Things to do & places to visit in Kunming, Yunnan, China

Kunming city in Yunnan, China. Timezone: Asia/Chongqing, current date and time: Friday, May 10, 2024, 1:25.

Kunming Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

81°F - 58°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Mildly cool with a gentle breeze

Feels like

31%

Chance of rain

143.0 millimeters

Amount

13.7 mph

Wind speed

72%

Humidity

13.3

Daylight length

6:25 AM

Sunrise

7:44 PM

Sunset

45%

Cloud cover

T-shirt

What to wear

Top things to do (16)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

4.5 Kunming Dragon Gate (375 reviews)
- Dragon gate Kunming
Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

We took a bus followed by chairlifts up to the TOP of the hill, then walk our way down . This is the easier way to see the site. The steps were painstakingly chiselled out along the cliffs by a Taoist priest and his followers in the Qing dynasty over 90+ years, can be slippery on a rainy day. The view was good. See more..
4.5 Yuantong Temple (254 reviews)
- Nice and peaceful scenery
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites

A 1200 years old temple. Unlike most temples in China, which are built on the ascendant, visitors enter the temple from above and descend along a sloping path, downhill along the central axis, In the mid-way, the "Yuantong Wonderful Realm (圓通勝景坊)" is a majestic archway built by General Wu Sangui (吳三桂) in 1669. Don't miss the exquisite stone carving on the pillars At the center of the temple area, there is a fish pool with the Octagon Pavilion in the middle. Pavilion, three-holes stone bridges, and the green pool creates a beautiful scene. There are numerous scenic spots in the temple. However, I have a special preference on the roof of the side chambers. The wave-like roof edges (due to old age), the reflections, and the green water add radiance and beauty to each other. Amazing! See more..
4.5 Kunming West Hill (Xishan Forest Park) (203 reviews)
- Highly recommend, beautiful
Friday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Mountains • Parks

Great place. Took a taxi, and then they have you purchase tickets for the the cable car or bus. We took a bus to the first section, then where everyone else went on the cable car we preferred to walk up and then back down. It will take half a day if you take transport, slightly more if you decide to walk instead. There are many shops and rest spots if you decide to eat there. When we went there were many tour groups, but it's normal for a tourist spot. As a note, to go to Dragon Gate you have to go down narrow passages within the rock and on the edge of the mountain- it is perfectly safe and there is a fantastic view of Dianchi Lake, but if you are scared of/uncomfortable in small spaces, you can skip Dragon Gate and explore other scenic spots instead. Highly recommend! See more..
4.5 Dongchuan Red Land (167 reviews)
- Perfect for photography
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Geologic Formations

Stayed overnight at Red land at Kunming Jindong Hotel in Hongtudi Village near Huashitou Village in the heart of the redlands. Hotel arranged a car and driver from mid afternoon till sunset and an hour before sunrise till mod morning for RMB 260. Visited 8 different locations with fantasic views - some good in morning some in afternoon. Beautiful landscape. Limited number of direct public busses from Kunming otherwise need to travel via Dongchuan Town. See more..
4.5 Yunnan Nationalities Museum (61 reviews)
- Great visit
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

Amazing museum! Organized in terms of topic, for example costumes, jewelry, pottery, literature etc. Most signs and labels also have English translations, and are very clear and informative. The museum itself is also very nice, with open hallways and a garden in the centre. It's a good alternative to visiting the minorities village. See more..
4.5 Yunnan Railway Museum (27 reviews)
- Excellent Railway Museum (Yunnan-Vietnam & Modern Day)
Speciality Museums

This museum caught my eye whilst browsing things to do in Kunming, and I'm so pleased that I decided to check it out. The initial galleries summarise the construction of the Kunming-Haiphong railway in the early 1900's, quite a magnificent feat considering the terrain, with some fascinating exhibits and pictiures. The large hall has an interesting collection of trains and rolling stock, particularly the rubber-tyred Michelin railcar. The final galleries review the current "Belt & Road" initiative of the Chinese Govt, not only aiming to cover all of China with a high speed rail network, but providing their railway technology to other countries as well. Everything is well laid out and documented in both English and Chinese. It is also great value at RMB10, or approx $1.50. A taxi from Kunming city centre takes about 15 mins and costs RMB10. Two hours is probably about right to cover everything adequately. See more..
4.5 Yunnan Wildlife Park (21 reviews)
- Best 'zoo' ever
Zoos

Not actually a zoo, more like going to Animal Kingdom at Disney World. All of the animals have lots of space, and there are tons of them, particularly tigers. For 10 yuan you can buy a piece of raw meat on a pole and go 'fishing' for tigers. Fun for both sides. Also, a safari ride through less dangerous animals. Get there early and you can pet a lion cub. They also have a panda, which I think is the only one in Kunming. This place is fun, not depressing like the Kunming Zoo. It is a little out of the way but completely worth it. Near the botanical expo, which is fun too, although not as good as the Wild Animals Park. See more..
4.5 Huating Temple (12 reviews)
- Next to Taihua Temple
Friday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites

