在哪里？(...zài nǎlǐ?) "How much?" – 多少钱？(Duōshao qián?) "Thank you" – 谢谢 (Xièxiè) "It's beautiful" – 太美了 (Tài měi le)