I spent four unforgettable days at the Colorful Yunnan Ancient Dian Kingdom Resort (七彩云南古滇名城 Qīcǎi Yúnnán Gǔdiān Míngchéng) in Kunming, China's City of Eternal Spring. From exploring the pristine wetlands of Dianchi Lake to screaming my heart out on world-class roller coasters, getting up close with adorable alpacas and pigs at the petting zoo, and soaking in therapeutic hot springs 2,622 meters underground—this journey revealed a side of Yunnan that perfectly blends ancient culture with modern entertainment. If you're looking for a comprehensive destination that offers something for every age and interest, this resort delivers experiences that left me already planning my return.
Trip Overview
When: August (Summer)
Duration: 4 days
Travelers: With friends
Budget: ~2,000 RMB (~$280 USD)
Transportation: Flight from Guangzhou to Kunming, then taxi/shuttle within the resort
Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions
When my flight touched down at Kunming Changshui International Airport (昆明长水机场), I immediately understood why they call this the "City of Eternal Spring." The weather was absolutely perfect—mild, fresh, and welcoming. My friends and I headed straight to the Colorful Yunnan Ancient Dian Kingdom Resort, a massive integrated destination that combines tourism, vacation, entertainment, leisure, culture, cuisine, and wellness all in one place.
We checked into the Ancient Dian Resort Hotel's suite, and I was impressed—it felt like a home away from home with a kitchen, living room, and a spacious balcony overlooking the beautiful scenery. Located within a wellness town, the hotel had everything we needed: supermarkets, restaurants, and even medical facilities nearby. The area is particularly popular for retirees, and I could see why—the environment is incredibly comfortable and peaceful.
That evening, we walked to a nearby restaurant called Yixin Garden (怡心园), which specializes in authentic Yunnan cuisine. The highlight was definitely their signature beef brisket hot pot—a rich, warming broth that we sipped first, then added fresh vegetables that soaked up all the flavorful goodness. I couldn't help but give it two thumbs up!
Day 2: Ancient Dian Premium Wetland Park Adventure
Today was all about exploring the Ancient Dian Premium Wetland Park (古滇精品湿地公园), one of the resort's core attractions spanning over 1,100 acres and serving as an ecological barrier for Dianchi Lake (滇池). Walking through this lush paradise filled with blooming flowers, towering trees, and birdsong, I felt like I had stepped into a nature documentary.
At the BoSu 8000 Collection Ancient Dian Camp, I couldn't resist trying the outdoor adventure activities. Rock climbing looked easier than it actually was! It seriously tested my physical strength—especially my arm muscles, which were burning by the end. What surprised me most was the mental challenge of planning each move carefully. The descent was actually the hardest part for me—lacking experience and courage, I couldn't glide down as gracefully as the instructor but had to climb down slowly. Despite the challenge, I felt incredibly accomplished and would highly recommend parents bring their kids to try it!
Next up was kayaking, which I found much easier than rock climbing. The key is balance—just follow the instructor's guidance and you won't flip over. Paddling gently toward the center of the lake while enjoying the scenic views along the way was incredibly relaxing.
The paintball/laser tag was another highlight, perfect for groups. We happened to arrive when a large corporate team was there for a team-building event, and seeing how much fun they were having, we decided to join in. It felt like being in a real-life "battle royale" game!
For lunch, we had a BBQ feast right at the camp, including a whole roasted lamb. Gathering around the grill with friends after all that activity, chatting and laughing while cooking—pure bliss!
The park offers so much more—camping, balance bikes, an astronomy science center—suitable for all ages. One day really isn't enough!
In the afternoon, a brief rain shower didn't dampen our spirits. After the rain passed, we experienced the Ancient Dian painted boat cruise. With 46 classical-style boats docked at the Ancient Dian Art Sea Pier, the scene itself looked like a beautiful painting come to life.
I particularly loved the Dian Sea Fishing Boat experience. Sitting in an open-view boat, gliding across the water, enjoying the breeze while admiring the scenery on both sides—I occasionally spotted fish jumping out of the water, with flowers and birdsong on the banks and a giant Ferris wheel in the distance. It felt like sailing through a fairy tale world.
As dusk approached, we headed to the best viewpoint—the Tourist Service Center Viewing Platform, where we could take in the entire panorama of Dianchi Lake while watching the sunset silhouette Xishan Mountain (西山), also known as "Sleeping Beauty Mountain."
For dinner, we tried another restaurant near our hotel and experienced the famous Yunnan Peacock Banquet (孔雀宴 Kǒngquè Yàn)—a stunning presentation of colorful local ingredients arranged on a large bamboo tray to resemble a peacock with its feathers spread. Every dish was a local specialty, featuring vegetables, meats, and even some fried insects. Truly unique!
Day 3: Colorful Yunnan Happy World Theme Park
Today was dedicated to the Colorful Yunnan Happy World (七彩云南欢乐世界 Qīcǎi Yúnnán Huānlè Shìjiè) theme park. Ever since I spotted that massive Ferris wheel from the wetland park, I'd been counting down to this day. This is hands-down the most Instagram-worthy amusement park in Kunming, featuring 81 attractions with world-class rides combined with local Yunnan themes.
If you arrive early, you'll catch the grand opening dance performance. Even if you miss it, the park offers thrilling rides and non-stop entertainment shows throughout the day.
