Top 50 Best Things to Do in Kunming
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in Kunming

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Stone Forest Scenic Areatop_1
    󰺂8.8
    253.84
    Shilin66.8 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoStunning Late Fall and Early Winter Views at Stone Forest Scenic Area | Dec 2025-Jan 2026
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    󱨜See the bizarre karst peaks
    󰀆Ashima rock: unique & captivating
    󱨠Saved by 1625 users󱨠8092 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    天机不可泄露adc天机不可泄露adc

    I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of crowds at the Stone Forest Scenic Area! The karst wonders were even more breathtaking under the sunlight, and wandering through the stone forest allowed me to fully immerse myself in the awe-inspiring craftsmanship of nature. The Salomon Speedcross 5 under my feet provided stable grip, making walking incredibly safe, and the open environment made every step feel free, maximizing the overall experience.

  • Dianchi Laketop_2
    󰺂8.5
    Kunming23.8 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoKunming Pool's winter color palette will warm up your whole season | Dec 2025-Dec 2025
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    󰀆Surrounded by mountains & Daguan Tower
    󰋄Majestic plateau freshwater lake
    󱨠Saved by 1189 users󱨠4578 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    M29***7lM29***7l

    It's beautiful, don't take the cable car unless you just want to experience it. Xishan District is very large, just go to Haigeng Park and the Seven-Arch Floating Bridge. You can visit these two attractions on two separate trips.

  • Yunnan Nationalities Villagetop_3
    󰺂8.3
    86.13
    Kunming.Dianchi Lake Scenic Area/ Sunac World9 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoKunming Marathon Special Offer: Free Admission to Multiple Attractions | Oct 1, 2025-Dec 31, 2025
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    12 villages & 26 cultures
    󰀆Experience lively folk shows & festivals
    󱨠Saved by 859 users󱨠6222 positive reviews
    4.3/5
    小米粥0324小米粥0324

    The ethnic village is relatively close to the Haigeng Dam, and there weren't many tourists. The experience was decent. It houses about 25 ethnic groups, and I heard that the five ethnic groups at the entrance put on dance performances and other activities in the evenings.

  • Yunnan Wild Animals Park
    4
    󰺂8.1
    90.66
    Kunming.Kunming Wild Animal Park/The Golden Temple scenic spot10.4 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoSquirrel Monkey Happy Planet Exhibit Upgrade
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Asia 100 - Family-friendly Attractions
    Highlights:
    󰀆Elephant shows & red panda meetups
    󰌌Feed & interact with red pandas
    󱨠Saved by 270 users󱨠4055 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    贝雷帽和朋友们贝雷帽和朋友们

    This wildlife park is packed with interactive experiences and highly recommended for family trips. Almost all the animals are interactive; you can even pet the gentler ones like the Kapibala. You can feed the large carnivores, especially the bears near the entrance, for which there's a specially built viewing platform. The tigers are also available for feeding, and you can even take photos with the cubs up close. The only downside is the climb; the sightseeing bus only covers about 60% of the route…

  • Kunming Xishan Scenic Resort
    5
    󰺂7.8
    161.37
    Kunming.Dianchi Lake Scenic Area/ Sunac World11.3 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊50-foot natural stone gateway
    Cable car ride overlooking temples
    󱨠Saved by 695 users󱨠1625 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    M45***35M45***35

    It's a great place to see downtown Kunming and Dianchi Lake. The facilities are excellent, with electric cars, buses, and cable cars available for your convenience. You'll find the stupa and memorial hall of Master Xuyun. Both Huating Temple and Taihua Temple are worth a visit. The Longmen Gate hike is challenging, but well worth it. The forests are lush and the air is fresh.

  • Yunnan Provincial Museum
    6
    󰺂7.5
    Kunming.Guandu Ancient Town10.3 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Family-friendly Attractions
    Highlights:
    󱓊Near Kunming Zoo & Green Lake
    Diverse ethnic artifacts on display
    󱨠Saved by 319 users󱨠853 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    97号97号

    The 3-hour explanation was excellent, the timing was just right, and it wasn't tiring at all even with elderly people. I'm very grateful to Mr. Xiong Lin, the teacher who gave us the explanation; it was truly wonderful!

