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

9.4/10Outstanding6721 Reviews
Cuihu District Kunming|1.57km from city centre
What can I say about this hotel? I stay here every time I come to Kunming, so it's safe to say it's true love. First, the location is unbeatable. It's right across from the Yunnan Provincial Library, just a short walk to Cuihu Lake, and surrounded by plenty of dining, entertainment, and shopping options. It's a real gem. Second, the value for money is outstanding. For this location, cleanliness, and comfort, you'd easily pay hundreds more in other cities. Here, it's a quiet oasis in the bustling city, all for under 500 yuan. Thumbs up! Third, the breakfast is quite substantial. Also worth mentioning, the bread from the hotel's pastry shop is delicious 😋 and not too sweet.
FromSAR 209

Golden Eagle Summit Hotel Kunming

9.1/10Good5571 Reviews
Downtown Commercial Area Kunming|0.87km from city centre
The room is spacious and well-designed, with plenty of space for luggage and other belongings. The hotel is located in the heart of the old city, with many restaurants in the adjacent mall. For snacks, you can take a short walk to Kunming Old Street. The front desk staff, particularly GIN, was very professional and helpful. When I asked about buying tickets, he repeatedly reminded me to make sure I bought tickets for Kunming Station and not to get it mixed up, as the two high-speed rail stations can be quite confusing.
FromSAR 185

Holiday Inn KUNMING CITY CENTRE by IHG

9.5/10Outstanding4223 Reviews
Downtown Commercial Area Kunming|1.59km from city centre
The hotel is in the city, so the room isn't huge, but I love the color scheme. The little tag on the mineral water bottle was a nice touch. I really enjoyed just relaxing in the room, drinking coffee, and reading a book. In the evening, I went to the 6th floor for a workout and was pleasantly surprised by the hotel's lighting decor – it was really photogenic! I spent half an hour taking pictures and picked one I liked to show off.
FromSAR 165

Kai Wah Plaza Hotel

9.4/10Outstanding6988 Reviews
Railway Station Area Kunming|1.72km from city centre
Facilities: This is an older five-star hotel with retro yet luxurious facilities. Cleanliness: The bedding and bathroom were very clean. Ambiance: The hotel hallways, with their warm lighting and wood-textured walls, along with the plush carpets, made me instinctively quiet my footsteps. The bedding was also very comfortable, and the soundproofing was excellent, allowing for a peaceful rest. Service: The service was very good and satisfactory.
FromSAR 226

InterContinental Hotels KUNMING by IHG

9.5/10Outstanding9617 Reviews
Dianchi Lake Scenic Area Kunming|8.14km from city centre
I chose InterContinental Kunming, which has been open for over ten years, because of its location by Dian Lake. It's about a ten-minute walk to the lake, and the surrounding area is very quiet. Old doesn't necessarily mean outdated. The lobby's central axis symmetrical layout gives off a strong and stable aura. The staff are present and attentive without being overly intrusive. This sense of space and appropriate discretion is something many trendy 'influencer' hotels struggle to provide. The hotel's garden area is quite large, with palm and coconut trees giving it a Southeast Asian resort feel. There were even fragrant osmanthus flowers in bloom. The hotel's breakfast spread is very rich, with many Kunming specialties. I loved the rice noodles, each bowl freshly cooked in a copper pot, with both red broth and chicken broth options, catering to both strong and light palates. The 'posu bao' (flaky steamed bun), sticky rice, and the hotel's homemade flower cakes and Yunnan ham biscuits were just as good as, if not better than, those from famous brands outside. There was also yogurt from Gejiu, and you could tell by the taste that the ingredients were pure! I stayed for a week and didn't get tired of breakfast. Hope to see you again next time!
FromSAR 425

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Family friendly

KUN MING UPLAND INTERNATIONAL YOUTH HOSTEL

9.1/10Good2372 Reviews
Cuihu District Kunming|1.59km from city centre
I felt quite comfortable during my stay, no disappointments whatsoever. The room was meticulously cleaned, making it very relaxing to settle in, and all the daily essentials were well-stocked. It was super convenient for going out to eat or catching a taxi. The host was very genuine, responded to messages promptly, and check-in/check-out was a breeze, with no unnecessary fuss. It's rare to find such a great place to stay while traveling, I genuinely think it's excellent, and I'd definitely consider coming back next time.
FromSAR 26

CitiGO Hotel (Old Street Kunming, Cuihu Park)