The first thing that catches your eye upon entering is the "Eye of Dianchi" (滇池之眼)—a massive 108-meter-tall Ferris wheel decorated with peacock patterns. From the top, you can see the entire resort. My recommendation: start with the Ferris wheel to get your bearings, then plan which rides to hit.
The park features two signature roller coasters: the Elephant Play Dragon Coaster and the Snow Eagle Wing Coaster. For adrenaline junkies, both are must-rides. My friend and I tried both—absolutely thrilling and the perfect way to scream out all your stress!
Other unique attractions include the Flying Cinema's "Fly Over Colorful Yunnan," the Tiger Leaping Gorge water ride, the Double Tower Space Shot, and the Primordial Stone Hammer—all themed around Yunnan's culture and landscapes.
Non-stop performances happen throughout the park all day. The Summer Carnival Parade starts at 3:30 PM and circles the entire park. Pro tip: grab a park map at the entrance and plan your route for maximum fun!
Come evening, head to the Ancient Dian Stunt Theater area where they host Summer Beer Carnival on weekends—featuring food, beer, and spectacular performances.
Nighttime entertainment is equally spectacular: bonfire parties at the main square, drone shows beside the Eye of Dianchi, and fireworks displays at the park entrance—one amazing show after another.
🎯 Practical Info
Location: Huanhu South Road, Jinning District, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China (云南省昆明市晋宁区环湖南路七彩云南古滇名城七彩云南欢乐世界)
Opening Hours:
• Mon–Thu: 10:00–21:00
• Fri: 10:00–22:00 (Night session 18:00–22:00)
• Sat–Sun: 9:30–22:00 (Night session 18:00–22:00)
Ticket Prices:
• Single day: ¥185 (~$26 USD)
• Two-day pass: ¥245 (~$34 USD)
• Night session: ¥99 (~$14 USD)
Day 4: Petting Zoo and Hot Springs
Animal lovers, rejoice! Our final day began at the Ancient Dian Dora Petting Zoo (古滇朵拉萌宠乐园), home to countless adorable animals that are gentle, cute, and beloved by both adults and children—perfect for families.
The best part? You can interact with the animals! Under staff guidance, you can feed them. The silly alpacas love carrots, and you can use carrots to lure them into photos with you.
The black-faced sheep are adorably silly and particularly greedy—they'll follow you everywhere begging for food!
There are also mini pigs, rabbits, and even raccoons (nicknamed "instant noodles" in Chinese due to a popular snack mascot). Spending time here felt incredibly therapeutic and healing.
In the afternoon, we headed to the Ancient Dian Hillside Hot Spring Hotel (古滇半山温泉酒店) to relax and enjoy the therapeutic hot springs—a perfect way to unwind. Before soaking, we visited Ban Shan Pu Yu for tea tasting and flower arranging. The serene, elegant environment helped me calm down and learn the art of flower arrangement from the instructor. I left with not just a beautiful basket of flowers, but a relaxed state of mind.
A light rain started after our flower arranging session, and the cooler temperature made it even more perfect for hot spring soaking. The water here comes from natural springs 2,622 meters underground, rich in minerals beneficial for health and beauty.
The hot spring area is divided into four zones with 72 forest pools and 36 private villa pools, each offering different therapeutic benefits. At the mountaintop, there's an infinity pool called Qiongtai Pool (琼台浴池) where you can soak while enjoying panoramic views of the Ancient Dian scenery.
Right beside Qiongtai Pool is the Mu Yun Tai Restaurant (沐云台), where we had dinner after soaking. Its mountaintop location offers stunning views while dining. I especially loved the steak and pumpkin soup—enjoying delicious food after a relaxing hot spring bath was absolute heaven.
For our final night, we checked into the Crowne Plaza Hotel—a relatively luxurious star-rated property. Every detail of the decor and furnishings was exquisite and elegant, and the service was incredibly attentive.
The rooms were spacious and bright with a huge comfortable bed, large bathtub, and balcony—pure happiness! After several days of activities, this was the perfect place to rest before departure.
Final Thoughts
The next day, we reluctantly left Kunming. Yunnan truly lives up to its reputation—"Spring City" with its pleasant year-round climate, picturesque scenery, and rich culture. The Colorful Yunnan Ancient Dian Kingdom Resort is a rare comprehensive vacation destination that offers something for everyone. I'm already looking forward to returning and experiencing more of this vibrant ancient Dian culture.
If you're planning a trip to Kunming, this should absolutely be your first stop. Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or solo, you'll find activities that match your interests—from heart-pumping roller coasters to peaceful wetland boat rides, from adorable animal encounters to therapeutic hot springs. It's the perfect way to start your Yunnan adventure!
Quick Reference Guide
What to Pack
Sunscreen and hat (summer sun is strong) Umbrella (for both sun and rain during monsoon season) Summer clothing plus a light long-sleeve jacket (mornings and evenings can be cool) Comfortable walking shoes
Best Time to Visit
Kunming enjoys pleasant weather year-round, but August (summer) is rainy season. The resort is fully operational rain or shine, with indoor and outdoor activities available.
Getting There
From Kunming Changshui Airport: Taxi or shuttle bus to the resort (approximately 1 hour)
Address: Huanhu South Road, Jinning District, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China (云南省昆明市晋宁区环湖南路七彩云南古滇名城)
Estimated Budget Breakdown
Accommodation (3 nights): ¥800–1,500 (~$110–210 USD) Theme park tickets: ¥185 (~$26 USD) Food (4 days): ¥400–600 (~$55–85 USD) Activities and transportation: ¥300–500 (~$40–70 USD)