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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 $1819
Local Dance

11-Day Private Trip to Beijing/ Kunming/ Dali/ Lijiang/ Shanghai from $2079
Local People in Yunnan

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

6-Day Kunming/ Jianshui/ Yuanyang from $759
Ethnic Minority People

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

Train Tickets Booking

Flights Booking

- Last modified on Jan. 15, 2019 -

Questions & Answers on Kunming Travel

Asked by Mard from KUALA LUMPUR | Jan. 15, 2019 07:06

Hi! What will be the view of dongchuan red land and from 22 feb to 3 march 2019?

Answers (1)

Answered by Alex from USA | Jan. 15, 2019 22:05

You can see the green view of this scenic area during that period of time.

Asked by Mark from CANADA | Jan. 10, 2019 11:51

What is the best way to get to the stone forest from Kunming airport?

We have an overnight layover and fly out in the afternoon. We would love to see something and get some food before we fly on.

Answers (1)

Answered by Bailey from GERMANY | Jan. 14, 2019 23:31

Upon landing, take subway line 6 to get to East Coach Station first. Then Take a coach from East Coach Station to the scenic area directly.

Asked by Locngntai from VIETNAM | Jan. 07, 2019 22:46

I am going to arrive Kunming at 21h and planning to take the train to lijiang at 23h.

Can i help me to find the bus from airpot to railway station? Thank u

Answers (1)

Answered by Afra from CANADA | Jan. 10, 2019 01:16

You can take shuttle bus line 1 from the airport to the railway station directly. It takes around 45 mins on the way.

Asked by phim from THAILAND | Nov. 11, 2018 00:32

Is there have bathroom at Kunming airport. And do you know, how much does it cost?

Answers (1)

Answered by Ethan from UNITED KINGDOM | Nov. 11, 2018 23:49

You mean you want take a bath at the airport? There seems no bath room and you can find a hotel to live in near the airport.