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

9.4/10Outstanding6783 Reviews
Cuihu District Kunming|1.57km from city centre
The hotel's location is absolutely fantastic, very close to Cuihu Park and the Former Site of the Yunnan Military Academy. The library is right across the street, and Kunming Old Street is within walking distance. There are tons of restaurants and snack shops nearby, and a Walmart is also very close. The hotel facilities are comprehensive, the rooms are spacious, clean, and tidy, and the staff are always responsive to requests. Breakfast is mainly Western-style, with a wide variety and high quality. We even received snowflake crisps and fruit upon check-in. The price is very reasonable, offering excellent value for money. Just one suggestion: the water pressure from the bathroom faucet is a bit low, making it a rush to wash up; this could use some improvement.
FromTRY 2,853

Sofitel Kunming

9.4/10Outstanding7678 Reviews
South Asia Feature No. 1 City Kunming|1.39km from city centre
Sofitel Kunming gets a high recommendation from me. This stay in an Executive Room was truly outstanding. The room was spacious and airy, with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows offering expansive views of the entire Kunming cityscape. The exclusive bedding was soft and gentle on the skin, and the soundproofing was excellent, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Housekeeping was impeccable, with all amenities well-stocked. The accompanying Executive Lounge privileges included exquisite afternoon tea and evening happy hour offerings. Mia was particularly attentive and thoughtful, adept at noticing guests' subtle needs, and communication with her was pleasant and natural. The hotel's central location makes it convenient for getting around and shopping. With its strong French ambiance, it's perfect for both business travelers and leisure guests. Overall, the value for money is excellent, and the stay was very comfortable. I will definitely choose this hotel again when I return to Kunming.
FromTRY 4,033

Golden Eagle Summit Hotel Kunming

9.1/10Good5546 Reviews
Downtown Commercial Area Kunming|0.87km from city centre
Overall, I'm very satisfied with this hotel; it offers great value for money. The hygiene, service, and location are all excellent. Although some facilities are a bit old, it didn't affect their use. The minor flaws don't detract from its overall quality, so I'm still giving it 5 stars – definitely a safe bet. GIN's service was very thoughtful and professional; I often sought his advice before heading out. Getting around the city center is very convenient, and the surrounding amenities are complete. The room was spacious and comfortable, ensuring a high quality of rest. The price is reasonable, making it a highly cost-effective choice.
FromTRY 2,494

Holiday Inn KUNMING CITY CENTRE by IHG

9.5/10Outstanding4238 Reviews
Downtown Commercial Area Kunming|1.59km from city centre
After leaving a green hotel full of corridors and doors early in the morning, arriving at the Holiday Inn City Center was a truly pleasant experience. The hotel staff were very enthusiastic and even upgraded me to a Grand Corner Room. Lying on the sofa by the large window and looking outside was so relaxing, it really brightened my mood. I ordered the breakfast small-pot rice noodles, and it was delivered quickly. The mini-bar also provided complimentary tamarind juice, which was perfect for cutting through the richness of the Erkuai (rice cakes). I also requested a knife to cut my mangosteen, and it was promptly delivered. The only minor regret was that the bathtub stopper was missing at the bottom; I came back too late that day to ask the staff to fix it. This is a small flaw, and the hotel is still excellent, but I do hope it can be fixed to make the stay even more perfect.
FromTRY 2,763

Kai Wah Plaza Hotel

9.4/10Outstanding6920 Reviews
Railway Station Area Kunming|1.72km from city centre
My stay at Kunming Jia Hua Plaza Hotel was excellent overall. The hotel's location is fantastic, with convenient transportation and easy access to attractions and dining options. The front desk staff were very welcoming and efficient with check-in and check-out, and all the staff were friendly. The room was clean and tidy. Despite the hotel being over 20 years old, the facilities are well-maintained, and the bedding was comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep. The hotel environment is generally quiet, making it a suitable choice for a stay while exploring Kunming. The breakfast offered a good variety of dishes and tasted great. Overall, I was very satisfied with the location, service, and the entire stay. It offers good value for money, and I would consider staying here again on my next visit to Kunming.
FromTRY 3,159

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Family friendly

KUN MING UPLAND INTERNATIONAL YOUTH HOSTEL

9.1/10Good2403 Reviews
Cuihu District Kunming|1.59km from city centre
I stumbled upon this international hostel by chance and met many foreign friends, all vibrantly enjoying their overseas trips. The ground floor features postcards of beautiful scenery from all over China, and a fish tank. The stairwell has a felt board recording thoughts and impressions from friends around the world. As you go up, there's a Western-style restaurant with professional chefs, bookshelves displaying rare books, a pool table, and a ping-pong table. Further up are the rooms, and the rooftop has a terrace perfect for relaxation, watching the sunset, team building, or just hanging out. There are abundant green plants and a small pond with many fish... Nearby, there are many famous attractions like Cuihu Lake, Yunnan University, Zhu De's former residence, and Kunming Old Street. Service: The front desk lady speaks fluent English, communicates smoothly and politely, and even offered to help carry luggage upstairs. Facilities: All equipment was in working order, and supplies were clean and hygienic. From Guizhou Province, I wish everyone an unforgettable trip in Kunming!
FromTRY 351

CitiGO Hotel (Old Street Kunming, Cuihu Park)

9.6/10Excellent5891 Reviews
Cuihu District Kunming|2.06km from city centre
The hotel's biggest advantage: it's very close to Cuihu Park. Because reviews mentioned small room sizes, I opted for an executive suite, which is 40 square meters, and the size was acceptable. Food deliveries were brought by a robot, so I didn't have to go pick them up myself. The room cleanliness was also okay. One minor complaint: the window next to the bed had no curtains, only a white sunshade. At night, lights would shine in, and in the morning, the light came in very early. Traffic around Cuihu and the old street is quite bad during holidays. We had a large suitcase, but getting it up the hotel's坡 (ramp) was very difficult, and there was no staff available to help. It was mostly self-service.
FromTRY 1,837

