Panlong Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

“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.
This part of the river path is opposite 财经大学(CaiJingDaXue), the University of Finance and Economics. When I first came to Kunming, I lived on the campus and taught English there. The river was here at that time, but the path was not. That was about 6-7 years ago, and Kunming was not yet in full development mode. At that time, the university was near the edge of town and one could still see farmers riding a horse and cart bringing their wares to market.

Popular places to visit

Green, the colour of nature, brings calm and balance.

Green Lake Park

Explore the great outdoors at Green Lake Park, a lovely green space in Kunming. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Green Lake Park
Affirmation without discipline is the beginning of delusion. - Jim Rohn I have many Chinese students who, because I teach them one to one and have forged a relationship with them, tell me a great deal about their personal life. One of the things I have learned is that Middle School and University students spend time, during grade 7, 10 and their freshman year in university, training in the military. Personally, I would hate it and don't ascribe to its practice. However, as an observer of political economy and nation states, I must admit that it is of incredible benefit. China has a vibrance to it and it owes this in part to the level of discipline that exists throughout its society. On the contrary, in the US, there is a malaise that runs deep within its core. It is rotting from the inside out. Everywhere, you here the cry of how great America is, an affirmation without any discipline. It is a profound self-delusion and it is about to bite us all squarely on the ass.

Yunnan University

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of Yunnan University during your travels in Kunming. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Yunnan University
Kunming Zoo

Kunming Zoo

More than 50 species of animals are on display at this zoo, but the star attractions are the pretty plantings of cherry and plum trees on the slopes of Yuantong Hill.

Kunming Zoo
Beautiful Landscape of China Stone forest in Kunming, Yunnan province., Shutterstock ID 639799570, SF SSA Case with Manager Approval: Case 07151371, Job: Prepay credit, Client/Licensee: , Other:

Stone Forest

You can take time to visit Stone Forest during your travels to Shilin Yi Autonomous County. Wander the parks or discover the area's mountain views.

Stone Forest
its a nice place to stay ... but I can say bit vintage haha ....

Lake Dian

4/5(1 review)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lake Dian during your travels in Kunming. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Lake Dian

Kunming Botanical Garden

Explore the great outdoors at Kunming Botanical Garden, a lovely green space in Tadong. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Kunming Botanical Garden

Activities

Kunming Yunnan Ethnic Village Private Tour

Kunming Yunnan Ethnic Village Private Tour

NZ$290
per adult
Kunming Yunnan Ethnic Village Private Tour
Kunming Stone Forest + Kunming City Private Tour

Stone Forest + Yiliang Roast Duck + Kunming City Private Tour

NZ$185
per adult
Stone Forest + Yiliang Roast Duck + Kunming City Private Tour
5-Day Private Yunnan Discovery: Kunming, Dali, Shaxi and Lijiang

5-Day Private Yunnan Discovery: Kunming, Dali, Shaxi and Lijiang

NZ$3,783
per adult
5-Day Private Yunnan Discovery: Kunming, Dali, Shaxi and Lijiang
See all activities in Kunming

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$89 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
NZ$89
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kunming. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Tuodong Stadium and Nanping Pedestrian ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (359 reviews)
Great staff. Good service. Good location with a lot of restaurant , bar and coffe shop . Very interesting place near old town with a lot of activity at night

Reviewed on 2 Feb 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$153 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
NZ$153
per night
26 Mar - 27 Mar
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Kunming. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free valet parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Tuodong Stadium and Nanping ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (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
The price is NZ$77 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
NZ$77
per night
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Kunming. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Tuodong Stadium and World Horti-Expo Garden ...
Holiday Inn Express Kunming Panlong by IHG
Shangri-La Kunming

Shangri-La Kunming

4.5 out of 5
No.88 Dongfeng East Rd, Kunming Yunna
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$517 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
NZ$517
per night
29 Mar - 30 Mar
Stay at this luxury hotel in Kunming. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Tuodong Stadium and Nanping Pedestrian Street ...
Shangri-La Kunming
Golden Spring Hotel

Golden Spring Hotel

3 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 ...
Get rates
Golden Spring Hotel
Hotel high sky view hotel

Hotel high sky view hotel

4.5 out of 5
Beijing road Yue center Kunming yunnan
The price is NZ$173 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
NZ$173
per night
25 Mar - 26 Mar
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Kunming. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Tongde Plaza Shopping Center and ...
Hotel high sky view hotel
See all 304 properties in Panlong
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 Kunming Sports Training Base or Lake Dian.

Xishan District

Panlong Travel Guide

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