I’m going to drive from Beijing to Kunming at the end of January. I need to consider the weather and road conditions to find a way to go well and save on tolls.

You can check the car with the logistics company, there is no need to drive it back yourself. After you choose a car in Beijing, you can use "Jiujiu Logistics" (the phone number of the logistics company can be found through the Beijing 114 directory counter) to transport the car to Kunming. It is very convenient. Jiujiu Logistics has a good reputation. It once carried the Olympic torch in Beijing. All vehicles. If you really want to drive it back by yourself and have some fun, you might as well refer to the following plan. Generally speaking, it is a highway, but there is definitely a toll on the highway.