Kunming Travel Guide
Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province, is known as 'the City of Eternal Spring' for its pleasant climate and flowers that bloom all year long. With a history of more than 2,400 years, it was the gateway to the celebrated Silk Road that facilitated trade with Tibet, Sichuan, Myanmar, India and beyond. Today it is the provincial political, economical and cultural center of Yunnan as well as the most popular tourist destination in southwest China.
The city center is an attraction with its two squares (Jinma Biji Square, Dongfeng Square) and five intersecting roads (Dongfeng Road, Jinbi Road, Zhengyi Road, Renmin Road and Qingnian Road). Of these, Jinma Biji Square (also known as Jinbi Square) has the most eye-catching archways and stylish architectures. Qingnian Road, Zhengyi Road and Renmin Road are the main commercial areas. The most popular pedestrian streets are Nanping Street, Jingxing Flowers & Birds Market, and Jinma Biji Fang. The city is also the focal point of Yunnan minority culture. Some 26 ethnic minorities such as Yi, Bai, Miao, Dai, and Hani inhabit this region.
The city center is an attraction with its two squares (Jinma Biji Square, Dongfeng Square) and five intersecting roads (Dongfeng Road, Jinbi Road, Zhengyi Road, Renmin Road and Qingnian Road). Of these, Jinma Biji Square (also known as Jinbi Square) has the most eye-catching archways and stylish architectures. Qingnian Road, Zhengyi Road and Renmin Road are the main commercial areas. The most popular pedestrian streets are Nanping Street, Jingxing Flowers & Birds Market, and Jinma Biji Fang. The city is also the focal point of Yunnan minority culture. Some 26 ethnic minorities such as Yi, Bai, Miao, Dai, and Hani inhabit this region.
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You may like: Top 10 Things to Do in KunmingWith convenient transport links in and out of the city, Kunming welcomes and sees off tens of thousands of visitors every day. As southwest China’s transportation hub, the city plays a significant role for connecting Southeast Asia and China. The city also provides links to many popular destinations elsewhere in Yunnan such as Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La.
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In addition to attractive scenic spots, Kunming is also renowned for its many delicious dishes. Due to the multi-cultural nature of the province, the city brings together the most representative food of the various nationalities residing in Yunnan, so eating here is an experience not to be missed. The famous food includes Steaming-Pot Chicken, Across Bridge Rice Noodles, and Xuanwei Ham. The night market is the best place to sample and enjoy the local snacks.
Do not forget to purchase some locally produced souvenirs for your friends or family before leaving this charming city. The local wood carvings and minority tie-dye products are highly recommended. Jinma Biji Square is considered the best place to go for your purchases.
As one of China’s famous ancient and cultural cities, it boasts a history which can be traced back to 30,000 years ago. The Dianchi Lake area was one of the cradles of mankind. The city got its name from the Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368) and since then, it has become Yunnan’s center of politics, economy and culture.
See below for some fast facts and useful tips to facilitate your visit to the city whether it is for travel, business or study.
- 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit
- 144-hour Visa-free Transit
- Festivals & Events
- Famous Universities
- Nightlife
- Banks
- Minority People
- Local People in Yunnan
- Stone Forest
6-Day Kunming/ Jianshui/ Yuanyang from $1089
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- Last updated on Dec. 11, 2023 by Brenda Lian -
Questions & Answers on Kunming Travel
Asked by Sry from INDONESIA | Apr. 09, 2024 18:07
Reply
ReplyHow to spend 3 hours near kunming chang sui airport?
Answers (1)
Answered by Rita | Apr. 09, 2024 23:47
0
0Reply
00ReplyThere is the Jichongshan Forest Park 20km away. Maybe you can take a taxi there to explore.
Asked by Y from BELGIUM | Mar. 24, 2024 07:06Reply
ReplyTorch festival
Hi,
Do we understand it correctly that the Torch festival in 2024 is on July 29 (Yi) and July 30 (Dai)? Are there also (maybe more local) Torch festivals on July 28 or July 31? Ideally, we would like to visit one bigger one and one more local (the more authentic the better). We think of Chuxiong on the 29th for the bigger one. What would you recommend for July 30? Maybe around Dali? Do you have a suggestion (we understand that there is one at Zhoucheng, but this is very touristy?)
Thanks!
Do we understand it correctly that the Torch festival in 2024 is on July 29 (Yi) and July 30 (Dai)? Are there also (maybe more local) Torch festivals on July 28 or July 31? Ideally, we would like to visit one bigger one and one more local (the more authentic the better). We think of Chuxiong on the 29th for the bigger one. What would you recommend for July 30? Maybe around Dali? Do you have a suggestion (we understand that there is one at Zhoucheng, but this is very touristy?)
Thanks!
Answers (1)
Answered by Keith | Mar. 25, 2024 19:2600Reply
00ReplyNormally the celebration lasts three days, and this year 29 - 31 July. The one in Chuxiong is the most lively one. And there are many activities in Kungming city area, Pu'er, Lijiang and also Dali. I recommended ones in Lijiang and Dali for they are tourist cities and you can visit attractions there at the same time. If you want to avoid the tourist crowd, you can go to the villages or counties around, like Eryuan County in Dali or Ninglang County in Lijiang.
Asked by Poltera from SWITZERLAND | Mar. 04, 2024 00:16Reply
ReplyDo you have the address of China Railway Express in Hekou?
Answers (1)
Answered by Andrew | Mar. 05, 2024 22:4900Reply
00ReplyNo, I haven't found any information about that. You can call the service number of China Railway Express: 95572 to learn more details.
Asked by POLTERA from SWITZERLAND | Feb. 25, 2024 02:14Reply
ReplyChina Railway Express in Hekou
Hello,
I want to take the train in Hekou to Kunming. There is a China Railway Express to send a bike in Hekou?
I want to take the train in Hekou to Kunming. There is a China Railway Express to send a bike in Hekou?
Answers (2)
Answered by Jessica | Feb. 26, 2024 17:1300Reply
00ReplyYes, there is.
Answered by Philippe | Mar. 01, 2024 04:0600Reply
00ReplyDo you have the address in Hekou
Asked by Caroline from SINGAPORE | Feb. 20, 2024 19:16Reply
ReplyIs there a luggage locker at Jiuxiang Caves?
Answers (1)
Answered by Jason | Feb. 20, 2024 21:3700Reply
00ReplyAs I know, there is no luggage locker at the scenic area.