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silhouette of person standing on mountain top during nighttime
silhouette of person standing on mountain top during nighttime - Photo by Cexin Ding

Discover the Enchanting City of Kunming, China: A Guide for

About Kunming, China

Kunming, China is a hidden gem for travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience. With stunning natural scenery, delicious food, and a fascinating history, this city provides visitors with a unique perspective on Chinese culture. From exploring ancient temples to hiking through the mountains, Kunming has something to offer for everyone.

Kunming, known as the "Spring City," is the capital city of Yunnan province in China. This city is known for its scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and diverse ethnic culture. Kunming has something to offer for everyone, whether you are an adventure-seeker, history buff, or foodie.

One of the main attractions in Kunming is the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Stone Forest is a natural wonder consisting of limestone formations that resemble a forest. Visitors can explore the different scenic areas, such as the Zhiyun Cave and the Naigu Stone Forest, or hike to the top of the stone formations for a panoramic view of the area.

Another must-visit location is the Green Lake Park, located in the city center. This park is home to many species of birds and fish, and visitors can rent paddle boats or enjoy a cup of tea in one of the traditional tea houses located around the lake.

For history enthusiasts, the Yunnan Provincial Museum is a must-visit. This museum houses over 100,000 cultural relics, including bronze ware, pottery, and jade. Visitors can learn about the history of Yunnan province and the different ethnic groups that call the region home.

Kunming is also known for its unique cuisine. The city's most famous dish is the Crossing the Bridge Noodles, a soup-based dish consisting of rice noodles, vegetables, and meat. Visitors can also try other local dishes, such as the Yunnan-style hot pot and the Er Kuai, a type of rice cake.

Overall, Kunming is a unique travel destination that offers a blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. Its warm climate, friendly people, and delicious food make it a must-visit destination for any traveler looking for an authentic Chinese experience.

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Popular Stays in Kunming, China

Explore some of the most affordable vacation packages and accommodation stays in Kunming, China

General view
Family hotelsBusiness hotels

Grand Park Kunming

Grand Park Kunming Hotel is conveniently located in the popular Wuhua area. The hotel offers a high standard of service and amenities to suit the individual needs of all travelers. Facilities like 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour front desk, facilities for disabled guests, luggage storage are readily available for you to enjoy. Some of the well-appointed guestrooms feature television LCD/plasma screen, additional toilet, bathroom phone, carpeting, clothes rack. The hotel's peaceful atmosphere extends to its recreational facilities which include hot tub, fitness center, golf course (on site), outdoor pool, massage. Friendly staff, great facilities and close proximity to all that Kunming has to offer are three great reasons you should stay at Grand Park Kunming Hotel.
Sports and Entertainment
Family hotelsBusiness hotelsGolf hotelsHotels with spa

Inter Continental Kunming

With a stay at InterContinental Kunming, an IHG Hotel in Kunming (Xishan District), you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Lake Dian and Hongta Sports Center. This luxury hotel is 3. 2 mi (5. 2 km) from Daguan Park and 4 mi (6. 4 km) from Kunming Sports Training Base. . Take advantage of recreational opportunities offered, including an indoor pool, a fitness center, and bicycles to rent. This hotel also features complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and a hair salon. . Make yourself at home in one of the 536 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature hair dryers and bathrobes. Conveniences include safes and desks, and housekeeping is provided daily. . Enjoy Asian cuisine at The Market, one of the hotel's 2 restaurants, or stay in and take advantage of the room service. Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at the bar/lounge. . Featured amenities include a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite. . Distances are displayed to the nearest 0. 1 mile and kilometer. Lake Dian - 1. 3 km / 0. 8 mi- Hongta Sports Center - 2. 6 km / 1. 6 mi- Daguan Park - 5. 2 km / 3. 2 mi- Kunming Sports Training Base - 6. 4 km / 4 mi- West Pagoda - 8. 5 km / 5. 3 mi- East Pagoda - 8. 7 km / 5. 4 mi- Nanping Pedestrian Street - 9. 7 km / 6 mi- Green Lake Park - 10. 4 km / 6. 4 mi- Nancheng Mosque - 10. 4 km / 6. 5 mi- Kunming Dianchi International Convention and Exhibition Center - 10. 5 km / 6. 5 mi- Kunming Hall - 10. 8 km / 6. 7 mi- Yunnan Normal University - 11. 1 km / 6. 9 mi- Tuodong Stadium - 11. 1 km / 6. 9 mi- Yunnan University - 11. 2 km / 6. 9 mi- Kunming Zoo - 11. 7 km / 7. 3 mi. The preferred airport for InterContinental Kunming, an IHG Hotel is Kunming (KMG-Changshui Intl. ) - 48 km / 29. 8 mi .
General view
Business hotels

