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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 $1669
Local Dance

11-Day Private Trip to Beijing/ Kunming/ Dali/ Lijiang/ Shanghai from $2309
Local People in Yunnan

8-Day Private Kunming/ Dali/ Lijiang/ Shangri-La Tour from $1159
Stone Forest

6-Day Kunming/ Jianshui/ Yuanyang from $939
Ethnic Minority People

7-Day Private Tour of Kunming/ Dali / Lijiang from $1029

Train Tickets Booking

Flights Booking

- Last modified on Nov. 05, 2019 -

Questions & Answers on Kunming Travel

Asked by jo from SINGAPORE | Nov. 03, 2019 08:33

Possible to do a day-trip to Jiaozi Snow Mountain on a Sat/Sun?

Answers (1)

Answered by Day from FINLAND | Nov. 05, 2019 22:21

One day is a little bit tight. You are suggested to prepare two days to tour around the mountain.

Asked by Salmah from MALAYSIA | Oct. 31, 2019 06:42

How do i go from kunming to xian? is it easier by bullet train or flight?

Answers (1)

Answered by Mason from CANADA | Nov. 03, 2019 23:47

The two places are too far apart so there is no bullet train. The normal train takes around 22.5 hours on the way. You better take airplane.

Asked by Liem from SINGAPORE | Oct. 24, 2019 01:09

we are travelling from Kunming to Dali ,may I know which mode of transport is the faster ?

by coach or Train ?
thanks.

Answers (1)

Answered by Gina from CANADA | Oct. 27, 2019 22:41

You can take high speed train from the Main Railway station to Dali Railway station.

Asked by diana from COLOMBIA | Oct. 20, 2019 14:39

Hi I hold a Colombian passport and I am travelling Sydney-Kunming-Kathmandu.

I have a layover of 8 hrs in Kunming and I was wondering if I need to get a visa for this transit?

Answers (1)

Answered by Stella from AUSTRALIA | Oct. 22, 2019 20:46

Don't worry, you are eligible for 24 hour visa free transit.