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Kunming Travel Guide

Kunming , located at the center of Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, is the capital city of Yunnan Province . It has the beautiful reputation as " Spring City " to make people love its all year round warm season seeming spring, which even draws groups of black-necked gulls to spend their warm winter holiday there every year. Enjoying the beautiful surrounding mountainous landscapes, Kunming is always favored by travelers to fully relax with the radiant and enchanting spring scene - the warm sunshine, azure and transparent sky, and fresh flowers spreading all over. The beauty of Kunming is not strong, but light to give you the most comfortable vacation with the relaxing mood that you can find abundant surprises at every corner in and around the large city.

Kunming has quite more than blossoms and warmness of weather and diverse ethnic minority people, including the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Stone Forest , paradise Dongchuan Red Land , wonderful Jiuxiang Karst caves, etc. for your free imagination of the creator nature. While, as an experienced old capital city, Kunming will take you to see the various looks of its ancient and modern appearances for your cultural knowledge enrichment no matter during the many ethnic festivals or international gatherings. Moreover, with developed transportation network connecting many other destinations within the province, Kunming is nearly the necessary start for one’s discovery of the amazing Yunnan!

Why Visit this City:

• Spring City – The weather in Kunming is always like spring, and the city is always covered with fresh flowers and green trees. Walking on the street and brushing pass with the carefree locals, you will be affected by this city’s freshness and leisure.
• Abundant Stunning Sceneries – Kunming’s natural landscape will let you love the gifts from nature, including the UNESCO World Natural Heritage listed Stone Forest, God’s Magic Palette at Dongchuan Red Land, underground amazing colorful world of Jiuxiang Karst Cave, magnificent Dianchi Lake, tranquil Western Hill, beautiful Jiaozi Snow Mountain, and countless blooming flowers in every season…
• Colorful Ethnic Culture – Kunming is multi-ethnic city, and there are 26 ethnic minorities in Kunming, including Yi, Hui, Bai, Miao, Hani, Zhuang, Dai, etc. Delicious ethnic food, colorful costumes, unique architecture and special ethnic culture are all fascinating.
• Best Start of Yunnan Discovery – being the prosperous provincial capital city with convenient bullet trains and domestic and international flights with lots of hot destinations and advantageous transfer with Lijiang, Shangri-La, Dali, Yuanyang, etc., Kunming is the best landing start for your trip in Yunnan!

Top Attractions

Kunming is a city of eternal spring, a city of awe-inspiring attractions, and a city of multi-ethnic cultures. There are so many things to see and feel in Kunming. Almost the essences of Kunming are located in Xishan District, including Dianchi Lake, Western Hill, Yunnan Ethnic Villages, and so on. And within short driving distance, you can embrace the fascinating Stone Forest, Dongchuan Red Land, Jiaozi Snow Mountain, etc. See more attractions in Kunming, please see Kunming Attractions | Top Kunming Things to Do >>

Formed 270 million years ago, Stone Forest is the oldest karst landform in China. Listed as the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, it is No.1 attraction in Kunming!

Western Hills is a forest park sitting next to the beautiful Dian Lake, and historical sites spread among the green forest. This is a great place for relaxing and hiking.

Reputed as the God’s Palette, rich in dreamy colors of red, green, white, yellow…, Dongchuan Red Land is a top favored paradise for photographers!

This park is the jade and eye of Kunming and favored for a leisure walk. Diverse summer lotus flowers and winter black-headed gulls are not to be missed!

With 1,200 years’ history, it is the city’ largest temple site and attracts numerous visitors by the rich Buddhist features and lovely garden styled layout with ponds, pavilions, corridors…!

This national No.6 largest alpine lake is the pearl of Kunming for relaxing sightseeing. It is another hot place to play with the black-headed gulls in winter!

Birds and Flowers Markets in Kunming selling various flowers, birds, fishes... is a nice place to hang out and get close to authentic daily life of local citizens.

It is praised as the museum of Karst caves with over 100 in various sizes. Take the boat and escalator down to explore the colorful large palace belowground!

This Southeast Asia's largest ethnography museum collects over 120,000 pieces of cultural relics for a comprehensive understanding of diverse ethnic minorities in Yunnan.

As the highest snow mountain in Kunming, it is favored for mountaineering. Azalea flowers, alpine meadow and bamboo jungle are the three bests of the mountain.

Luoping County, in the east of Kunming about 213km away, is famous for the Golden Rapeseed Flowers Sea which is blooming prosperously in spring.

Weather & When to Go

Kunming is featured in subtropical monsoon climate of low latitude plateau, with an average temperature around 15℃, and average rainfall of 1450 millimeters. Kunming has a moderate climate and no intense heat in summer and severe cold in winter. The year temperature difference ranks the lowest in China, thus, it’s been called the Spring City in China.

Kunming is really suitable to visit any time of a year. However, the best time is from March to October . Most flowers in Kunming will blossom during this time, and most Yunnan ethnic festivals are in this time, too. The temperature difference between summer and winter is not very large. So even in summer, once it rains, it’s a little bit cold, thus, tourists need to bring a coat during that season. And usually, June to August are the rainy months in Kunming, so you are highly suggested to prepare rain gear if visiting during that time. For those who want to watch black-headed gull or appreciate the snow scenery of Jiaozi Snow Mountain, then November to next March is the best time to visit. Since UV rays in Kunming is a little strong than most other destination in China, sun block, sunglasses, hats, etc. are recommended!

For more information, please check Kunming Weather & Best Time to Visit Kunming >>

Transportation

Getting to kunming.

By flight: Kunming Changshui International Airport is the gateway airport facing to Southeast Asia, South Asia and connecting Europe and Asia. There are over 100 airlines to major cities in China including Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Xian, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Changsha, Wuhan, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Xiamen, Huangshan, Lhasa, Shenzhen, Zhengzhou, Sanya, Tianjin, Dalian, Harbin, Lanzhou, Luoyang, etc. and foreign cities, like Singapore, Paris, Seoul, Tokyo, Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Yangon, Colombo, Kathmandu, Dubai, etc.

By train: there are three train stations in Kunming, while Kunming South Railway Station and Kunming North Railway Station are mainly used for bullet trains, including those to and from Dali (2-3 hours), Lijiang (3 hours) and Stone Forest (20 minutes) every days. Also, there are high speed trains to some major destinations in China, like Beijing (11 hours), Shanghai (11 hours), Hong Kong (7.5 hours), Xian (10.5 hours), Guangzhou (6.5 hours), Chengdu (5.5 hours), Guiyang (2 hours), Guilin (8 hours), Shenzhen (7 hours), Nanning (4 hours), etc. Learn more about Kunming Bullet Trains

Getting Around Kunming

To get around in Kunming, travelers can take taxi, subway, public bus and BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) to transfer to most attractions, airport, train stations, accommodation areas, etc. If travelers want to visit Dongchuan Red Land, Stone Forest, Jiuxiang Karst caves scenic area, Luoping Rape Flowers, etc. we highly recommend you use our local private car service, so our local English-speaking guide and experienced driver will escort you directly to the scenic area with speed and safety by our comfortable licensed private vehicle, so you can save more time and attention on the highlights instead of finding the way! If you need any help, please feel free to tell us directly!

Learn more about:

How to Get to & Around Kunming | Kunming to Stone Forest | Kunming to Dongchuan Red Land | Kunming to Dali | Kunming to Lijiang | Kunming to Shangri-La | Kunming to Yuanyang | Kunming to Xishuangbanna

Accommodation

There are lots of choices for hotels in Kunming, from international luxury hotels to youth hostels. Tourists can also find Crowne Plaza and InterContinental here in Kunming downtown. For your convenient sightseeing of the most highlights, you are suggested arrange your accommodation around the Green Lake Park to enjoy both short distance to the attractions, convenient buying and night walks and medium ratings. Hotels near Kunming Airport are also popular to choose to save the time on the way for early flight catching. While if you are planning a visit to Dongchun Red Land, at least one night staying there is suggested. Besides, prices of hotels in Kunming are usually lower than those in other large cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, etc.

Learn more about: Where to Stay in Kunming | Kunming Luxury Hotels | Kunming Comfort Hotels | Kunming Budget Hotels

Useful Kunming Maps

To help you to know more about Kunming attractions, we have selected some useful Kunming maps for you, including Kunming China Map, Kunming Yunnan Map, Kunming Attractions Map, Kunming & Surrounding Distance Map, Kunming Stone Forest Map, Dongchuan Red land Map, etc. For more maps of Kunming, please see Kunming Maps 2024 >>

Kunming & Surrounding Distance Map

Kunming Attraction Map

Stone Forest Map

Other Hot Destinations in Yunnan

Besides Kunming, there are many other hot destinations in Yunnan, like Lijiang, Shangri-la, Dali, Yuanyang and Jianshui, etc. Check the travel guide of each destination and discover now!

Other Popular Destinations in China

China is vast and diverse. Besides Kunming and the colorful Yunnan, you can enrich your trip to more wonderful destination to enjoy more beautiful sceneries, historical culture, etc. Following are 4 top popular destinations you may get interested in. Please check the travel guide of each destination to start. Also, you can check all our popular travel destinations in China !

Chinese Name: 昆明

Chinese Pinyin: Kǖn Míng

English IPA: /'kun'miŋ/

Population: 7.263 million

Language: Mandarin & Kunming Dialect

Tel Code: 08716

Zip Code: 650000

Time Zone: (UTC+8)

Plan your Kunming Tour

3-4 day will be enough for Kunming. For most visitors, they spend 1-2 days in the city to explore the top highlights including Stone Forest, Green Lake Park, Western Hill, Yuantong Temple, Dianchi Lake, Yunnan Nationalities Museum, birds and flowers markets, etc. Dongchuan Red Land usually needs 1-2 more days to shoot the amazing agricultural colors.

While, usually, visitors plan Kunming in a longer Yunnan trip to discover more natural and cultural essences in Dali, Lijiang Shangri-La, that would need about 6-8 days in total. If you are interested, you can also extend to Yuanyang to see the terrific rice terraces for another 1-2 days. We China Discovery are experienced in helping travelers planning and customizing their tours based on their needs, so please tell us your ideal destinations, interests, needs, budgets, and any other requirements to let us help you plan your own Kunming trip, Kunming Yunnan trip, or Kunming China trip!

>> How to Plan a Kunming Tour

Travel with China Discovery

We have helped many global travelers enjoy their memorable trips to Yunnan for the past few years. Among them Mr. Elie & his wife from Belgium had 15 great days in Yunnan during their 69 days China trip customized with us and shared us their special travel story . Travel with China Discovery to create your wonderful Yunnan trip memories!

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The Top 9 Interesting Things to Do in Kunming

Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, is known as the " Spring City ".

Like any large city of China, it has the rapidly developing urban traffic and high-rise buildings. However, with its unique climate, no bitter-cold winter or scorching heat summer, flowers blooming in all seasons, and green grasses and trees all the year round, the city is more like a large urban garden.

Journey down the page to find out the nine most interesting things to do around Kunming, key travel tips and info, and recommended itineraries.

1. Explore the Startling Karst Landscape of the Stone Forest

The Stone Forest , also called the ' Stone Forest Museum ', is the only karst stone forest in a subtropical plateau region in the world.

Both the theme-park-like Greater and Lesser Stone Forests and less-crowded Naigu Stone Forest geopark provide you countless vistas of remarkable stone formations.

The stone forest is around 80 km (50 miles) from Kunming city needing about a 1½ hours' drive. It would be much easier to take a tour there with private transport and an expert guide to show you the best sights in a well-planned day trip.

See our 3-Day Kunming Highlights Tour for a smart way to visit the Stone Forest alongside Kunming City's essence.

2. Feed the Elf-Like Black-Headed Gulls at Dianchi Lake

Eighth largest freshwater lake in China and largest lake in Yunnan Province, Dianchi , also called Kunming Lake, is nicknamed ' the sparkling pearl embedded in the highland '.

Since 1985, each year from November to March, tens of thousands of black-headed gulls from Lake Baikal migrate to Kunming and spend a much warmer winter there . They have become part of the beautiful and unique scenery of Kunming. Buying some bread and feeding these little elves can be a charming memory of Kunming.

You may also find black-headed gulls feeding at Green Lake Park . Having problems choosing which lake for your short stay in Kunming? Contact us for a recommendation.

Recommended tours :

• 3-Day Stone Forest and City Essence Tour
• 7-Day Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang Winter Tour
• 6-day Yunnan Ethnic Minorities Tour

3. Enjoy Panoramic Views from the Dragon Gate of Xishan

Xishan ('Western Hills') is a forest park that stretches along the west bank of Dianchi Lake, offering beautiful natural scenery.

Dragon Gate on top, is the focal point of this forest park. The steps up to Dragon Gate are uneven and narrow, and it may be advisable to take a cable car to the top for panoramic views of Dianchi Lake and Kunming city .

In addition, there are two temples there, where you can enjoy Buddhist or Taoist culture and architecture .

The Zhuang Minority Song Festival (Sanyuesan) on lunar month 3 day 3 (falling between late March and late April) is a festive time in Western Hills Scenic Area. Local people gather there to sing folk songs and perform a dragon show. You may be interested in other festivals in Yunnan .

4. Admire "God's Palette" at Dongchuan Red Land

Dongchuan Red Land is praised as ' God's Palette '. In May and June, after ploughing, the lands appear in their strongest red colors, and in September and October, the cole flowers bloom in yellow and make it even more beautiful with the red fields as a backdrop.

There's no doubt that Dongchuan has become a newly rising hotspot for photographers .

For more inspiration on photography destinations or to arrange a trip, follow the link to our China Photography Tour page .

• 3-Day Essence of Kunming
• 6-Day Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang Highlights Tour
• 8-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Tour

5. Discover Land Sculptures at Yuanyang Rice Terraces

In the same location as Dongchuan Red Land, the Yuanyang Rice Terraces , known for their large scale, are another paradise for nature lovers and photographers .

It takes around 4½ hours to drive there from Kunming, and you may choose to stay overnight at Yuanyang to shoot the stunning terraced rice fields at sunrise and sunset, or to experience more of the unique culture of the Hani people.

The best time to visit Yuanyang is from December to March .

Take our 6-Day Kunming, Jianshui, and Yuanyang Tour and you will fall in love with the "Heavenly Palette of Colors".

6. Immerse in Ethic Culture at Yunnan Minority Village

There are 25 officially-recognized ethnic groups scattered among the vast variety of mountains and rivers in Yunnan Province, which makes Yunnan the province with the largest number of ethnic minorities in China. Yunnan Minority Village is just the storefront window that displays their unique minority customs and cultures.

Inside the village, you can enjoy ethnic costume shows and performances , learn about folklore, and can appreciate 1:1 replica buildings of each minority group .

Interested in ethnic cultures of Yunnan? Take our 6-day Yunnan Ethnic Minorities Tour for a true experience.

7. Appreciate the Romantic Cherry Blossom on Yuantong Hill

Kunming is also known as the ' Former Cherry Blossom City '. Since the Yuan Dynasty (1279–1368) cherry trees have been planted, and now there are about 10,000 cherry trees in the city.

Every year from January to May, thousands of cherry flowers on Yuantong Hill in Kunming Zoo are in full bloom, pleasing noses as well as eyes with their special fragrance . The Cherry Blossom Festival in March is the peak time for blossoms. If you happen to visit Kunming at this time, do not miss a walk on romantic Yuantong Hill.

( Yuantong Temple is adjacent but separate with far fewer cherry trees.)

Make an inquiry to our travel experts and we'll design a colorful mountain and flower tour in Kunming for you.

8. Mesmerize Yourself in the Colorful Flower and Bird Market

With its favorable climatic and geographical location, Kunming has become the biggest flower wholesale market in China and hence got the name ' Flower City '. The Flower and Bird Market is one of the most attractive places in the city for leisure. You will see shops and stalls of all sorts, especially those featuring flowers, birds, fish, and antiques.

You could have an enjoyable time strolling around the flower ocean. A bunch of fresh flowers would cheer up your stay in Kunming, and you could buy local souvenirs in the market to take home.

9. Taste Yummy Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles

Kunming's most famous local dish 'crossing-the-bridge noodles' (过桥米线) has a history of over a hundred years and is well-known throughout the country.

Hot chicken soup, sliced meat, various vegetables, rice noodles, and other sauces are added step-by-step into a large bowl to make a delightful dish that will keep hot even if it has to be carried across a bridge to get to you, which is what happened in the story behind the name.

To experience authentic Kunming life, these rice noodles are most worthy of a try. See more on Kunming Food .

Our Most Popular Kunming Tours

We have prepared some popular Kunming tour plans that offer you a unique and true experience of the Spring City:

Don't hesitate to click and inquire if you would like to alter an itinerary or extend/shorten it to suit your price, interests, and schedule. Or just let us know your bucket list and we'll create a unique tour for you.

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Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

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Must-see attractions in Kunming

Golden Temple

The Golden Temple Scenic Area is equal parts religious space, forest park, botanical garden and open-air sculpture museum; it covers 118 hectares on the…

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Green Lake Park

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Huating Temple

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Dragon Gate

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Dounan Flower Market

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Yuantong Temple

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Yunnan Nationalities Museum

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Yunnan Railways Museum

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Confucian Temple

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Kunming Museum

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East Pagoda

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15 Things to Do in Kunming — Unexplored Gem in China Just 4 Hours from Singapore

With so many things to do in Kunming from natural wonders and cultural attractions to modern shopping districts, Yunnan’s capital city is more than just a transit hub.