Huating is bigger than Taihua and rebuild, but very nice too. It is just 30 minutes by food fron Taihua. Both temples have very nice garden See more..
4.0 Green Lake (Cui Hu) (794 reviews)
- Amazing!
Bodies of Water • Parks

Great place to wander around. A good combination of bustling shops and quiet. Many different islets connected by bridges, lotus flowers, and you can even go boating if you wish. There are always many people but it adds to atmosphere of the place, and at night many gather to exercise together, whether in the small exercise sections of the park or running laps around the lake. Recommend going on a Sunday, as in the afternoon there will be a traditional dance performance! See more..
4.0 Yunnan Nationalities VillageBenzilam (509 reviews)
- A Bit Like a Human Zoo but Still Worth the Visit
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

The recreated buildings and villages are marvelous and one of the last places you can really see many of them. The villages are inhabited by minority entertainers and their families and they seem to enjoy performing but you will see it’s their home and you’re intruding around meal times. The Wa hair dance and the minority Bamboo Stick Dance (I think it’s the Li but I am not sure) were the highlight of the shows. See more..
4.0 Dian Lake (Dian Chi) (293 reviews)
- See Sleeping Beauty mountain and locals fishing from their sailboats
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Bodies of Water

The shores of the sixth largest freshwater lake in China have many scenic spots. See more..
4.0 Kunming Golden Temple (164 reviews)
- The camellias are in full bloom now
Friday: 7:30 AM - 6:30 PM Historic Sites

Great time to visit this peaceful mountain park because the camellias are in full bloom. Will probably last another two or three weeks. I've been here several times before, but always find it tranquil and relaxing. A fine getaway. Logistics are easy: It's at the terminus of several bus lines. #47, #10, #71 and others. Three or four local eateries inside get fired up at around noon. Plenty of selection (I'm talking about basic Yunnan food, not imports or exotics.) Climb the bell tower and ring the small wishing bell. Three bongs costs 5 Yuan. Admission at the main gate (西门) is 30 Yuan for most people. Steep stone steps at the beginning. Might be tough if you had a mobility problem. See more..
4.0 Kunming World Expo (140 reviews)
- Lovely flowers
Friday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM State Parks • Points of Interest & Landmarks

I am a flower lover so I do like the flowers decorated everywhere. Although the weather maybe hot on November we still stayed 3 hours walking around as it is a big park. Visited on Nov 2019. See more..
4.0 Nanping Business Street (122 reviews)
- Shopping and weekend crowds
Points of Interest & Landmarks

I worked here for about a year, so it's hard to wax lyrical. It's basically a pedestrianized wide street with shops on either side and food stalls in the middle. It tends to be overpriced, but it's very convenient for finding what you want easily. There's a huge bookstore here I go to all the time. Unless you read Chinese you're best off not going in. In spring and summer there are several tents where couples go to order wedding photos and hire elaborate gowns. There are usually models outside displaying both traditional Chinese and Western bridal gowns -- quite magnificent. There are side streets off Nanping Jie with numerous restaurants including a small Muslim area with ethnic dishes.It's also very close to the Bird and Flower market (worth a stroll). During festivals there is a big stage set up centrally for a variety of performances of mixed quality. This is not really a tourist attraction; more like an outdoor Western mall. It's really packed with locals on weekends. You won't find many people who speak English here, and if you are a foreigner the people hounding locals from shop fronts will leave you alone. See more..
4.0 Jinma Biji Historic site (122 reviews)
- The place is great at night.
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

Stayed at the Hump, a foreigner friendly hostels just above the square. Daytime, the place is so so , feels poor. Even fake. But nighttime, once the lightnings are on, looks fabulous I recommend sitting on the Hump terrace and enjoying the historical site See more..
4.0 Yunnan University (114 reviews)
- Good photo spot
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM

Felt surprise when realise an U can become a popular photo spot in Kunming city. But it is true. When the time we came, we saw many local and tourist taking photo at every corner side. The building seem very vintage style. There is a big greeny field. There is also a Maidenhair Road as we can see yellow leaves along the pathway during fall season. Visited on Nov 2019. See more..
4.0 Daguan Yuan Park (95 reviews)
- Good place for all seasons
Friday: 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM Historic Walking Areas • Parks

This place is a magic place as no matter which season you go. Its always different. Flowers changes all year. And in the winter you have seagulls friends there. They always have some events for different festivals. See more..
4.0 Guandu Ancient Town (73 reviews)
- Vajra Pagoda – a gorgeous historical religious architecture
Friday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Flea & Street Markets

At the center of Guandu Old Town located the well-preserved Jingang Pagoda (金剛塔，Vajra Throne Style Pagoda). Dating back to 1458, It is the earliest diamond-throne pagoda in China. The Vajra Pagoda is a stylized version of the Mahābodhi Temple constructed at the site of where the Buddha was enlightened in Bodh Gaya , Bihar State, India. Only six Vajra Pagodas remain the world, among which five are in China. Unlike some other Vajra Pagodas, there are no ornate decorations on the walls of the main structure. However, the mottled stone wall still is soaking up the ambience of the past. See more..
4.0 Military School (70 reviews)
- Nice building and location
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Military Museums • Historic Sites

