Kunming

Travel Guide
Kunming which includes a sunset, a city and a high-rise building
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 Yuantong Buddhist Temple.

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 Kunming Sports Training Base or Lake Dian.

Xishan District
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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Dongchuan District

You might make a stop by Xiaojiang Debris Flow while you're exploring Dongchuan District.

Dongchuan 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 Wanchun Pavilion and Yunnan Railway Museum.

Panlong
Hilton Garden Inn Kunming Dianchi
Hilton Garden Inn Kunming Dianchi
3.5 out of 5
No. 1363 Dianchi Road, Kunming, Yunnan
The price is HK$401 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
HK$401
per night
5 Apr - 6 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Kunming. Enjoy free parking and room service. Popular attractions Hongta Sports Center and Kunming Sports Training Base are located ...
Hilton Garden Inn Kunming Dianchi
Holiday Inn Kunming City Centre, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Kunming City Centre, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
No. 29 East Dong Feng Road, Panlong District, Kunming, Yunnan
The price is HK$422 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
HK$422
per night
5 Apr - 6 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Kunming. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Tuodong Stadium and Kunming Hall are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (301 reviews)
"Location is good. Facility is a bit dated."

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2023

Holiday Inn Kunming City Centre, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Kunming City Centre, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Kunming City Centre, an IHG Hotel
4.5 out of 5
399 Qingnian Road, Wuhua District, Kunming, Yunnan
The price is HK$634 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
HK$634
per night
5 Apr - 6 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Kunming. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Nanping Pedestrian Street and Kunming Hall ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (171 reviews)
Nice but very warm room
"The room is clean and spacious. 5 mins walk to Naping Pedestrian Street. Lots of nice restaurants and shopping. We book the room with club lounge. Nice lounge but very little or hardly any food. Breakfast only serve at the main dining area not in club lounge. Room very warm even when set at 15 deg ..."

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

Crowne Plaza Kunming City Centre, 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.
Modern Chic Loft Apartment in Kunming City Center - Sleeps 4 Max
Modern Chic Loft Apartment in Kunming City Center - Sleeps 4 Max
Kunming
Stay at this apartment in Kunming. Enjoy WiFi, 1 bedroom, and a hair dryer. Popular attractions Guandu Ancient Town and Yunnan Provincial Museum are located ...
Modern Chic Loft Apartment in Kunming City Center - Sleeps 4 Max
Kunming Dumo Theme Apartment
Kunming Dumo Theme Apartment
3 out of 5
Building 3, Da Du Mo Tian Phase 2, Guandu District, Kunming
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Kunming. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a TV. Popular attractions Haijing Customs Site, Hua'ning and Dounan International ...
Kunming Dumo Theme Apartment
Kunming Travel Together Apartment
Kunming Travel Together Apartment
3 out of 5
Building 2, Hai Lun Zone, Hai Lun Guo Ji, Guandu District, Kunming
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Kunming. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a TV. Popular attractions Haijing Customs Site, Hua'ning and Dounan International ...
Kunming Travel Together Apartment
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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