Crowne Plaza Kunming City Centre Hotel

Crowne Plaza Kunming Center, located at the intersection of downtown business district, Qingnian Road and Jinbi Road, adjacent to Panlong River, is in a prime location with convenient transportation: about 26 kilometers away from Kunming Changshui International Airport, 2. 3 kilometers away from Kunming Railway Station, 1. 5 kilometers away from Hang Lung Plaza, Joy City, Golden Eagle Shopping Plaza and Nanping Street Pedestrian Street, It is within 1km from the subway Dongfeng Square Station (Line 2, Line 3 Interchange station) and Tangzixiang Station (Line 1). A quiet place in the midst of the bustling city, which is the ideal place for you to gather in Kunming "Spring City". The hotel has 297 deluxe rooms with balconies and suites. The hotel has two feature restaurants. The Grand Ballroom can accommodate 500 people and 4 meeting rooms ranging from 54-128 square metres, and the Grand Ballroom can also be flexibly divided into two meeting venues to meet your different meeting needs.
Bar
Business hotelsHotels with charm

Sofitel Kunming

Located in the Central Business District of Kunming, the guest rooms at Sofitel Kunming feature cultural design elements, with Club Mellisime Lounge access available for guests who want additional luxury. Enjoy an interactive culinary experience in Kwee Zeen, dine at LAN Restaurant, experience authentic Yunnan specialties at Le Chinois, or sip cocktails in the 219m high Voyage. Relax with a luxurious So SPA therapy, energize at So FIT, or swim in our indoor pool.
General view
Business hotels

Hualuxe Hotels Resorts Kunming

Located in Kunming Dian Lake Tourist Resort, HUALUXE Kunming is surrounded by the tributaries of Dian Lake and adjacent to many famous tourist attractions. Designed by WATG, the hotel focuses on integrating traditional Chinese culture and international elements into all spaces, It has a total of 223 elegant rooms, two distinctive restaurants and one lobby lounge. The 720-square-meter pillarless luxury banquet hall possess an outdoor open rest area and six multi-functional conference rooms, as well as urban gardens designed for private gathering and outdoor health spa. HUALUXE characteristic social space and other leisure entertainment facilities always the first choice for business travel and city leisure.
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Business hotels

Crowne Plaza Kunming Ancient Dian Town

Crowne Plaza Kunming Ancient Dian Town is The Place to Meet, for company retreat or holidays on your next visit to Kunming Hotel is conveniently located at Huanhu South Road and 70 km from Kunming Changshui International Airport. We are close to Wonderland Amusement Park and Dian Lake. Commute easily to other parts of the city with the nearby Huanhu South Road or readily available taxis in the district. Crowne Plaza Kunming Ancient Dian Town boasts 1, 160 sqm of flexible event space in 7 meeting rooms, including a Grand Ballroom that seats up to 700 guests (banquet-style). Let our Crowne Meetings Director tailor our facilities to suit your event’s needs, whether it is a boardroom meeting, exclusive product launch or annual company dinner. Our master chefs will craft full banquet menus, customized cocktail receptions or refreshing working lunches for your events. All guestrooms feature 50 inches flat-screen televisions, satellite channels, work desks with ergonomic seats and high-speed Internet access. Let our Business Center support all your secretarial needs with print, fax, copy, email and IT services. Stay at Crowne Plaza Kunming Ancient Dian Town and let us host your next event in Kunming.
General view
Business hotels

