Kunming Travel Guide: top things to see and do

In this travel guide, you can discover the top things to see and do in Kunming (昆明), the capital of Yunnan province.

It’s no mystery that Yunnan is my favorite province in China. Kunming, its capital, is located at an elevation of about 1900 meters above sea level, and thanks to its proximity to the Tropics, it enjoys nice weather for most of the year: it never gets too hot and, when it’s cold, it’s usually only for a short time. This is why Kunming is often called Spring City.

Kunming is also the ideal starting point for exploring Yunnan, so it is often overlooked. Despite not enjoying the same reputation as cities like Shanghai and Beijing, it has a lot of charm.

In this article, you’ll find ideas for what to see and do in this lovely city.

When is the best time to visit Kunming?

The best time to visit Kunming is generally during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), though thanks to its mild weather, it never gets too hot or too cold. If you decide to visit around the end of April, you will see the beautiful Jacaranda flowers in full bloom. In summer, it rains quite a lot, but it’s not hot. If you are looking for some inspiration for your Yunnan itinerary, check out my itineraries page.

How long should you stay in Kunming?

Two days should be enough to explore the main attractions within the city. If you have more time, you can include a visit to Jiaozi Snow Mountain and Stone Forrest.

Kunming can also be used as a starting point to explore the nearby towns of Mile (very underrated, in my opinion) or Yiliang, famous for the tasty roast duck and beautiful cherry blossom in spring.

Here are some ideas for a 4-day trip to Kunming.

Day 1 in Kunming

Green Lake (翠湖公园)

You can start your day by walking around and inside Green Lake Park (翠湖), also known as the “Jade of Kunming City”, originally part of Lake Dianchi. During winter, it becomes a temporary home for red-headed seagulls migrating from Siberia, making it a tradition for locals and tourists to feed them.

The park offers a nice environment in the summer with lotus flowers, willow trees, and a gentle breeze. While walking in the area, you will see square dances, people in ethnic costumes, and locals simply relaxing while sipping local tea. The park also features running routes, outdoor fitness equipment, charming cafes, tea shops, and unique shops.

Don’t miss the nearby Yuantong Temple, first built in the late 8th and early 9th centuries, during the Nanzhao Kingdom.

Yunnan Military Academy (云南陆军讲武堂)

Established in 1909, under the leadership of prominent figures like Chiang Kai-shek, Zhu De, and Long Yun, the Yunnan Military Academy produced many influential military and political leaders who played crucial roles in shaping China’s destiny. Many famous military leaders graduated from Yunnan Military Academy, including Zhu De, who taught there after graduating in July 1911. The museum is quite interesting and has English signs. You can explore it in about an hour, and it’s conveniently located next to Green Lake Park.

Wenlin Street (昆明文林街)

Wenlin Street is a historic street near Yunnan University, not far from Green Lake. The street is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes, and it is a popular spot for local expats.

This is also where one of the best Chinese restaurants in town is located. It’s called Heavenly Manna (吗哪), and I recommend it (don’t miss the local goat cheese and cumin beef).

Western Hills Forest Park (西山森林公园)

On the western side of Kunming, Western Hills (Xishan) is a majestic mountain overlooking Dianchi Lake. This iconic mountain is dotted with historical sites, including Dragon Gate, which offers a panoramic view of the capital. Other notable attractions include Huating Temple, known for its impressive Bell Tower, Mahavira Hall, and the ethereal Sanqing Pavilion.

To reach Dragon Gate, you can take a cable car or the subway Line 3, which will take you to the mountain’s base. Alternatively, you can hike one of the many routes available. Don’t forget to visit the Art Gallery next to the cable car entrance.

Day 2 in Kunming

Naigu Stone Forest (乃古石林)

You might have heard of the Stone Forest, one of the most popular attractions near Kunming, but few people visit the nearby Naigu Stone Forest.

The rock formations are slightly darker, but the views are equally stunning. The advantage of this place is that it is way less crowded. A nice path will take you around and inside the peaks.

Getting to the Stone Forest is relatively easy since there is a High-Speed train from Kunming. It takes about 30 minutes to arrive there. Then you can take a local bus or taxi to the entrance. It’s the same area where the Jiuxan Caves are located (here is my guide).

Zhuanxin Farmers Market (篆新农贸市场)

After visiting the Stone Forest, head back to Kunming and visit one of the biggest markets in town: Zhuanxin Farmers Market (篆新农贸市场). The easiest way to get there is by subway: get off at Panjiawan Station (Line 3, Exit A) and walk south. After about 15 minutes, you’ll see the Zhuanxin Market.