First published on: 18 Nov 2019

Kunming City is often seen as the gateway to visiting China’s Yunnan province, but you’ll be surprised at the gems you’ll discover there, with 26 different ethnic minorities, great histories, stunning sceneries and wholesome delicacies.

China is huge, and quite impossible to explore in its entirety in just one trip. You could argue that seeing China’s capital Beijing or financial powerhouse Shanghai would suffice, but that’s just scratching the surface of a country with a history dating back to ancient times!

Many people see Kunming as a transit location — where they’d fly into but continue their journey to other scenic towns of Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La, but the often-overlooked city is charming in her own ways!

From historical ancient towns to glitzy shopping districts and impressive karsts and caves, here are 15 things to do in Kunming, the City of Eternal Spring!

Read also: 12D Yunnan Itinerary — Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-la

Kunming Travel Essentials

Getting around Kunming:  The easiest way around Kunming is via  Didi (China’s Uber equivalent), and short-distance rides within the city cost between 8RMB and 20RMB.

Connectivity:  Internet access in China can be tricky, we recommend getting a Hong Kong SIM card/ eSIM with coverage across the whole of China. On top of that, download a VPN to get past the Great Firewall.

Saving money: Still a student? Pack your student card because most attractions give up to 50% off entrance fees to students.

Read also: 9 Reasons Why You Should Visit Yunnan, China

Kunming’s top scenic attractions

1) yunnan stone forest ( yunnan shilin , 石林风景名胜区 ).

The Yunnan Stone Forest isn’t technically a forest, but a huge limestone karst formation formed by erosion over millions of years. The towering rocks with jagged edges look somewhat similar to clusters of petrified trees, hence the name “Stone Forest”.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site will get crowded, so visit early in the day before hoards of tourists swamp the area! The Stone Forest is a huge compound, and buses only drop you at the outer entrance so you’ll have to either walk 6km into the Stone Forest or take a buggy that costs 25RMB/pax.

Once you’re at the inner entrance, the only way to get around is by walking. There are well-paved paths to walk on, but do wear proper walking shoes!

There are both Big and Small Stone Forests in the area, and we suggest heading to the Big Stone Forest first as it’s the more notable of the two. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to finish sightseeing the whole area.

Entrance Fee: 120RMB (60RMB for students) Opening Hours: 7AM – 6PM How to get there: Take Line 3 of the Metro to East Coach Station ( Baidu Map ). Then, transfer to a shuttle bus to Stone Forest for 34RMB ( Baidu Map ). They leave around every half-hourly, or when full. The bus journey takes 1.5 hours one-way.

2) Green Lake Park ( Cuihu Lake , 翠湖)

Kunming’s bustling noise and busy traffic can be overwhelming for first-time visitors, but located at the heart of the city is a sanctuary away from the crowded streets. Green Lake Park provides the space, the greenery, and the serenity for people who just want to escape the noisy city for a bit.

The park is more than just a pretty lake. Shops line the streets within the park, selling Yunnan specialties such as Pu’er tea, ba ba bread, and even Yunnan tribal ethnic costumes!

The best time to visit Green Lake Park is during the weekends when folks from various ethnic groups gather and dance to traditional folk music. You can even ask the locals to let you into the dance with them! They’ll be more than glad to teach you some of the foot moves.

Entrance Fee: Free Opening Hours: 7AM – 11PM (shops within the park close at 6PM) How to get there: 8min walk from Huashan West Rd stn on Line 5 of Kunming Metro ( Baidu Map )

3) Jiuxiang Scenic Region (九乡风景区)

Many know of Yunnan’s Stone Forest , but there’s another scenic area just as significant in the eyes of the locals.

The Jiuxiang Scenic region is home to one of the most magnificent cave systems in China. There’s a local saying that goes, “tianshang kan shilin, dishang kan jiuxiang” (地上看石林，地下看九乡), which translates to “Seeing the Stone Forest above and seeing Jiuxiang from below”. So if you’re already visiting the Stone Forest, there’s no reason not to make a trip to the Jiuxiang Scenic region.

Fun fact: The Jiuxiang Scenic region is the filming location of the movie The Myth , starring Jackie Chan! You might recognise the Twin Waterfalls in the picture above that was in a scene. It takes about three hours to walk through the whole cave system.

Entrance Fee: 90RMB + 30RMB for chairlift Opening Hours: 8AM – 6PM How to get there: If you’re going from Kunming City, take the coach buses from East Coach Station to Yiliang County, and change to Bus 21 to Jiuxiang Scenic Region ( Baidu Map ).

If you’re visiting Jiuxiang on the same day as Stone Forest, there are also coach buses (￥25/way) that leave Stone Forest to Jiuxiang Scenic Region.

Learn about Yunnan’s many nationalities and cultures

4) walk down history at guandu ancient town (官渡老镇).

One of the birthplaces of the Yunnan culture, Guandu Ancient Town is no doubt Kunming’s most famous old town, and also where you should head for a better understanding of Yunnan’s origins.

Guandu Town used to be a fishing village during the Tang Dynasty and has long been a big marketplace and logistic hub of the nearby Dian Lake.

Today, the old architectures still stand, but in place are hundreds of shops selling Yunnan snacks and souvenirs such as flower cakes, roasted rushan cheese , baba bread, Pu’er tea, silverware, and Burmese jadeite.

How to get there: Take buses 31, 174,185, 186, 232, 253, 255, 261, 908, A12, C143, C85, K15, or K42.

5) Reach for luck at Longmen Xishan (西山龙门)

There really isn’t short of Chinese sayings at Yunnan, and there’s one that truly makes everyone FOMO about visiting Longmen: “不耍西山等于不到昆明，不到龙门只是白跑一趟西山” (If you do not visit the Western Hills , you haven’t visited Kunming; if you do not come to the Dragon Gate , you haven’t been to Western Hills.)

At the top of Western Hills Longmen, you’ll get a good view of Dian Lake but that’s not all — most people head to Longmen to also visit the temples built on the hills. Many people make their way up in hopes of achieving luck and success in life if they reach for the gate’s wooden knob!

If you want a stress-free experience exploring Longmen Xishan and other parts of downtown Kunming, you’ll want to book a private day tour .

Entrance Fee: 30RMB (15RMB for students). Additional 25RMB for chairlift access, 10RMB for buggy transportation ride, 25RMB for a one-way coach bus ride Opening Hours: 8:30AM – 5:30PM, closes 6PM on weekends. How to get there: Take Line 3 of the Metro to Western Hill Forest Park Station/西山公园站 ( Baidu Map )

6) Learn about the different ethnicities at Yunnan Nationalities Village (云南民族村 )

Yunnan is home to 26 different minority ethnic groups, each with its own customs, traditions, and ways of life. To visit and understand all 26 ethnicities in their respective villages require lots of effort, especially when many are up in the mountains!

But not too far off Kunming City is the Yunnan Nationalities Village where all 26 ethnicities are gathered together to showcase their unique cultures.

It may seem touristy at first, but do think of this place as an outdoor museum for curious visitors to meet and interact with the friendly locals of different ethnicities, and understand their ways of life at the same time.

Entrance Fee: ~S$16/pax via Klook Opening Hours: 9AM – 6PM How to get there: Take bus lines no. 44, 73 or A1 to Yunnan Nationalities Village Station ( Baidu Map )

*Pro-tip: Find out performance timings at the entrance and head to them straight, as the village is pretty big. Also, it’s highly recommended to rent a pedal bike (100RMB) to get around.

*Pro-tip: Use code <THETRAVELINTERN> on Klook to get 5% off all activities * with a min. spend of S$50 (discount cap at S$15) at checkout. One-time use only! (* – list of excluded activities )

Shop till you drop in Kunming

7) wenlin street (文林街).

Due to its proximity to two local universities, Wenlin Street is a trendy area where young Chinese university students hang out. It’s also here where you can find eateries still open after 6PM! Besides food, there are also bookstores, stores selling quirky thingamabobs, and bars that open till late.

How to get there: Take Line 3 of the Metro to Panjiawan Station (潘家湾站). Alternatively, take buses 1, 85, 101, 125 or 139 ( Baidu Map )

8) Nanping Pedestrian Street (南屏步行街 )

For an Orchard Road equivalent, there’s Nanping Pedestrian Street . This car-free road is a shopping haven and one of Kunming’s busiest commercial streets, where you can find restaurants, supermarts, and high-end branded shops.

For visitors who are in Kunming City for a short day or two, we recommend exploring Nanping Pedestrian Street and its surroundings if you’re unsure of things to do in Kunming.

It’s also within walking distance of the Jingxing Flower and Bird Market (景星花鸟珠宝市场) , a busy market with pets, botany, and antiquity traders.

How to get there: Take Line 2 or 3 of the metro to Dongfeng Square Station (东风广场站). Alternatively, take buses 68, 71, 108, 118 or 234. ( Baidu Map )

9) Park 1903 (公园1903)

This shopping district is quite elusive, so we decided to head there for ourselves and bring you pictures of this hipster place that was quite the rage on China’s Douyin (TikTok).

With buildings modelled after European cities, Park 1903 is China’s very first integrated open-concept park mall. It’s here where you can find official shops of many international and homegrown Chinese brands. It may seem slightly upmarket but you’ll know you’re only getting the real deals here.

Even if shopping isn’t your agenda in Kunming, the beautiful architecture and artsy vibes of Park 1903 make it a great place to just chill, take photos, and people-watch.

Address: Near No. 19 Qianweixi Road, Xishan District, Kunming City ( Baidu Map )

10) Spring City 66 (恒隆广场)

Photo credit: Wongtung.com

Spring City 66 opened in August 2019 and is Kunming City’s largest shopping mall to date. The developer’s vision for Spring City 66 is to “show the world Kunming, show Kunming to the world”. With that, more than one-third of the stores brought into the mall are the first of their kind in Kunming!

How to get there: Take Line 2 or 3 of the Metro to Dongfeng Square Station (东风广场站). Alternatively, take buses 52, 63, 78, 89, 105, 132 or K1. ( Baidu Map )

What to eat in Kunming

11) “crossing-the-bridge noodles”  ( guo qiao mi xian, 过桥米线 ).

Crossing-the-bridge noodles , known locally as guo qiao mi xian , is a soup-based rice noodle dish from Yunnan. But don’t mistake it for your ordinary bee hoon soup! This dish feels more like a personal hot pot where the ingredients, including the noodles, are served separately.

A large bowl of boiling hot soup is served to you, with dry noodles, raw meat, quail eggs and vegetables at the side. To eat, throw the raw meat into the bowl of boiling soup first, then quail eggs, and then the vegetables. Finally, add in the noodles and give your big bowl of goodness a good mix before eating.

Being a popular dish eaten all over Yunnan, these noodles can be found at most eateries or restaurants. Within Kunming city, Jianxinyuan is a popular go-to for authentic crossing-the-bridge noodles at reasonable prices.

12) Steam Pot Chicken ( Qi Guo Ji 汽锅鸡 )

Another Yunnan delicacy is the Steam Pot Chicken ( Qi Guo Ji ). As its name suggests, this dish is served in a ceramic pot, the same pot it was cooked in. The chicken is cooked with hot steam sealed inside the pot, retaining the rich and tasty flavours of the chicken within.  Especially with Kunming’s chilly weather all year round, you’ll crave this all the time.

13) Yunnan Bread ( Ba Ba 粑粑)

All around Kunming, you’ll find these simple and traditional confectionery shops selling something called ba ba . More often than not, these ba ba come in different fillings, such as red bean, sesame, corn, or scallions. Perfect when you’re feeling snacky!

14) Roasted rushan cheese (Kao Ru Shan 烤乳扇 )

Roasted rushan cheese is a snack that originated from the Dali province, but it can be found in Guandu Ancient Town too! Sold on a stick, roasted rushan cheese is made of fresh milk mixed with yoghurt, or a souring agent like sour papaya water, till the milk coagulates.

The solidified milk is then laid out flat on a grill before being twirled onto a stick. I’d describe the taste as something similar to cheese, but with a tinge of sweetness to it. Do look out for stalls that sell freshly-made ones as it hardens quickly when cooled!

15) Wild mushrooms (Ye Jun Zi , 野菌子 )

Photo credit: News.sina.com.cn

Wild mushrooms are a delicacy in Yunnan — yes, only the wild ones! Regular farmed mushrooms are called mogu (蘑菇) while wild ones are referred to as junzi (菌子). There are approximately 250 types of wild edible mushrooms found in Yunnan, so when you’re in Kunming, the chances of seeing an eatery serving up wild mushrooms are pretty high.

Of all the mushrooms available, the Jizong (鸡枞) mushroom is the most highly regarded for its rarity. Most eateries in Yunnan serve the wild mushrooms stir-fried, boiled, or simmered in soup.

Add Kunming to Your Travel Bucket List

Contrary to popular belief among Singaporeans that China is an “old people’s travel destination”, it actually is very modern with great attractions amongst, and beyond, its nature. Personally, the Yunnan Stone Forest has been on my travel bucket list for a long time, and seeing the Stone Forest for myself was an exhilarating experience!

Know of any more things to do in Kunming City? Let us know in the comments!

This post was brought to you by Scoot .

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• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 3.1 By metro
• 3.3 By taxi
• 3.4 By bicycle
• 4.1 Museums
• 4.2 Historical sites
• 4.3 Religious sites
• 4.4 Other cultural sights
• 4.5 Parks and nature
• 5.1 Theaters
• 5.3 Day trips and excursions
• 7.2.1 Chinese
• 7.2.2 Western
• 7.3 Splurge
• 8.1 Kundu Bar Street
• 8.2 Wen Lin Street (Wen Lin Jie)
• 8.3 Other areas
• 9.1 Near railway station
• 9.3 Mid-range
• 9.4 Splurge
• 11.2 Consulates
• 12 Stay safe

Kunming [dead link] (昆明; Kūnmíng ) is the capital of Yunnan Province in China. Known in China as the City of Eternal Spring , Kunming is at an almost-tropical latitude but with a 2000 m (6600 ft) altitude, which gives it a very temperate climate. However, in winter it has been known to snow, so if visiting in December–February, pack warm. Also, when it rains - it's cold.

The air is also quite clean compared to other Chinese cities, even though the traffic-congested streets still emit more than their fair share of pollution. The population of the prefecture of Kunming was close to 8½ million in 2020, and the city is expanding rapidly, with numerous highways and modern buildings. Largely because of the fine climate, flower-growing is a major industry; tourist attractions include flower exhibits and auctions and a huge botanical garden.

In addition to its own charms, Kunming serves as a base from which to explore Yunnan province. Some routes to or from Kunming are described in Hong Kong to Kunming overland . The most popular route within Yunnan runs north and west from Kunming, and is described in Yunnan tourist trail . Kunming is also the jumping off point for trips to the tropical paradise area Xishuangbanna down in southern Yunnan near the Laotian border.

Understand [ edit ]

Kunming is one of the most important transport hubs of Southwest China . It is well connected to the rest of China by road, rail and air and also has good air links to Southeast Asia and a few outside the region, such as flights to Kolkata .

Some historic routes no longer exist. The old French-built railway to Vietnam is no longer in service, but a new railway along a similar route (Kuning to Hekou North 河口北), with regular passenger service, has been opened to replace it. There are also buses along that route, and a new bullet train link all the way to Singapore via Vientiane is perennially under discussion. The Burma Road , which terminated in Kunming, no longer exists but there are newer and better roads over much of that route and rail over some of it.

The area is known for the Yí (彝) people, an ethnic minority prevalent in and around Kunming. Especially at popular tourist sites, you may see people dressed in traditional Yi garb and selling handicrafts or showing off local dances.

Get in [ edit ]

Kunming is well connected to anywhere in China or Southeast Asia and reasonably easy to reach from outside that region.

By plane [ edit ]

The new Changshui Airport is about 25 km north-east of the city area, and the old Wujiaba airport is no longer in use. Immigration can sometimes be congested. A taxi ride to the city centre will take approximately 30–40 minutes, at peak times you can expect to double this, as Kunming suffers major traffic congestion.

The airport is served by metro Line 6, which goes to the East Bus Station, where you can transfer to line 3, and go on to Tangzixiang, the interchange station for Line 2 in downtown. The hours of operation for line 6 are from 06:20-23:00 daily. Trains are 10 minutes apart. A ride to the central train station costs ¥6 as of June 2018. If taking the metro to the airport, make sure to get off at Airport Center/Kunming Airport station, not Airport Front.

Another transport option are shuttle buses named Airport Express. There are six lines with different operation times (~08:00-00:00 for most popular lines), single ride costs ¥25.

You can book air tickets from the Air China Office, Wallton Building, 448 Baoshan Jie (0871)3159171 , from any number of travel agents in the King World Hotel a few blocks north of the train station on Beijing Lu, or from other agents around town. Tickets to Beijing are usually about ¥1600 to 2000, to Hong Kong about ¥1200 to 1500, with closer destinations getting ever cheaper as China's domestic carriers jostle for market share.

By train [ edit ]

25.018128 102.720376 2 Kunming Railway Station ( 昆明站 Kunmingzhan )   south of downtown serves destinations throughout China including Hekou , Nanning , Guilin , Chengdu (Sichuan), Guangzhou , Beijing , Shanghai , and Xi'an .