Holiday Inn Kunming City Centre

Holiday Inn Kunming City Centre is a premium landmark hotel in the heart of Kunming’s CBD. Beside Plaza 66, with the Baita Business Area as its backdrop, the hotel offers a convenient downtown location that puts the entire city at your fingertips. This includes a wide range of nearby shopping and entertainment venues, as well as easy access by foot to Metro Line No. 2 &No. 3( Dongfeng Square Station). The hotel is further about 2. 8 kilometers from the Kunming Railway Station and 25 kilometers from Kunming Changshui International Airport. Appointed 293 comfortable rooms, 3 restaurants, a lobby lounge and 700 square meters of flexible event space in 8 meeting rooms lets your Stay at Holiday Inn Kunming City Centre more relax and comfort . Let us host your next event in Kunming.
Restaurant
Sustainable Hotel

Double Tree By Hilton Kunming Airport

The premises count with 285 welcoming rooms. Moreover, there is a wireless Internet connection available on-site. Travellers are welcomed in a lobby with 24-hour reception. DoubleTree by Hilton Kunming Airport understands that accessibility is important to all guests. For this reason, it features wheelchair accessible units and is fully adapted for easy access. The car park may be useful to those arriving by car. This hotel has a minimum impact on the environment, thanks to its sustainable practices. A fee may be chargeable for some services.

Things to do in Kunming, China

Choose from a range of unique experiences and fun activities in Kunming, China

1-Day Dali tour from Kunming by Round-way Bullet Train
Digital Voucher420 minutes

1-Day Dali tour from Kunming by Round-way Bullet Train

Visit highlights of Dali including the Dali Xizhou old village, Erhai lake, Three Pagodas and Dali ancient city with day tour from Kunming by round way bullet train. You will be picked up and dropped off at Kunming hotel.
Er Lake
Digital Voucher720 minutes

Kunming Private Day Tour to Dali City Highlights by Bullet Train

Experience Dali city highlights at your own pace on a private tour from Kunming by bullet train. Be greeted by a local private tour guide, travel by private air-conditioned vehicle, visit and explore the must-see attractions like Chongsheng Three Pagodas, Dali Ancient Town, Erhai Lake and Xizhou Ancient Town. Tour includes all entrance fees, lunch, transportation, train tickets and of course a private guide to provide information and take you through Dali. You can choose to end your tour in Dali or return Kunming.
Dongchuan Red Land
Digital Voucher600 minutes

1-Day Dongchuan Red Land Photography Private Tour from Kunming

Visit highlights of Dongchuan Red Land including Music Hollow (Yuepuao),Jingxiu Garden,Old Tree.and Luoxianggou with this private day tour from Kunming. You will be picked up from your Kunming hotel and dropped off at the Kunming hotel.
1 Day Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Cave Tour
Digital Voucher480 minutes

1 Day Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Cave Tour

One fear of many travelers in China is unmistakably crowds. And yes, also the Stone Forest at first sight might be suffering from commercialized tourism, but don’t let this hold you back from visiting. Both the Stone Forest and Jiuxiang caves are big areas and our tour guides know the right places to avoid the masses. Whether you want to find the best spots to shoot great pictures or have a peaceful stroll without being disturbed, you’d be surprised what Yunnan has to offer! With our guides you also never need to wait in line to buy tickets so you can make the best of your time.
Yunnan Wet Market + Wild Mushroom Hotpot +Tofu Making Eco Tour
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Yunnan Wet Market + Wild Mushroom Hotpot +Tofu Making Eco Tour

