Solo in Yunnan 🌿 Part 1: Kunming
After ending my 6-day Shenzhen–Guangzhou trip with my parents, they flew back to Singapore while I continued my journey solo to Yunnan. I spent 9 days traveling alone through Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang, before flying back to SG from Shenzhen on Day 10.
I split this Yunnan's itinerary across 6 posts as there were too many nice pictures and activities that I wanted to include. Maybe I will also do separate posts on engaging private driver and do a hotel review :)
The main purpose of this solo trip was to slow down and reflect on the year. My itinerary was intentionally flexible and unhurried. Whenever I came across a nice café or bookstore, I would simply stop, sit, and daze for a while :) I guess that's the beauty of solo traveling.
Day 1 | Kunming
I flew from Shenzhen to Kunming and did a city walk from 文化巷 (Wenhua Alley) to 南强步行街 (Nanqiang Pedestrian Street). Along the way, I passed by many cute pop-up stores, stationery shops, cafés, and bookstores. I also walked to 翠湖 (Cuihu) to watch the seagulls. The area is very walkable, with scenic routes and interesting shops at every turn.
I also booked a 包车 (private car service) via 携程 (China’s version of Trip.com). Since I wanted to explore Kunming on foot, I only used the service for airport pickup and hotel drop-off. The driver was incredibly warm and kind. She even offered to bring me around Kunming, but I had to decline.
During my walk through Kunming's old town, I found that the blend of traditional and modern elements created a unique atmosphere that deeply enriched my solo travel experience. The quaint pop-up stores and independent stationery shops along Wenhua Alley and Wenlin Road offered lovely spots to pause and soak in local creativity. One of the highlights was visiting Cuihu (Green Lake) Park, where watching the graceful seagulls reminded me why I chose a slower pace on this trip. The peaceful surroundings made it a great place for reflection and unwinding away from the usual tourist crowds. I also highly recommend exploring the local street food around Kunming Old Street, where I tasted fresh wild mushroom hotpot—a local delicacy that captures Yunnan's rich natural bounty and culinary heritage. This was a perfect way to connect with the local culture beyond sightseeing. Booking a private driver via Ctrip for airport transfers was incredibly convenient and added a personal touch to the trip. The driver’s warmth and kindness made me feel welcomed, even though I chose to explore the city on foot for full immersion. For anyone looking to explore Kunming’s old town, I suggest leaving room for spontaneity in your itinerary—stopping at small cafes or bookstores can turn into memorable experiences that truly showcase Yunnan’s charm and pace of life. Solo traveling here allows for moments of quiet discovery and personal reflection, which I treasured throughout my nine-day journey.
Hi there! could I check how did U flew from Shenzhen to Kunming! seems to me that the flight tickets are quite expensive.thank you!