The train service to destinations inside of Yunnan is still fairly limited, but growing fast. From Kunming Station, there is an overnight sleeper train to Xiaguan ( Dali New Town) and Lijiang . Two more lines run via Jianshui and Mengzi to Hekou (on the Vietnamese border, where one can cross the border and take a Vietnamese narrow-gauge train to Hanoi) Another line runs via Jinghong and Pu'er to Mohan on the Laotian border and then croses the border its way to Vientiane . From the new Kunming South Station, you can go to cities along the Kunming-Nanning and Kunming-Guiyang high-speed lines, or take a non-stop "commuter" train to Yuxi .

Kunming's third rail terminal, 25.060003 102.719851 4 Kunming North (Kunmingbei) Station .   , the main hub of Yunnan's formerly grand narrow-gauge network, is mostly of interests to rail fans. As of 2016, most of its building has been converted to a railway museum (see below), while the working passenger station occupies one of the rooms of the building. From there, 3 trains a day run to destinations within Kunming's metropolitan area, thus offering you an inexpensive way to ride a meter-gauge train.

All three stations are accessible by metro . If taking the metro to Kunming Railway Station, take Exit A from the metro station and follow the blue signs for "购票乘车" to get to the railway station.

The Chinese government has plans to turn Kunming into a hub for trains into Southeast Asia . A railway to Vientiane , Laos was completed in December 2021, with an extension of that line to Bangkok , Thailand under construction and scheduled to be completed in 2028. Cross-border passenger trains began operating between Kunming and Vientiane in April 2023. Lines to Mandalay and Yangon in Myanmar , as well as to Hanoi and Haiphong in Vietnam are planned, but construction has not started yet.

By bus [ edit ]

Kunming has moved its bus stations to the edge of the city in a bid to decrease traffic congestion. There are four bus stations for each of the cardinal directions (N,S,E,W). The general rule of thumb is you should go to the bus station in the direction you want to travel (e.g. if you are headed to Dali or Lijiang you will need to use the West Bus Station (Xibu Keyun Zhan); or if you are headed to Jinghong or Jianshui or Vientiane (Laos) you will need the South Bus Station).

The bus stations next to the train station are no longer long-distance bus stations.

The long-distance buses are excellent - cheap, reliable, comfortable, however, overnight sleepers can be cold, bumpy and dirty, check out the bus before you buy the tickets. People smoke in the bus in China, which is a big problem if the weather is cold and all bus windows are closed.

There are international departures to Laos and Vietnam , though these services are not always running. The bus to Laos goes all the way from Kunming to Vientiane , and cost approximately 550,000 kip or US$80 and last 38 hours if you go all the way. You can get off at stops in between like Luang Prabang or Udomxai (Oudomxai), and the cost of the ticket is comparative. From Vientiene to Luang Prabang, there are also VIP night buses with reclining seats as well as several daily local buses. There is a better chance of getting the slightly more expensive sleeper if you book the day ahead. The buses will make rest stops at local restaurants with standard Lao squat toilets. From Vientiane to Luang Prabang is about 12 hours, from Luang Prabang to Udomsai is about 5 hours, and climbs up a mountain road with severe potholes and many scenic villages clinging to the side of the road. From Udomxai to Kunming, is claimed to be about 19 hours but leaves at 12:30 and arrives about 09:30 the next morning. The road on the China side of the border is several lanes wide with many tunnels and smooth pavement. There are many freelance money changers on the China side of the border; there is no bank or currency exchange at Kunming's South Bus Station.

The journey to Vietnam is less arduous. Buses to Hekou , the border city on the Chinese side, leave regularly. There were night buses which allow you to leave Kunming at 20:00 and arrive at Hekou in time to cross the border as soon as it opens, but the bus only needs 7 hours now so times might have changed. The bus station in Hekou is about 3 km from the border crossing, and public buses go there. From there, you can take one of the many buses to Sapa , bus or train to Hanoi , or elsewhere. To reach the Eastern bus station from the railway station, you can take bus 60 (¥2, ~30 min).

Get around [ edit ]

Kunming has generally good roads but they are often badly overloaded with traffic, and not only at peak times. By Western standards, the driving is often appalling; see Driving in China . For any journey by ground transport, a generous allowance for traffic delays is good planning.

By metro [ edit ]

The metro [dead link] system consists of five lines, with more under construction. The metro operates from approximately 07:00 to 22:00, and fares are ¥2–10 depending on distance traveled. To buy a single-journey ticket card, select your destination on one of the ticket machines and insert the required cash. The machines give change, but only accept paper money—no coins, cards, WeChat, or Alipay. Swipe your ticket to enter the metro and insert it when you leave, similar to the Shanghai metro system.

Line 6 from the airport to downtown was the first line to go into service, followed by Line 1 and Line 2, which temporarily combined as one line run from south to north through the city center and via Kunming Railway Station. Line 3 is an east–west line connecting to Line 6. Line 4 is a south–north line starting from the new Kunming South Railway Station.

English signage on the metro system is pretty good.

City buses costs ¥1-2 per trip and cover most of the city. They operate from about 06:00 until late evening 21:30/22:00! (from first stop, which means, if you go from last stop, you can get bus also at 23:00 going back to first stop). They stop at every stop along their assigned route, but not all bus routes stop at all physical bus stops! Don't be surprised to see a bus driving right past a stop, as it may not be on their route. Stops are usually 500 m to 1 km apart. Bus drivers are lead footed, and often race each other, especially on the ring roads. They tend to stop suddenly too, so get a good hand hold. Some of the bus stops are at the sides of the road but some bus stops are in the middle of the road and appear to have been designed to provide maximum inconvenience and danger for passengers. There have been reports of pickpockets on crowded buses, especially just before "Spring Festival", when people need extra cash. It is possible to get a bus card, which reduces the cost per trip to ¥0.90. The card itself costs ¥20 and is bought at bus stations. Bus Nos. 52 and 67 run to the airport and may cost ¥2 depending on the bus and hour. Also some other buses cost ¥2. These usually go longer distances such as to "villages" around Kunming. Bus routes are marked on some local maps (purchased from street vendors or kiosks) but are not always accurate. You can check the following Chinese only website (bus 10) but at least there is a map with the bus stop and you can quickly change bus number in the URL (this only works for regular bus, not c62 and the like).

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis start at ¥8. Make sure the driver uses the meter to avoid being scammed. Sometimes, taxi drivers will ask for a flat fee, but you should avoid this, because usually such flat fees are much more expensive than using the meter for rides within the city. As usual, care should be taken when traveling at night or long distances. Larger taxis cost more than smaller taxis. Also be aware that taxis are zoned and cannot access all areas. Don't be surprised if a taxi driver cannot take you to your destination as it may be outside their zone. Only certain taxis are allowed into the central areas at certain times. This is to allow all taxis a chance at the lucrative business areas. It is especially difficult to get a taxi around 18:30, when taxi shifts switch and drivers need to return their cars. A fuel tax of ¥3 has been added to fares and is explained on a small sign on the dashboards of all taxis. Thus for each ride you'll have to add ¥3 to the meter reading to calculate your actual fare.

By bicycle [ edit ]

Bicycles can be rented at some hostels for about ¥20 a day. There are bike lanes along the edges of many major roads and traffic generally moves fairly slowly. In addition, a scheme in the Dianchi (lakeside) area of town provides bicycle rental as a public service, similar to schemes in Paris and London. However, registration is a prerequisite and it is unclear how accessible the system is to foreigners, particularly short-stay tourists.

See [ edit ]

Museums [ edit ].

• 25.028073 102.630314 1 Burma Road History Museum ( 滇缅公路历史博物馆 ), Chunyu Road, Xishan District (西山区春雨路) ( inside the Chunyu 937 Industrial Heritage Park (春雨937工业遗产文化街区); about 660 meters southwest of Dayu Road Station on Metro Line 3 ), ☏ +86 13888532558 . A museum about the Burma Road . The museum was founded by Chen Daya, the author of a book about the Overseas Chinese drivers and mechanics who came to China to work on the Burma Road. The museum does not have a lot of artefacts, but has many photographs, illustrations and models. The most valuable and authentic item on display is an old case used for carrying items along the Burma Road. If you understand Mandarin, a friendly guide dressed in period costume can give you a free tour of the museum. A signed copy of Chen's book (published in Chinese only) can be purchased from the museum gift shop. Free . ( updated Jul 2021 )
• 25.038669 102.718113 3 Kunming Flying Tigers Memorial ( 昆明飞虎队纪念馆 ), 458 Beijing Road, Panlong District (盘龙区北京路458号) ( about 200 m south of Dongfeng Square Station at the intersection of metro lines 2 and 3, directly opposite Chahua Park ), ☏ +86 871 63199122 . Tu-Su 10:00-17:00, no entry after 16:30 . The Flying Tigers were fighter pilots — officially called the American Volunteer Group — who fought the Japanese in China through much of World War II, both before and after the US entered the war. Despite a whole range of problems, they shot down several hundred enemy planes. Kunming was one of their main bases. Free .  
• 25.043573 102.706043 5 Victory over Japan Memorial Hall ( 抗战胜利纪念堂, 抗战胜利堂, Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall ), 49 Ruixi Road, Wuhua District (五华区云瑞西路49号) ( about 400 meters north of Wuyi Road Metro Station on Line 3 ), ☏ +86 871 63610856 . Open all day . Completed in 1947, this was one of the first war memorials to be commissioned in China following the end of the Second World War. It is now a national heritage site. Free . ( updated Jul 2021 )
• 25.039931 102.702977 6 Yunnan Art Museum ( 云南美术馆 ), 118 Wuyi Road, Wuhua District (五华区五一路118号) ( near Exit A of the Wuyi Road Station on Metro Line 3 ), ☏ +86 871 63163665 . Tu-Su 09:00-17:00 . Occupies the building where the Yunnan Provincial Museum (listed below) used to be. Free . ( updated May 2019 )

• 25.057579 102.702531 10 Yunnan University Wu Mayao Museum of Anthropology ( 云南大学伍马瑶人类学博物馆 ), Yunnan University, 2 Cuihu North Road, Wuhua District (五华区翠湖北路2号云南大学) ( just south of the main university gate on Beimen Street (北门街); bus nos. 92, 139 and 187 stop near here ), ☏ +86 871 65034167 . Reportedly closed during the university's summer and winter vacation periods . Fascinating museum with an impressive collection of minority and Han artifacts from around Yunnan. Highlights include painted wooden torso armor of the Yi people, fearsome warriors of a traditionally caste society who historically controlled the mountainous region between Sichuan and Yunnan and whose queen was instrumental in negotiating the entry in to Yunnan of the Mongol Horde at the dawn of the Yuan Dynasty , ushering in the first real period of Han control thus beginning the widespread Sinification in Yunnan province. Unfortunately the showy modern glass presentation makes photography of some artifacts rather difficult. Free .  

Historical sites [ edit ]

• 25.042471 102.707424 12 Fulintang Drugstore (Bi'anguo Branch) ( 福林堂(彼岸国药店) ), 31 Guanghua Street, Wuhua District (五华区光华街31号) ( at the corner of Guanghua Street and Wenming Street; about 540 metres from Wuyi Road Station on Metro Line 3; the nearest bus stop is Weiyuan Street (威远街), which is served by bus routes 133 and 189 ), ☏ +86 871 63636565 . Opened in 1857, this is the oldest established drugstore in Kunming. The traditional style building has remained largely unchanged since the 19th century and has been included on China's national heritage list. ( updated May 2019 )
• 24.958035 102.754118 13 Guandu Ancient Town ( 官渡古镇 ), Guandu District (官渡区) ( bus routes 31, 165, 169, 174, 185, 186, 232, 253, 255, 908, a12, c143, c85, d28, k15 and k42; the nearest metro station is Xingyao Road Station on Metro Line 1, which is about 1.3 km from the town ), ☏ +86 871 67262799 , +86 871 67273379 . Open all day . An historic town that was founded during the Tang Dynasty and was once part of the kingdoms of Nanzhao and Dali. A number of old buildings are preserved here, including several temples. Free . ( updated May 2019 )
• 25.052546 102.703396 14 Kunming Pump House ( 昆明自来水厂泵房旧址 ), 6 Cui Hu East Road, Wuhua District (五华区翠湖东路6号) ( inside the park's east gate, which is on the southeast side of the park; visitors walking through the gate will see the museum about 100 m directly ahead of them. There is a bus stop just south of the east gate, which is served by bus routes 100, 101, 124, 133, 235 and z5 ), ☏ +86 871 63163863 . W-Su 09:30-16:30 . As a result of droughts parching Yunnan, the reservoirs surrounding Kunming are of vital importance. The specter of Kunming's taps suddenly running dry is of great concern for residents. The two-room "History Museum of Kunming Water Supply" (昆明市自来水历史博物馆) is inside the Green Lake Park, and is housed in the building that once pumped 1,000 m³ of water daily from Green Lake's spring-fed Nine Dragon Pond (九龙池) and along a 9.5-km network of municipal water pipes. The pump station was completed in 1917 and started operating in 1918. It continued to be used until 1957. The current museum still contains what appear to be the two original French-made electric water pumps, along with a small collection of old photos and other curios, such as tokens that could be used to buy water from any of the more than 50 public water taps that were part of the system. Free .  
• 25.051388 102.707603 17 Zhu De's Former Residence ( 朱德旧居 ), 4 Honghua Lane (红花巷4号) and 3 Xiaomeiyuan Lane (小梅园巷3号), Wuhua District (五华区) ( about 400 m east of Green Lake Park's east gate. The nearest bus stop is Luofeng Street (螺峰街), which is served by bus nos. 92, 125 and 187 ), ☏ +86 871 63617017 . 09:00-18:00 . Zhu De (1886-1976) was one of the Communist Party's most revered political and military leaders in the 20th century. Most notably, he was the Commander-in-Chief of the Red Army during both the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Chinese Civil War. He also held the position of Commander-in-Chief of the People's Liberation Army during the Korean War. This residence was Zhu De's home from 1921 to 1922. It is now a museum with exhibits on Zhu De's life. Free . ( updated May 2019 )

Religious sites [ edit ]

• 25.049289 102.748606 19 Tanhua Temple ( 昙华寺; Tánhuàsì; also known as Tanhua Nunnery 昙华庵 ), 533 Tanhua Road, Panlong District (盘龙区光明路昙华路533号; Pánlóngqū Guāngmínglù) ( at the foot of Tuiying Mountain in the eastern outskirts of Kunming City, about 4 km from the city centre; bus routes 132 and z99 stop outside the south gate; you can catch bus z99 just outside Exit B of the Jinma Temple metro station on Line 3 ), ☏ +86 871 63845448 . 07:00-17:00 . Built in 1634. According to historical records, before the temple was erected, there had been a thatched shack where Shi Shiqiao, a scholar of the Ming Dynasty, buried himself in books. Shi Tai, grandson of Shi Shiqiao, donated the estate for the shack whereon the temple was built. In the backyard there was an epiphyllum tree, which is called tanhua in Chinese, hence the name. The temple went through many renovations during the Qing Dynasty. It is well-known for its flowers and plants. It has been a scenic spot for more than three hundred years, and an epitome of Kunming, the Flower City of the Southern Frontier . The epiphyllum tree was planted in the side court of the depository of Buddhist Scriptures. There is a stone tablet on which four characters are carved The Epiphyllum Brings Luck . After the erection of the temple, the original epiphyllum withered and died. The epiphyllum now standing taller than the eaves of the temple sprang from the root of the original one at the beginning of the Qing Dynasty, and is about 300 years old. It bursts into flowers in mid-summer. The big loquat tree in the backyard is said to have been planted in the early Ming Dynasty. In the South Garden there are flowers and rockeries with winding paths among the flowers and the zigzagging corridor surround the Lotus Pond, where you can watch fish. The East Garden is shaded by tall cedars and cypresses and include seven smaller gardens and a Children's Playground. The old temple has resumed its original grandeur. It has become one of the most famous scenic spots in Kunming. Free .  

• 25.03698 102.724264 21 Zhenqing Temple ( 真庆观 ), 82 Tuodong Road, Panlong District (盘龙区拓东路82号) ( 700 m west of Tangzi Lane Station on Metro Line 2; the nearest bus stop is Baita Road Intersection (白塔路口), which is served by bus nos. 1, 62, 109, 117, 145, 213, a1 and a2 ), ☏ +86 871 63125250 . 08:00-17:30 . Kunming's largest and most important Taoist temple. Free . ( updated May 2019 )

Other cultural sights [ edit ]

Parks and nature [ edit ].

• 25.017174 102.735085 23 Baohai Park ( 宝海公园 ), 121 Baohai Road, Guandu District (官渡区宝海路121号) ( Northeast of the Kunming International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Bus routes 122 and k52 ), ☏ +86 871 63512927 . 08:00-19:00 . The park covers an area of 250 mu (16.67 hectares) and is one of Kunming's largest modern parks. It features camphor, azaleas and other native plants. ¥5 .  
• 25.144639 102.749033 24 Black Dragon Pool Park ( 黑龙潭公园; Hēilóng Tán Gōngyuán ), 1 Lan'an Road, Panlong District (盘龙区蓝桉路1号) ( take bus no. 249 from the Longtou Street Station on Metro Line 2 ), ☏ +86 871 65886882 . 08:00-18:00 . Black Dragon Pool Park is a rare large garden, is the Kunming plum resort, known as the" Longquan exploration plum". The" Tang Mei" legend from Nanzhao transplant, with the tranquility Caoxi Temple" Yuan Mei" is considered to be Yunnan's most precious Gu Mei. The park features trees that are rare, not only because of their scarcity in the area, but also for their astounding age and size. Entry is pricey at ¥20 per person per day; .  

