Best Things To Do in Kunming, China

Are you looking for what to do in Kunming?

PLACES TO SEE

  • Stone Forest: A karst formation with stone caves, pavilions and arches that went on to become a huge tourist attraction. It is about 96kms towards the southeast of the city.
  • Earth Forest: A picturesque spot located in the in Yuanmou County in Chuxiong Prefecture. This forest, including the stone forest in Kunming and sand forest in Luliang form the three most important places to see in Yunnan.
  • Yuantong Temple: A 1200 year old Buddhist temple built in the late eighth century by King Yimouxun. With unique Ming and Qing architectural style, this temple becomes a great sightseeing place for the tourists.
  • Tanhua Temple: A temple built upon the thatched-shack of a Ming dynasty scholar, Shi Shiqiao.
  • Yunnan University Wu Mayao Museum of Anthropology: A museum exhibiting the artefacts of the Han Dynasty and other rulers of the area.
  • Kunming Zoology Museum: A museum that is home to an impressive collection of Yunnan’s animal life.

Tourist information and other details regarding the maps and travel guides are available at the tourism office of Yunnan, or at the official tourist website of the city.

Guided Tours

  • Wonders of Yunnan Tours-Kunming Stone Forest Private One-day Tour: A full-fledged tour of the Stone forest and other sightseeing places of Yunnan along with an experienced tour guide. Address: No.86 Dongfeng East Road, Kunming 650041, China.
  • Yunnan Day Trip- See Yunnan-Yunnan Science and technology International Tour Company: Day trip of Yunnan province. Address: Room 314, No.26 Huguo Road, Kunming, China.
  • Zouba Tours-Day Tour: Private Eco tours with professional travel guide. Address: No.988 Chuanjin Road, Kunming 650214, China.
  • Ride China-Kunming Private One-day Motorcycle Tours: Bike tours of Kunming. Address: No.86 East Dong Feng Road, Kunming 650041, China.

Below we have a list of things to do in Kunming and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Kunming getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Kunming with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Kunming

Here is the list of things to do in Kunming and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Shilin Stone Forest

    Outdoors, Forest, Nature, Unesco Site

    The Yunnan province is blessed with natural vistas and breath-taking landscapes. Kunming’s Shilin Stone Forest is spread over a massive 400 square kilometres of land featuring large and small stone structures. The villages in the forest are part of the UNESCO Heritage list with the forest itself coming under the A5 Class tourist destination. Shilin Stone Forest is aptly called the 'First ...Read more
  2. Cui Hu Park

    Outdoors, Park, Bridge, Lake

    Nestled along the western foot of the Wwuhua Hill, Kunming’s Cui Hu Park is an urban green zone dating back to the 17th century. The park is located directly facing the Yunnan University. Thronged by tourists who trail the ring road and enjoy the aesthetic beauty of the tea houses along the path, this park is a central attraction for nature lovers and solace seekers. The Cui Hu Park consi...Read more
  3. Dian Chi Lake

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    Dian Chi Lake

    Outdoors, Water Body, Lake, Picnic Spot

    Kunming is the pride of Yunnan Province and more so because of the Dian Chi Lake. It is one of the ten largest lakes in China and is a part of the YagTze River Basin. It served as the model for the Kunming Lake developed in the Summer Palace in Beijing. Spread over 298 square kilometres in South China region, Dian Chi Lake is a freshwater lake located at a height of 6189 feet above sea level. F...Read more
  4. Kunming World Expo

    Outdoors, Garden, Exhibition

    The Kunming World Expo is an impressive exposition showcased at the World Heritage Expo Garden. The expo covers the aspects of traditional plantation and themed gardening. For Bonsai lovers, this is an institution on its own. The Kunming World Expo is laid out across 218 hectares of land housed in 5 exhibition halls. There are six theme gardens formed by the Tree Garden, the Tea Garden, the Bon...Read more
  5. Salvador's Coffee House

    Outdoors, Food And Drinks, Coffee House

    Since 2003, the Salvador’s Coffee House has been the most popular den for foreign expats and local youth. Kris Allen and Colin Flahive brought a zing into the Yunnan Province with their maiden entrepreneurial venture. Known mostly for its beverages and specialized cuisines, Kunming now has a healthy cult following at the Salvador’s Coffee House. Inspired by the idiosyncratic ideas o...Read more
  6. Kunming Dragon Gate