Price List(Varies by Group Size) For larger groups, please consult us first about the pricing. Group Size: 1 – 5 1 guest, 2150 RMB per person 2-3 guests, 1500 RMB per person 4-5 guests, 1250 RMB per person The length and the itinerary of the tour can be adjusted upon request. For extended sustainable tours in different regions of Yunnan, feel free to get in touch with us. On our tours, our guide will share with you our plastic-free lifestyle. We will help you to refuse all single-use plastic disposables from all venues we visit and provide you with a reusable food container, chopsticks, a spoon, and a reusable water bottle, etc. It’s our mission to encourage and take people to places which they wouldn’t have found on their own. We provide cultural immersion tours, that help people have an in-depth Yunnan experience whilst promoting local sustainable businesses and traditions, keeping the local communities prosperous and alive!
Traditional way of farming
Digital Voucher5760 minutes

4-day Yuanyang & Stone Forest Photograph Tour

This 4 Days Photography Tour combines the most stunning landscapes of Yunnan's natural wonders with ancient culture. From the capital city of Kunming you'll go to the nearby Stone Forest, UNESCO World Heritage Site covering a vast area of Karst formations, to then continue to the world famous Yuanyang's Rice Terraces and the charming old town of Jianshui. Yuanyang’s Rice Terraces of the Hani ethnic minority is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and they attract numerous photography-lovers all year round. During Fall, when the rice rapes, the field turns to be  During the winter months, the terraces are filled with water, every single one of them reflecting the sky, offering dreamlike landscapes as the light changes during the day. Certainly, the winter months from Dec. to March would be the best time to visit Yuanyang.
17 Seats
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Kunming Airport Private Transfer - Charge by Vehicle

Shuttle transfer services from Kunming Changshui International Airport to your hotel or destination in Kunming City and vice versa.
Private Day Tour to Jiuxiang Cave from Kunming by Car
Digital Voucher540 minutes

Private Day Tour to Jiuxiang Cave from Kunming by Car

Kunming is a wonderful city to visit different things. This private day tour will let you visit Jiuxiang area where there are cave, valley, waterfall, and Yi minority village etc. Chinese lunch is included. Pickup time is 8am from your centrally located Kunming hotel.

Why People Love Kunming, China

See what people have to say about activities and accommodations in Kunming, China

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ericmQ5744JJ
5
Apr 2021
1-Day Dali tour from Kunming by Round-way Bullet Train
1-Day Dali tour from Kunming by Round-way Bullet Train
1-Day Dali tour from Kunming by Round-way Bullet Train
1-Day Dali tour from Kunming by Round-way Bullet Train
This was our second time to Yunnan province and our first time to Dali and this tour made us fall in love with Dali! We were staying in kunming for a 3 day weekend and decided to go to Dali for the day, this tour gives you all it promises and more. It was very easy to book and communicate with th...
M
msouza3887
5
Sep 2020
Kunming Private Day Tour to Dali City Highlights by Bullet Train
Kunming Private Day Tour to Dali City Highlights by Bullet Train
Kunming Private Day Tour to Dali City Highlights by Bullet Train
Kunming Private Day Tour to Dali City Highlights by Bullet Train
Great tour! The train ride from Kunming to Dali is very easy and goes by quickly. This is a great tour to see the highlights of Dali, especially good for first time visitors. The three pagodas is a must-see!
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patryk_pl91
5
May 2024
1 Day Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Cave Tour
1 Day Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Cave Tour
1 Day Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Cave Tour
1 Day Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Cave Tour
The stone forest is truly beautiful and the caves are very colorful and amazing. My guide was nice and spoke good English. Overall, it was a great day and I can certainly recommend this trip to anyone!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Kunming

What are some must-visit attractions in Kunming?

Kunming has a lot to offer for travelers. Some must-visit attractions include the Stone Forest, Green Lake Park, and the Yuantong Temple. The Stone Forest is a natural wonder of limestone formations that are over 270 million years old. Green Lake Park is a beautiful park with a lake in the center and plenty of walking paths. Yuantong Temple is a Buddhist temple that dates back over 1,200 years and is one of the most important temples in Yunnan Province.