• 25.040727 102.706324 30 Jingxing Street Flower and Bird Market ( 景星街花鸟市场; Jǐngxīng Jiē Huāniǎo Shìchǎng ), Jingxing Street, Wuhua District (五华区景星街) ( very central and situated within the area bounded by Dongfeng West Road (东风西路) to the south, Wuyi Road (五一路) to the west, Renmin West Road (人民西路) to the north and Zhengyi Road (正义路) to the east; close to the Wuyi Road Station on Metro Line 3 ). If purchasing cute little puppy dogs, live crickets, birds, live bird food, tortoises and other things creepy, crawly and/or fluffy is your thing then it is here to be had... along with a few flowers and a great many trinkets. The most obvious stalls begin where Wuyi Road meets Dongfeng West Road but other sellers can be found on other streets within the district.  

• 25.056686 102.708775 32 Kunming Zoo ( 昆明动物园; Kūnmíng Dòngwùyuán ), 92 Qingnian Road, Wuhua District (五华区青年路92号) ( a few hundred metres north east of Green Lake and a few hundred metres east of Yunnan University; buses 4, 59, 74, 83, 100, 101, 129, 234 and a2 go to Yuantong Hill on the southeast side of the zoo; buses 4, 22, 59. 74, 83, 100, 101, 129, 234, a2 and z63 go to the north entrance ), ☏ +86 871 65154546 . 07:30-18:30, no entry to large animal section after 16:30 . The Zoo was built in 1953 and has over 300 species. There is a peacock garden, butterfly enclosure, aviary and aquarium. In spring the zoo is reputed to be a sea of flowers , in particular the blossom of cherry trees and weeping Chinese crab apple trees. Overall the zoo is a pleasant enough place but with a slight air of weariness and decay about it. Local people also use it as a place for performing exercise or playing cards and mahjong. ¥20 for general entry with a further ¥80 for the circus .  
• 24.946136 102.633758 34 Dragon Gate ( 龙门, Longmen ) ( the cable car mentioned above terminates near the gate; you can get here by foot as well ). The Dragon Gate is the most famous sight here, it is built on the steep rock hills, which was cut in the years from 1781. On March 3, every lunar year, hundreds of Kunming people crowd up to the hills for celebrating their traditional distinguished gathering called Spring Touring , dancing and singing on the green western hills. Entrance to the Dragon Gate is an additional ¥30, a golf cart ¥12.5, and the lift for ¥25 .  
• 25.098207 102.787666 36 Yunnan Wildlife Park ( 云南野生动物园, Yunnan Zoo ), Chuanjin Road, Panlong District (盘龙区穿金路) ( bus routes 235, 241 and 249; you can catch bus 249 from Fengyuan Road (沣源路), just outside the Longtou Street Station on Metro Line 2 ), ☏ +86 871 65018888 , +86 871 65017777 . 09:00-17:30, no entry after 16:30 . ¥100 . ( updated May 2019 )

Do [ edit ]

Theaters [ edit ]

• 25.043628 102.71386 1 Kunming Theater ( 昆明剧院; Kūn​míng Jù​yuàn​ ), 410 Qingnian Road, Wuhua District (五华区青年路410号; Wǔ​huá​qū Qīng​nián​lù​) ( about 630 metres walk from Jiaolan Bridge Station on Metro Line 2 and about 690 metres walk from Dongfeng Square Station at the intersection of Lines 2 and 3; buses that stop near the theater include bus nos. 1, 4, 50, 56, 77, 78, 83, 91, 112, 129, 133, 161, 189, 234 and a2 ), ☏ +86 871 63169950 .  
• 25.042852 102.701888 2 Yunnan Art Theater ( 云南艺术剧院 ), 132-134 Dongfeng West Road, Wuhua District (五华区东风西路132-134号; Wǔ​huá​qū​ Dōng​fēng​xī​lù​) ( about 300 metres northwest of Wuyi Road Station on Metro Line 3; bus routes 5, 10, 26, 52, 66, 82, 84, 98, 116, 124 and k13 ), ☏ +86 871 63628996 . 19:00-21:30 .  

Other [ edit ]

• 25.111787 102.784038 3 Sunshine Golf Club ( 昆明阳光高尔夫俱乐部 ), 6km Kunming-Qujing Highway, Panlong District (盘龙区昆曲高速公路6公里处) ( the nearest bus stop is a few hundred metres southwest of the golf club at the Xilunanjun Housing Estate (溪麓南郡小区), which is served by bus no. 150; you can catch bus no. 150 from Fengyuan Road (沣源路) near the North Bus Station Metro Station - the terminus of Line 2. Alternatively catch a taxi from the station; the distance from the station to the golf club is about 4 km ), ☏ +86 871 68288999 , fax : +86 871 68288618 , +86 871 68288619 .  
• China Kunming International Art Festival ( 中国昆明国际艺术节 ). Three weeks in April/May . Annual festival with music, dance and art.  

Day trips and excursions [ edit ]

• Dinosaur Valley at Lufeng opened at 2008. This is a national park displaying more than 70 full dinosaur skeleton fossils found in the area, scattered over the mountains about 75 km away from Kunming. Many attractions for kids available. Regular buses go from Kunming's West bust terminal. Very nice for a half-day trip. Entry ¥120.
• Earth Forest . The Earth Forest in Yuanmou County in Chuxiong Prefecture is a scenic spot at the provincial level. Earth Forest, as a representative landscape in the county, comprises Xinhua, Bangguo, Wanbao and Tiger Leaping Beach, covering an area of 50 km². The Earth Forest came into being since geological movement and soil erosion one or two million years ago. Its shape looks like an immense forest and the main component is earth, so it is named Earth Forest. The Earth Forest, the Stone Forest in Kunming and the Colorful Sand Forest in Luliang are called “the Three Forests in Yunnan”.  

Buy [ edit ]

• Outdoor Equipment . As elsewhere in bigger cities close to mountainous regions, you can buy fairly good quality fake and overrun outdoor and camping gear in Kunming. See our China article for background. Shops can be found in a courtyard at 20 Dongfeng East Road and on Baoshan Street close to the central square, as well as in the enormous garment district on the South Ring Road between the moat and Carrefour shopping centre (check basement and top stories, no self-respecting counterfeit vendor would sell on the main floor of a building). Bargain hard.  
• Local minority souvenirs, jade , Flower and bird market ( refer to See section for directions ).  
• Equipment for Chinese games , Flower and bird market ( refer to See section for directions ). In particular, Yunnan stones (云子) Yúnzǐ for the game of Go (Chinese: weiqi 围棋) are the best Chinese stones. They are quite different from Japanese stones, and much cheaper; see the Yunzi article on the go players' wiki, Sensei's Library. It is also possible to visit the factory ( Chinese-only web site ) near Kunming. Boards and bowls are also available.  
• Mandarin Bookstore , 52 Wenhua Lane 9-10 ( end of Wenlin Road, past the police station and turn right ). Has some English, French and German books. Has the Lonely Planet China guidebook, which is generally hard to find in China.  
• Xinhua Bookstore ( in Zhenchi Rd, just south of Xiyuan Rd / Yongxing Rd (about a block outside of the South and West Ring Road) ). A typical large (2-storey) bookstore of the national Xinhua chain. A decent map section, with some local area maps available right near the entrance. There is a large space with chairs and tables to sit down and read, or to use your laptop. ( updated Dec 2016 )
• Computer street ( near Zoo north entrance, bus 83 from railway station ). If you need some IT stuff. Pay attention to counterfeit, and whether international warranty is available.  
• Bicycles and accessories , A couple dozen of bicycle stores are concentrated within a couple blocks on the South Ring Road, just east from Zhenchi Lu. (Which means, a few blocks west of the Carrefour store). As of 2016, the stores are all next to each other, on the north side of the street, and carry bicycles priced from ¥300-3000, as well as spare parts and accessories. Bicycles and some accessories are also sold in Wal-Mart and Carrefour stores around town. ( refer to See Section for directions ).  

Eat [ edit ]

Local specialties include:

• Over-the-Bridge Rice Noodles (过桥米线; guòqiáo mǐxiàn ) is a typical Yunnan local flavor that could only be tasted in some parts of Yunnan. This famous dish consists of several courses and a big bowl of chicken soup with very thick oil on top to keep the heat for cooking the food items, including raw pork, cooked chicken pieces, pork liver, slices of squid and slices of carp for the first course to be dipped into the boiling hot soup. Vegetables are then added afterwards as the second course, and the rice noodles follow as the last course. It is a kind of snack food in Yunnan.
• Steam Potted Chicken (汽锅鸡 qìguō jī) with Tienchi & Steam Potted Chicken with Cordyceps used to be made in a restaurant famous for this course. Later they created a new variety with gastrodia tuber in the soup, becoming one of the well known local nutritious dishes in Kunming. Early in the Qianlong Era of the Qing Dynasty, the steam potted chicken became popular among the common people. Jianshui County has a long history in producing the best pottery ware in Yunnan. Pots produced in this county has different shapes and forms. The steam pot has a hollow tube fixed in the center, up to the height of the pot. Food including the raw chicken pieces, ginger, salt and so forth are put around the tube and the pot is placed onto a bigger pot with boiling water underneath. Steam will come up from the small hole in the middle to heat the food in the pot. The Chicken will be ready in 3-4 hours. The same method is used to cook other food and will increase the flavor of the dish.
• Yiliang Roasted Duck (宜良烤鸭 Yílíang kǎoyā) - The "Goujie Roasted Duck" produced in the Goujie Street of Yiliang is extraordinarily delicious, with the crispy and yellowish skin, soft and tender duck meat, has a special slight flavor of pine needles.
• Xuanwei Ham (宣威火腿 Xuānwēi huǒtuǐ) dates back to 1727. Xuanwei ham won a prize at the Panama Fair in 1915. In 1923, Mr. Sun Zhongshan wrote an inscription "Yin He Shi De" (which means "eat properly for a sound mind") for Xuanwei ham and taste it at a food competition held in Guangzhou. Xuanwei ham has been selling well to Southeastern Asia and European countries. As a rule, the Xuanwei ham is processed during the winter. Select the best pork leg and press out the pork blood completely. Rub it with salt and smoke or air it dry after the salt permeates to a certain depth of the pork. Try to test the pork leg in three when the surface of the pork turn in green. The quality standard is to have the ham fragrance from three needles punched in the pork. Cut the ham open from the middle, it looks bright in color and has a clean fresh color. It can be preserved well in cellar with low moisture or in a warehouse with good air conditioning. Xuanwei ham can be bought from any big or small stores. If not convenient for travelling, it is possible to buy canned Xuanwei ham.
• Er Kuai (饵块, ěrkuài) is a chewy rice cake made from steamed rice, which is pounded, kneaded, and rolled into various shapes. The resulting cakes are used in a number of dishes: thinly-sliced erkuai stir-fried with fragrant spicy hot sauce and pork (chao er kuai), cut into square noodles served with gravy (lu er si) or in soup, or rolled into pancakes which are then wrapped around a youtiao (Chinese donut stick) with a sweet or spicy sauce (er kuai bao you tiao), an addictive street snack.
• Red Re-fried Beans are a local favorite, consisting (as the name implies) of a red bean re-fried, often in some mixture of flour and powdered chicken broth and meat tenderizer. A succulent addition to any traditional meal.
• Sweet Tonghai Peapowder Candy is a famous traditional snack. It is very easy to get it from any store and shopping stand. The ingredients of the sweet are quality white sugar, rice cerealose, and roasted pea powder (broad bean or pea).
• Qujing Pickled Chives Flower was first produced in the Guanxu Year of the Qing Dynasty. Main ingredients include chives flower, salt, wine, chili, and brown sugar.
• Sweet Pickled Kaiyuan Chinese Onion - Kaiyuan is a place in the south Yunnan and it is famous for its delicious sweet pickled Chinese onion. It is made of the Chinese onion, salt, chili, brown sugar, wine. After being sealed in a jar for three months, it is ready. It tastes crispy and slightly sweet.
• Smoked Smelly Bean Curd is one of the popular snacks found in the night snack market in Kunming. Quality Bean Curd is used as the raw material and it is smoked over a charcoal fire. If you have chance to be at the night snack market in Kunming, remember to experience it yourself.
• The Eight Treasures of Yunnan - Of all the well-known Yunnan cakes, the Eight Treasures of Yunnan comes first. It is packed in eight small pieces. It consists of one hard-skin cake, a ham-stuffed moon part, two crispy white parts stuffed with puree and two crispy parts stuffed with sesame, peanuts, mushroom and rutabaga pickle.
• Wild Mushrooms (菌子 junzi )
• Old lady potatoes with peppers and fennel (老奶洋芋 laonai yangyu )
• Fried goats cheese ( rubing ), sometimes served with sugar or black pepper and salt. On the street, girls dressed in Dali minority costumes offer rubing with Hershey's chocolate, rose flavor, and condensed milk. Occasionally mixed in with green beans.
• Local barbeque - at night, street vendors set up charcoal grills to barbeque potatoes, zucchinis, pork, chicken, beef on skewers - all sprinkled liberally with powdered local chili. The taste is excellent and incredibly spicy - typically pay ¥1-2 per skewer for a great street meal.
• Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐 chòu dòufu ) - although not strictly a local specialty, this is a favorite among Chinese everywhere. Although it is certainly an acquired taste, it should not be missed.
• Muslim vendors can be found hawking granola-bar type snacks in the older part of town north of the train station. A tough but tasty treat sold by the kilo, the vendor will chop a piece off a huge nut- and honey-filled cake, and make bars or squares as you like.

Many restaurants in Kunming offer localized food delivery . One particularly convenient restaurant delivery service in Kunming is called Lazy Bones Home Delivery . They deliver food for restaurants like Daddy's Diner all over Kunming. Unfortunately they charge a small fee. You can find them on the web or call ☏ +86 871 532 2515 .

Budget [ edit ]

For breakfast, try one of the stands or carts selling ¥1 steamed buns and other cheap food.

• Heavenly Manna ( 吗哪; Mǎnǎ ), 74 Wenhua Alley, Wenlin Street (文林街文化巷74号; Wénlínjiē Wénhuàxiàng) ( next to Salvadors ), ☏ +86 871 5369399 . Yunnan style restaurant in the very trendy and fashionable Wenlin Street area. Fantastic food at reasonable prices. The drinks are less than ¥10. The cakes are also worth trying.  
• Yuanxi Lu ( 员西路 ) ( next to the zoo ). A street full of small restaurants and shops. There's a good place hidden behind an entrance with a small Chinese-style roof on top, selling chou doufu in the entrance. One shop to the left you can try pork brain or just some tasty dumplings. On the opposite side of the street there's a Dai minority restaurant. You can recognize it by its bamboo-style walls.  
• Insane Wontons ( 疯狂馄饨 ) ( near YunDa North Gate; YuanXiLu 圆西路86; across from the YuanTong Movie Theatre, there is also one near the Hump at 人民中路17号昆明走廊一期1D1-FC4 ). A delicious insanely spicy dumpling (wonton) soup with other (including non-spicy) options as well. Try the Sichuan Spicy Wontons (MaLa HunDun) 麻辣馄饨 or the Strange Flavor Wontons (GuaiWei HunDun)怪味馄饨 for the two best.  

Mid-range [ edit ]

Chinese [ edit ].

The Vegetarian Restaurant is a few doors to the left of the Kunming Zoo main entrance on Yuan Tong Lu, serves somewhat pricey imitation meat dishes from a 1,500-year-old tradition. Dishes range from ¥3.5 to ¥98. The crispy "duck" is especially good.

Western [ edit ]

• Flavor Street ( 味的道; Wèi de dào ), Store 48, Taiyang Xincheng, Longquan Lu (龙泉路泰暘欣城58号商铺; Lóngquánlù Tàiyángxīnchéng) ( at the corner of Longquan Road and North Erhuan Road in the new tall orange and white apartment complex Taiyang Xincheng next to the University of Finance and Economics (财经大学), any taxi driver can take you there, and bus routes 9, 74, 84, 114, 115, 129, and 168 also all stop nearby at Caimao Xueyuan (财贸学院) ), ☏ +86 137 59154460 . Restaurant with good pizza and amazing Thai hot pot. The owner is very friendly and the service is superb.  

In the Kunming Flower and Bird Market , there is a great pizzeria set in a Qing dynasty courtyard house. The prices are more expensive than eating local dishes, but the atmosphere and quality of the food are outstanding. To find it, head to the flower and bird market and as you walk round, keep your eyes peeled for their sign above the stalls.

