Best Travel Guide Kunming | ArrivalGuides.com

KunmingGuide was updated: 2023-02-07

Known as the City of Spring, Kunming, the provincial capital of Yunnan, is blessed with a mild climate especially favourable to plant cultivation, which becomes instantly evident in the city's vibrant flower markets. The pace of life here is slow: hardly anyone is seen in a hurry. The best thing to do is smell the roses, and wind down gently while exploring this very pleasing city and the breathtaking nature getaways in the environs.

Do & See

The best way to experience the charm of Kunming is to simply wander around the constantly evolving city centre. Though modernising the city is an ongoing process, most residences in Kunming still retain the traditional style of architecture, quadrangle courtyards with sun-powered water heaters, and comfortable temperatures even without air conditioning, thanks to the landscape and climate. Flowers are abundant – at roadside stores, along green belts, and across tables of local eateries, giving the city a very pleasant vibe. Most sights outside the city centre are just a quick bus ride away, with enough to occupy the visitor for more than a couple of days.

Western Mountains (Xishan Mountain Park)

The Western Mountains (also referred to as "hills") make for an excellent day trip into nature. You can take a 20-minute cable car trip to the top; the 'Dragon Gate' carved into the side of the hill is an unmissable highlight, which also affords spectacular views of Kunming and Dianchi Lake. The tomb of Nie Er, the composer of the national anthem of China, rests on the hill.

Do & SeeRead more →

Haigeng Park

Take a lakeside stroll along Lake Dianchi in Haigeng Park and take in the view of Kunming's "sleeping beauty" – Western Mountainous – resting in the distance. The park is a popular public recreation area; you'll see locals fishing and barbecuing around here.

Do & SeeRead more →

Daguan Park (Grandview Park)

Daguan Park is set to the west of Kunming, with Dianchi Lake close by. Its pavilion, with a history of more than 300 years, is a three-storey square structure with flying eaves and golden lacquered ornaments. A historic couplet of 180 characters hangs down the pavilion, lauded as "number one couplet in the past and present". In winter, the Siberian sea gulls stop by on their migratory flights.

Do & SeeRead more →

World Horticulture Expo Garden

The World Horti-Expo Garden is a botanical garden containing a grand exhibition of horticulture from all over the world. Situated in the northern suburbs of Kunming, it is also located close to the Golden Temple scenic spot at 4 km from downtown.

Do & SeeRead more →

Golden Temple Park

This park contains the most prestigious Taoist temple in Yunnan. The serene Golden Temple standing on the Mingfeng Mountain is the largest bronze temple in China. It was built by General Wu Sangui, and dates back to the early Qing Dynasty (17th century). Rare plants and tea flowers flourish in this traditional Chinese-style garden. It has become a local traditional custom to enjoy the blooming flowers in the park every annual Temple Fair, which is held on the 9th day of every Lunar New Year.

Do & SeeRead more →

Stone Forest (Shilin)

The natural landscape of the stone forest is a spectacular limestone formation, which has been named a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Exposed to rain and winds and eroded by the elements, the limestone ranges were shaped by time into a vast forest of stone. The karst formations are believed to be 270 million years old and are located just under 100 km away from Kunming.

Do & SeeRead more →

View all Do & See →

Population:	4,657,000 (2022)
Currency:	1 RMB = 10 jiao
Emergency Numbers:	Police: 110 Ambulance: 120 Fire: 119
Newspapers:	www.gokunming.com/en/
Opening Hours:	Office hours are 8:30am–5:30pm or 6pm from Monday to Friday. Banks are open from 09am–5pm on weekdays and to 4pm on weekends. Most malls and supermarkets close at 10pm. Cafés and bars often remain open until 2am.