Even after spending years in China, I’m still happy to explore local markets. I can always find something new or weird to eat that I have never seen before. Markets in Kunming are a great place to explore, since Yunnan has many unique vegetables and fruits that are rare elsewhere in Asia or China. You will not be disappointed.

Dounan Flower Market (斗南花卉市场)

If you are not too tired, you can head South of Kunming in the evening and explore one of the largest flower markets in Asia: Dounan. Getting there is easy since a new subway line connects the market entrance. Take the subway (Line 4) and exit at Jingui Jie (金桂街). The Dounan Subway stop is farther from the market, so I don’t recommend it.

The market is open to retailers from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and to wholesalers from 8:00 pm to 2:00 am.

Day 3 in Kunming

Guandu Old Town (官渡古镇)

Despite its name, the Guandu Old Town is not that old: only a few original buildings remain, and the rest have been completely rebuilt. It’s a nice place to spend a few hours watching residents hang out, play majiang, sing, and dance.

Yunnan Provincial Museum (云南省博物馆)

In my experience, provincial museums are some of the best in China, and the one in Yunnan is no exception. This one hosts over 200,000 artifacts that will help you discover the history of Yunnan and its diverse minorities.

You can easily spend a few hours wandering around the many exhibitions.

Kunming Waterfall Park (昆明瀑布公园)

Officially opened in 2016, this artificial waterfall park is worth visiting if you have some spare time. The water is pumped from the Niulan River as part of the massive Dian Zhong Water Diversion Project (滇中引水工程). The water flows into Dianchi Lake and is expected to help replenish the lake’s supply of fresh, clean water.

According to local news reports, the waterfall is 400 meters wide. It certainly is impressive, considering that it’s completely artificial.

Day 4 in Kunming

Jiaozi Snow Mountain (轿子雪山)

You can spend the last day in Kunming visiting the tallest mountain in the municipality. With an elevation of 4247 meters, Jiaozi Snow Mountain gets its name from the shape of the peaks that supposedly look like a sedan chair.

Jiaozi Snow Mountain is a magical place. It’s covered in pure white snow with stunning icefalls in winter and spring. But come summer and autumn, you’ll find fragrant azalea flowers blooming, with bees buzzing and butterflies dancing around.

Keep in mind that during winter, it can be pretty overcrowded with people eager to see the snow. The mountain’s glacial period runs from the end of November to the following March, and snow can reach up to 2 meters deep. Like many similar places in China, there is a wooden platform you can walk to the top, so there is no need to bring hiking equipment.

At the moment, it’s impossible to get to the mountain by train. Your best option is to take a bus from North Bus Station to Zhuanlong Town and then hire a private car to Jiaozi Snow Mountain. If you need a driver, send me a DM on Instagram.

Where to stay in Kunming?

There is no lack of accommodations in Kunming, but if you want to experience the city’s rich cultural heritage and captivating fusion of East and West, consider staying at the Moon & Chalice Boutique Hotel.

Nestled in the heart of the city’s old street area, this hotel occupies two iconic buildings that pay homage to Kunming’s history. From the beautifully restored chalice-shaped structures to the hand-picked European antiques that grace the interior, every detail reflects a deep commitment to preserving the city’s historical legacy.

This structure is also conveniently located in the city center, only 5 minutes from the Wuyilu subway station: recommended. The owner is the same as the beautiful glamping sites on Samaba and Pingbian.

As a more traditional alternative in a slightly quieter area, I recommend Cachet Boutique. The advantage of this property is that it also has an excellent restaurant, and the breakfast is international, something I honestly don’t take for granted when traveling in China.

How to live and study in Kunming for a while

Kunming is one of the easiest places in China to settle into, even if it’s your first time in the country. The pace is relaxed, the climate is mild pretty much year-round, and day-to-day life is far less overwhelming than in cities like Beijing or Shanghai.

I have a personal connection to the city because I studied there, and that period shaped much of what came after. It was the first time I experienced China beyond just traveling, and it made me realize that I wanted to stay longer and explore the country more seriously. That’s also why I think this kind of experience is worth trying.

At the same time, you don’t need to be thinking about moving to China to make it worth it. Even a short stay, a few weeks or a couple of months, gives you a very different perspective. It’s a simple way to live abroad for a while, without turning it into a major life decision.

If you’re considering it, I recommend the same school where I studied many years ago. You can contact them at [email protected]. If you’re interested in having a similar experience but in another city, it’s still worth contacting them, as they have campuses across China. You’ll also get a small discount if you mention my name (FABIO).

Remember to get a VPN before coming to China. If you prefer an eSIM, I recommend this one. Don’t forget to get a good travel insurance.

If your next destination after a few days in Kunming is Dali, don’t forget to check my travel guide. Here’s my travel guide to another beautiful and lesser-known place: Jingmaishan.