Top Things to do in Kunming: Best Activities & Must-Sees

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By Amber

September 7, 2026

Things to do in Kunming

Between lakes, mountains, temples and flower markets, Kunming surprises with a blend of nature, culture and local life. Known as the City of Eternal Spring, the capital of Yunnan enjoys a mild climate and is perfect for discovering places like the Stone Forest, Dianchi Lake or the Western Hills.

In this Trip.com guide, you'll find what to see in Kunming, plans for all types of travellers, nearby excursions, and practical tips for organising your trip from Spain.

🎫 Popular Activities in Kunming at the Best Prices

💡 Did you know…? Kunming is nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its mild climate. It sits at an altitude of around 1,900 metres, meaning its summers are milder than those of many other large cities in China.

🗺️ What to Do in Kunming Based on Your Stay

Whether you're making a brief stopover before continuing on to Dali and Lijiang or staying for a few days, let yourself be inspired by these plans for Kunming, tailored to the length of your trip and who you're travelling with.

ExcursionDurationPlaces IncludedDescription

Stone Forest & Flower Market

1 day

Shilin Stone Forest, Dounan Flower Market and Dianchi Lake

Combines the spectacular karst landscape of Shilin with a visit to the flower market and a walk or sunset by Dianchi Lake.

Kunming Culture & Nature

1 day

Yunnan Ethnic Village, Dianchi Lake, Western Hills and Dragon Gate

A cultural and scenic route featuring Yunnan's ethnic cultures, lakeside walks, temples and panoramic viewpoints.

Western Hills, Dianchi & Dounan

1 day

Western Hills, Dragon Gate, Dianchi Lake, Guandu, Dounan and Haiyan Village

A full-day trip with trails, temples, panoramic views, local culture, a flower market and sunset by the lake.

Stone Forest & Dianchi Lake

1 day

Shilin Stone Forest and Dianchi Lake

A private trip combining Shilin's karst formations with the scenery and wetlands of Dianchi Lake. Flexible transport from Kunming is included, but a guide and entrance tickets are not.

Green Lake Park, Kunming's Green Escape

1–3 hours

Lake, pavilions, gardens and walking paths

A free urban park ideal for walking and relaxing, with red-billed gulls commonly seen in winter and spring.

Flying Over Yunnan, 5D Experience

1–2 hours

Nanping Pedestrian Street

Simulates a flight over China's landscapes with giant screens, moving seats and special effects including wind, snow and bubbles.

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🏛️ Top 6 Activities and Landmarks in Kunming

Kunming is a sprawling city, but its most interesting sights are concentrated in several distinct areas. Each one allows you to discover a different facet of the capital of Yunnan.

Green Lake Park

Green Lake Park is a peaceful urban park in the centre of Kunming, known for its lakes, traditional pavilions, and pleasant paths. Entry is free and a visit usually lasts between one and three hours. In winter and spring, it stands out for the presence of numerous red-billed gulls, while all year round it is an ideal place for a stroll, relaxing, boating, and enjoying the local atmosphere.

📌 Trip.com tip: visit Green Lake Park first thing in the morning. The atmosphere is especially lively, and you'll be able to see the locals going about their morning activities.

Flying Over Yunnan

Flying Over Yunnan is a 5D audiovisual experience in the centre of Kunming that simulates a flight over some of China's most breathtaking landscapes. It combines giant screens, motion seats, and wind, snow, and bubble effects to create an immersive, entertaining, and unique activity. It is open from 09:30 to 22:00 and is a great option to round off a visit to the Nanping Street shopping and pedestrian area. 

People can be seen at the Flying Over Yunnan attraction, a 5D audiovisual experience in the centre of Kunming that simulates a flight over some of China's most breathtaking landscapes

Stone Forest and flower market

This day trip combines the stunning Shilin Stone Forest, a World Heritage site, with the Dounan Flower Market and Dianchi Lake. It’s a comprehensive route for discovering nature, the local atmosphere, and some of Kunming's most iconic landscapes.

📌 Trip.com tip: set aside some time to explore Shilin at a leisurely pace and end the day among the flowers at Dounan or watching the sunset by the lake.

Kunming's culture and nature

This route connects the Yunnan Ethnic Village, Dianchi Lake, Western Hills and Dragon Gate. Throughout the day, you can learn about the traditions of Yunnan's ethnic minorities, stroll by the water and discover temples, trails and viewpoints carved into the mountain.

📌 Trip.com tip: wear comfortable footwear, as part of the visit to Western Hills and Dragon Gate involves stairs and mountain paths.

