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Kunming Travel Guide

Stone Forest

Pictures

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 144-hour Visa-free Transit in Kunming has been introduced to the city, allowing passengers from 53 countries to have a visa-free layover for up to 144 hours.

Attractions

Transportation

With 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.

Weather

Maps

Dining

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.

Shopping

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.

History

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.

Travel Tips

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
Area Code & Zip Code
Festivals & Events
Famous Universities
Nightlife
Banks

Kunming Tours

Minority People
12-Day Small Group Tour to Beijing/ Xi'an/ Guilin/ Kunming/ Lijiang from $1809
Local Dance

11-Day Private Trip to Beijing/ Kunming/ Dali/ Lijiang/ Shanghai from $2089
Local People in Yunnan

8-Day Private Kunming/ Dali/ Lijiang/ Shangri-La Tour from $939
Stone Forest

6-Day Kunming/ Jianshui/ Yuanyang from $709
Ethnic Minority People

7-Day Private Tour of Kunming/ Dali / Lijiang from $849

Train Tickets Booking

Flights Booking

- Last modified on Mar. 03, 2019 -

Questions & Answers on Kunming Travel

Asked by norma from MALAYSIA | Mar. 15, 2019 18:43

how to go to Kunming daguan park from western hill?

Answers (1)

Answered by Elijah from SINGAPORE | Mar. 19, 2019 20:24

From Western Hill Park, you can take metro line 3 to Liangjiahe Station, Exit C. Then take bus no.100 to Daguanlou Bus Stop. Walk southwest around 100 meters to find the destination.

Asked by Yee from AUSTRALIA | Mar. 11, 2019 19:09

Please confirm that there is only one airport in Kunming.

And that all domestic and international arrivals are in the same building. Thanks

Answers (1)

Answered by Arianna from CANADA | Mar. 14, 2019 23:46

There is only one operating airport in the city: Changshui International Airport. Currently, it has one terminal building, Terminal 1. Terminal 2 is expected to be completed before 2020.

Asked by Yee from AUSTRALIA | Mar. 10, 2019 06:33

Distance between domestic and international terminals at kunming airport

I arrive at KM from PEK on a domestic flight. And I have to meet a group of people at the arrival hall of the international terminal. Is it easy to walk there with luggage and how long does it take?
Thanks

Answers (1)

Answered by Linda from USA | Mar. 11, 2019 01:59

It is not too far and easy to walk, you can follow the signs or seek help for the help of the staff of the airport. Generally speaking, it takes around 10-15mins by walk.

Asked by Alex Webster from USA | Mar. 02, 2019 17:25

which bus from Kunming center to bamboo temple?

Answers (1)

Answered by Aaliyah from UKRAINE | Mar. 03, 2019 21:50

Take Jinma Biji Square as an example, take metro line 3 from Wuyi Road Station to Mianshan Station, Exit A. Then take bus no.Z31 to Xinyuan Community. Afterwards, take a taxi to the scenic area. Because of the complicated public transportation, you can also take a taxi from the starting place directly. The cab fare is CNY 40 to 50.