    Religious Site, Temple, Outdoors, Historical Site

    The best place to hike in the Yunnan province. The Kunming Dragon Gate is a natural high-rise tourist destination thronged by nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Overlooking the serene Dian Chi Lake, the Dragon Gate of Kunming is equally tranquilizing and therapeutic. The hike to the spot is enthralling. Though it takes just over an hour by foot to reach the Kunming Dragon Gate, there is n...Read more
  7. Kunming Xishan Forest Park

    Temple, Outdoors, Forest, Park

    Lake Dianchi is dotted with scenic spots. Xishan Forest Park, located in the western of Kunming is a popular destination for nature lovers. Also called the "Plateau pearl”, the park is located between the Biji, Huating, Taihua, Taiping, Luohan and the Gualao Mountains. The park is spread across an area of 890 hectares. The park houses beautiful tree houses, Buddhist pagodas, Buddha statue...Read more
  8. Jindian Gongyuan

    Religious Site, Temple, Outdoors, Architecture

    If you come to Kunming, you can’t miss out Jindian Gongyuan. Made of bronze and wood the Jindian Gongyuan temple is one of the largest Tao temples in the world. The unique architecture uses the exquisite layout of bronze tiles. In the morning, it shines like a Golden fire house. Built in the year 1602 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Emperor Waanli’s reign, the Jindian Gongyua...Read more
  9. Jiuxiang Scenic Area

    Outdoors, Cave, Bridge, Adventure

    Yunnan Province is a beautiful place to drive around. The Jiuxiang Scenic Area is located in the Yiliang County in the Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Autonomous Township. It is approximately 90 kilometres from the Kunming city. The area is dotted by caves, mountains, deep canyons, gorges and fair markets. The Jiuxiang Scenic Area is a popular handing spot for adventure enthusiasts. Most of the tourist act...Read more
  10. Yuan Tong Shan Temple And Park

    Religious Site, Temple, Amusement Park, Nature

    Yuan Tong Shan is the largest Buddhist temple with Mini-amusement Park nestled beautifully beside the Yuan Tong Mountain. Small assortment of rides, roller coasters and children train make the place a great destination for small kids. The Yuan Tong temple resembles a floating ship during the months of May and April when the flowers are in its bloom. The Yuan Tong Shan temple is the seat of Maha...Read more
  11. Daguan Yuan Park

    Temple, Outdoors, Garden, Park

    Kunming is the Pearl of Yunnan and Daguan Yuan Park is the most beautiful facet of its existence. The park spread over 13 hectares of land was built for a TV series and since them it has remained a regular tourist attraction. Home to the Sunshine Palace, the expansive park that recounts the tales of Qing Dynasty. Daguan Yuan Park is a top ranked antique garden in China. With over 40 local attra...Read more
  12. Yunnan Nationalities Museum

    Art And Culture, Museum, Observatory, Specialty Museum

    Yunnan still shelters the diversity of its demography earning wide-scale tourist volume. The Yunnan Nationalities Museum is the best place to catch up with the dress, textiles, pottery, literature and art of the minority groups living in South China. Located on a scenic setting overlooking the Dian Chi Lake, the Yunnan Nationalities Museum is one of China’s most popular Ethnology museum. ...Read more
  13. Flowers And Birds Market Of Kunming

    Outdoors, Market, Shopping Center

    Taste the Chinese fair market in its own backyard. The Flowers and Birds Market of Kunming is a quintessential tourist destination. It is an enticing place for those who just love to shop and buy artefacts at dirt cheap rates. The market is known for its bird and flower breeds but you may also find invaluable relics, religious trophies, memoirs, ancient books and manuscripts. Located right at t...Read more
  14. Qiongzhu Si Temple

    Religious Site, Temple, Outdoors, Architecture

    Experience the Zen calmness in the corridors of the Qiongzhu Si Temple. The Buddhist temple has a unique architecture reflecting the importance of bamboo in Chinese culture. Located on the Yu’an Mountains, the temple is a peaceful gateway for tourists going trekking across the North-west of Kunming. The Qiongzhu Si Temple belongs to the Tang Dynasty. The Arhat statues draw millions of tou...Read more
  15. Nanping Business Street

    Outdoors, Food And Drinks, Cafe, Restaurant

    Nanping Street is the oldest commercial market spot in Kunming. The old charm still lingers around this rustic tourist destination. The crowds come to spend quality time amidst fair and commerce setting. The Nanping Business Street was once referred to as the “Wall Street” of Kunming. The ruined blocks of Huguo Road and Jinbi Road still exist. Dotted by art statues and scenic archit...Read more