Western Hills, Dianchi and Dounan

A day trip that combines Western Hills, Dragon Gate, Dianchi Lake, Guandu Old Town, Dounan Flower Market and Haiyan Village. The route brings together temples, natural landscapes, local markets and a sunset by the lake.

📌 Trip.com tip: save Haiyan Village for the end of the day and enjoy the sunset light over Dianchi Lake.

Stone Forest and Dianchi Lake

This private excursion connects two of Kunming's great natural landscapes: the karst formations of the Shilin Stone Forest and the wetlands of Dianchi Lake. It includes flexible transport from Kunming, although the guide and entrance fees are booked separately.

📌 Trip.com tip: agree on a departure time in advance to avoid peak hours at the Stone Forest.

Discover the best things to do in Kunming

✈️ How to Get to Kunming from the UK

Kunming, the gateway to the landscapes of Yunnan, is located in southwest China and welcomes travellers at Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG). From London or Manchester, the journey usually includes one or two stopovers in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu or Guangzhou. Although the journey can take between 16 and 20 hours, the reward is worth it: upon arrival, mountains, lakes and one of the most fascinating regions in China await you.

How to get from the airport to the city centre

Kunming Changshui International Airport is located about 25 kilometres from the city centre.

The main transport options are:

  • Metro: affordable and convenient for getting to different areas of Kunming.
  • Taxi: convenient if you have luggage; always show the address in Chinese.
  • DiDi: an app similar to Uber that lets you enter your destination directly.
  • Private transfer: recommended for families, groups, or late-night arrivals.
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🌤️ Best Time to Visit Kunming

Kunming has a milder climate than many other Chinese cities, although there are significant differences between the seasons.

SeasonWeatherCommentsRecommended Activities

🌸 Spring, March to May

Mild temperatures and blooming flowers

One of the best times to visit Kunming

Parks, flower markets and the Stone Forest

🌧️ Summer, June to August

Mild, humid and rainy

Rainfall is more frequent

Museums, local food and green landscapes

🍂 Autumn, September to November

Pleasant and relatively dry

Excellent season for day trips

Western Hills, Dongchuan and Yunnan tours

❄️ Winter, December to February

Mild days and cool nights

Seagull season at the lakes

Dianchi Lake and Green Lake Park

Due to the altitude, the temperature difference between day and night can be significant. Even in the warmer months, it's a good idea to bring a light jacket.

💥 Ready for Kunming? Book cheap flights, train tickets and the best hotels conveniently all in one place on Trip.com!

Best hotels in Kunming

5 star

Grand Park Kunming

9.4/10Outstanding6625 Reviews
Cuihu District Kunming|1.57km from city centre
This hotel's location is absolutely unbeatable! It's right next to Cuihu Park, literally just steps away. You can walk to Yunnan University and Kunming Old Street in just a few minutes. The hotel is a bit older but very well-maintained and comfortable. Breakfast is definitely a highlight, with a wide selection of Chinese, Western, and local Yunnan specialties. The freshly cooked rice noodles are amazing, and their French pastries are also a signature item. Overall, my stay far exceeded expectations. I'll definitely choose this hotel again next time I'm in Kunming!
From£40

Golden Eagle Summit Hotel Kunming

9.2/10Very Good5503 Reviews
Downtown Commercial Area Kunming|0.87km from city centre
The hotel is in a great location, right in the prime area of Qingnian Road, surrounded by commercial districts like the Old Street. Many iconic landmarks are nearby and within walking distance, making it incredibly convenient for getting around. LORI provided excellent service; when we asked about nearby dining options, she first inquired about our dietary restrictions before making recommendations, which was very professional. The food she suggested was also exactly to our taste.
From£36

Kai Wah Plaza Hotel

9.4/10Outstanding6973 Reviews
Railway Station Area Kunming|1.72km from city centre
The hotel's decor is a bit old-fashioned, but all the facilities work perfectly. The air conditioning cools exceptionally well, and the shower has stable water pressure and temperature. The bedding and linens meet high hotel standards. The soft services were noticeably warm and thoughtful, especially the restaurant manager's service, which was the best I've experienced in all the hotels I've stayed at. Seeing that I was mostly taking Western breakfast items, she proactively asked if I wanted an iced Americano and even specially brought us two bowls of their signature rice noodles. The experience was truly nice!
From£47

