Things To Do
in Kunming
Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, is nicknamed the “Spring City” for its mild, pleasant climate year-round and abundant parks and flowers. It is a cultural crossroads where Han Chinese mingle with many ethnic minorities, offering a rich culinary and handicraft scene. The city is a gateway to spectacular nearby landscapes — from the limestone pillars of the Stone Forest to the terraced fields and ethnic villages of the province.
Kunming blends relaxed city life, vibrant markets, and easy access to outdoor adventures in southwest China.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Green Lake Park, where locals practice tai chi and the serene environment sets a peaceful tone. Stroll along the picturesque paths and enjoy the sight of the lotus flowers in bloom. Don’t forget to stop by the Yuantong Temple, one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Kunming.
Head to the nearby Kunming Old Town, where you can explore traditional architecture and vibrant local markets. Sample some local delicacies such as 'Crossing the Bridge' noodles at a quaint eatery. After lunch, visit the Bamboo Temple, where you'll be captivated by the intricate carvings and serene atmosphere.
As the sun sets, make your way to the vibrant Dongfeng Road, known for its lively atmosphere and street food. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, trying out dishes like grilled fish and spicy mushrooms. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk along the lake, enjoying the reflections of city lights in the water.
Embark on a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Stone Forest, a stunning collection of limestone formations. Upon arrival, take your time wandering through the maze-like paths and marveling at the unique rock formations that resemble petrified trees. Be sure to capture photos of the awe-inspiring landscapes.
After exploring the natural wonders of the Stone Forest, enjoy a packed lunch at a scenic spot within the park. In the afternoon, join a guided tour to learn about the local Sani ethnic culture and their connection to the landscape. Experience traditional performances and perhaps even participate in a local dance.
Return to Kunming and relax after a day filled with exploration. Treat yourself to a hearty dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional specialties like spicy grilled meats. Wind down your evening at a local teahouse, where you can enjoy a cup of Yunnan tea while reflecting on the day's adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $2-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within city) | $1.50-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-80 |
| 🎟️Entry to attractions (e.g., Stone Forest) | $10-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Mild year‑round climate and abundant parks — good for outdoor activities.
- Rich and varied cuisine with unique Yunnan specialties.
- Excellent base for exploring diverse natural attractions in Yunnan province.
- Cultural diversity with many ethnic minority traditions and markets.
- Air quality can vary, especially in winter and during regional burning seasons.
- Mobile payments dominate — cash/foreign cards may be inconvenient without setup.
- Some signage and menus may lack English, requiring basic Mandarin or translation apps.
- Less nightlife variety compared with large Chinese metropolises.
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "对不起 (Duìbùqǐ)" - Sorry / Excuse me
- "这个多少钱? (Zhège duōshǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
- "我吃素 (Wǒ chī sù)" - I am vegetarian
- "请问厕所在哪里? (Qǐngwèn cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Where is the restroom?
Places to Visit in Kunming
Visit one of these nice places.
Picturesque park with willow-lined paths, lotus in summer, traditional pavilions, and vibrant local life — excellent for morning and golden-hour shots.
Striking karst limestone pillars make for dramatic landscape photography; best visited in soft morning light to avoid harsh shadows and crowds.
Hilltop bronze temple offering panoramic views over Kunming and colorful temple architecture — good for sunset vistas.
Bustling urban scenes, neon signs, local vendors and street food stalls — ideal for night photography and street portraits.
Traditional architecture and staged performances representing the province’s ethnic groups — useful for cultural portrait and detail shots.
Food in Kunming
Kunming Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hot bowl where raw ingredients are added to a steaming bowl of rich broth; find it at small specialty shops across the city and in the Old Town.
Must-Try!
Fresh-foraged mushrooms stir-fried or in soups; available in season (summer–autumn) at markets and mid-range restaurants.
Chicken and herbs cooked in a clay steam pot — comforting and aromatic; served in family-style restaurants and specialty eateries.