Along Wenlin Jie there are many Western cafes and restaurants. This street is commonly known as Western Street and the taxi drivers know it well! These cafes include:

• Mazagran Cafe . Has a good selection of Western meals and some delicious cakes and cookies (the millionaire shortbread is a favourite). The clientele is a mix of Westerners (lots of students looking for an afternoon study spot and enjoying the free Wi-Fi) and locals. Its second floor location (the stairs are around the back of the building) and open frontage makes it a good place to people watch. The restaurant was set up by a New Zealand couple who have since moved, but in terms of quality Western food it's one of the best.  
• Salvadors ( near the intersection of Wenhua Alley and Wenlin Street ). Wide variety of western food and imported beer. They make excellent ice cream. A local favorite.  
• French Cafe . Offers free Wi-Fi internet and serves a list of French options that cannot be found elsewhere in Kunming. Great homemade baguette, real French pastries, good coffee. The lovely atmosphere and the good music is a plus. It has become a popular spot to hang out and have a beer or two in the evenings.  
• Games Cafe . Run by a Frenchman and his local wife, this place offers a stunning collection of boardgames in a few languages (mostly English and Chinese), and is popular with both foreigners and locals. Local and imported beers, home made noodles, various French food and amazing meal-portioned salads.  
• Prague Cafe . Cute cafe with an upper level, has books and magazines. Has a variety of meals including Japanese and Western. While this place largely remains a Chinese hangout, several foreigners looking for a quieter lunch or place to study Chinese can be seen. The staff are friendly and the coffee is probably second best in the area. Food is mediocre, pizza is microwaved from a box. Pricey drinks. Disgusting bathroom, ¥50 fine if you poop or throw paper in the toilet.  

Splurge [ edit ]

• Shiping Huiguan ( 石屏会馆 ), Cuihu Nan Lu, 24 Zhonghe Xiang (翠湖南路中和巷24号) ( near south end of Green lake park ), ☏ +86 871 3627222 , +86 871 3627444 . Traditional Yunnanese restaurant in an old courtyard; the amazing building is reason enough for a visit, though the food is also very good. The plate of various fried insects is interesting to try; the river shrimps and the baked fish is also a must. ¥50-100/person .  
• Makye Ame ( 玛吉阿米 ), Jinhuapu Lu (Inside the Kunming office of Diqing Prefecture) (近华浦路迪庆州驻昆办二楼) ( west of the university area ), ☏ +86 871 8336300 . A Tibetan restaurant with fantastic atmosphere and design, and nightly stage performances of Tibetan songs and dances. Some dish with yak meat must of course be tried; there is plenty in the menu.  
• Grand Park Kunming , 20 Hong Hua Qiao, 650031, Kunming (五华区洪化桥; ) ( 20 minutes by car from Kunming International Airport ), ☏ +86 871 5386688 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Top business and leisure hotel with a splendid view of Green Lake. 300 rooms, including some 2-bedroom suites. Starting from USD 85 .  

Drink [ edit ]

The main club area is in the Wuhua district, specifically Kundu Bar Street. Clubs are open until 05:30 or 06:00. There are probably more than 10 clubs to suit every style and taste.

Kundu Bar Street [ edit ]

• Soho ( 苏荷 ), In the Kundu Bar District . closes at 03:00 . This is a popular national franchise bar. They have singers throughout the night and DJs to spin the music. The distinction this place has is that they don't hire bar girls. In most Chinese clubs, the hot girls you see work for the club to give the place an image or to sell you beer and sell more tables. The girls you see in this club are customers or brought by customers. So you get a more real experience without getting pressured to buy alcohol all the time. ¥40 a beer, ¥240 a dozen .  
• s.Muse ( diagonally across from mask ). closes at 06:00 . Another franchise club that opens until 06:00. They have the best location in the whole district. Right in front of the square. ¥50 a beer .  
• Babi .  
• Camp David .  
• M2 .  
• Mask .  

Wen Lin Street (Wen Lin Jie) [ edit ]

This long street is full of 20-30 small lounges/bars that locals and university students visit.

Other areas [ edit ]

Several western-style retro-bars can be found on Tuo East Road east of Bailong Road, and catering mostly to a local clientèle afford an opportunity to mingle with locals.

Other bars include:

• Shelter Bar ( 防空洞酒吧; Fángkōngdòng Jiǔbā ), 295 Yuantong East Road (圆通东路295号; Yuántōngdōnglù) ( near the back entrance of the Zoo, north side of Yuantong Mountain ). The bar is unique. Entering through the doors, there is a jazzy scene with plenty of comfortable places to lounge. Sometimes they even have video games set up. But the thing that sets this bar apart from other bars lies through the doors next to the bar. Passing through them, you go down some steps about 2 m (6 feet) and enter through three doors, each of them 7 cm (3 inches) thick. This second bar and dance floor lie 3-6 m (10-20 feet) beneath the Zoo in an old bomb shelter build in the 1970s when Mao was frightened by the prospect of nuclear war with the Soviet Union. Try to make yourself heard over the blaring music as large, ominous ventilation pipes hang over you. It is not the best place to hang out, but you have to see it at least once if you are in town.  
• Dyonysos (狄俄尼索) , Baoshanjie 1, 8th floor (盘龙区宝善街宝善1号8楼(近前景动感天下)); ( a few buildings north-west of Jinbi square ). A high class live-music bar. Very good Yunnan snacks and great selection of drinks. Usually six singers a night with other musicians playing in between. Little bit pricy but great to entertain guests in the city center.  
• Freedom Bar , Renmin East Road (人民东路; Rénmíndōnglù) ( a few blocks West of Beijing Road ). A club and bar with dance music, a small dance floor, and plenty of alcohol. During happy hours foreigners are allowed three free drinks: either 3 whiskeys or 3 beers.  
• Aoma Meili Pub ( 敖玛梅里餐厅; Áomǎ Méilǐ Cāntīng ), 60 Dongfeng East Road (东风东路60号; Dōngfēngdōnglù) ( right by the Camellia Hotel ), ☏ +86 871 3126036 . This well-known western restaurant is undergoing some changes to be more of a bar. There are no other bars near the Camellia Hotel, so it is really nice! It is one of the few places with a Western bartender as well. He has lived in Yunnan for a few years, and is really good to get information from. He said he just started here, so as soon as he gets all the equipment he promised some great cocktails! Good food, nice atmosphere.  

Sleep [ edit ]

Near railway station [ edit ].

There are a number of so-so budget options around the railway station and along Beijing Road north of the station.

• Golden Bridge Hotel ( 金桥大酒店; Jīnqiáo Dàjiǔdiàn ), Railway Station South Square, Panling District (盘龙区火车南站广场; Pánlóngqū Huǒchēnánzhànguǎngchǎng) ( just outside the railway station to the left ), ☏ +86 871 3532868 . Not a bad option. From ¥40 .  
• Kunming Leshi Hotel ( 昆明乐仕宾馆; Kūnmíng Lèshì Bīnguǎn ), 9 Nanba Road, Xishan District (西山区南坝路9号; Xīshānqū Nánbàlù) , ☏ +86 871 3524196 , fax : +86 8713536598 . Small rooms without internet access except for more expensive ones, which have internet access against surcharge. Chinese restaurant. Listed rates for doubles from ¥168, discounted from ¥108, no breakfast available .  
• 25.01957 102.71652 1 MamaMoon Hostel , 永平路鑫都韵城小区10栋2单元1801室 Building 10 Unit 2 #1801, Xindu Community, Yongping Road ( difficult to find, but the location on Baidu Maps is correct – it's in an apartment building next to a barbershop a little ways north of the train station; look for the number "2" above the door, enter 1801# on the keypad and go up to the 18th floor ). Check-in: 13:00 , check-out: 13:00 . Small, casual hostel in an apartment building. Good wifi, friendly vibe, squat toilet. Bunks and private rooms available. Some of the bunks are in the common area, so they can be noisy. Doesn't seem to do the required police registration , so don't stay here as your first stop in China. Bunks from ¥20 . ( updated May 2019 )
• 25.036139 102.709388 2 The Hump Hostel ( 昆明驼峰客栈; Kūnmíng Tuófēng Kèzhàn ), JB2-2 Jinmabiji Square, Jinbi Road, Xishan District (西山区金碧路金马碧鸡广场JB2-2幢; Xīshān Qū Jīnbì Lù Jīnmǎbìjī Guǎngchǎng JB2-2 Zhuàng) ( bus no. 3 from train/long distance bus station (7 stops) ), ☏ +86 871 63640359 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . This place is a cafe, bar and hostel. It is on the third floor and has a rooftop garden where you can have drinks while overlooking Jinbi Square. The staff speaks some English. Great selection of western style dishes. Has pool table, DVDs and free Wi-Fi. Dorms from ¥50, doubles from ¥298, twins from ¥328 .  
• 25.050066 102.740552 3 Xingyi Hotel ( 兴彝酒店 ), 128 Wenyi Road, Xinying Neighborhood, Panlong District (盘龙区新迎小区文艺路128号; Pánlóngqū Xīnyíngxiǎoqū Wényìlù) ( the nearest bus stop is the Xinying Road (新迎路) bus stop, which is served by bus nos. 47, 72, 158. You catch bus no. 47 from a bus stop on Beijing Road just north of the Dongfeng Square Metro Station ), ☏ +86 871 63321118 . Small rooms with free internet. No restaurant. Doubles from ¥90 .  
• 25.041105 102.69331 4 Kunming Cloudland International Youth Hostel ( 昆明大脚氏国际青年旅舍 ), 23 Zhuantang Road, Wuhua District (五华区篆塘路23号) ( 860 m south of Panjiawan Station on Metro Line 3; south of the corner of Xichang Road and Renmin West Road, west of Government Square ), ☏ +86 871 64103777 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . A great hostel with a great atmosphere. Very clean with a good, inexpensive restaurant. Also close to a number of other restaurants within a 15 minute walk. Dorms rooms from ¥50. Doubles from ¥175 .  
• 25.052375 102.713477 5 7 Days Inn (Qingnian Road Branch) ( 7天连锁酒店 (昆明青年路店); 7Tiān Liánsuǒjiǔdiàn ), 87 Qingnian Road, Wuhua District (五华区青年路87号) ( 500 m west of Chuanxin Gulou Station on Metro Line 2 ), ☏ +86 871 64884769 . Very clean rooms with helpful, yet non-English speaking staff. Rooms with free internet. A free computer is also usually available in the lobby. The rooms come equipped with a satellite dish that covers channels from all over China (only one or two English channels). Because it is in the city, do not be surprised to find no view from your window. Think Best Western. Doubles from ¥132 .  
• 25.038641 102.707779 6 Fairyland Hotel (Nanping Pedestrian Street Baida Branch) ( 云上四季连锁酒店(昆明南屏步行街百大店) ), 1st Floor, Kunming Department Store Building, 1 Dongfeng West Road, Wuhua District (五华区东风西路1号昆明百货大楼F1) ( 400 m from Wuyi Road Station on Metro Line 3; the lobby to the right of the New Era Hotel entrance ), ☏ +86 871 68119668 . Since the hotel lobby is on the first floor, Fairyland has the advantage of receiving walk-ins first, but there are several other hotels in the same building that represent better value. Rooms have a slight odor and oddly color coordinated (yellow and orange) furniture. Room has flat screen TV, but there is no computer in the room. Very central location. No English speaking staff. Be careful that staff will tell you that other hotels are not in the building or are elsewhere. To view other hotels go directly to the 9th floor. Doubles start from around ¥300 .  
• 25.049746 102.71777 7 Spring City Star Hotel (Jifeng Branch) ( 春城之星(集丰店) ), 636 Beijing Road, Panlong District (盘龙区北京路636号) ( 300 m south of Chuanxin Gulou Station on Metro Line 2 ), ☏ +86 871 66296666 . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Formerly known as Spring City Inn (and before that Yunnan Machinery Hotel ). This budget hotel has relocated to Beijing Road, just after the Anti-Smuggling HQ. It is a 13-storey building, with a restaurant on the 3rd floor. Still gives fantastic value, with exceptionally clean twin rooms, nice staff, a/c, very strong free Wi-Fi and breakfast included. There's a tour agency that helps with booking tours to Shilin, Jiuxiang and beyond beside the main counter. ¥10 off and free luggage storage if you are a member or use a member's card. Standard rooms with en suite bath start from ¥108 .  
• 25.03871 102.70786 8 Yunnan Shadetree Inn (Nanping Pedestrian Street Branch) ( 云樾兰亭连锁酒店(昆明南屏步行街店) ), Kunming Department Store Building, 1 Dongfeng West Road, Wuhua District (五华区东风西路1号昆明百货大楼) ( 400 m from Wuyi Road Station on Metro Line 3; in the same building as the Fairyland Hotel, New Era Apartments and New Era Hotel, front desk is in room 910 on the 9th floor ), ☏ +86 871 63633348 , fax : +86 871 63633608 . Good value hotel but hard to locate. It's on the 9th floor in the same wing as the Fairyland Hotel and New Era Apartments. Rooms are respectably clean with better color coordination (dark wood and white). Both doubles and singles have stand-up showers along with a small-sized kitchen containing mini-fridge, sink and cabinets. There is a flat screen TV with a small sofa and sitting area. Downsides are the room has a slight, but tolerable, odor, the bathroom is Asian-style where the entire floor gets wet (but there are Western-style toilets), and the front desk reception knows no English, so come prepared with phrases to ask to see the room and to negotiate prices. Rooms have free internet with computer. Very central location. Room rates start from around ¥250 .  
• 25.078412 102.752813 9 Expo Garden Hotel ( 云南世博花园酒店 ), No.5, Shibo Road, Panlong District (盘龙区世博路5号) ( just up the hill from the entrance to the Expo Garden; there is a bus stop outside the hotel which is served by Airport Express Bus Route 3, as well as bus nos. 47, 69, 71, 182, 235, 249, a1 and k18 ), ☏ +86 871 66030888 . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . 7 km from the downtown area and taxis are not easy to find so probably not a good choice unless you need to be in the area. Modernised deluxe rooms face inwards towards an Atrium that is used for noisy events at weekends. Outside rooms are OK but have rock-hard mattresses. Helpful staff all keen to practice their English. From ¥530 .  
• 25.047591 102.699058 10 Grand Park Hotel Kunming ( 昆明君乐酒店 ), 20 Honghua Bridge, Wuhua District (五华区洪化桥20号) ( 20 minutes by car from Kunming International Airport; 700 m east of Panjiawan Station on Metro Line 3 ), ☏ +86 871 65386688 , fax : +86 871 65381189 , [email protected] . 300 rooms and some duplex 2 bedroom suites. From ¥595 .  
• 25.050591 102.70543 11 Green Lake Hotel ( 昆明中维翠湖宾馆 ), 6 Cui Hu South Road, Wuhua District (五华区翠湖南路6号) ( about 200 m from the intersection of Cui Hu South Road and Yuantong Street; close to the east gate of Green Lake Park; buses that serve the area include routes 100, 101, 124, 133, 235 and z5 ), ☏ +86 871 65158888 , fax : +86 871 65153286 . A modern, luxury hotel. The bar has a panoramic view of Green Lake Park, and private car tours of the area are also offered. 293 rooms.  
• 25.02375 102.718939 12 Kunming Jinjiang Hotel ( 昆明锦江大酒店 ), 98 Beijing Road, Guandu District (官渡区北京路98号) ( the Kunming Airport Express Bus (Route 2b) stops right outside the hotel ), ☏ +86 871 63138888 . All rooms have cable TV, broadband Internet access, a private toilet and bath with spray-jet tub. Other amenities at the hotel include a massage parlour, a sauna, a fitness center, and a beauty salon. From ¥400 .  
• 25.024798 102.720293 13 Kunming Kai Wah Plaza Hotel ( 昆明佳华广场酒店 ), 157 Beijing Road, Guandu District (官渡区北京路157号) ( about 400 m south of South Ring Road Station at the intersection of metro lines 1 and 2 ), ☏ +86 871 63562828 , fax : +86 871 63561818 , [email protected] . A large, elegant hotel with glass lobby, panoramic views, and a shopping center next door. 555 rooms.  
• 25.038567 102.707905 14 New Era Hotel ( 新纪元大酒店 ), 1 Dongfeng West Road, Wuhua District (五华区东风西路1号; Dōngfēngxīlù) ( 400 m east of Wuyi Road Station on Metro Line 3; pretty much in the city centre, near the underpass where Dongfeng West Road becomes Dongfeng East Road, there is no vehicle access to the hotel from Dongfeng West Road, near the Shuncheng Shopping Mall; it faces the Tommy Hilfiger store ), ☏ +86 871 63624999 , fax : +86 871 63636556 , [email protected] . Expensive for its class given that there are better valued hotels literally next door. The front desk reception speaks English, which is a rarity in Kunming. Rooms generally have great views of the city. There is a gym, but no pool. The single room had a flat screen TV with several American channels (MTV, CNN, HBO), writing desk, sofa. There is free Wi-Fi, but no computer. You can rent laptops from the hotel. The bathroom was very clean, but the tub was slightly moldy. The major plus of the hotel was the complimentary breakfast buffet. From ¥500 .  
• 25.042703 102.716984 15 Zhenzhuang Guest House ( 震庄迎宾馆 ), 514 Beijing Road, Panlong District (盘龙区北京路514号) ( near Dongfeng Square Station at the intersection of metro lines 2 and 3 ), ☏ +86 871 63100088 . A very beautiful hotel in a large garden, the General Secretary and other high-ranking officials of the Chinese Communist Party stay here when in Yunnan, but not much English is spoken. 86 rooms. From ¥600 .  

Connect [ edit ]

If you are arriving in China through Kunming, note that there is no telco store in the Kunming Changshui Airport. A convenience store at the arrival hall (level B1) sells one at a hefty price of ¥100, it is not clear what is included in that price (as of Mar 2019).

Cope [ edit ]

Visas [ edit ], consulates [ edit ], stay safe [ edit ].

Regarding concerns about earthquakes, risk of terrorism, please refer to your own country's foreign office advice regarding travel to China .