InterContinental Hotels KUNMING by IHG

9.5/10Outstanding9504 Reviews
Dianchi Lake Scenic Area Kunming|8.14km from city centre
This garden hotel is absolutely stunning! The garden is like a huge energy field; a walk through it every evening recharges you. A big thank you to the lovely front desk lady who arranged a beautiful room with a direct view of the garden – it was so refreshing to open the window each day. The swimming pool is also fantastic! It's deep and spacious, with excellent water quality, making for a truly enjoyable swim. The room was cleaned promptly, and the housekeepers thoughtfully left four bottles of water, all neatly arranged! I was able to add the butler on WeChat, and during my five-night stay, I received fruit for three days, and two cans of coffee as a farewell gift! Our room rate included breakfast and dinner, and for all five nights, the food at the restaurant was consistently excellent! The Yunnan local dishes, in particular, were so delicious they almost brought tears to my eyes! The rice noodles were incredible, with four different types of toppings! I had rice noodles for both breakfast and dinner! The fruit selection was also abundant, with seven or eight varieties. I especially loved their freshly squeezed juices, particularly the cucumber juice. And they have an Indian chef whose flying bread and curry are simply divine! The location is superb! A short walk through Haigeng Hall leads you directly to Haigeng Dam, making it incredibly convenient to see the seagulls! Xishan and Haihong Wetland are also not far, perfect for a leisurely stroll. I hope to stay at InterContinental Hotel again on my next visit to Dianchi Lake. The quality and service far exceeded my expectations!
From£96

Howard Johnson Flower City Hotel Kunming

9/10Good3340 Reviews
Expo Park Kunming|8.44km from city centre
Our stay was fantastic! Our personal butler was incredibly attentive throughout, preparing everything we needed in advance and responding to our requests super quickly. Their meticulous and thoughtful service truly warmed our hearts. The room was clean and comfortable, and the service was impeccable. We'll definitely choose this place again for our next stay!
From£34

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Family friendly

KUN MING UPLAND INTERNATIONAL YOUTH HOSTEL

9.1/10Good2337 Reviews
Cuihu District Kunming|1.59km from city centre
This is an international youth hostel, and there are indeed many foreigners here. The common areas have a great vibe, and the food and drinks are very affordable. It's super convenient, just a 2-minute walk to the East Gate of Cuihu Lake. If I could, I'd love to book it for two months next summer! Oh, a friendly heads-up: the room type I booked doesn't have air conditioning, only a fan. But it was quite cool, so the fan was perfectly fine. I stayed in room 506; the bed was very soft, the shower had good pressure and heated up quickly. The toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and shower gel were all good, and the toilet paper was quite thick. The only minor drawback was that the electric fan was a bit noisy. My friend stayed in 606; their water pressure was slightly lower, but the fan was silent, though the bed was a little firmer. Overall, I'm very satisfied! The washing machine and dryer are also a nice touch. All the staff speak English. While it's called a youth hostel, there are actually people of all age groups staying here.
From£6

CitiGO Hotel (Old Street Kunming, Cuihu Park)

9.6/10Excellent5921 Reviews
Cuihu District Kunming|2.06km from city centre
1. The location is excellent. It's right next to Cuihu Park, and the Military Academy is also nearby. Everything is within walking distance, just a stone's throw away. Cuihu Park has beautiful scenery and a rich historical background, making it very worthwhile for a leisurely stroll in the morning or evening. You really should visit in the morning or evening; it feels much better then. There are also a few streets nearby with many interesting cafes, dessert shops, and pubs, and you often see foreigners there. Sitting down for a drink or a bite to eat is very pleasant. There's also a fascinating bookstore called 'Xiang Pi Shu Dian' (Rubber Bookstore). Next to the bookstore, there's a small area exhibiting children's poetry; the kids' poems will bring tears to your eyes. 2. The breakfast is quite tasty, but some room types don't include it and require a separate purchase. Adding breakfast at the front desk costs 49 per person. 3. The room is a bit small, but it's just for sleeping anyway, so it doesn't bother me. 4. Oh, and the shower is truly, truly amazing! The showerhead is Hansgrohe, and showering is incredibly comfortable!!
From£32

