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

Ticket Type Price Notes
Adult Entry ¥40 Flat rate year-round
Student ¥30 With valid student ID
Glass Skywalk ¥50 Unlimited time, QR code purchase on-site
Drift Ticket ¥60 Jun–Sep only
Combo Pass ¥98 Entry + Glass Bridge + Mini Train (Meituan/Douyin deals)

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

Tier Recommendation Highlights Price
Premium Riverside Container Hotel Industrial style + floor-to-ceiling gorge view ¥580–780
Comfortable Stargazing Tent Camp Fully equipped, with mattress ¥280/tent
Budget Yi Village Homestay Fire pit roasted chicken, hosts dance the “Left Foot Dance” ¥120–180

🍽 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. 🌌