Free Tour in Kunming’s Historic Heart: From Yunnan Univrsity to Yuantong Temple

We will meet at the main gate of Yunnan University and begin our walk through Kunming’s most historic campus. Here, we will visit Huize Hall, a nationally protected cultural heritage site. We will also see traces of the old imperial examination system from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Then we will walk to Wenhua Alley, once home to some of China’s most distinguished scholars during World War II，now a lively street that reflects both the local and international sides of Kunming.You will see small local shops selling honey-roasted chestnuts and chrysanthemum rice noodles, as well as Salvador’s Coffee House, a well-known café connected to the international student and traveler culture around Yunnan University.

Our next stop is the Yunnan Military Academy, another nationally protected cultural heritage site. We can visit the museum inside if you like , or simply enjoy its beautiful French classical-style architecture from outside.

Then we will arrive at Green Lake, the cultural heart of Kunming, where locals play mahjong, sing, play instruments, dance, and write calligraphy with water on the ground.

Finally, we will visit Yuantong Temple, a Buddhist temple with over 1,200 years of history, hidden like a peaceful classical garden in the middle of the city. The ticket price is 6 RMB (about 0.90 USD), including three sticks of eco-friendly incense and one or two candles..

Food and drink tastings are not included by default, but this route is full of authentic Yunnan snacks. If you are interested, I’ll be happy to share some of my personal favorite hidden food spots with you.

*Please remember to bring your passport, as visitors need to register before entering Yunnan University. Also, don’t forget to bring sun protection, such as a hat, sunglasses, or sunscreen, because the UV rays in Kunming can be very strong.

The tour lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes

Available in English

Guide: Cheng

Guiding since 2026

Hi :), I’m Lei. I used to work as a journalist for a national media outlet, where I wrote millions of words of news stories. Today, I am a university lecturer and a licensed English-speaking tour guide. I hold a master’s degree in journalism and communication, which has shaped the way I look at the world: always curious, always asking where things come from and why they became what they are. My daily reading covers history, politics, society, religion, and ethnic cultures, and I like to approach every journey with an anthropological eye. I am also a long-time Ashtanga yoga practitioner. This practice has taught me discipline, mental clarity, and a calmer, more mindful way of observing the world. During my travels in Kyoto, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Agra, Singapore, and many other cities, I joined city walks led by locals. I fell in love with this way of travelling: slow, personal, story-rich, and full of unexpected details. Later I thought, why not offer the same kind of experience in my own city? With me, you will go beyond the obvious sights and step into Kunming’s most hidden yet everyday corners. You will feel the city’s unique laid-back spirit, something quite different from any other provincial capital in China. In the world of travel, Yunnan is still an underrated and unpolished gem. Let’s discover its beauty slowly, together.

6 stops

2.5 km walking

2 hours and 30 minutes

Meeting point:the Gate of Yunnan UniversityI’ll be waiting at the gate of Yunnan University with a bright yellow umbrella.Open in Google Maps →

1

Free entry

Yunnan UniversityFounded in 1922, Yunnan University is one of the most beautiful and historic campuses in southwest China. Walking through its old buildings, we can see traces of Kunming’s modern history, from French-inspired architecture to the legacy of China’s wartime academic migration during World War II. I will share stories about Huize Hall, a nationally protected heritage building, and explain how this campus became a place where Chinese, Western, local Yunnan, and student cultures meet.

2

Outside visit

Qianju StreetQianju Street literally means “Mint Bureau Street.” The name comes from an old government mint that once stood in this area, and the street later became associated with money shops and financial businesses.

3

Free entry

Yunnan Military AcademyThe Yunnan Military Academy is one of Kunming’s most iconic historical landmarks. Built in the early 20th century, it was once one of China’s most important military schools and trained many influential figures in modern Chinese history. Its elegant French classical-style architecture makes it a beautiful place for photos, while its museum offers a deeper look into Yunnan’s role in China’s modern history.

6 stops

2.5 km walking

2 hours and 30 minutes

Meeting point:the Gate of Yunnan UniversityI’ll be waiting at the gate of Yunnan University with a bright yellow umbrella.Open in Google Maps →

1

Free entry

Yunnan UniversityFounded in 1922, Yunnan University is one of the most beautiful and historic campuses in southwest China. Walking through its old buildings, we can see traces of Kunming’s modern history, from French-inspired architecture to the legacy of China’s wartime academic migration during World War II. I will share stories about Huize Hall, a nationally protected heritage building, and explain how this campus became a place where Chinese, Western, local Yunnan, and student cultures meet.

2

Outside visit

Qianju StreetQianju Street literally means “Mint Bureau Street.” The name comes from an old government mint that once stood in this area, and the street later became associated with money shops and financial businesses.

3

Free entry

Yunnan Military AcademyThe Yunnan Military Academy is one of Kunming’s most iconic historical landmarks. Built in the early 20th century, it was once one of China’s most important military schools and trained many influential figures in modern Chinese history. Its elegant French classical-style architecture makes it a beautiful place for photos, while its museum offers a deeper look into Yunnan’s role in China’s modern history.

Free tours don't have a fixed price. At the end, each person contributes to the guide the amount they consider fair based on their satisfaction. As a guideline, Guruwalk recommends between €15 and $50 per participant.

Accessibility

Suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Groups

Does not accept large group bookings.

Pets

Suitable for bringing pets.

Minimum attendees

Requires a minimum of 2 people to conduct the tour.

Additional costs

The tour requires payment for entries or additional expenses.

Free cancellation

If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.