In the cool weather of autumn, there are many choices around Kunming for aficionados of outdoor tours since they can enjoy an impressive experience, and these Ten selected trekking destinations might be the least beat even the locals might not know about. 

 

1. Gudui Mt, Jinning County

The mountain is located between the three counties of Jiangchuan, Chengjiang and Jinning. Ascending the top is rewarded with a birds-eye view of the three lakes which are respectively the Fuxian Lake, the Xingyun Lake and the Dianchi Lake. Carpeted with vegetation mainly including grasses and shrubs, the route is highlighted by blooming flowers in the seasons of spring and summer. 

Highest altitude: 2,648 metres

Duration: one day

Trekking mileage: 8-12 km

Route: 80 km from Kunming; Kunming-Jinning County-Sanchahe

 

2. Heifeng Mt, Anning City

The mountain is so named because there's a cave on its top called Heifeng Cave. A huge mountain undulating dozens of kilometres, Heifeng Mt is endowed with diversified vegetation and exuberant forests. For most locals, it is a must for camping and excursion.

Highest altitude: 2,617 metres

Duration: one day

Trekking mileage: 16 km

Route: 70 km from Kunming; Kunming-Bajie Town (Anning)

 

3. Laogui Mt, Shilin County

The highest mountain in Shilin County where the Stone Forest is, it is a national forest park located between the counties of Shilin, Mi'le and Luxi.

Highest altitude: 2,601 metres

Duration: one day

Trekking mileage: 6-8 km

Routes: 130 km from Kunming; Kunming-Shilin County-Guishan Temple

 

4. Jintongpeng Mt, Fumin County

Named due to its profile resembling to a reverse copper basin, the mountain is the origin of the drinking water of the locals. Legend goes that the water at the lowest place of the main peak never dried up because there used to be a golden basin which was then taken away by an avaricious man resulting in the dried-up of the water. 

Highest altitude: 2,817 metres

Duration: one day

Trekking mileage: 11 km

Route: 50 km from Kunming; Kunming-Zhebei Town (Fumin)

 

5. Laoye Mt, Yiliang County

One of the Ten Steepest Mountains in Kunming, Laoye Mt is situated between Yiliang County and Guandu District of Kunming. Its east part is mainly carpeted by verdant vegetation and the upper part is extremely steeple. Ascending to the top, one can enjoy the overwhelming views of the Yangzong Lake and the Yiliang Basin. Culturally, each lunar 15 June is a local temple fair attended by villagers of the communities around the mountain.

Highest altitude: 2,730 metres

Duration: one day

Trekking mileage: 9 km

Route: Kunming-Muxi Village (Tangchi Town, Yiliang County); Kunming-Adi Village (Dababqiao Town, Guandu District)

 

6. Liangwang Mt, Chenggong District

It is the heart of the cradle of the Ancient Dian Culture. In the Yuan Dynasty (1273-1368), the highest governor of Yunnan Liangwang (a Mongolian Prince) established the Liangwang Palace and trained soldiers on the mountain. Today, several historical sites of the drilling fields can be seen clearly.

Highest altitude: 2,820 metres

Duration: one day

Route: Kunming-Qiumuqing (Chenggong District), or Kunming-Hengchong Reservoir (Chengjiang County)

 

7. Dajianshan Mt, Songming County

With a large coverage of pine trees, Dajianshan Mt is carpeted with assorted wild flowers including azaleas. Living in the mountain are Miao ethnic communities who are typically known for their Christian choir.

Highest altitude: 2,840 metres

Duration: one day

Trekking mileage: 7-10 km

Route: 70 km from Kunming; Kunming-Yangqiao Town (Songming County)-Taohua Temple.

 

8. Huashitou Mt, Xundian County

The silhouette of the mountain looks like a Chinese legendary dragon. The peaks around its summit are all about 3,000 metres high. Views of the fat top of the mountain include meadows, wild flowers and grotesque rocks.

Highest altitude: 3,294 metres

Duration: two days

Trekking mileage: 8 km 

Route: Kunming-Songming County-Huajiaoshu Village

 

9. Jiaozi Mt, Luquan County

The mountain resembles a traditional Chinese Sedan (Jiao Zi) in shape, hence its name. It is located in the Jiaozi Mt Scenic Area within an area of 250 sq km which includes forests, glaciers and glacial lakes and alpine meadows in which rhododendrons and azaleas abound.

Highest altitude: 4,223

Duration: two days

Trekking mileage: 8-10 km

Route: 190 km from Kunming; Kunming-Jiaozi Mt (Luquan County), or Kunming-Tanfang Village (Dongchuan District)

 

10. Xueling Mt, Dongchuan District

The highest peak in Central Yunnan, it is the most challenging mountain in Kunming. In winter, the snow-capped Xueling Mt appears magnificently orange, thus is called "the Snow Fire Ridge" by the loca