https://https://au.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/kunming/best-things-to-do/100001411831
Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do in Kunming [2025]
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Stone Forest Scenic Area
4.7
/5
15542 reviews
8.8
66.8 km from downtown
Phone +86087167711439
Address: Extension of Shilin Middle Road, Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
No. 6 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Kunming
Highlights:
See the bizarre karst peaks
Ashima rock: unique & captivating
Saved by 1431 users7750 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The lotus flowers were in full bloom; any later would have withered. The Stone Forest is huge. My parents are over 70, so the entrance fee and the sightseeing bus are free. However, the park is so large, and I was worried they might get hungry at noon, so I just visited the Stone Forest and climbed to the pavilion at the top before heading back. As long as they don't have any regrets, that's fine.
Kunming Stone Forest, with its array of bizarre peaks and jagged rocks, resembles a work of nature. A stroll through it offers a breathtaking view, like being transported to a magical wonderland. It's a truly memorable experience, a truly memorable experience.
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Dianchi Lake
4.7
/5
8603 reviews
8.5
Based on 296 reviews
23.8 km from downtown
Phone +86087164310175
Address: 1318 Dianchi Road, Xishan District, Kunming City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
Highlights:
Surrounded by mountains & Daguan Tower
Majestic plateau freshwater lake
Saved by 1026 users4173 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The scenery on the mountain is particularly beautiful, and there are various seasonal flowers. There is an ancient temple on the mountain, and there are kittens, birds, squirrels and other animals everywhere.
Dianchi Lake, the birthplace of the ancient Dian Kingdom, has been a vibrant cultural hub for thousands of years and boasts a rich history. Nestled alongside the Xishan Mountains, Dianchi Lake boasts abundant natural resources and breathtaking scenery. The surrounding Daguan Park (Daguan Tower), Haigeng Park, Xishan Scenic Area (Longmen), and numerous wetland parks offer excellent recreational opportunities. However, the entire Dianchi Lake is surrounded by a circuit, making it difficult to reach the lake's edge for scenic views.
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Yunnan Nationalities Village
4.4
/5
14033 reviews
8.4
From AU$ 20.25
Based on 513 reviews
Dianchi Lake Scenic Area/ Sunac World | 9 km from downtown
Phone +86087164311255
Address: 1310 Dianchi Road, Xishan District, Kunming City
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-5 hours
Selected for 2 years in a row
Highlights:
12 villages & 26 cultures
Experience lively folk shows & festivals
Saved by 787 users6142 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
It's worth a visit. The various ethnic performances were very exciting. It was just raining when I went there, so many programs were cancelled. The travel photography was terrible. It was the worst travel photography I've ever had in so many places. I just followed the photos near a scenic spot. The experience was poor, and the photos were not good at all. I paid for it and that was it. It really hurt the score of the scenic spot.
I bought the night show and entered the park at 5:30 pm. The battery-powered bicycles were all off duty. A few villages were open, but it was a bit deserted and the show was a bit boring. It might be because there were too few people. The scenery is beautiful and suitable for taking pictures and checking in. I don't recommend it if you want to learn about ethnic minorities. It takes a long time to walk out of the commercial area...
No.
4
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Yunnan Wild Animals Park
4.7
/5
4740 reviews
8.1
From AU$ 21.31
Based on 21 reviews
Kunming Wild Animal Park/The Golden Temple scenic spot | 10.4 km from downtown
Phone +86087165018888
Address: Yunnan Zoo, Panlong District, Kunming
Recommended sightseeing time: 4-5 hours
No. 1 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Kunming
Highlights:
Elephant shows & red panda meetups
Feed & interact with red pandas
Saved by 222 users3844 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
I really enjoyed coming here with my mom and husband. We were able to see the animals up close while still feeling safe, which was amazing! I was a bit disappointed with the panda area, as it wasn't as engaging as I had hoped, but overall it was still a wonderful experience. I wouldn’t mind coming back again next time. Highly recommended!
I really enjoyed coming here with my mom and husband. We were able to see the animals up close while still feeling safe, which was amazing! I was a bit disappointed with the panda area, as it wasn't as engaging as I had hoped, but overall it was still a wonderful experience. I wouldn’t mind coming back again next time. Highly recommended!
No.
5
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Kunming Xishan Scenic Resort
4.5
/5
3254 reviews
7.9
From AU$ 6.40
Based on 207 reviews
Dianchi Lake Scenic Area/ Sunac World | 11.3 km from downtown
Phone +86087168426668
Address: Xishan District, Kunming City
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No. 8 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Kunming
Highlights:
50-foot natural stone gateway
Cable car ride overlooking temples
Saved by 622 users1652 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Finally climbed the West Mountain and had a great view of the Dianchi Lake from a high place. It was easy to go up and down the mountain by sightseeing bus. In addition to Longmen, there were 2 or 3 stops on the way to get on and off, which was convenient for visiting temples near the stops.
I'm in Kunming's West Hill, feeling the breeze. Ascending the winding mountain path, Dianchi Lake unfolds before me like a mirror, its shimmering waters opening my heart. Every tree and stone here seems to tell an ancient story. I paused before the Longmen Grottoes, marveling at the masterful craftsmanship. This is more than a physical climb; it's a spiritual cleansing. West Hill embodies the gentle and affectionate side of Kunming.
No.
