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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.

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.

Kunming Tours

Minority People
12-Day Small Group Tour to Beijing/ Xi'an/ Guilin/ Kunming/ Lijiang from $1649
Local Dance

11-Day Private Trip to Beijing/ Kunming/ Dali/ Lijiang/ Shanghai from $2279
Local People in Yunnan

8-Day Private Kunming/ Dali/ Lijiang/ Shangri-La Tour from $1139
Stone Forest

6-Day Kunming/ Jianshui/ Yuanyang from $929
Ethnic Minority People

7-Day Private Tour of Kunming/ Dali / Lijiang from $1019

Train Tickets Booking

Flights Booking

- Last modified on Sep. 09, 2019 -

Questions & Answers on Kunming Travel

Asked by Danielle from NETHERLANDS | Sep. 21, 2019 19:22

From what time till how late is the Subway in kunming driving?

We have A late flight and Will Arrive at the AirPort around 23.45. Till how late is the Subway driving?

Answers (1)

Answered by Aubin from FRANCE | Sep. 23, 2019 20:25

There is no subway operating at that time. But maybe you can take shuttle bus Night Line and taxi to your hotel.

Asked by H. Chen from CANADA | Sep. 15, 2019 17:41

How to go from Kunming Railway Station to South Railway Station?

including the total duration of the travel.

Thank you,

H. Chen

Answers (1)

Answered by Jocelyn from USA | Sep. 18, 2019 19:38

You can take bus 32/31 to Shuangqiaocun station, and transfer to metro line 1 from Fude station to South railway station. It takes around 1 hour with CNY6.

Asked by Apinya from NETHERLANDSA | Sep. 08, 2019 13:26

Hi...How to get Kai Wah Plaza international from Kunming Changshui Airport?

Can i go by shutten bus or metro?

Answers (1)

Answered by Calvin from UNITED KINGDOM | Sep. 09, 2019 20:02

Yes, you can take shuttle bus line 2 to Jinjiang Hotel station, and walk north of 200m to your hotel. It takes around 1 hour with CNY25.

Asked by Yut from THAILAND | Aug. 27, 2019 22:03

Xishan trip (a few hour)

I will arrive Kunming airport 13.00
The go to buy train ticket to lijiang (depart at 21.30)

If i start from KM train station to Xishan at 15.00
- Can i back to get train on time at 21.30?
- Is 2 hours enough for Xishan?

Answers (1)

Answered by Jorge from NEW ZEALAND | Aug. 29, 2019 23:08

You can take taxi to Xishan with around 30 minutes with CNY40. 2-3 hours are enough to visit it.

Asked by Petra from NEW ZEALAND | Aug. 23, 2019 06:44

6 hours stopover in Kunming

I have 6 hours stopover in Kunming. Is is realistic to manage visiting The Golden Temple? Which way would be the fastest?
Thank you,
Petra.

Answers (1)

Answered by Arty from THAILAND | Aug. 26, 2019 23:37

The time is too tight, so it is not suggested to go there.