  • Old Street Kunming
    7
    󰺂7.4
    Kunming.Nanping Pedestrian Street731m from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Night Attractions in Kunming
    Highlights:
    󰋄Panoramic view & charming old town
    Local snacks & ethnic crafts gathered
    󱨠Saved by 1314 users󱨠432 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    康泰时康泰时

    Kunming Old Street is a must-see for travelers in Yunnan. It offers a glimpse into the authentic flavors of old Kunming. Enjoy a variety of Yunnan snacks, visit the Anti-Japanese War Memorial Hall, Nie Er's former residence, and explore the Ma Family Courtyard, home to Kunming's former mayor during the Republican era.

  • Colorful Yunnan Paradise
    8
    󰺂7.3
    190.38
    Kunming.Colorful Yunnan Paradise29.7 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Family-friendly Attractions
    Highlights:
    Ferris wheel view of park
    󰀆Ferris wheel view of Dian Lake
    󱨠Saved by 423 users󱨠3008 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    M52***87M52***87

    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.

  • Shangrila-Dynamic Yunnan
    9
    󰺂7.2
    179.5
    Kunming.First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University/Pan Jia Wan950m from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Night Attractions
    Highlights:
    Yunnan's canyon terraces & rainforest
    Spectacular light & sound visual feast
    󱨠Saved by 406 users󱨠1159 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Chanel 💃Chanel 💃

    The show was pretty good. We bought Class A tickets for 360 yuan each and two for 720 yuan. We were seated in the middle. The visuals were fantastic. There were also many foreign audiences who watched the show. It really embodied our national culture through the show. Yunnan Impression is definitely worth seeing when you're in Kunming.

  • Jiuxiang Scenic Area
    10
    󰺂6.9
    170.43
    Yiliang66.6 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Elevator ride & boat tour
    Explore caves via 174ft elevator
    󱨠Saved by 455 users󱨠1138 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    118***04118***04

    A truly magical place. The Jiuxiang Caves are indeed a masterpiece of nature, with various stalactites and stalagmites of all shapes and sizes, each lifelike. Even more amazing is the underground waterfall flowing through it. It's definitely worth seeing.

Best things to do in Kunming (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Kunming? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Kunming offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Kunming

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Kunming experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Stone Forest Scenic Area

• Shilin | 66.8 km from downtown

• : See the bizarre karst peaks,Ashima rock: unique & captivating

Dianchi Lake

• Kunming | 23.8 km from downtown

• : Surrounded by mountains & Daguan Tower,Majestic plateau freshwater lake

Yunnan Nationalities Village

• Kunming.Dianchi Lake Scenic Area/ Sunac World | 9 km from downtown

• : 12 villages & 26 cultures,Experience lively folk shows & festivals

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Kunming

If you want to explore attractions just outside Kunming, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Kunming, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Kunming special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Kunming

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Kunming

Ready to explore the best of Kunming? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Kunming?
These are all Best Things to Do in Kunming:Stone Forest Scenic Area, Dianchi Lake, Yunnan Nationalities Village, Yunnan Wild Animals Park, Kunming Xishan Scenic Resort
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Kunming?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Kunming include:Stone Forest Scenic Area:4.7, Dianchi Lake:4.7, Yunnan Nationalities Village:4.3, Yunnan Wild Animals Park:4.7, Kunming Xishan Scenic Resort:4.5
At what locations in Kunming can Best Things to Do in Kunming be found?
The Best Things to Do in Kunming are mainly located in:Stone Forest Scenic Area:Shilin, Dianchi Lake:Kunming, Yunnan Nationalities Village:Kunming, Yunnan Wild Animals Park:Kunming, Kunming Xishan Scenic Resort:Kunming
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