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Kunming
Stone Forest Scenic Area
Dianchi Lake
Yun Nan Nation Village
Western Hills
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Kunming

Things to Do in Kunming in 2025 - Top Attractions, Local Food, Hotels & Travel Tips (Updated April 2025) | Trip.com

About Kunming

Recommended trip: 2–5 day(s)

Recommended trip: 2–5 day(s)

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25°C

Kunming Local Experiences Map

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Stone Forest Scenic Area: CNY 130 Promo Code@Stone Forest Scenic Area

Stone Forest Scenic Area: CNY 130 Promo Code@Stone Forest Scenic Area

Seagulls and Sunset Embrace the Orange Sea@Dianchi Lake

Seagulls and Sunset Embrace the Orange Sea@Dianchi Lake

Scenes from Childhood Memories

Scenes from Childhood Memories
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Kunming Local Travel Guide 2025

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Kunming Brief Guide

Throughout the seasons of the year, Kunming is like springtime, leading it to be called "Spring City". For many people who come to Yunnan on holiday, it is their first stop. The nearby Dianchi Lake has 250 kilometers of coastline, all with brilliant natural scenery. There are super-large fresh flower markets. There are also cultural attractions, such as Yunnan University, Yunnan Military Academy, and the former site of Southwest United University. Trying out Kunming snacks, local Yunnan cuisine, and wild mushroom hotpot is a must. Every year when winter comes, flocks of black-headed gulls fly here from Siberia; Cuihu Park and Dianchi Lake are good places for bird-watching and bird feeding. The area surrounding Kunming is also very exciting. Dongchuan Red Land is colorful like an oil painting. The Stone Forest has all kinds of different and interestingly shaped rocks. Guandu Ancient Town is also a good place to visit.

Kunming Must-try Local Experiences

1. Explore the Stone Forest Scenic Area and Jiuxiang Visit the Stone Forest Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with towering limestone formations, and explore the Jiuxiang, known for its stalactites, stalagmites, and underground rivers. 2. Discover the Beauty of Dianchi Lake and Western Hills Take a boat trip across Dianchi Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan, and explore the temples and pagodas of the Western Hills, a popular hiking destination. 3. Wander through Yuantong Temple and Black Dragon Pool Park Find tranquility at Yuantong Temple, a renowned Buddhist temple, and stroll through Black Dragon Pool Park, known for its waterfalls and traditional pavilions. 4. Wander through Green Lake Park Green Lake Park is a beautiful urban park in Kunming, perfect for a relaxing stroll, especially vibrant during the winter when migratory seagulls visit. 5. Immerse Yourself in the Yi Ethnic Minority Culture Experience the vibrant traditions of the Yi people through traditional dance performances, unique clothing, and ancient customs. 6. Explore the world of Tea at the Yunnan Tea Market Discover Yunnan's rich tea culture at the Tea Market, sample various teas, and learn about tea processing methods. 7. Experience the Kunming International Flower Expo Held annually, this expo showcases a stunning array of flowers and plants, perfect for gardening enthusiasts and nature lovers. 8. Sample the Diverse Flavors of Yunnan Cuisine Indulge in local specialties like 'Crossing the Bridge Noodles,' 'Steam Pot Chicken,' and 'Mushroom Hotpot,' along with 'Dali Beer' and 'Baba' rice cakes. 9. Experience the Colorful Flower Market Visit the Kunming Flower Market for vibrant displays of fresh flowers and plants, and find unique souvenirs. 10. Capture the Panoramic City Views from the Jinma Bijifang Visit the Jinma Bijifang Archway to capture stunning photos of the cityscape, especially beautiful during sunset.

Kunming Must-see Attractions

Kunming, known for its diverse attractions, boasts the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest with its natural limestone formations, the scenic Dian Lake with cultural significance, the Yunnan Ethnic Village displaying the province's rich ethnic diversity, and the tranquil Xishan Forest Park with historic temples and panoramic views.

Kunming Food Guide

Kunming's cuisine is renowned for its unique cooking techniques and rich local characteristics, from the tender and nourishing Steam Pot Chicken, the hot and smooth Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles, the sweet and refreshing Ice Porridge, the soft and fragrant Er Si, to the crispy and nutritious Braised Rice with Porcini Mushrooms, each dish is a perfect interpretation of Yunnan's diverse culture and flavors.

Kunming Transportation

Kunming's transportation infrastructure is well-developed, with its international airport and railway stations being key to its connectivity. Kunming Changshui International Airport (IATA: KMG) is a significant aviation hub in Southwest China, located approximately 24.5 km northeast of Kunming's city center. As one of the busiest airports in the world by passenger traffic, it serves as a hub for multiple airlines and offers a wide range of domestic and international flights. Travelers can reach the city center from the airport via the Airport Expressway, Provincial Road S101, or more conveniently, by taking the Metro Line 6, which connects directly to the airport. Kunming Railway Station is another major transportation junction situated about 3.5 km south of the city center. It operates as a key node on several railway lines, providing connections to numerous cities across China. The station is accessible by Line 1 of the Kunming Metro, offering a straightforward route for passengers to reach the city. Additionally, Kunming South Railway Station, located 29 km southeast of the city center, serves as the main high-speed rail station and is connected to the metro network, enhancing its accessibility.

