Kunming

Travel Guide
Kunming which includes a high-rise building, a city and landscape views
With a laid-back atmosphere, temples and parks filled with flowers that bloom year-round, it’s easy to see why this place is known as the City of Eternal Spring.

Experience the city of Kunming’s infectiously relaxed attitude and reverence for nature when you explore its quaint Old Town and surrounding national parks. The city’s climate is such that many of its blossoming arcades of trees are fragrant and flowering throughout much of the year. Historically renowned as the gateway to the Silk Road and its connections to India, Tibet, Sichuan and Myanmar, the city has a millennia-old history as a bustling mercantile hub.

A great place to begin your visit is in the Kunming City Centre. This beautifully preserved district is comprised of two squares and five intersecting roads. Check out the traditional archway and elegant architecture at Jinma Biji Square (also known as Jinbi Square) or head to Dongfeng Square to people-watch at this popular meeting place. Nanping Street is a busy pedestrianized strip lined with shops, casual diners and restaurants. Nearby, you’ll find the Jingxing Flower and Bird Market. Peruse the stalls selling eye-catching bird species and other critters or follow the scent of freshly cut flowers to the florists’ stalls.

Learn more about the region’s botanical prowess at the Horticultural Expo Garden or relax by the waterfront gardens of Green Lake Park. Daguan Park presents a wide vista across the city with a backdrop of blue-tinted mountains. Learn about some of the 26 ethnic minorities that live in this region at the Provincial Museum. Climb Mingfeng Hill to see the Golden Temple, which is among the largest copper temples in China.

If you have time to experience the splendor of Kunming’s surrounding landscapes, be sure to book a trip to the Stone Forest. These natural stone formations are among Kunming’s top attractions. Explore caves and karst lakes or learn about the local legends that are believed to have sculpted the landscape.

Kunming is a major transportation hub in southwest China and is easy to access by air, train and bus. Regional attractions such as Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La are linked by public transit. Despite the warm climate, you will still need to pack winter clothes between December and January. Enjoy clean air, preserved city streets and pretty parklands in Kunming.

Where to stay in Kunming

Kunming Zoo

Kunming City Centre

Kunming City Centre is noteworthy for its lake views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Green Lake Park and Nanping Pedestrian Street.

Kunming City Centre
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Guandu

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the parks and waterfront in Guandu. You might want to make time for a stop at Yunnan Provincial Museum or Lake Dian.

Guandu
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Xishan District

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in Xishan District. You might want to make time for a stop at West Pagoda or Lake Dian.

Xishan District
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Panlong

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

Panlong is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Kunming Botanical Garden and Wanchun Pavilion.

Panlong
Kunming Zoo

Wuhua District

If you're spending some time in Wuhua District, Kunming Zoo and Yuantong Buddhist Temple are top sights worth seeing.

Wuhua District
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Luosiwan International Trade Area

Travellers enjoy Luosiwan International Trade Area for its restaurants and museums. Consider checking out West Pagoda while you're in the area.

Luosiwan International Trade Area
Sofitel Kunming
Sofitel Kunming
5 out of 5
777 South Huan Cheng Road, Xishan District, Kunming, Kunming, Yunnan
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kunming. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions West Pagoda and East Pagoda are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (163 reviews)
"W g"

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2024

Sofitel Kunming
Grand Park Kunming
Grand Park Kunming
5 out of 5
20 Hong Hua Qiao, Kunming, Yunnan
The price is €66 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
€66
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kunming. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Green Lake Park and Yuantong Buddhist Temple ...
7.8/10 Good! (100 reviews)
"We had a pleasant stay, upon arrival they upgraded our room, away from the noise along the stretch of road under construction. This property is very near to a park with a lake with many people taking a stroll and doing various exercises. City centre area is within 10-15 mins walk."

Reviewed on 4 Apr 2024

Grand Park Kunming
InterContinental Kunming, an IHG Hotel
InterContinental Kunming, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
No. 5 Yijing Road, National Tourism, Kunming, Yunnan
Fully refundable
The price is €126 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
€126
includes taxes & fees
10 Nov - 11 Nov
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kunming. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Hongta Sports Center and Kunming Sports ...
9/10 Wonderful! (62 reviews)
"The hotel is beautiful and the service is perfect. Great breakfast bad coffe ( in China tea is better). But excellent cappuccinos at the lobby."

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

InterContinental Kunming, an IHG Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hotel high sky view hotel
Hotel high sky view hotel
4.5 out of 5
Beijing road Yue center, Kunming, yunnan
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Kunming. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Tongde Plaza Shopping ...
Hotel high sky view hotel
Blue Moon Hotel
Blue Moon Hotel
2 out of 5
Lang Yue Wan Gate 1, Kunming, Yunnan
Stay at this aparthotel in Kunming. Enjoy parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Kunming Botanical Garden and Wanchun Pavilion are located nearby.
Blue Moon Hotel
Utra·Dianchi Villa Hotel
Utra·Dianchi Villa Hotel
2 out of 5
No. 3 Building 9, Xiangzhang 16 Fang,, No. 21 Hongta East Road, Kunming, Yunnan
Book a stay at this family-friendly hotel in Kunming. Enjoy hot springs on site, a nightclub, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Kunming Sports Training ...
Utra·Dianchi Villa Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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