InterContinental Hotels KUNMING by IHG

9.5/10Outstanding9686 Reviews
Dianchi Lake Scenic Area Kunming|8.14km from city centre
The hotel environment is quite good, right near Dianchi Lake (part of the reason I booked this hotel). During the National Day holiday, it wasn't overly crowded, and both breakfast and the dinner buffet were delicious. The housekeeping auntie was extremely, extremely responsible! Her service was top-notch. The concierge staff were also excellent; they could deliver meals to the room. Because I caught a cold due to the temperature drop in Yunnan these past two days, they even sent ginger tea. And since my flight was a bit later, they accommodated our request for a late check-out. Overall, besides the TV being a bit small, there's really nothing else to complain about. I've stayed in many good hotels, some even more expensive and with more prominent brands, but they weren't as good as this one. This hotel truly impressed me, please keep up the great work!
FromTRY 5,743

Howard Johnson Flower City Hotel Kunming

9.1/10Good3283 Reviews
Expo Park Kunming|8.44km from city centre
The hotel's exterior is striking, with two buildings embracing each other that look stunning when lit up at night. I only discovered in the basement parking that the hotel has several lobbies for check-in, all with a floral theme. I asked a lovely lady at the front desk, and she told me it was the Orchid Lobby. Amber He Yanping, one of the front desk staff, who was wearing traditional attire, was beautiful and incredibly helpful. She was smiling from check-in to check-out, enthusiastically recommending the hotel's parent-child activities, taking the kids to the summer study room, and engaging them in various family activities. The children all had a fantastic time! She even took them on a scavenger hunt for ice cream and walked us to the lobby exit at check-out. The boss really needs to give her a bonus, haha! Unfortunately, our schedule was tight this trip, and the kids' play area and garden closed at 6 PM, so we didn't get to experience them. It would be great if they could stay open later. We'll just have to come back another time!
FromTRY 2,188

Crowne Plaza KUNMING CITY CENTRE by IHG

9.4/10Outstanding4624 Reviews
Downtown Commercial Area Kunming|0.72km from city centre
The hotel boasts convenient transportation and a superb location right by the Panlong River, with a riverside walkway just outside. It's within walking distance of Spring City 66, the Flying Tigers Memorial Museum, and Dongfeng Square. Parking is hassle-free with an attendant on duty. The facilities are excellent, with a spacious bathroom featuring a wet-dry separation. There were no issues with mosquitoes in the room. Power outlets are conveniently placed. The bedding and pillows were comfortable. The most commendable aspect was the prompt housekeeping by the floor attendant, who provided excellent assistance. Angel/nova, our 'journey connector,' was incredibly responsive and offered very effective help. The breakfast selection was rich, with different Yunnan specialty dishes offered daily. The light meals and afternoon tea at the executive lounge were also fantastic. Our experience here was excellent, making it the best choice for rest and relaxation during our trip.
FromTRY 3,428

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Swimming pool

HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts KUNMING by IHG

9.4/10Outstanding6450 Reviews
Dianchi Lake Scenic Area Kunming|8.2km from city centre
An absolutely wonderful experience! The hotel's location is excellent, and the service is incredibly attentive. In addition to the usual breakfast items, they also offer freshly baked flower pastries. The executive lounge has a great variety of options and fantastic views. In the evenings, they even deliver sweet soup to your room, which was delicious! The mountain view from the room is also incredibly beautiful – so peaceful, with clear skies and fluffy clouds, making for a very relaxing stay. I especially want to commend our butler, Jingyu. She was always responsive and communicative, and her thoughtful arrangements made us so happy with the hotel that we extended our stay for another two days!
FromTRY 4,698

Sheraton Kunming

9.2/10Very Good2277 Reviews
Economical Development Zone Kunming|10.98km from city centre
My stay at the Sheraton in Kunming was an overall fantastic experience, and I must give a special shout-out to Cindy from the front office! She contacted me before I even arrived and was incredibly warm and thoughtful. She proactively helped coordinate and resolve any issues we encountered. We asked her a lot of questions about local dining, attractions, and popular spots, and she patiently and meticulously answered every one, offering many practical suggestions that greatly enhanced our trip. Her service was genuinely warm, professional, and attentive, making us feel right at home. The hotel's facilities were also excellent; the room was clean and comfortable. I'm very satisfied overall and will definitely choose this hotel again on my next visit to Kunming.
FromTRY 4,167

Delta Hotels by Marriott Kunming

9.2/10Very Good1353 Reviews
Economical Development Zone Kunming|10.94km from city centre
Huge thanks to Mia, the Executive Lounge Manager, for her thoughtful and timely service. She was incredibly considerate and handled all guest requests effectively. The overall lounge experience was comfortable and welcoming, and her professional service made our stay truly pleasant. Also, a big thank you to Andrew at the front desk!
FromTRY 3,450

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

9.3/10Very Good3259 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! 👍
FromTRY 2,591

Wanda Realm Kunming Hailybinya

9.4/10Outstanding6899 Reviews
Dian Chi Exhibition Center Kunming|6.74km from city centre
Traveling with kids, we stopped in Kunming for a night on our way back from Fuxian Lake and chose this hot spring hotel. The hotel was clean, the service was great, and we really enjoyed the water park and hot springs – it was so relaxing and perfect for families with children. Highly recommend for family trips!
FromTRY 2,905

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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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