Travelers to Kunming in 2010 reported barber shops, massage centers, and other small shops involved in various cons. One such involves an older woman entering the shop and demanding a larger amount than was quoted. The woman together with the workers apply pressure and it can be especially intimidating to be surrounded by a shop filled with angry Chinese while your head is covered in soap (and it is dripping into your eyes), all your clothes and passport are locked in a closet (and they have the key), or together they are blocking the exit. If you give in to the much larger demanded amount, the service will continue. Disagreement can result in variations of the shop workers pushing you out with your hair half cut/full of soap, barefoot, or simply not allowing you to leave while one (or many) of the workers surround you attempting to pick your pocket. To date, so many incidents have been reported to the PSB in Kunming that they are considering setting up the first ever Tourist Police unit in Yunnan Province.

Dianchi Lake (滇池) is highly polluted. Do not swim in the lake or eat fish caught in it.

Go next [ edit ]

• Shilin – the Stone Forest, a national park full of spectacular stone pillars carved by erosion
• Visit the hot springs at Anning - 34 km from Kunming.
• Dongchuan – known for its colorful terraces
• Travel further north-west to the old towns of Dali (4 hours) or Lijiang (8 hours), both very popular with domestic and foreign tourists. See Yunnan tourist trail for discussion.
• Fuxian lake - one of cleanest and deepest lakes in China (hard to believe when you see how locals wash their motorbikes on the beach). One hour by bus from Kunming. Great one day trip. In Kunming get to South bus station (buses 170, 156; taxi ¥40), really far from downtown. Regular buses to Chengjiang (澄江) for ¥15–20 every hour. There you can take local transport/taxi to lake or walk. Lake is 3–4 km far from Chengjiang bus station. Last bus back to Kunming at 19:00. You also can camp on the beach, recommended not too close to city. Lake is huge, clear, beautiful! You can walk around within a weekend or just a half, to South end of lake, there are also villages with transport to Kunming.
• The tin-mining center of Gejiu , the historic towns of Shiping , Mengzi , and (most impressive of all) Jianshui , and the Yuanyang rice terrace all lie to the south.
• Yuanmou - buses can be taken to here will allow you to explore the Earth Forest.

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Top 10 Things to Do in Kunming

Kunming , home to various landscapes and ethnic minorities, is very worth visiting during your trip to China. Then, what to do in Kunming, China when you get to the beautiful city? This article will provide you the best things to do in Kunming as a reference for your tour plan.

Watch Migrant Birds in Winter

Take Pictures in Dongchuan Red Land

Learn Local History at Yunnan Provincial Museum

Jiuxiang Scenic Area

Experience Ethnic Folks at Yunnan Nationalities Village

Grand View Park

Stroll at Jinma Biji Zone & Enjoy Local Gourmet Food

Taste Yunnan Rice Noodles

Enjoy the performance “dynamic yunnan”, you may like.

Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, has been a city for more than 2,200 years. The city’s importance as a center of culture and trade dates back thousands of years. Much of its ancient history can still be seen and felt when walking its streets among some of its ancient buildings, which are still well preserved in the modern city.

The city is located on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, surrounded on three sides by mountains and set on the shore of the great Dian Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in China. Kunming is the core of the cluster cities of central Yunnan. The city stands amidst breathtaking mountain scenery and fertile pastoral landscapes.

Today Kunming is a mighty metropolis with a population of nearly 7 million. It is the vibrant center of culture and commerce of Yunnan province, and the center of provincial government. The city’s colorful modern high-tech modern veneer blends with its ancient history, providing a richly layered historical and cultural experience to visitors.

Because of Kunming’s mild climate year round it is known as the “Spring City.” As the principal urban center of Yunnan Province, which borders Vietnam and Myanmar, Kunming is a gateway city to Southeast Asia and South Asia. Kunming’s Changshui International Airport is a busy, modern hub linking South and Southeast Asia to China and beyond.

China’s ancient history resonates in the streets of Kunming. On Kunming’s Old Street there are buildings that date back as far as 900 years. Many of the city’s old buildings still retain relics from the Qing Dynasty, China’s last imperial dynasty, which ruled China from 1644 to 1912. Some of the old houses on Kunming Old Street are courtyard houses that combine the characteristics of folk houses of the Bai and Yi ethnic groups, preserving a style of architecture rarely found in modern China.

Tongren Street has architectural relics from the late 19 th  Century in the Kunming French fusion style of architecture, reflecting the rich cultural cross fertilization between China and Europe dating back centuries.

The city is rich in museum culture, with a great variety of museums to choose from, such as the Kunming Museum, the Yunnan Provincial Museum, the Deluxking Museum of Perfume, the Yunnan Railway Museum, the Kunming Natural History Museum of Zoology, the Yunzi Museum, the Kunming Tap Water History Museum, the Yunnan Museum of Gems and Minerals, the Miniatures Museum of Minorities and the Guandu Folk Museum.

The city’s great assortment of attractions includes the Green Lake, a sparkling gem of a lake lined with weeping willow trees in the downtown area. The lake offers waters sports such as boating and is at the center of many points of interest, including Wenhua Alley, a trendy area with many colorful shops, bookstores, restaurants and bars, and Yunnan University. 

Among the attractions to take in while visiting Kunming is the Yuantong Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple dating back more than 1200 years to the time of the Tang Dynasty. It is Kunming’s largest and oldest Buddhist temple.

Also not to be missed is the Grand View Tower, also known as Daguan Lou, a three-story pavilion located in the popular Daguan Park on the outskirts of Kunming. Kunming is Yunnan’s indispensable city and must be part of any trip to the region.

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You Might Like

We listed the top 10 Kunming attractions for someone who is the fist time to visit Kunming.  Kunming  is the capital of Yunnan Province and is located in southwest China. It is warm and spring-like all the seasons, so it is also known as “Spring City”. It has flowers that bloom all the seasons, just like a large city garden. In addition to the beautiful scenery, there are many ethnic minorities gathered here, so that tourists can feel the simple national culture.The following is the top 10 Kunming Tourist attractions and things to do rated on TripAdvisor.

Jiaozi Snow Mountain, Kunming

Why is Jiaozi Snow Mountain so special? In winter and spring, the mountain is covered with pure white snow, with beautiful icefalls hanging from cliffs. In summer and autumn,...

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The Stone Forest, Kunming

Why is Stone Forest so special? The most dramatic of these attractions  in Kunming is the Stone Forest, known since the Ming Dynasty as the ‘First Wonder of the...

• Must-Visit Attractions
• Natural Wonders
• Shilin County
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Dongchuan Red Land, Kunming

Why is Dongchuan Red Land so special? This area boasts the most typical and featured red soil in Yunnan highland. Experts regard it as the second marvelous red land...

• Dongchuan District
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The Western Hills and Dragon Gate, Kunming

Why is West Hill so special? Western Hills boasts an excellent environment with flourishing flowers and dense forest, providing tourists an excellent environment to enjoy the tranquility and marvelous...

• Dianchi Lake Scenic Area
• Forest Parks in Kunming
• Kunming Western Hills
• Xishan District

The Green Lake Park, Kunming

Why is Green Lake so special? Enjoying elegant sightseeing of trees, flowers, lakes, and animals, etc. make Green Lake very shining jasper, and that is why it gets the...

• Children-Friendly Attractions in Kunming
• Lakes and Ponds in Kunming
• Parks in Kunming
• Places for Birding Tours
• Pools and Reservoirs
• Wuhua District

Fahuasi Temple and Grottoes in Anning City, Kunming

Chinese Name: 安宁市法华寺石窟 English Name: Fahuasi Temple and Grottoes in Anning City, Kunming The biggest statue is the lying Buddha lying horizontally on the south cliff with the length...

Dianchi Lake Scenic Area, Kunming

Introduction About Dianchi Lake Scenic Area The Dianchi Lake Scenic Area is located in the southwest part of Kunming City. Dianchi Lake is the center of the resort. There...

Dianchi Lake, Kunming

Why is Dianchi Lake so special? Embraced by several peaks and alluring waters, Dianchi Lake is just like a sparkling jewel embedded in Kunming. The lake is crescent-shaped, stretching...

Yunnan Ethnic Villages in Kunming

Why is Yunnan Ethnic Villages so special? This theme park displays the colorful folklore and architecture of 25 ethnic groups residing in Yunnan Province. The theme park offers shows...

• Ethnic Villages in Kunming
• Yunnan Ethnic Village

Yunnan Nationalities Museum, Kunming

Introduction Yunnan Nationalities Museum is located on the east bank of Dianchi Lake next to Yunnan Nationalities Village in Kunming City, China. Completed in 1995, it is a comprehensive...

• Museums in Kunming

Wenlin Street in Kunming

Chinese Name: 昆明市文林街 English Name: Wenlin Street in Kunming Kunming Wenlin Street in Wuhua District, travel guide introduces the main attractions, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit,...

• Ancient Towns in Kunming
• Historical and Cultural Relics

The Golden Temple, Kunming

Why is Golden Temple so special? Golden Temple is the biggest and heaviest as well as the best preserved copper temple in China. It is a key national cultural...

• Daoist Temples
• Panlong District
• Temples in Kunming

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Best things to do in Kunming (expat tips and photos)

Posted by Mike Cairnduff | Updated September 4, 2023 | China blog , Travel

Kunming isn’t really known for being a tourist hotspot.

But I was super-surprised when I visited for a couple of weeks during my Chinese summer break.

There are lots of cool things to see and do, and most of the attractions are outdoors.

And, if you do want to go further afield, the famous towns of Dali and Lijiang are just a few hours away by bullet train.

So, here are the best things to do in Kunming without the fluff or tour group sales pitch!

1. Climb your way through the Stone Forest

The Stone Forest is a unique and fun place to visit. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

It’s the city’s top attraction so it’s busy. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

I often enter Chinese tourist attractions like a deer in the headlights, having done no research on what to expect.

This is on purpose so I can get that feeling of surprise or delight, or in some cases, “Man, this place is terrible, where’s the exit?”

But I really loved the Stone Forest . I can see why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Kunming’s most popular tourist destination.

First off, the Stone Forest is a really big area. It’s not just one mountain made of stone. There are literally hundreds of them.

The place is so big that – for an extra fee – you’re taken to the ‘forest’ and back by minibus. And when you’re done, there’s a whole plaza full of restaurants and shops to spend your money on.

Unfortunately, the forest is miles away from the Kunming city center. It will take anywhere between 60-90 minutes by taxi or DiDi (China’s Uber) to get there, depending on where you’re staying.

You could opt to take two trains and a bus, and then a taxi or DiDi, but the journey is unnecessarily long and not a whole lot cheaper.

I’d allow half a day for a trip to the Stone Forest, or a whole day if you want to explore every nook and cranny, as well as eat there.

Even though I loved this place, it was absolutely packed with domestic tour groups with the usual screaming and shouting. So, don’t expect a serene place where you can unwind.

I also arrived at 10am which is peak time (at any Chinese tourist attraction, really). Silly me.

Note to Mike: Start arriving at attractions later in the afternoon.

2. Chillax at Green Lake Park

One of the entrances to the park. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

You can take a little boat out on the lake. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Speaking of unwinding, this is a place where you could do it.

Green Lake Park is busy (hey, it’s China) but there are plenty of seats and some are in hidden spots by the water.

You can do a walking loop of the park and take photos of the pretty pagodas on each side. There are also lots of restaurants and places to eat around the perimeter of the park.

If you’re lucky, you’ll catch some oldies singing or dancing, and if the weather is nice, you might just stay for a few hours.

I rented a pedal boat thinking it would be a leisurely activity, but let me tell you that it can be hard work!

Still, I enjoyed visiting Green Lake Park and I can see why the locals like it too.

You can get to the park via Subway Line 5. I recommend downloading Metro Man, which is an awesome app to use when traveling in China .

3. Admire the blooming glory that is Dounan Flower Market

Flowers as far as the eye can see. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Even the local subway station is decorated in flowers. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Kunming is famous for the Dounan Flower Market . It’s China’s largest flower market.

Dounan is an enormous multi-level warehouse and outdoor area that sells – you guessed it – fresh flowers.

But there’s all sorts of other things you can buy there too, including dried flowers, souvenirs and gifts.

I’m not a big flower afficionado, so I was in and out of the market within 30 minutes. But it was still nice to wander around the area, admire the blooms and take lots of photos.

I was there on a hot day, so it was nice to finish up with a cup of cold milk tea while I watched the world go by. (By the way, you can read more about the different kinds of Chinese drinks here .)

The subway station is right next door, making it easy to get to Dounan Flower Market, even though it is quite a bit south of downtown Kunming.

4. Go temple hopping

You find all sorts of characters at temples. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

I tried martial arts at the Confucian Temple. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Temples are one of the few places in China where you can enjoy some peace and quiet. And luckily, there are numerous pretty temples in Kunming.

Purely for efficiency (laziness?) reasons, I headed for the Confucian Temple . It’s practically opposite Qianwang Street, which I talk about further down.

Originally built in 1276, the Confucian Temple has been rebuilt and renovated since then. It’s free to go in, and you’ll find locals practising tai chi or looking after their grandkids.

But the city’s most famous temple is the Golden Temple .

It’s an active Taoist temple, and the largest copper temple in China, hence the ‘golden’ name.

Located 7 km (4 mi) northeast of the city on Mingfeng Hill, the Golden Tower grounds are huge and there are hundreds of steps to climb as you approach the temple via the Heavenly Gates.

Admittedly, I didn’t make it to the Golden Temple as I’m not a temple kind of guy, and I’ve seen countless temples across China (I sound so unappreciative, don’t I?).

But if you love your temples, there’s also the Bamboo Temple (12 km or 7 miles northwest of the city) and Yuantong Temple as well.

Yuantong is a Zen Buddhist temple and the largest Buddhist complex in Kunming. It’s been refurbished many times since originally being build 1,200 years ago.

Yuantong Temple is actually not that far from the Confucian Temple and Green Lake Park. So if you’re pressed for time and you want to stay in the heart of Kunming, this would be a good option.

You can visit this website for more info on Kunming’s temples and all the history.

5. Go shopping

Shopping for souvenirs on Qianwang St. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

You could go luxury shopping in Kunming. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Like all other big cities in China, there’s no shortage of shopping opportunities in the capital of Yunnan province.

You could head to Dongfeng West Road for loads of food options and all your big brands.

If you’ve got money to splash on Louis Vuitton and the like, there’s Spring City Mall which is a stone’s throw from Dongfeng West Road.

But I really liked Qianwang Street , near the Confucian Temple.

It’s a chilled out (though busy) pedestrian area with lovely buildings, restaurants and souvenir stalls.

There’s also a flea market where vendors display their wares on rugs on the ground. You’ll find typically Chinese things like jade jewelry and Mao Zedong memorabilia.

Most of the stuff isn’t authentic, and make sure you bargain hard from the starting price. I picked up an amazingly cool, retro-like Mao statue which looks great on a bookcase.

The vendor asked for 600 yuan (US$80) so I offered 200 yuan (US$27). Within a moment, he’d accepted my offer, so I knew I hadn’t gone hard enough. Oh well, I still love my Mao.

I also bought a few tubes of local Yunnan toothpaste, which I later decided may not be the best Chinese souvenir to give someone!

(I kept them for myself and I can report that my teeth are looking good.)

6. Explore Lucheng Scenic Area on the Dian Lake

The view from the pagoda at the top of the mountain is beautiful. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Having a laugh with the locals at our height difference! Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Dian Lake , or Dan Chi, is an enormous lake to the southwest of the city center.

In fact, it’s the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan province.

There are towns and villages dotted around the perimeter of Dian Chi, and Lucheng Scenic Area is one of those.

The government classifies it as an AAAA tourist destination, which is just under the highest star award possible.

Lucheng has a relaxed resort feel to it, with a sandy beach and deck chairs you can rent for the day.

Mind you, when I was there the weather was overcast and it was spitting a little bit. I imagine the place is packed on sunny days!

There are lots of nice seafood restaurants to choose from if you’re up for a feed. But be warned – if you don’t like seeing fish taken out of tanks and whacked to death in front of your eyes, steer clear.

By the beach, there’s a nice little hike you can do up the mountain, which takes you to the temple at the top for stunning views of Lucheng and across the lake.

And if you’ve still got some energy, why not take one of boats out for some pedal-powered fun?

I got to Lucheng by car, as it’s quite far from Kunming and there are no viable public transport options.

It costs 15 yuan (US$2) to enter the area by foot, or more if the driver takes the car in.

7. Get a bird’s eye view of Kunming at Western Hills Park

View from Western Hills towards the city center. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Dragon Gate is a tiny, crowded space on the hillside. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

This place is huge.

Like the Stone Forest, I didn’t know what to expect and I thought I might be able to hike up and down the park’s mountain within a couple of hours. Nope.

Luckily, I bought the all-inclusive ticket which includes a coach, a mini-bus, and even a chairlift (open-air cable car) to help get me higher up the mountain. And who doesn’t love a chairlift?

There are some old Taoist grottoes carved into the side of the mountain that everyone seems to get excited about.

It’s known as Dragon Gate or Longmen (龙门) in Chinese.

But some of the stairways that go past Dragon Gate are very narrow and there are stacks of people, so to be honest, I was glad to hurry past and explore other parts of the park.

If you’re unfit I wouldn’t recommend a trip to Western Mountains. Even with the all-inclusive ticket, you’ll still have to walk up a lot of steps (hundreds, if not thousands) to see anything of interest.