Kunming Where to Stay

Kunming is a city celebrated for its eternal spring-like weather, offering a diverse array of accommodation options for travelers. The city's hotels are spread across various districts, each providing unique experiences and conveniences based on their location, from the bustling city center to the serene lakeside areas.

Kunming Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Kunming is from March to October. During this period, the weather is pleasant with significant temperature fluctuations between mornings and evenings, which is comfortable for wearing jackets and sweaters or enjoying outdoor activities in short sleeves. This time also coincides with various ethnic minority festivals, offering a rich cultural experience alongside the natural beauty of blooming flowers. However, it is advisable to avoid the May Day holiday, summer vacation, and National Day holiday due to overcrowding and higher travel costs. Additionally, while May to October is the rainy season, the showers usually do not last long, and the city's natural landscape and minority cultures remain a compelling draw.

Kunming Useful Guide

Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, is a linguistic tapestry woven with various dialects of Southwestern Mandarin, influenced by the region's ethnic diversity. The official language is Standard Chinese (Mandarin), but Kunminghua, a local dialect, is also widely spoken. Translation services and language schools like KCEL cater to visitors and expatriates, facilitating communication and cultural exchange. Multilingualism is common due to the coexistence of Mandarin and several ethnic languages. When language barriers arise, non-verbal communication methods such as gestures can be effective.

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Things to do in Kunming

What to Do

Looking for things to do in Kunming? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.
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Stone Forest Scenic Area

Stone Forest Scenic Area

4.7/513,843 Reviews
"Natural scenery"
Dianchi Lake

Dianchi Lake

4.6/57,943 Reviews
"Natural scenery"
Yun Nan Nation Village

Yun Nan Nation Village

4.4/513,006 Reviews
"Night Attractions"
Western Hills

Western Hills

4.5/53,066 Reviews
"Historic buildings"
"Mountain climbing"
Yunnan Wild Animals Park

Yunnan Wild Animals Park

4.7/53,802 Reviews
"Electronics & Appliances"
Old Street Kunming

Old Street Kunming

4.7/5407 Reviews
Yunnan Provincial Museum

Yunnan Provincial Museum

4.6/5917 Reviews
"Museums"
"Exhibitions"
Colorful Yunnan Paradise

Colorful Yunnan Paradise

4.7/53,217 Reviews
"Night Attractions"
Shangrila-Dynamic Yunnan

Shangrila-Dynamic Yunnan

4.6/52,697 Reviews
"Live Show"
"Performances"
Jiu Xiang

Jiu Xiang

4.7/53,079 Reviews
"Natural scenery"
Green Lake Park

Green Lake Park

4.7/53,421 Reviews
Yuantong Mountain

Yuantong Mountain

4.6/581 Reviews
"Natural scenery"
"Mountain climbing"

Where to Stay

Discover the most popular places to stay in Kunming, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers
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What to Eat

Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Kunming dishes and foodie spots.
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CUI HOUSE

CUI HOUSE

4.4/560 Reviews
Avg. AUD80/person
"Yunnan Cuisine"
"View"
InterContinental Kunming·Cai Die Ba

InterContinental Kunming·Cai Die Ba

4.6/511 Reviews
Avg. AUD19/person
"Bakeries"
"Open Late"
阿萨中东料理·清真(昆明南强街店)

阿萨中东料理·清真(昆明南强街店)

4.0/522 Reviews
Avg. AUD22/person
"Western-style"
Huixiang Xilou

Huixiang Xilou

4.7/598 Reviews
Avg. AUD33/person
"Yunnan Cuisine"
"View"
阿萨中东料理·清真(版筑翠园店)

阿萨中东料理·清真(版筑翠园店)

7 Reviews
Avg. AUD21/person
"Western-style"
祥云荟馆庭院餐厅(祥云街店)

祥云荟馆庭院餐厅(祥云街店)

4.1/535 Reviews
Avg. AUD17/person
"Yunnan Cuisine"
"Historic Building"
Sofitel Kunming - Jinchu Internation Buffet

Sofitel Kunming - Jinchu Internation Buffet

4.4/550 Reviews
Avg. AUD65/person
"Buffets"
"View"
昆明索菲特大酒店·云轩中餐厅

昆明索菲特大酒店·云轩中餐厅

5.0/59 Reviews
Avg. AUD37/person
"Yunnan Cuisine"
SHANG TAO CHINESE RESTAURANT

SHANG TAO CHINESE RESTAURANT

4.9/566 Reviews
Avg. AUD52/person
"Cantonese Cuisine"
InterContinental Kunming·The Market

InterContinental Kunming·The Market

4.9/570 Reviews
Avg. AUD64/person
"Buffets"
云海肴·云南菜(南强街总店)

云海肴·云南菜(南强街总店)

4.7/528 Reviews
Avg. AUD20/person
"Yunnan Cuisine"

Kunming Moments: Through Travelers' Eyes

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