Crowne Plaza KUNMING CITY CENTRE by IHG

9.4/10Outstanding4643 Reviews
Downtown Commercial Area Kunming|0.72km from city centre
This is a fantastic hotel, a seasoned five-star establishment that offers excellent value for money and exceeded my expectations! The day before check-in, the butler called to inquire about our needs. Upon arrival, a bellhop immediately helped us with our luggage and assisted with the check-in process. The room was spacious with a small balcony. Although the hotel is older, all facilities are well-equipped, and the attention to detail really shines through! During our stay, when we encountered an issue and contacted the butler, they were incredibly proactive in resolving it. The service attitude was truly beyond five stars! On the 4th floor, the executive lounge offers afternoon tea, and the pastries are even better than those found in many patisseries. There's also a light dinner available during the evening. Breakfast is served on the 2nd floor, with a wide variety of dishes, including many local specialties. The service staff are all very attentive and friendly; they even help pack food for guests who need it. The hotel's location is also excellent. The nearby Dongfeng Square is beautifully decorated, and the surrounding area has a vibrant local atmosphere. It's only about 300 meters on foot to Nanqiang Pedestrian Street, which leads directly to Nanping Pedestrian Street and Jinma Biji Archway. It's also very close to two subway stations (Dongfeng Square and Tangzixiang), and there's a bus stop right in front of the hotel.
From£53

Kunming Jinjiang Hotel

9.2/10Very Good3636 Reviews
Railway Station Area Kunming|1.75km from city centre
Upon check-in, I received complimentary welcome fruits: an apple, an orange, and two cherry tomatoes. The front desk staff were very patient. When they understood I wasn't satisfied with my room on the first day, they not only arranged a new room but also helped transfer my luggage. Big thumbs up! The breakfast offered a good mix of Western and Chinese options, including some delicious Yunnan specialty dishes. My suggestions would be to perform some maintenance on the furniture, as some pieces were peeling, and to increase the hot water temperature in the shower. Overall, Jinjiang is still a trustworthy brand.
From£19

HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts KUNMING

9.4/10Outstanding6515 Reviews
Dianchi Lake Scenic Area Kunming|8.2km from city centre
The service was incredibly attentive. While the late check-in was a bit unpleasant, your service more than made up for it. The executive lounge was also very considerate of guests; knowing we weren't used to the chopped chili pomfret, they specially prepared a plate of chopped chili yellow croaker for me [strong emoji]. The hotel environment is great, and Ctrip even provided a complimentary travel photoshoot.
From£68

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Swimming pool

Kunming Zhongwei Tianheng Grand Hotel (Kunming Old Street Nanping Pedestrian Street)

9.3/10Very Good3239 Reviews
Downtown Commercial Area Kunming|0.72km from city centre
This is a well-established five-star hotel with an excellent location. The rooms are spacious and clean, and the service is friendly. It offers good value for money and is always my top choice when I visit Kunming. It's very convenient for food, accommodation, and getting around. It's just a short walk to Kunming Oriental Plaza, Spring City 66 (the twin towers), Nanqiang Street, Nanping Street, Kunming Old Street, and Shuncheng Shopping Center. The breakfast buffet is extensive, and I highly recommend their flower cakes and 'Crossing the Bridge' noodles – they're delicious! 👍
From£47

Wanda Realm Kunming Hailybinya

9.4/10Outstanding7060 Reviews
Dian Chi Exhibition Center Kunming|6.74km from city centre
I stayed at this hotel for 5 nights. I was quite hesitant before choosing it, especially after reading about the negative elevator incident, which made me really worry about safety. So, every time I took the elevator during my stay, I was on edge. The main reason I decided to stay was for the hot springs and swimming pool, as it's been raining a lot in Kunming recently, and I figured we'd just enjoy the hotel. Honestly, I wasn't particularly impressed with the service, and the facilities are quite old, very old. If it weren't for the constant rain and traveling with a child, I probably wouldn't have chosen this hotel. Especially after visiting Fuxian Lake, the comparison really highlighted its shortcomings.
From£51

Yunnan Lishui Yunquan Hotel (Yunshida South High-speed Railway Station)

9.5/10Outstanding499 Reviews
Chenggong New District Kunming|24.15km from city centre
I ordered takeout, but the hotel doesn't allow the deliveryman to deliver to the room because it was inconvenient for me, so I asked the front desk for help, and it was delivered to the room very quickly. When I asked the reason, the front desk guy told me that it was for the safety of the guests that the deliveryman was not allowed to go upstairs. The hotel has trained guests that if they need takeout to the room, they can help deliver it. The overall feeling of the hotel is good, and the service attitude is very good. When I checked in, I asked about the surrounding attractions and routes, and they explained it very patiently. The room internet connection was very fast, and I asked the waiter, who told me that each room has an independent dedicated line. The room feels clean, and you can swim, exercise, and take a hot spring bath. Since I had a lot of fun, I didn't have time to take a few photos of the hotel. I will take more photos after I check in next time.
From£40