A chewy rice cake made from glutinous rice, often grilled or stir-fried with sweet or savory toppings; popular as a street snack.
Cured ham from neighboring Xuanwei; used to flavor many dishes and available at markets and deli-style shops.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market where you can sample snacks, buy flowers, and see vendors selling local produce, small eats, and tea — great for street‑food tasting.
Evening street-food stalls serving skewers, bao, rice noodles, and desserts; ideal for casual dining and people-watching.
Neighborhood markets are the best place to see and try Yunnan mushrooms, fresh herbs, and regional condiments.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple 'nǐ hǎo' (hello) goes a long way; handshakes are common in business settings, while a nod or slight bow is fine in casual contexts.
Show deference to older people and be respectful at temples — remove hats, speak quietly, and follow local practices if participating.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in ethnic villages or during religious activities.
Sharing dishes is common; try a bit of everything when invited and use both hands to offer or receive items in more formal settings.
Safety
Tipping in Kunming
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not generally expected in Kunming; small tips are sometimes accepted in tourist restaurants or by hotel porters but are not obligatory. In higher-end hotels and Western-style restaurants a service charge may be included; check the bill.
Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) dominate daily transactions; many smaller vendors and taxis prefer mobile QR payments. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants, but carry cash (RMB) for markets and remote areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming flowers make spring one of the best times to visit; occasional light rain but comfortable days for outdoor sightseeing.
Warm with higher humidity and frequent afternoon showers; excellent for mushroom season and lush landscapes but expect occasional storms.
Clear skies and pleasant temperatures, great for outdoor activities and photography; a peak time for travel as conditions are comfortable.
Relatively mild compared with northern China but cooler at night; fewer tourists and lower prices — pack a warm layer for evenings and higher-elevation trips.
Kunming at Night
Hiking in Kunming
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of trails with temples and the famous Dragon Gate viewpoint overlooking Dianchi Lake; options range from gentle walks to steeper climbs.
Marked paths through karst formations; some trails can be rugged, but the main routes are well maintained for visitors.
Mountain lake treks in higher elevations near Kunming offer cooler temperatures, forested trails, and alpine scenery for day trips or overnight treks.
Less formal trails that wind through rice terraces and minority villages; best explored with a local guide to understand cultural and terrain nuances.
Airports
How to reach Kunming by plane.
Main airport serving Kunming with domestic and international flights; about 25–30 km northeast of downtown. Reachable by airport express bus, taxis, ride-hailing apps, and metros; allow extra time during peak traffic.
A domestic airport serving nearby Dali (for regional connections when combining Yunnan itinerary); reachable by a short flight from Kunming for onward travel to Dali and Lijiang.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Kunming and across Yunnan Province, present in urban and rural areas.
Yunnan is home to many recognized ethnic groups; Kunming serves as a cultural and administrative hub where minority traditions, dress, and festivals are visible in markets and museums.
Kunming hosts several universities, creating lively student neighborhoods with a youthful cultural scene and affordable eateries.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is widely played by students and young people, with many outdoor courts in parks and university campuses.
Indoor racket sports are popular recreational activities across age groups, available in community centers and sports clubs.
Given Kunming’s access to mountains and lakes, hiking and cycling are popular outdoor pursuits among residents and visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kunming.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in Buddhist temples and some restaurants; tell vendors you are vegetarian (素食 sùshí) and confirm no stock or fish sauce. Many noodle shops can prepare plain noodles with vegetables.
Veganism is less common; ask for 'no egg/no dairy/no meat' and be prepared for limited choices outside vegetarian restaurants or temple kitchens.
Some halal restaurants and Muslim-led eateries serve beef and lamb dishes; look for 清真 (qingzhen) signs for halal-certified places.
Carry a card with your allergy in Chinese (e.g., 'I am allergic to peanuts/seafood') and avoid mixed dishes if cross-contamination is a concern.