Panlong Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

“I must have flowers, always, and always.” 
― Claude Monet
#Colorful
“I must have flowers, always, and always.” 
― Claude Monet
#Colorful
This shot is taken just 3-5 minutes walk from the Longchuan river park of Shangbacun. The road/path is the main road of this small hillside village (the suburbs of Shangbacun?).  

I find myself wondering how different is this alley compared to my childhood home in suburban Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.  And all the people I meet on the road, how different are their thoughts to mine?

“Travel far enough, you meet yourself." - David Mitchel, Cloud Atlas
I was always slightly perplexed whenever I saw men walking, or riding their bikes, while holding a bird cage wrapped in a blanket.  I had guessed that they had either just bought it or were off to sell it.  I have since learned that they are taking them for a walk and bringing them to a place where they can have their covers taken off and allowed to socialize with other birds.

These men didn't mind me taking a photo.  In fact, they seemed it odd that I should take interest in something so normal.  This wasn't the case when I tried to take photos of two men taking their turtles for walks on separate occasions (big ones too...not the men, the turtles).  Hopefully, I can get a photo of man and beast later on.
Kunming, like most large Chinese cities, can be wearing upon the senses.  So, if you should find yourself here in what is a very special area, and you are looking for a nice stroll, I strongly suggest going along 盘龙江(Panlong Jiang).  There are green spaces and ample walking paths that allow one to walk from the North edge of Kunming, to the train station in the south.  You can probably go further, but I haven't gone that far yet.  

Not only is it much quieter and beautiful than the crowded streets, but like most cities, there is a different culture that exists here.  I recently took a walk and captured some interesting pictures which I will post in the coming days.

Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Panlong Hotel Deals

Holiday Inn Kunming City Centre by IHG

Holiday Inn Kunming City Centre by IHG

4 out of 5
No. 29 East Dong Feng Road Kunming Yunnan
The price is NZ$78 per night from 6 Mar to 7 Mar
NZ$78
6 Mar - 7 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kunming. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Tuodong Stadium and Nanping Pedestrian ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (356 reviews)
The staff was very helpful and the rooms were big and we got upgraded. No complaints and will recommend

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

Holiday Inn Kunming City Centre by IHG
JEN Kunming Hotel - Shangri-La Group

JEN Kunming Hotel - Shangri-La Group

4 out of 5
No. 88 Dongfeng East Road Kunming Yunnan
The price is NZ$149 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
NZ$149
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kunming. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free valet parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Tuodong Stadium and Nanping ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (14 reviews)
Friendly staff, modern decoration in the room, central location, convenient to everything

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026

JEN Kunming Hotel - Shangri-La Group
Holiday Inn Express Kunming Panlong by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Kunming Panlong by IHG

3 out of 5
No. 999 Jinwa Road, Panlong District Kunming Yunnan
Fully refundable
The price is NZ$80 per night from 4 Mar to 5 Mar
NZ$80
4 Mar - 5 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Kunming. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Tuodong Stadium and Yunnan Railway ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (42 reviews)
Clean and spacious

Reviewed on 21 July 2025

Holiday Inn Express Kunming Panlong by IHG
Days Inn by Wyndham Kunming Panlong

Days Inn by Wyndham Kunming Panlong

2 out of 5
Building 15, Mingshui Lijing Kunming Yunnan
The price is NZ$75 per night from 5 Mar to 6 Mar
NZ$75
5 Mar - 6 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Kunming. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Kunming Botanical Garden and Wanchun Pavilion ...
Days Inn by Wyndham Kunming Panlong
Shangri-La Kunming

Shangri-La Kunming

No.88 Dongfeng East Rd, Kunming Yunna
The price is NZ$507 per night from 25 Feb to 26 Feb
NZ$507
25 Feb - 26 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Shangri-La Kunming
Golden Spring Hotel

Golden Spring Hotel

2.5 out of 5
93 Ren Ming Road East Kunming Yunnan
Stay at this hotel in Kunming. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Tuodong Stadium and Nanping Pedestrian Street ...
Golden Spring Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Panlong

Kunming Zoo

Kunming City Centre

Kunming City Centre is noteworthy for its lake views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Green Lake Park and Nanping Pedestrian Street.

Kunming City Centre
Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. 

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

We are a product of nature, albeit an infinitesimal one.  Nature includes quantum particles, black holes, and the expanding parts of the universe filled with dark energy.  Within the scope of space-time, patience is really the only option.

Xiao Ximen

Xiao Ximen is well liked for its museums and parks. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Green Lake Park and West Pagoda are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Xiao Ximen
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Luosiwan International Trade Area

Travellers enjoy Luosiwan International Trade Area for its restaurants and museums. Consider checking out West Pagoda while you're in the area.

Luosiwan International Trade Area
Kunming Zoo

Wuhua District

If you're spending some time in Wuhua District, Kunming Zoo and Green Lake Park are top sights worth seeing.

Wuhua District
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Guandu

You'll enjoy the parks and waterfront in Guandu. You might want to make time for a stop at Yunnan Provincial Museum or Lake Dian.

Guandu
lovely palce

Xishan District

3/5(1 area review)

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in Xishan District. You might want to make time for a stop at Lake Dian or Kunming Sports Training Base.

Xishan District


Panlong Travel Guide

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