6
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Old Street Kunming
4.7
/5
447 reviews
7.6
Nanping Pedestrian Street | 731m from downtown
Phone +86087168378663
Address: Wuhua, Kunming, Yunnan, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No. 2 of Night Attractions in Kunming
Highlights:
Panoramic view & charming old town
Local snacks & ethnic crafts gathered
Saved by 1151 users428 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
There are many unexpected historical sites on the old street, especially in the early morning when there are not many tourists, which is a good place to slowly appreciate them. At night, it becomes a bustling commercial street with many shops and small restaurants.
Kunming Old Street is located in Wuhua District, Kunming City. It is the only traditional neighborhood in Kunming with the texture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. From Zhengyi Road to the east, Wuyi Road to the west, Jingxing Street to the south, and Renmin Middle Road to the north. There are nearly 900-year-old buildings, such as Fulintang and the former residence of Nie'er. In 2021, it will become the first provincial night cultural tourism consumption gathering area. Walking among them, you can feel the historical charm on the Qingshiban Road, taste special snacks, and buy ethnic accessories. It is a great place to experience the old Kunming style.
No.
7
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Yunnan Provincial Museum
4.6
/5
1104 reviews
7.6
Based on 42 reviews
Guandu Ancient Town | 10.3 km from downtown
Phone +86087167287185
Address: No.6393 Guangfu Road, Guandu District, Kunming City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No. 2 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Kunming
Highlights:
Near Kunming Zoo & Green Lake
Diverse ethnic artifacts on display
Saved by 275 users807 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
I was on a business trip to Kunming and had a short half-day break. I took a quick tour of the Yunnan Provincial Museum and felt the historical changes in Yunnan that were different from those in the Central Plains. After closing, I went to the nearby Guandu Ancient Town to eat tofu rice noodles and snacks. Then I rode a shared electric bike to the Haidong Wetland for a walk to digest the food. I encountered a stunning sunset and sunset glow. It was a perfect half-day.
The best place to get to know a local is through a museum. Yunbo Museum is right next to Guandu Ancient Town. We went in the morning and it was quite crowded. Our tour guide said it was even more crowded in the afternoon, probably because many people visit Yunbo Museum before heading to Guandu Ancient Town.
No.
8
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Colorful Yunnan Paradise
4.7
/5
3334 reviews
7.4
From AU$ 44.75
Colorful Yunnan Paradise | 29.7 km from downtown
Phone +86087167831333
Address: South of Huanhu South Road, Jinning District, Kunming
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-6 hours
No. 3 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Kunming
Highlights:
Ferris wheel view of park
Ferris wheel view of Dian Lake
Saved by 389 users3043 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Nighttime tickets are cheaper, but wait times are shorter than during the day, allowing for a wider range of attractions, and the Torch Festival is also lively. The park's design reflects strong ethnic characteristics and cultural heritage. Objectively speaking, annual passes are relatively inexpensive, and for families traveling with children, you can rent very affordable B&Bs (over 1,000 yuan per month, or under 100 yuan per day), perfect for both study and leisure activities. However, the planned location fails to fully leverage the unique character of Dianchi Lake. Due to its locational constraints, its food, living facilities, and transportation are inferior to those of the main urban area. For example, the local economy (Jinning District) may be problematic. The road between the main urban area and the park is unlit early in the evening, and the road is uneven in some areas.
Adults can bring their children to play, and both adults and children will have a lot of fun. It is impossible to play here in one day. The food inside is relatively expensive, so it is best to bring some food with you. Some areas may be slightly cheaper, but generally it is more expensive than outside. Don't buy raincoats outside, as the water activities inside are all free. When I left, I took a picture of the beautiful sunset, which was very photogenic. It's a pity that I didn't get to play many activities with my baby, but the older children didn't want to leave after having so much fun.
No.
9
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Shangrila-Dynamic Yunnan
4.6
/5
2834 reviews
7.3
From AU$ 42.20
First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University/Pan Jia Wan | 950m from downtown
Phone +8618908841113
Address: Kunming Conference Hall No.81 West Dongfeng Road.Wuhua District, Kunming China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No. 4 of Night Attractions in Kunming
Highlights:
Yunnan's canyon terraces & rainforest
Spectacular light & sound visual feast
Saved by 349 users1193 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Kunming's "Yunnan Impressions" moved me to tears. It reveals humanity's insignificance in the face of nature. At the same time, it conveys the unwavering determination of man to conquer nature and the yearning for a better life. As the subtitles read:
The generous Yi people often say, "Having a mouth but not being able to sing is meaningless; having feet but not being able to dance is useless."
I highly recommend watching it.
It's definitely worth seeing. It's incredibly authentic and full of ethnic characteristics. Every scene is truly different, leaving no time for bathroom breaks, blinking, or taking photos. It's not just for entertainment. It's absolutely stunning and well worth the effort. It's not about being scary, but about the ethnic characteristics. It gives you a better, quicker, and more intuitive understanding of the cultures of Yunnan's major ethnic minorities. It's worth seeing. Highly recommended.
No.
10
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Jiuxiang Scenic Area
4.7
/5
3136 reviews
7.0
From AU$ 27.28
66.6 km from downtown
Phone +86087167511998
Address: Within the territory of Jiuxiang Yizu Huizu Township, Yiliang County, Kunming City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Elevator ride & boat tour
Explore caves via 174ft elevator
Saved by 412 users1166 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
I didn’t know there was such an interesting place in Kunming. It is less than 100 kilometers away from the city. The scenic area is well built and is equipped with cable cars, shuttle buses, boats, and trains. It takes about half a day to visit.
I didn’t know there was such an interesting place in Kunming. It is less than 100 kilometers away from the city. The scenic area is well built and is equipped with cable cars, shuttle buses, boats, and trains. It takes about half a day to visit.
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