Very interest to walk trough a old military area. Nice rooms to visit, most information is in Chinese. See more..
4.0 Kunming Botanical Garden (50 reviews)
- Definitely worth a visit if you are in Kunming
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Parks

The park is located in the far north of the city, a taxi is the best way to get to the main north entrance, Kunming taxis are fairly inexpensive. Entrance is just 10 RMB, any time after mid March it is a riot of colours and smells, beautifully laid out exhibits, a nice glasshouse, lovely areas of woodland. A very nice place to spend an afternoon. The only down sides are the lack of sears and the fact it closes at 5:00 p.m. Getting a taxi back at the gate is reasonably easy and a number of buses mack to the city centre stop there. See more..
4.0 Bamboo Temple (Qióngzhú Sì) (48 reviews)
- Quiet and impressive
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • Religious Sites

We headed to the temple late in the day (arriving at 4.15 pm, 45 mins before closing). The temple appeared to be free to enter - it had a sign saying Free Admittance. There was a service starting as we arrived, so we strolled around to the sound of gongs and chanting and singing which was really beautiful. The rooms with the amazing human sculptures were both locked, we waited around for a while and eventually asked a volunteer security guard with a red arm band whether he could unlock it (entirely by mime). He happily obliged and we had the rooms all to ourselves for half an hour. It really is amazingly interesting and entertaining to look at! In terms of transport there is a public bus that goes to right outside the temple. The C61. It costs 8 Yuan per person and terminates at Dianmian Road. If you flag it down outside the temple it will stop and pick you up! See more..
4.0 Haigeng Park (45 reviews)
- Easy to access by bus
Bodies of Water • Parks • Beach & Pool Clubs

If you have the Electronic Pay Phone Apps, it's a great idea to cycling around. Nice long cycling path. See more..
4.0 Kunmíng City Museum (44 reviews)
- Flying Tigers Exhibit
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

For an American WWII or aviation aficianado this is a must stop. Kunming was the home base for Chenault's flying tigers. Their place in the history of China and the US is better understood when one has seen the Chinese tribute! See more..
4.0 Kunming Black Dragon Pool (42 reviews)
- Fantastic day out - couple this with nearby attractions
Friday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Bodies of Water • Parks

This is a large mountainous park which has a Taoist feel to the place. There is the usual small entry fee paid at the gate, and during festivals you will be able to purchase seasonal fruits. There is a number a trails further up the mountain and you can get in amongst the blossoms in the orchards up there. There is also some kind of shooting/paint ball range at the very top which would keep some people very involved. The temple itself is under construction and sits in the centre of the park, but it is very peaceful and serine. A very cool stream runs throughout the park and you can follow it up through bonsai gardens, different plantations and different types of trees. The park can be busy on the weekends, but quiet during the week. To get here, take the subway to the second last stop on the blue line and walk 20 minutes , taxi or bike. You should combine this place with the botanical gardens across the street if you like nature. See more..
4.0 Yunnan Provincial Museum (37 reviews)
- Go.
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Speciality Museums

You have to go. This is a must-go for those who want to learn about Chinese culture in the context of the history of the Yunnan province. The most interesting parts are on the first floor, whereas the second and third are mostly more science museum- like. Go. See more..
4.0 Yunnan Normal University (26 reviews)
- Facilities and Hospitality
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM

The new campus out of town is located about 1.5 hours out of Kunming downtown. It's fully equipped with a huge gym, indoor swimming pool, dorms, complex full with shops and what are needed for students. The campus is actually like the town itself. Modern design buildings with beautiful landscapes, gardens, and big lake. The classrooms, auditoriums are equipped with good facilities, wifi, cafe's are everywhere. Moreover, the management team, professors, students are very friendly and helpful. See more..
4.0 Yuantong shan (23 reviews)
- Beautiful cherry blossom
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Bodies of Water • Mountains • Parks

Don't mixed this with Yuantong temple, these are two different places. This is actually a zoo with animals. Entrance fee is 15RMB. Went there in March and they have the Cherry Blossom festival, this place has a lot more Cherry trees compared to the Yuantong temple, so if you want to take nice pictures this is a better option See more..
4.0 Yunnan Wholesale Tea Market (22 reviews)
- Great place
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Flea & Street Markets

Very nice! Ended up sitting at one of the shops and having tea for a few hours, chatting, as the shopkeepers explained the different types of pu'er tea and how to drink it. We bought a few packets, and then wandered around the remaining shops. Most of them sell in bulk and/or online, but they also sell smaller doses, and people working there are happy to answer questions and tell you about their homegrown tea. See more..
3.5 Flowers and Birds Market of Kunming (71 reviews)
- Nice place to visit while in Kunming.
Flea & Street Markets

I have been to the Flower and Bird Market in Kunming several times. It is a good place to pick up a bargin and makes for a fun time wandering throught the shops. See more..
3.5 Dongsi Pagoda (40 reviews)
- Check out if in the Area
Religious Sites

Not a very special pagoda and they have a very small park around it. It is a little out of the way and not near much. We went here because it was close to our hostel and it was not too spectacular. There is a smaller pagoda at the other end of the road and a temple as well. See more..