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Kunming Travel Guide

Stone Forest

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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.

Attractions

You may like: Top 10 Things to Do in Kunming

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

Best Time to Visit Kunming

Maps

Food

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.

Kunming Tours

Minority People
12-Day Small Group Tour to Beijing/ Xi'an/ Guilin/ Kunming/ Lijiang from $1879
Local People in Yunnan

8-Day Private Kunming/ Dali/ Lijiang/ Shangri-La Tour from $1249
Stone Forest

6-Day Kunming/ Jianshui/ Yuanyang from $1019

Train Tickets Booking

Flghs Booking

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- Last modified on Feb. 01, 2021 -

Questions & Answers on Kunming Travel

Asked by Ana from CHINA | Dec. 05, 2020 22:33

Are there any restrictions for foreigners these days?

Are there any special restrictions or rules for foreigners traveling to Yunnan province this winter? (foreigners who live in China)

Answers (1)

Answered by William | Dec. 07, 2020 01:10

Well, as I know, you just need to show the green code when you touring around the scenic area or check-in the hotel.

Asked by Vincent from SINGAPORE | Dec. 07, 2019 21:40

Jiuxiang and stone forest

I would like to visit both places in 1 day. I stay around kunming train station.

What is the best way to do this?

Answers (1)

Answered by Nancy from MALAYSIA | Dec. 10, 2019 18:08

You can take taxi to East Coach Station first, then take long distance bus from there to Stone Forest scenic area. In Stone Forest, there is direct bus to Jiuxiang scenic area departing at 9:00, 11:00, 14:00.

Asked by mizzaina1110 from MALAYSIA | Nov. 27, 2019 18:34

hi, i wil arrive in dali at 10am from kunming

is it possible if i cover 3 pagoda, erhai lake & dali ancient town in 1 day before i take next train to lijiang at 6.12pm?

tq

Answers (1)

Answered by Nina from THAILAND | Dec. 01, 2019 19:35

The time is too tight. It could take 1 day to travel around erhai.

Asked by shon from MALAYSIA | Nov. 19, 2019 00:38

how to go to shilin stone forest from tenho hotel,jinbi square?

Answers (1)

Answered by Marley from DENMARK | Nov. 20, 2019 22:01

From your hotel, walk east around 900 meters to get to Tangzixiang Station. Then take subway line 2 to Dongfeng Square and transfer to metro line 3 to East Coach Station. After arriving, there are several direct coaches that can take you to the scenic area.

Asked by Sothy Y from CAMBODIA | Nov. 18, 2019 23:14

Dear, team. I am planning to visit Jiaozi Snow Mountain during the first week of December 2019.

Is there any snow during that time? Thanks.

Answers (1)

Answered by Meilani from CANADA | Nov. 20, 2019 22:02

Yes, based on the previous weather statistics, you can see the snow during that period of time.