Qinglong Gorge in Anning City, Kunming

? Qinglong Gorge · “Central Yunnan’s Natural Air Conditioner”

A hidden eco-canyon just 68 km from Kunming’s city center — where forests cover 90% of the land, summer highs linger around 25 °C, and waterfalls, drift adventures, and Yi village bonfires make every visit a blend of thrill and tranquility.

? Location & Access

Address: Qinglong Gorge Scenic Area, Qinglong Town, Anning City, Kunming, Yunnan, China

Driving Distances:

• Kunming City → 68 km / ~1 h (Hangrui Expressway or Kun’an Expressway → Anfu Road → Qinglong Gorge)

• Anning City → 29 km / ~30 min

• Anning Hot Springs → 20 km (perfect “Hot Springs + Gorge” day trip)

Public Transport:

• Bus: From Kunming West Station/Xiaoximen → “Kunming–Fumin” line, get off at Qinglong Gorge, ¥15, ~1.5 h

• Metro + Ride-hailing: Metro Line 3 to “West Bus Station” (Exit B) → ride-hail ~¥80, direct to entrance

• Train: Get off at Qinglong Station on the Chengdu–Kunming line → taxi 3 km to entrance (great for backpackers)

? Attractions & Themed Zones

? Drift Adventure Zone | “No. 1 Drift in Central Yunnan”

• 3.2 km course, 76 m drop, ~60 min ride

• Best thrill: June–September (high water)

• Price: ¥60, children under 1.2 m not allowed

? Ancient Forest Zone | Oxygen Lounge

• Over 20 scenic points: giant vines, creekside pavilions, ancestral ruins

• Negative oxygen ion count: off the charts

? Canyon Panorama Zone | Waterfalls & Glass Skywalk

• Dragon Pool Waterfall + 100 m glass bridge (¥50)

• Heart-rate level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (panoramic V-shaped gorge view)

? Yi Ethnic Village Zone | Cultural Immersion

• Welcome wine, archery, horseback riding, evening bonfire at 19:30

⛺ Camping & Outdoor Zone | Stargazing & BBQ

• Riverside container hotels, forest train, rock climbing, jungle treks, kids’ playground

? Tickets & Opening Hours

⏰ Hours: 09:00–17:00 (last entry at 17:00)

? One-Day Itinerary

• 09:00 Arrive at scenic gate

• 09:30 Take the mini forest train into the gorge

• 10:00 Glass bridge walk & photo session

• 11:00 Light hike along ancient forest trails

• 12:30 Yi-style BBQ lunch

• 13:30 Choose drift rafting or creek trekking

• 15:30 Canopy tea time in the camping zone

• 17:00 Return trip or stay overnight in container hotel

? Where to Stay

? Food Map

• Gorge BBQ: Fresh-cut beef, grilled tofu, paired with rose-infused craft beer

• Yi-Style Cured Pork: Firewood-smoked, rich yet not greasy

• Wild Mountain Greens: Cold tree flowers, deep-fried bee pupae for the bold

• Souvenirs: Anning red pears, rose flower cakes, fresh-pressed walnut oil

? Best Seasons

• Spring (Mar–Apr): Rhododendron blooms & spring hikes

• Summer (May–Sep): 25 °C cool escape, rafting, stargazing camp

• Autumn (Oct–Nov): Golden-red foliage for photographers

• Winter (Dec–Feb): Quiet trails, frozen waterfalls, hot spring + hike combo

? Tips

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+, sunglasses — UV is strong in the gorge

• Footwear: Anti-slip hiking shoes recommended (trails can be damp)

• Pets: Allowed with leash

• Safety: Wear life jackets for rafting; bring waterproof phone pouch

• Parking: Large lot, ¥10/entry

✨ Final Call

When the city hits 35 °C, Qinglong Gorge is still a cool 25 °C.
Pack this guide, grab your family (and your dog ?),
scream through the drift, dance by the Yi bonfire,
and in just one hour from Kunming — have the gorge, waterfall, and Milky Way all in one trip. ?