What outdoor activities are there to do in Kunming?

Kunming is known for its beautiful natural scenery and there are plenty of outdoor activities for travelers to enjoy. Some popular activities include hiking in the Western Hills, bike riding around Dianchi Lake, and visiting the Jiuxiang Scenic Area. The Western Hills are a range of mountains with several hiking trails and beautiful views. Dianchi Lake is the largest lake in Yunnan Province and is a great place for a bike ride. Jiuxiang Scenic Area is a karst cave system with underground rivers and waterfalls.

What is the best time of year to visit Kunming?

The best time to visit Kunming is from March to October when the weather is mild and pleasant. The city is known as the 'Spring City' because of its year-round mild climate. However, the peak season for tourism is from July to August when the weather is at its warmest and the flowers are in full bloom.

What is the local cuisine like in Kunming?

Kunming has a unique cuisine that is influenced by the local ethnic groups and neighboring countries. Some must-try dishes include Across-the-bridge Noodles, Yiliang Roast Duck, and Guoqiao Mixian. Across-the-bridge Noodles is a popular soup dish with noodles, chicken, and vegetables. Yiliang Roast Duck is a local specialty that is roasted over a wood fire and served with pancakes and vegetables. Guoqiao Mixian is a rice noodle dish that is served in a hot pot with a variety of meats and vegetables.

What is the nightlife like in Kunming?

Kunming has a vibrant nightlife with plenty of options for travelers. Some popular areas for nightlife include Kundu Night Market and Jinma Biji Square. Kundu Night Market is a lively night market with food stalls, bars, and live music. Jinma Biji Square is a large square with restaurants, bars, and clubs. There are also several karaoke bars and live music venues throughout the city.

What are some family-friendly activities in Kunming?

Kunming has several family-friendly activities for travelers. Some popular options include visiting the Kunming Zoo, the Yunnan Nationalities Village, and the Haigeng Dam. The Kunming Zoo is home to over 5,000 animals from over 300 species. The Yunnan Nationalities Village is a theme park that showcases the culture and traditions of the local ethnic groups. The Haigeng Dam is a large dam with beautiful views and a park with walking paths and picnic areas.

What are some budget-friendly accommodations in Kunming?

Kunming has several budget-friendly accommodations for travelers. Some popular options include the Hump Hostel, the Cloudland Hostel, and the Kunming Upland Youth Hostel. The Hump Hostel is a cozy hostel with private rooms and a communal kitchen. The Cloudland Hostel is a modern hostel with private rooms and a rooftop terrace. The Kunming Upland Youth Hostel is a budget-friendly hostel with dormitory-style rooms and a communal lounge.

What are some luxury accommodations in Kunming?

Kunming has several luxury accommodations for travelers. Some popular options include the InterContinental Kunming, the Sofitel Kunming, and the Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale Colorful Yunnan. The InterContinental Kunming is a luxury hotel with a spa, fitness center, and several restaurants. The Sofitel Kunming is a modern hotel with a rooftop bar and a spa. The Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale Colorful Yunnan is a luxury hotel with a swimming pool, fitness center, and several restaurants.

What is the transportation like in Kunming?

Kunming has a well-developed transportation system that includes buses, taxis, and the subway. The subway system has two lines that connect several major areas of the city. Taxis are also widely available and are a convenient way to get around the city. The bus system is extensive and has several routes throughout the city.

What is the culture like in Kunming?

Kunming is a diverse city with a rich cultural heritage. The city is home to several ethnic groups, including the Yi, Bai, and Hui. The local culture is heavily influenced by the local ethnic groups and neighboring countries. Traditional festivals, such as the Yi Torch Festival and the Bai March Fair, are celebrated throughout the city. The city is also known for its lively music and dance scene.