9.6/10Excellent5913 Reviews
Cuihu District Kunming|2.06km from city centre
The location of the hotel is perfect as it's right in the centre of Old Kunming Street. The amenities are good, the staff are friendly and helpful. They also helped me clean my laundry on the house and were quick and efficient. The very nice touches were offering us sweet and tangy water while waiting to be checked in. And also lending us umbrellas when it was raining. The rooms with the extended balconies are great with the cushion area and the only downside of the design is the transparent curtains outside the bathrooms. Apart from that, Citigo Huan Ge Hotel is a great place to stay in, with good breakfast at a very reasonable price and also a lovely barbeque and craft beer lounge offering their guests nice supper.
FromSAR 167

Howard Johnson Flower City Hotel Kunming

9/10Good3330 Reviews
Expo Park Kunming|8.44km from city centre
This hotel is incredibly thoughtful. They helped us with a late check-out and even have a dedicated homework room for kids, which is fantastic for families traveling with children. It solved the problem of the room being too dim for my child to do homework or crafts. We were a bit rushed this time so we couldn't participate in the activities, but we'll definitely try to next time. A special thanks to the hotel butler; their service was excellent and they were very patient with the kids.
FromSAR 168

Crowne Plaza KUNMING CITY CENTRE by IHG

9.4/10Outstanding4630 Reviews
Downtown Commercial Area Kunming|0.72km from city centre
The hotel's central location was perfect for my 5-day stay. I checked with AI, and it confirmed that if you don't want to switch hotels, this location is the most efficient for visiting Dianchi Lake, Western Hills, Kunming Old Street, Dounan Flower Market, and the Yunnan Provincial Museum. The hotel is a bit old but very well-maintained. The swimming pool water was a comfortable temperature, and the staff were incredibly nice. After checking out, I thought I'd left my phone and put them through a lot of trouble, but they patiently helped me search everywhere, almost tearing the room apart. I later realized I had clumsily put it in my suitcase, which was truly embarrassing. The breakfast dining area was lovely, quiet, and peaceful. There's also a large shopping mall next door, which was very convenient for shopping.
FromSAR 256

Kunming Jinjiang Hotel

9.2/10Very Good3782 Reviews
Railway Station Area Kunming|1.75km from city centre
Jinjiang Hotel's service is absolutely fantastic! They proactively offered a free room upgrade, the room was clean, tidy, and well-equipped. The service was excellent; upon check-in, they provided welcome fruits and water, and when checking out, they even gave us two of their homemade flower cakes, which were delicious! It's also conveniently located, just a 3 km taxi ride to Kunming Old Street. I've already recommended it to my friends and will definitely choose it again next time I'm in Kunming. Superb!
FromSAR 95

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Swimming pool

HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts KUNMING

9.4/10Outstanding6465 Reviews
Dianchi Lake Scenic Area Kunming|8.2km from city centre
This hotel is quite old overall. The carpets in the hallway were a bit stained, and the facilities were rather basic. At over 3500 yuan per night, the value for money is very low. Although the hotel has a small animal area, a mini-train, and some children's activities, the mini-train requires advance booking and only runs once an hour, on the hour. All the children's activities also incur extra charges. During our 3-day stay, there were business meetings every day, with a check-in desk set up in the lobby. In short, it's not very suitable for a family vacation. Additionally, the swimming pool and outdoor hot spring area were pitch black at night; you could barely see anything (I went out on the first night and couldn't even find the hot springs). When I wanted to swim during the day, there were kids having swimming lessons, occupying three lanes... The breakfast was standard, nothing special. Sweet soup was delivered to the room in the evenings. The only positive was the very enthusiastic housekeeping auntie; she deserves a good review. Dianchi Lake is not far from the hotel, just a few minutes by taxi, and you can rent a bicycle to ride around.
FromSAR 332

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

9.3/10Very Good3246 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! 👍
FromSAR 216

Wanda Realm Kunming Hailybinya

9.4/10Outstanding6973 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.
FromSAR 227

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.
FromSAR 200

Empark Grand Hotel Kunming

9.3/10Very Good4115 Reviews
Century City Area Kunming|8.51km from city centre
The Century Golden Resources Hotel in Kunming boasts a convenient location, spacious and clean rooms, and attentive service from Winnie at the front desk. The facilities are comprehensive. The lobby is grand and impressive, the rooms are incredibly spacious, and the bathrooms are spotless with no odors. The bedding is soft and comfortable, ensuring a good night's sleep. The staff are warm and courteous. It's very close to attractions like #DounanFlowerMarket, #YunnanProvincialMuseum, and #GuanduAncientTown. With a swimming pool and buffet breakfast, it's perfect for both business and family travel. We even received a thoughtful tea gift upon check-in! Excellent value for money, I'll definitely stay here again!
FromSAR 183

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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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