But I loved spending time here, because the views of Kunming are absolutely stunning and the place has a really nice, relaxed vibe to it with all the hillside temples and dense forests.

It’s also super-easy to get to – Western Hills Park is the last station on Metro Line 3.

8. Eat wild mushrooms

The region’s famous mushroom hotpot. Image by Jesse33 on Shutterstock.

If you don’t like mushroom hotpot, how about spicy fish soup? Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Chinese cuisine is bloody incredible, and every region has its own specialties.

Yunnan is known for its wild mushrooms  (yěshēng mógu or 野生蘑菇 in Mandarin) and there are hundreds of varieties.

The fertile soil and perfect mix of sunshine and rainfall around Kunming and southwest China makes growing conditions ideal.

It makes sense then that there are countless restaurants dishing up things like mushroom soup and mushroom hotpot.

Many restaurants have open-display fridges where you can pick and choose your mushrooms too. The servers won’t be able to speak English, so get your translation app ready!

See also: Best apps for foreigners in China

The best time to enjoy Kunming’s wild mushrooms is in the middle of the year, and there are some places you can go to pick your own, or just sample eating the local ones.

I heard that at least a few locals die each year after picking and eating poisonous mushrooms. So make sure you know what you’re doing, or get the help of a local guide.

Not a fan of mushrooms?

Then try a bowl of cross-bridge rice noodles, which is basically rice noodle soup. This popular dish originated in Yunnan and usually contains meat.

You can find cross-bridge noodles all over town. Just look for out for the Chinese characters (过桥米线 pronounced guò qiáo mǐ xiàn) on the front of restaurants or on menus.

9. Learn about ethnic minorities (sort of) at Nationalities Park

Ringing a bell for good luck at Nationalities Village. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

There’s only a bit of English at the park to learn about the ethnic peoples’ history. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

If you’re only visiting Kunming for a day or two, you can quite safely give this one a miss.

But if you’re in Kunming for a couple of weeks like I was, then you might like to spend some time exploring the Nationalities Park .

It’s also referred to as Yunnan Nationalities Village and Yunnan Ethnic Village.

It’s hard to explain what this place actually is. I would say it’s a huge open-air park where you can wander through different ‘lands’ which showcase the different ethnic groups of Yunnan.

There are recreated houses to see how people used to live, performances to watch, and you can learn about the history of the many local peoples.

From my perspective, many of the workers in traditional dress just didn’t look like they wanted to be there. But can you blame them?

There’s not much English at the park, so you’ll probably need someone to help you make sense of what’s going on.

I found it difficult to understand what was what because my guide wasn’t actually from the park.

“This is an ancient bowl.” Ummm, OK, thanks.

Like most recreated attractions in China, Nationalities Park is super-touristy. If you want something more natural, head to Tiger Leaping Gorge (up next).

But if you like a bit of kitsch like I do, this park is a bit of harmless fun.

10. Take the train to Dali and Lijiang

The famous pagoda at Dali. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Chinese tourists dressing up in traditional costumes in Lijiang. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Want to get out of Kunming for a day? Two days? More?

Potentially, you could leave early in the morning and take the high-speed train from Kunming or Kunming South Station to Dali for the day, and come back at night.

Dali City is about two hours away. And then it’s about a half-hour Didi or taxi ride to Dali Old Town. So, depending on what you want to do there, do the math and see if that’s enough time for you.

For me, it wasn’t, and I decided to spend four days there.

I also visited Lijiang , another cute tourist town (some might say tourist trap – me included) which is an additional hour away, i.e. three hours from Kunming.

There, you can wander through the maze of cobblestone alleyways, dress up in ancient Chinese costumes, and nibble on local rose-flavored cakes. I did all three.

You can also take a day trip to Tiger Leaping Gorge or Jade Dragon Snow Mountain . I chose the former and – insane crowds aside – it is spectacular.

I had half a day there, including the hour-long car ride from Lijiang, but you can do long hikes along the river leading to the gorge and stay overnight in a quaint inn.

What else can you do in Kunming?

There’s loads to do in Kunming. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

I would have liked to have visited Dongchuan Red Land .

It’s basically a swathe of colorful fields and terraces, where you can catch the sunrise and take amazing photos.

The area is at least three hours away from Kunming so you’ll need to take a tour or car, and spend the night at one of the undeveloped villages.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to get so far out of Kunming (I was sightseeing at the same time as learning Mandarin at Keats Chinese School ).

Maybe next time.

And, if you’re a museum kind of person, you could visit Yunnan Provincial Museum , Yunnan Nationalities Museum (opposite Nationalities Park) or the rather niche Yunnan Railways Museum .

How’s that for choice?

In case you’re wondering why I didn’t drop into one of the museums, it’s because I have been to so many in China lately.

Could. Not. Visit. One. More.

Psst! A quick travel tip

Lijiang Old Town. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

If you want to use Wi-Fi while you’re in Kunming, or anywhere else in China for that matter, you won’t be able to survive without a virtual private network (VPN) on your phone.

The Chinese internet is censored, and without a VPN all of your favorite apps (e.g. Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Gmail, Google, etc) are inaccessible, and the equivalent  websites are banned too .

Just remember to download the VPN  before  you arrive as VPN sales are blocked in China.

You can see the  best China VPN here  or skip my review and go straight  here .

So… what’s the best thing to do in Kunming?

Qianwang Pedestrian Street is a great place to spend time. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

If you’re only in the city for a day or two, I’d head to the Stone Forest. I think it’s the best place in Kunming.

Just brace yourself for the crowds. Get there when gates open, or later in the afternoon once the big tour groups have left.

Western Hills Park is a great place to go hiking and get the blood pumping, or you could take the lazy route like I did and use the coach/minibus/chairlift combo. There are grottoes and hillside temples at the park to satisfy your historical urges too.

Then there’s the lovely Qianwang Street to wander down, where you can shop for souvenirs and fill your belly with a bowl of local mushroom soup.

I hope you liked my article on things to do in Kunming. Next, check out the things to do in Yangshuo , a popular tourist town in Guangxi province, which is next door to Yunnan. And don’t forget your China VPN !

Main image credit: Supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

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Faq about things to do in kunming, what is kunming famous for.

The capital city of Yunnan province is known for its pleasant weather, natural beauty, rich cultural heritage (there are 26 ethnic minorities here), Stone Forest, Dian Chi Lake, as well as numerous temples.

Why is Kunming known as the City of Eternal Spring?

It’s because the weather is pleasant all year round, so it always feels like spring there. The mild climate attracts tourists from all over China, especially in the summer.

How many days do you need in Kunming?

I’d recommend at least two to three days to squeeze in all the top attractions, assuming you have a guide to whisk you around. I was there for two weeks while studying Mandarin at the same time, and managed to visit everything I wanted to see during weekends and on some afternoons.

Which places do most visitors to Kunming go to see?

The top things in and around the city are the Stone Forest, Green Lake Park, Golden Temple, Yuantong Temple, and West Hill Park which overlooks Lake Dianchi. The most popular destination is the Stone Forest. Also, a few hours away from Kunming (by bullet train) are the small cities of Dali and Lijiang. From Lijiang, you can visit stunning scenic spots like Tiger Leaping Gorge and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Commercial relationship disclosure: The Helpful Panda has commercial arrangements with organizations that may appear on this page, such as affiliate links. See our terms for more info.

Mike Cairnduff

Mike has lived and worked in China, and has traveled extensively across the country. He loves Chinese food and has a keen interest in Chinese culture. You can follow him on X and LinkedIn .

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Top 8 Things to Do in Kunming

Kunming is regarded as City of Spring, with a pleasant weather suitable for visiting all the year round. The mild climate, excellent natural sceneries, numerous historical sites and colorful ethnic cultures offers great reasons for you to pay a visit. What to do in Kunming? The top 8 things to do in Kunming chosen from all the best things to do in Kunming may help you find out an ideal answer.  

1.Enjoy the artistic work of Stone Forest

Stone Forest , or Shilin in Chinese, is only 19 minutes by bullet train from Kunming, very convenient and worth-visiting during your trip in Kunming. This extraordinary set of limestone groups perfectly represents the most stylistic karst landforms. Enjoy the artistic work of Stone Forest must be one of the top things to do during your Kunming tour, not only for the designable creation by the Mother Nature, but also the culture of Yi Group you can experience in Shilin.

2.Have a great view on Western Hill and Dragon Gate

Western Hill and Dragon Gate must be one of the top attractions you should visit in Kunming. Covered with lush plants and dense forests, Western Hill is a wonderful place for you to have a bird-eye view of Dianchi Lake, especially if you like hiking. Cable car is also available, the excellent combination of mountain and water view won’t let you down. For Dragon Gate, it is said that you have wasted your time if you visit Western Hill without going to the Dragon Gate. Located at the top of Western Hill, right on the steep cliff, Dragon Gate offers you a great chance to appreciate the exquisite stone carvings along the channel, and experience Taoism culture among the amazing groups of grottos.  

3.Explore ethnic culture at the Village of Ethnic Culture

Village of Ethnic Culture , located at the bank of Dianchi Lake, is an ideal place for you to explore colorful ethnic culture in Yunnan. There are about 26 nationalities in Yunnan Province, the Village of Ethnic Culture presents the characteristic architectures and special activities of each ethnic group, showing all the tourists the splendid culture and unique customs of all the nationalities in Yunnan.

4.Take a stroll around Dianchi Lake

Dianchi Lake , lies at the foot of Western Hill, is the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan Province. Take a stroll around Dianchi Lake along the Haigeng Park is a good choice for you to relax and enjoy the picturesque sceneries at the same time, it is no doubt to be one of the top things to do in Kunming. Each year from November to January, it’s the best time to watch thousands of black-headed gulls gathering around Dianchi Lake. You can also visit Cuihu Lake if you really like to watch amounts of gulls.

5.Experience Buddhism culture at Yuantong Temple

Yuantong Temple , the largest temple in Kunming, is also one of the oldest temples in Kunming with a long history of more than 1,200 years. If you are interested in Buddhism culture, just visit Yuantong Temple to have a great experience among the excellent design of a mixture with Buddhist temple and garden style familiar to classic gardens in Jiangnan Area.

6. Taste delicious Yunnan food

Yunnan food has its unique flavor which combines Han style and minority style, mainly focus on the original taste of the ingredients, don’t hesitate to have a try since all sorts of food in Kunming may tickle your taste buds. The most famous and the most symbolic food of Yunnan Province, is the  Crossing the Bridge Noodles , Guo Qiao Mi Xian in Chinese, even though the name is really strange, it tastes really delicious.

7. Go shopping in Kunming

Pu’er Tea , being one of the top 10 famous kinds of tea in China is what you can’t miss in Kunming and Yunnan Province. Have a cup of Pu’er Tea to check if you like the flavor, you could go to tea market and buy some for you friends. Jade, Batik and Sani Saddlebag in Kunming are also famous.

If you’d like to go to a famous commercial street for shopping, Golden Horse & Jade Chicken Square will be your best choice. With a history of about 400 years, it’s also a good place for you to experience the long history and ancient civilization of Kunming.

8. Plan a day tour around Kunming

As visiting the Stone Forests is a must-do thing during a Kunming trip, other places around Kunming can also be taken into consideration, if you have a flexible schedule and plan to stay for a few more days.  

• Jiuxiang Caves , about 2 hours by bus from Kunming, is the largest karst cave group in China, with the most numerous and unique caves.
• Dongchuan Red Soil , about 3 hours by bus from Kunming, is regarded as God’s palette for its colorful and picturesque landscape. The typical red soil is a paradise for those who love photography. The best time to visit is mid-May to early June and mid-October to November.
• Luoping , about 3 hours by normal train from Kunming, is famous for its large scale of rape flowers. The best time for visiting is from late February to March.  

Create an unforgettable memory in Kunming

It’s suitable to visit Kunming all year round. You may need 3 to 4 days for the main attractions in Kunming, and more days if you want to connect your Kunming tour with places around Kunming.

►4 Days Kunming and Stone Forest Tour ： Western Hill & Dragon Gate, Huating Temple, Grand View Tower, Stone Forest

For seasonal visiting, special journey only for spring, connect your Kunming tour with Luoping for the wonderful scenery of rape flowers. Considering a photography trip in summer or autumn around Kunming? Dongchuan Red Land won’t let you down.  

►6 Days Pleasant Landscape Trip to Luoping : Kunming, Luoping

►6 Days Dongchuan Red Land Tour : Kunming, Dongchuan

Feel free to contact us if you have any doubts, we’re pleased to help you with your Kunming travel plan and explore the best of Kunming. You can also tailor-made your own Kunming tour at Free Online Tailor-made Tour to create your unique Kunming tour.

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5-Day Kunming Itinerary

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• Kunming in 5 days
• 1-Day Kunming Itinerary
• 2-Day Kunming Itinerary
• 3-Day Kunming Itinerary
• 4-Day Kunming Itinerary

Table of contents

Day 1: most popular attractions, day 2: keep it simple, day 3: proximity is everything, day 4: visit golden temple park, day 5: check out hongta group sports center.

Yunnan University

Yunnan normal university, jinbi square, nanping pedestrian street, world horti-expo garden, yunnan ethnic village, xishan mountain, dianchi haigeng park ticket office, guandu ancient town, guandu shaolin temple, yunnan railway museum, qiongzhu temple.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

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Daguan Park

Yuantong square, yunnan university wu mayao museum of anthropology, golden temple park, jindian park, kunming botanical garden （north gate）, kunming world horti - expo garden, golden eagle international shopping center.

Don’t forget to pack anything

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Hongta Group Sports Center

Haidong wetland park, guanshang park, back dragon pool （south gate）, popular road trips from kunming, what's the weather like in kunming.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Kunming for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Kunming in January
• Weather in Kunming in February
• Weather in Kunming in March
• Weather in Kunming in April
• Weather in Kunming in May
• Weather in Kunming in June
• Weather in Kunming in July
• Weather in Kunming in August
• Weather in Kunming in September
• Weather in Kunming in October
• Weather in Kunming in November
• Weather in Kunming in December

All road trips from Kunming

• Kunming to Hanoi drive
• Kunming to Chiang Mai drive
• Kunming to Luang Prabang drive
• Kunming to Chiang Rai drive
• Kunming to Chengdu drive
• Kunming to Lijiang drive
• Kunming to Patong drive
• Kunming to Halong Bay drive
• Kunming to Sapa drive
• Kunming to Hua Hin drive
• Kunming to Ninh Binh drive
• Kunming to George Town drive
• Kunming to Bagan drive
• Kunming to Ao Nang drive
• Kunming to Vientiane drive
• Kunming to Dali drive
• Kunming to Mandalay drive
• Kunming to Ayutthaya drive
• Kunming to Kanchanaburi drive
• Kunming to Yangshuo County drive
• Kunming to Da Lat drive
• Kunming to Chongqing drive
• Kunming to Gangtok drive
• Kunming to Varanasi drive
• Kunming to Pai drive
• Kunming to Guilin drive
• Kunming to Sanya drive
• Kunming to Zhangjiajie drive
• Kunming to Darjeeling drive
• Kunming to Shangri-La County drive

Explore nearby places

• Chenggong County
• Chengjiang County
• Yiliang County
• Jinning County
• Shilin County
• Songming County
• Jiangchuan County
• Yimen County
• Huaning County
• Lufeng County
• Luquan County
• Wuding County
• Tonghai County
• Luliang County
• Xundian County
• Eshan County
• Malong County
• Luxi County
• Shizong County
• Shuangbai County
• Xinping County
• Zhanyi County
• Yuanmou County
• Shiping County

All related maps of Kunming

• Map of Kunming
• Map of Chenggong County
• Map of Chengjiang County
• Map of Yiliang County
• Map of Jinning County
• Map of Anning
• Map of Shilin County
• Map of Songming County
• Map of Yuxi
• Map of Jiangchuan County
• Map of Yimen County
• Map of Huaning County
• Map of Mile
• Map of Lufeng County
• Map of Luquan County
• Map of Wuding County
• Map of Tonghai County
• Map of Luliang County
• Map of Xundian County
• Map of Eshan County
• Map of Malong County
• Map of Luxi County
• Map of Shizong County
• Map of Qujing
• Map of Shuangbai County
• Map of Xinping County
• Map of Zhanyi County
• Map of Chuxiong
• Map of Yuanmou County
• Map of Shiping County
• Map of Kaiyuan

Kunming throughout the year

• Kunming in January
• Kunming in February
• Kunming in March
• Kunming in April
• Kunming in May
• Kunming in June
• Kunming in July
• Kunming in August
• Kunming in September
• Kunming in October
• Kunming in November
• Kunming in December

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Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

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Where to go in kunming — 15+ top kunming attractions & best places to visit in kunming.

Serving as the capital of Yunnan province – China, Kunming is located at an altitude of 1,894 above sea level, between two large plateaus, Yunnan and Guizhou, so this place is favored by nature. Besides, Kunming is a place with many beautiful scenery and a mild climate all year round, so it is increasingly becoming a popular tourist destination. So, where to go in Kunming? Let’s check out our top rated 15+ best places to visit in Kunming and Kunming attractions as follows!

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Kunming is the gateway to Yunnan province, where many of the city’s attractions fully reflect the tourism and ethnic cultural elements of the province. If mountain landscapes and ethnic minority cultures interest you, then definitely don’t miss any of the destinations that we will introduce below!

