Kunming, Yunnan: 24-Hour Budget Travel in China

Is Kunming in Yunnan, China Expensive? Our 24 Hour Travel Costs & Experiences

Destination:ChinaProvince:YunnanCity:Kunming
Is Kunming in Yunnan, China Expensive? Our 24 Hour Travel Costs & Experiences
Biesinger FIRE Journey2025-03-085 min

Greetings from the Biesingers! We are so happy you are here! We are a family of four sharing our financial freedom (FIRE) journey. At age 21, we purchased our first real estate property and then became first-time landlords at age 22 as college students. We worked extremely hard to pay off my student debt. Doing so helped me graduate with my MBA completely student-debt-free! We have other diversified investments and are excited to share more with you in our channel. We have now hit Coast FIRE, allowing us to move abroad and semi-retire in Asia! The information shared includes our personal research, experience, and opinions regarding managing money, retiring abroad, and pursuing financial freedom, but we are not financial advisors. When making your personal finance and retirement decisions, we highly recommend researching multiple sources and/or receiving advice from a licensed professional. Also, if you are looking to retire abroad, please visit the place you desire to retire first to have a feel of whether it is a good fit. Everyone's lifestyles and preferences will vary.

--- Biesinger FIRE Journey
March 8, 2025, Spring in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Introduction to Kunming
  2. 0:47Kunming High Hong Wetland Park
  3. 2:19Travel to hotel by subway
  4. 2:43Trying Crossbridge Rice Noodles
  5. 3:25Exploring Ancient Town
  6. 4:25Visiting Oriental Bookstore
  7. 4:53Ordering food delivery
  8. 5:06Breakfast at 7-Eleven
  9. 5:24Starbucks at the airport
  10. 5:32Total cost summary

Biesinger FIRE Journey's 24-hour Kunming adventure proves surprisingly affordable! Exploring stunning parks, delicious food, and cultural sites, they experienced Yunnan's charm on a budget.

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1Transportation from the airport to the park cost only 48.5 Yuan (about 6.7 USD), utilizing a combination of subway and taxi. This highlights the efficiency and affordability of public transport in Kunming. (1:00)
  2. Tip 2Kunming High Hong Wetland Park offers free entry, making it a budget-friendly and beautiful attraction. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and stunning views. (2:17)
  3. Tip 3Choosing a hotel near a subway station and food street provides convenient access to transportation and dining options. This saves time and money. (2:28)
  4. Tip 4Explore the ancient town, preserving its layout since the Ming and Qing dynasties. It offers a vibrant atmosphere for shopping and experiencing local cuisine. (3:30)
  5. Tip 5Trying local specialties like die-style pounded chicken feet salad provides an authentic culinary experience. Don't be afraid to venture beyond familiar dishes. (4:03)
  6. Tip 6The Kunming Oriental Bookstore offers a unique blend of modern and traditional design, making it a must-visit for those interested in literature and history. (4:25)
  7. Tip 7Utilize convenient options like 7-Eleven for quick and affordable breakfast and snacks. This saves time and money, especially during short trips. (5:06)

Biesinger FIRE Journey shares their surprisingly affordable 24-hour adventure in Kunming, Yunnan. From navigating transportation with ease to indulging in local delicacies like cross-bridge rice noodles and grilled milk fan, they reveal the hidden gems and budget-friendly delights of this vibrant city. Discover how they managed to explore stunning natural landscapes, experience unique cultural spots, and savor delicious food, all while keeping costs remarkably low. Join them as they uncover the true cost of exploring Kunming and its captivating charm!

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Is Kunming in Yunnan, China Expensive? Our 24 Hour Travel Costs & Experiences

This video by Biesinger FIRE Journey documents their whirlwind 24-hour trip to Kunming, Yunnan, China, focusing on affordability and unique experiences. They cleverly utilized a combination of taxis and subways for efficient transportation, showcasing the cost-effectiveness of public transport. The journey began with a visit to the breathtaking Kunming High Hong Wetland Park, a haven teeming with migrating Siberian seagulls. Biesinger FIRE Journey was captivated by the serene beauty of the park's redwood trees and the absence of an entrance fee.

Their exploration continued with a stay at a budget-friendly hotel conveniently located near both a subway station and a bustling food street, a testament to their meticulous planning. A culinary adventure ensued, with the couple sampling local specialties such as cross-bridge rice noodles—described as some of the freshest and tastiest they've ever had—and grilled milk fan from a friendly vendor. They also savored the unique taste of Yunnan-style grilled dried beef.

The adventure continued into the charming streets of the ancient town, which retains its layout from the Ming and Qing dynasties. This historical area provided a vibrant atmosphere for shopping and exploring local cuisine. Biesinger FIRE Journey even tried die-style pounded chicken feet salad, a bold culinary choice that added a memorable touch to their experience. Other culinary highlights included a delicious egg tart and a refreshing local milk tea.

Beyond food, the couple visited the Kunming Oriental Bookstore, a striking blend of modern and traditional design, which provided a cultural experience. They also mention using food delivery for a Burger King meal, highlighting the accessibility of international options. Their 24 hours concluded with a quick breakfast at 7-Eleven and Starbucks at the airport. Throughout the video, Biesinger FIRE Journey provides detailed cost breakdowns in both Yuan and USD, demonstrating that a memorable trip to Kunming can be surprisingly affordable. The total cost for their 24-hour adventure was a surprisingly low 6243 Yen, or approximately 82.9 USD.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: How much did your 24-hour trip to Kunming cost?
A: Our grand total was 6243 Yen, which is about 82.9 USD. I know, it was way more affordable than I expected!
Q: What was the best part of your Kunming trip?
A: It's hard to pick just one! The Kunming High Hong Wetland Park was stunning, the food was incredible, and exploring the ancient town was a blast. It was all surprisingly affordable too!
Q: What kind of transportation did you use in Kunming?
A: We used a mix of taxis and the subway. The subway was super cheap and easy to use, and taxis were affordable too.
Q: What's your advice for people planning a trip to Kunming?
A: Definitely check out the Wetland Park and the ancient town! And don't be afraid to try the local food – it's amazing and very affordable.

Kunming, Yunnan: 24-Hour Budget Travel in China

ABOUT US :) Greetings from the Biesingers! We are so happy you are here! We are a family of four sharing our financial freedom (FIRE) journey, including tips on how to build wealth, retire early, and retire abroad. At age 21, we purchased our first real estate property and then became first-time...

Kunming, Yunnan: 24-Hour Budget Travel Guide

Biesinger FIRE Journey explores the cost of living in Kunming, Yunnan, China, during a 24-hour trip. Their experience offers insights into daily expenses and local experiences, painting a picture of what to expect in this vibrant Chinese city. Discover if Kunming aligns with your budget and travel style, making it an ideal destination for your next adventure.

Attractions in this video: Kunming High Hong Wetland Park, Ancient Town, Kunming Oriental Bookstore