Empark Grand Hotel Kunming

9.3/10Very Good4111 Reviews
Century City Area Kunming|8.51km from city centre
Honestly, this hotel's rating is definitely underestimated. It's a traditional, established five-star hotel. We got a free room upgrade, and the room was very spacious. Although the facilities are a bit old, they are all high-quality. The hotel also has a large parking lot and lobby, and the breakfast area is huge with a wide variety of options. I've stayed at Century Golden Resources in Chongqing, which is a renowned hotel there. I'm not sure why it seems to be perceived as lesser in Kunming; it's severely underrated. They offer free umbrella rentals, and there's a huge shopping mall nearby, making everything very convenient. The best part is that the prices didn't even go up during the May Day holiday, which is incredibly fair. The only drawback is that they are currently undergoing renovations, so it's a bit noisy during the day. However, we were out exploring during the day, so we mostly avoided the noise. Overall, I'm very satisfied.
From£38

Crowne Plaza KUNMING ANCIENT DIAN TOWN by IHG

9.3/10Very Good2654 Reviews
Colorful Yunnan Paradise Kunming|29.69km from city centre
I booked this hotel because of its proximity to the amusement park, and it turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The hotel's garden environment is lovely, and the facilities are well-equipped, giving you a truly relaxing vacation vibe as you stroll around. The room facilities are all great, the bedding is comfortable, and the staff are always smiling and provide excellent service. A special shout-out to our butler, Clove, who responded promptly to our requests and helped us order food to our room every day – truly like a personal butler! We had a wonderful stay.
From£52

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🍜 Kunming, Gastronomic Capital of Yunnan

Kunming's gastronomy reflects the cultural and natural diversity of Yunnan. Mushrooms, aromatic herbs, flowers, and mountain produce all play a very important role.

Dishes you have to try

  • Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles: rice noodles served with piping hot broth and a variety of ingredients.
  • Mushroom hot pot: one of Yunnan's most famous gastronomic experiences.
  • Erkuai: a dough made from rice that can be grilled, fried or stir-fried.
  • Yunnan potatoes: usually served roasted or fried with spices.
  • Steamed chicken: traditionally cooked in a special clay pot.
  • Flower pastries: little sweets filled with rose petals.
  • Tofu and local snacks: a common sight in markets and shopping streets.
  • Yunnan tea: the province is internationally renowned for varieties such as pu-erh.
  • Yunnan coffee: a surprise for many travellers, as the province is a major coffee producer.

🥇 Our golden rule: choose busy restaurants and establishments where you see local residents eating. In markets, use a translation app to ask about ingredients and spice levels.

💳 How to Pay in Kunming

In Kunming, your mobile is almost an extension of your wallet: Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate everyday payments. It’s worth installing them before your trip and linking a compatible card, though it’s always wise to carry some yuan in cash just in case the connection fails, your battery dies, or you venture into less touristy areas.

📱 How to Communicate in Kunming

In Kunming, Mandarin is mainly spoken and English is limited, but that doesn't have to hold back the adventure. A good translation app, saved bookings, and addresses in Chinese will help you get around with ease. WeChat will also be a great ally for contacting hotels, guides, and suppliers during your trip.

🌐 Internet and Useful Apps in Kunming

Arriving connected will make exploring Kunming much easier. You can use an eSIM, roaming, or a local SIM, and rely on apps like Trip.com, Alipay, WeChat, DiDi, Amap, or Baidu Maps. As some Western apps may not work normally in China, it is advisable to prepare these alternatives before your trip and start your adventure without missing a thing.

🚇 How to Get Around Kunming

Metro

The metro is the easiest way to get around between the airport, train stations, the city centre, and some tourist areas.

Bus

The bus network is extensive and affordable, though it can be a bit trickier for those who don't read Chinese.

Taxi and DiDi

These are convenient options for direct journeys. Entering your destination in DiDi significantly reduces communication issues.

Train

Always check your departure station, carry your original passport, and arrive in good time to get through security.

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💡 Practical Tips for Travelling to Kunming

Before travelling to Kunming, prepare the essentials well: set up Alipay or WeChat Pay, download the apps you'll need, save your bookings, and carry important addresses written in Chinese. For train travel, remember to take your original passport, check your departure station, and book in advance during holidays.

A power bank, sun protection, comfortable footwear, travel insurance and a bit of planning will make discovering Kunming so much easier.

Kunming is not just a stopover before Dali or Lijiang. The City of Eternal Spring deserves several days to explore the Stone Forest, gaze out over Dianchi Lake, taste Yunnan's gastronomy and discover the region's cultural richness. Kunming awaits you with unforgettable landscapes, flavours and experiences.

✈️ Book your flight + hotel in Kunming at the best price on Trip.com.

❓ FAQ – Things to Do in Kunming

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