If you plan to travel to Kunming, don’t miss out our article below!

Dianchi Lake (#best places to visit in kunming)

About 2km southwest of Kunming center, Dianchi is a freshwater lake surrounded by massive limestone mountains, with an area of up to 300km2.

This is the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan province and its altitude is more than 1,800m above sea level and there are more than 20 rivers flowing into the lake. This is a place that attracts a large number of tourists because of its natural scenery of mountains and rivers and famous scenic spots.

If you ask any Kunming person about Dianchi Lake, they will definitely be willing to introduce you to this “unique” famous tourist destination. This place is not only the pride of Kunming people but also a top favorite destination for domestic and foreign tourists when coming to Kunming.

Dianchi Lake, also known as Kunming Lake, is the third largest natural freshwater lake in mainland China. Located in Xishan district and about 15km from Kunming city center, getting here is very easy. The lake is about 298km2 wide, this place is considered the kingdom of swans. Because every time winter comes, thousands of birds fly here to winter, creating a wonderful natural scene, rarely seen in a crowded city like China.

Therefore, if you love this bird and the majestic natural scenery in Kunming, book a flight to China immediately. Come here to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and immerse yourself in nature!

If you have the opportunity to come to Yunnan province, you should not miss this place because it not only has a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere but also has beautiful photo spots. What could be better than being immersed in nature and enjoying some local food nearby, right? Come here and let us know how you feel when coming to Dianchi Lake!

• Entrance fee: Free
• Opening hours: All day
• How to get there: take bus number 24 or 44

Jinbi Archway

Located in the middle of the Kunming center, about three blocks south of Nanping shopping street is Jinbi Square with two large Chinese arches – the Jinma and Jinbi (Golden Horse and Jade Rooster) memorial arches.

However, before reaching Nanping large square, you need to challenge your courage to cross the lane with crowded traffic. This is also a special point for foreign tourists coming here. If you come here at the right time, you can admire the speedy parade of two-three- and four-wheeled motor vehicles, not to mention the crowds of pedestrians passing through this street.

The arches are one of the unique structures to see when visiting Kunming. It was built during the Ming Dynasty and is up to 400 hundred years old. They are about 12 meters high and 18 meters wide with intricately carved and painted columns and beams.

How to get there: Take Bus No.3, 4, 90, 62 to Jinma Archway Station.

Yuantong Temple

As one of Kunming’s most popular tourist attractions, Yuantong is a large Buddhist temple that attracts many people to worship and make pilgrimages every year. If you are a follower of Buddhism, or simply want to travel to enjoy and explore the places you have visited, you should visit this ancient temple. The peaceful scene here will definitely make you feel at peace after the hustle and bustle of everyday life!

With a history of over 1,200 years old, Yuantong Temple is a complex built over many centuries. There is a small lake surrounded by buildings and a small temple in the center connected by beautiful arc-shaped bridges.

Despite the noisy traffic outside, Yuantong Temple still retains its peaceful beauty inside. Perhaps the quiet scene here can only be interrupted by the sound of the monks in the temple banging and chanting sutras. There is also a building behind the main area, if you are lucky you will be able to see the monks tending their garden in front.

• Address: 30 Yuantong St, Wuhua District, Kunming, Yunnan, China, 650091
• Entrance fee: 8 CYN
• Opening hours: 8:00 – 17:00
• How to get here: take bus number 4, 59, 74, 83 or 101 to Yuantong mountain station

Cuihu Green Lake Park

After visiting Yuantong Temple, visitors can stroll in the green lake park not far away. This is the largest city park in Kunming. There are many bridges and paths that allow visitors to walk and admire the scenery around the lake.

Initially, this was just a water reservoir for the city, you can see there is still a small water pumping plant next to the lake, but later this place was developed into a destination for tourists and locals to enjoy. If you come here on a weekend morning, you will meet many locals who come here to exercise.

This is another quiet place in Kunming, allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Come here to enjoy a vacation after days burying yourself in work, maybe you will love this land more!

Kunming Old Town (#best places to visit in kunming)

The old town of each city is always the top destination to attract tourists, because this is the place that contains and preserves the traditional cultural beauty of a city, a country, and Kunming old town is the same.

The local government here has shown efforts to preserve the ancient beauty of this street through many different measures. If you come here, you can see street markers and large signs showing efforts to preserve the old town.

However, what you can admire when you come to Kunming old town are old wooden buildings, some of which are tilted and leaning against people’s houses showing deterioration over time and in need of repair. However, trading activities still take place vibrantly on the ground floor.

Wuhua Square (Kunming Square)

This is really not a very famous place to visit but we still put it on our list of things to do when coming to Kunming because of its peace.

This is a square not far from Green Lake Park, but this is a gathering place for local people who come here to do activities such as playing chess, flying kites, dancing, etc.

Wuhua Square is situated at the corner of Renmin Middle and Wuyi streets. There are also statues of fallen soldiers representing the past of struggle and sacrifice to protect the country. If you are a lover of peace and rusticity, you can choose this as a relaxing place during your trip to Kunming. Watching and participating in daily activities with the people here to better understand their culture is also a wonderful experience.

Western Hills Park (Xishan Forest Park) (#where to go in kunming)

Western Hills, also known as the “Sleeping Buddha” mountain, is located in the western suburbs of Kunming. In the Western Hills, there are many beautiful scenes for visitors to admire and relax.

Besides, Western Hills is also a wonderful place with blooming flower fields and immense forests. This is considered one of the top tourist attraction in Kunming because it not only has beautiful scenery but also has a wonderful, pleasant atmosphere that is completely different from bustling Shanghai or busy Beijing.

• Opening hours: 08:00 – 18:00
• How to get there: take bus number 6 or 51 to get there; or take the tour bus from Yunnan hotel.

Yiliang Jiuxiang Scenic Area

Yiliang Jiuxiang Scenic Area is located in Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Autonomous Town of Yiliang County about 90km from Kunming center. This place is famous for its caves, mountains, valleys, ethnic minority styles and cultures,…

Yiliang Jiuxiang Scenic Area covers an area of about 20km2. There are 5 outstanding attractions in this area that you must visit: Diehong Bridge, Dasha Dam, Sanjiao Cave, Alu Long and Mingyue Lake. Coming here, visitors can travel by boat to explore the beautiful caves and lakes here.

• Location: Yiliang County, Kunming
• Entrance fee: 90 CNY
• Opening hours: 08:30 – 17:30
• How to get there: take bus number 5 to Kunming Chengxi station, then transfer to bus number 6 to Jiuxiang scenic area

Kunming World Horti – Expo Garden

Located in the northeastern suburbs of Kunming, the Kunming World Horti – Expo Garden was the site of the 1999 Kunming International Horticultural Exhibition.

Kunming World Horti – Expo Garden includes five large exhibition halls, seven theme gardens, three outdoor display areas and two large squares. The international pavilion has an area of 13,250 square meters, surrounded by dense trees. In this garden, you can admire more than 2,551 different types of plants, and among them, 112 are considered rare and listed as endangered species.

• Address: 10 Shibo Rd, Panlong District, Kunming, Yunnan, China, 650233
• Entrance fee: 100 CNY (in the morning); 70 CNY (after 2pm)
• How to get there: take bus number 10, 68, 69 or 71 to Kunming Exhibition Garden

Golden Temple

The Golden Temple, also known as Yingwu Hill in the northeastern suburbs of Kunming, is located on Mingfeng Hill. It was built in 1671 during the Qing Dynasty.

The Golden Temple is a two-story Taoist temple, 25 feet wide, 21 feet high, placed on two marble platforms. Inside, there is a statue of God Zhenwu, with a Golden Boy and a Golden Girl on either side. Besides, there are images of a fierce turtle and a snake protecting the altar.

• Address: 3QQC+9MQ, Chuanjin Rd, Panlong District, Kunming, Yunnan, China, 650225
• Entrance fee: CNY 20
• Opening hours: 07:00 – 19:00
• How to get there: take bus number 10 or 71 to the Golden Temple

Jianshui Ancient Town

Jianshui Ancient Town was also voted as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kunming city, Yunnan. This place preserves the unique culture and interesting customs of the Hani people along with some ancient architectural works that are worth admiring. In this neighborhood there are many great attractions for visitors such as:

Zhu Family Garden: This is a tourist destination that cannot be missed if you come to Jianshui ancient town. Built 100 years ago by a merchant named Zhu and his brother when they became rich through business. Therefore, this place was built like a maze with many interesting things to admire. The buildings here are built in ancient architecture with old moss-covered porches and intricately carved paintings on the roofs.

Jianshui Confucius Temple: Jianshui Confucius Temple, is one of the largest Confucius temples in China and one of the ancient structures worth visiting. Confucius was a famous philosopher who lived from 551-479 BC. His teachings and philosophies have profoundly influenced the culture and life of China, Korea, Japan and Vietnam throughout history. His temples were widely built over the years but most were destroyed during the civil war and Cultural Revolution.

Jianshui Confucius Temple was first built about 700 years ago and renovated thereafter. A special feature here is the large cypress tree in the temple that is hundreds of years old. Twice a year at the Chinese Spring Festival, on September 28 – Confucius’ birthday, there is a ceremony held here to commemorate this great celebrity. Besides, this is also a famous place to pray and study, and every exam occasion, this place is crowded with people visiting.

Jiaozi Snow Mountain (#where to go in kunming)

Located 155km from Kunming city, Jiaozi Snow Mountain is an ideal place for winter tourism and winter sports. Its main peak, at 4,247 meters, is the highest point in the central region of Yunnan province.

This place has a wonderful landscape that conquers any demanding guest. The natural scenery here is even more attractive when there are countless azalea flowers blooming in spring, lakes and alpine meadows also make it more charming than ever.

The best time to visit this place is from October to mid-April next year, you can admire the snowfall scenery, glacial lakes, ice waterfalls and other landscapes. Besides, visitors can also enjoy winter activities such as skiing.

Mountain Lake: Jiaozi Snow Mountain Scenic Area is 3,800 to 4,100 meters above sea level, covered with many eroded rock hollows. This place has the very famous “Paradise Lake”, the water is clear and the scenery along the lake is worth admiring.

Because this lake is located at high altitude and has an unstable climate, the lake water is very vulnerable if you make loud noises on the water surface. When it rains or snows, this place becomes even more mysterious and magical with wonderful colors reflected in the lake.

Azalea world: In spring or summer, azaleas bloom everywhere. This is a flower that can survive in harsh environments. They can survive even growing in waterfalls. Create a strong and resilient beauty that makes you submit to the greatness of the Maker. There are more than 32 types of rhododendrons that live in the mountains, they grow at many different altitudes, and the best time to see this flower is from mid-March to September. Among these flowers, “Wumeng azalea” is a unique variety of Jiaozi Snow Mountain that has quite a special color. It can change color from yellow to black then back to white over the course of 2 months.

Icefalls on snowy mountains: In areas at altitudes of 2,500 to 4,000 meters, there are many waterfalls of different shapes with levels varying from tens of meters to hundreds of meters.

In summer, these waterfalls resemble silver curtains falling in mist. In winter, the waterfalls freeze from top to bottom, forming ice waterfalls that resemble giant white marble sculptures of different shapes.

Yuanyang Rice Terraces

If you are a photographer, you should not miss Yuanyang rice terraces. If you want to see the rice fields in these fields, Yuanyang will definitely surpass your expectations. The beautiful scenery as well as the unique culture of the Hani people are worth exploring.

Yuanyang Rice Terraces is the masterpiece of the Hani ethnic minority. With its unique shape and size spanning thousands of years of history, it is like a precious mosaic of colorful landscapes and breathtaking beauty bestowed by nature. Known as a “terrestrial sculpture”, the terraced fields have been officially recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. There are three famous scenic areas that tourists should visit when coming here: Duoyishu, Bada and Laohuzui.

Duoyishu – Best place to take sunrise photos: Duoyishu Rice Terraces is a 50-minute drive from Yuanyang. It is considered the best place to take photos of the sunrise from above.

You should come to Duoyishu at dawn. As sunlight appears on the horizon, it shadows the fields and creates a surreal moment of nature. When the sun rises, the nearby village wakes up and people start walking on the mountainside, this is the time for you to take extremely unique photos of the lives of the people here. And until the sun rises over the mountain, everything is visible and clear, the terraced fields sparkle even more in the sunlight. Surely you will not regret coming here.

Bada – The best place to take sunset photos: Bada is considered the best place to admire the sunset here. Terraced fields stretch from the foot to the top of the mountain, like a ladder to the sky. When the sun sets, they change color endlessly; first pink then turns dark pink and then turns dark red. There are 17 Hani ethnic minority villages in this area. Isn’t it interesting to explore the villages and see the traditional mushroom-shaped architecture of the Hani people?

Laohuzui – A place to see more rugged and unique rice terraces: From Bada to Laohuzui it only takes about 40 minutes to drive. This is the place to enjoy the panoramic view of the majestic beauty of the terraced fields, they are like a giant painting painted by a talented artist.

Thousands of colorful fields stretching for several kilometers and dotted with surrounding green trees create a magical beauty. The best time to see rice terraces in Laohuzui is at dusk.

Finally, the best time for tourists to visit here is from January to March, when the terraced fields are irrigated and the water in the fields reflects the sunlight, creating a variety of colors. Or in spring (from late February to March), terraced fields are “decorated” with many flowers, including pink peach blossoms and white pear blossoms.

Yunnan Ethnic Village (#kunming attractions)

Yunnan ethnic village is located on a narrow peninsula on the northern shore of Dianchi Lake. This village has more than 25 ethnic minorities including Yi, Dai, Miao, Jingpo, Wa, Hani, Naxi, Dulong and some other ethnic groups living here. Therefore, this place contains an extremely unique and interesting cultural and spiritual life. The villages of each ethnic group are arranged in a reasonable way, making visitors attracted by their charming beauty, this place is a miniature model of a diverse and colorful culture of Yunnan.

Coming here, visitors can not only admire a variety of art in architecture, costumes and customs but also watch songs and people dance. Visitors can also directly participate in some festivals to better understand the lives of ethnic minorities here such as the Sanyuejie festival of the Bai people, the water festival of the Dai people, and the torch festival of the Yi people and the Sanduo festival of Naxi Ethnic Minority. Besides, tasting some dishes and buying some souvenirs is also a great experience for you.

Stone forest

The Stone Forest is also one of the places with wonderful natural scenery that you can admire near Kunming.

This is considered a wonderful scenic area that includes many beautiful viewing areas and locations such as Lizijing Stone Forest, Naigu Stone Forest, Zhiyun Cave, Dragon Lake, Moon Lake, Qifeng Cave and Dadie Waterfall.

The Greater and Lesser Stone Forests: This is a stone forest considered the main scenic area of this place with an area of 12 km2. If you come here and mention “stone forest”, you will definitely receive an answer related to this stone forest.

Coming here, you will certainly be amazed by the natural stone masterpieces and be fascinated by the intricate stone blocks shaped like columns, cones, pagodas and mushrooms, animals, plants and even human form. The stones are scattered densely and sparsely in a variety of shapes, some looking smooth, others rough.

Naigu Stone Forest – Geopark, less crowded: If you want to enjoy the majestic rock scene in a quiet space, avoiding crowds, this is an ideal place for you. 8km northeast of the Big and Small Stone Forest is another wonderful but very quiet rock viewing area. It has been recognized as a world natural heritage and a symbol of southern China’s karst mountains.

Naigu literally means “ancient black” in the language of the Yi people. Naigu Stone Forest has a weathered black surface with an area of about 10 square kilometers. This place has sharp rocky mountains, caves, waterfalls, vast grasslands and the mysterious black color of black volcanic blocks.

Best time to visit: Rolling Stone Scenic Area is open year-round. Because this is an outdoor area, to avoid rainy days, you should check the weather forecast before coming. The rainy season lasts from May to October.

Also, to avoid tourist crowds try to avoid Chinese holidays, such as Labor Day (May 1 to 7) and National Day (October 1 to 7).

Daguan Pavilion

The last place that we want to introduce to visitors is the Daguan Pavilion.

Besides some of the attractive attractions introduced by us above, Daguan Pavilion is also a place not to be missed. This is one of the parks with pleasant views and atmosphere for visitors to visit and relax. Moreover, coming here you will have the opportunity to admire the longest couplet in China at Daguan Pavilion with pleasant natural scenery, many unique architectural works, a convergence of calligraphy and writers,… it will definitely bring you memorable experiences.

Above is the entire article about the top 15+ places to visit when coming to Kunming. Although this is not a tourist attraction like Beijing and Shanghai, Kunming has a unique and peaceful beauty. If you have the opportunity to travel here, try visiting the 15+ outstanding tourist attractions that we introduced above. Hope you have a happy and lucky trip.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Kunming and Yunnan you can refer to

• Private Kunming Downtown Day Tour
• Kunming Changshui International Airport Transfers
• Stone Forest Admission Ticket in Kunming
• Kunming Private Car Charter
• Jiuxiang Scenic Region Admission Ticket & Chairlift in Kunming
• 6-day luxury trip to Shangri-La in Dali, Lijiang, Yunnan
• Roaming in Yunnan for 6 days
• Dreamy Yunnan·Cool Northwest Yunnan 6 days and 5 nights
• [Dream Yunnan·Essence of Northwest Yunnan] In-depth pure play in Yun
• Yunnan Nationalities Village Ticket

Read more Kunming guide here and China guide here .

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