Kunming, China

The Ultimate Guide to Travelling in Kunming, China

Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan Province in southwestern China, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant urban life. Located at an altitude of 1,900 meters above sea level, Kunming is known as the “Spring City” due to its pleasant climate year-round. As a popular tourist destination, Kunming offers a wide range of activities, sights, and experiences that cater to different interests and preferences.

Places to Go

Natural Wonders

  • Dianchi Lake: A stunning lake surrounded by lush green hills, offering breathtaking views, boat rides, and hiking trails.
  • Western Hills (Xi Shan): A scenic area with temples, gardens, and hiking paths, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
  • Stone Forest (Shilin): A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring limestone karst formations, ideal for hiking and exploring.

Cultural Attractions

  • Yunnan Museum: A comprehensive museum showcasing the history, art, and culture of Yunnan Province.
  • Kunming City Museum: A museum highlighting the city’s development, with exhibits on local customs, industry, and technology.
  • Bird and Flower Market (Niaochao): A bustling market selling birds, flowers, and pets, offering a glimpse into local life.

Temples and Religious Sites

  • Yuantong Temple: A historic Buddhist temple with beautiful gardens and architecture.
  • Qiongzhu Temple: A tranquil Taoist temple featuring stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings.
  • Kunming Mosque (Kunming Qingzhen Dasi): One of the largest mosques in China, showcasing Islamic architecture and culture.

Other Attractions

  • Green Lake Park (Cuihu Gongyuan): A popular park with gardens, walking paths, and a picturesque lake.
  • Yunnan University: A prestigious university with beautiful campuses, offering insights into Chinese education.
  • Kunming Flower Market: A colorful market selling a wide variety of flowers, plants, and gardening supplies.

Activities

Outdoor Adventures

  • Hiking: Explore the surrounding mountains and hills on foot, with trails for all levels.
  • Cycling: Rent a bike and ride through the scenic countryside or city streets.
  • Paragliding: Take to the skies and experience the thrill of paragliding over Kunming.

Cultural Experiences

  • Cooking Classes: Learn traditional Yunnan cuisine with cooking classes and workshops.
  • Calligraphy and Painting: Discover Chinese art forms, such as calligraphy and painting, with local experts.
  • Tea Ceremonies: Participate in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, learning about the art of tea-making.

Food and Drink

  • Food Tours: Embark on a culinary journey, sampling local street food, snacks, and dishes.
  • Wine Tastings: Visit local vineyards and wineries, tasting Yunnan’s unique wines.
  • Coffee Shops: Relax in one of Kunming’s many coffee shops, enjoying a cup of coffee or tea.

Where to Eat

Local Cuisine

  • Crossing Bridge Rice Noodles (Guoqiao Mixian): A popular local dish featuring rice noodles, vegetables, and meat.
  • Yunnan Hot Pot: A spicy and flavorful hot pot experience, perfect for groups.
  • Kunming Street Food: Sample a variety of street food, including grilled meats, stews, and snacks.

International Options

  • The French Bakery: Indulge in French pastries, bread, and sandwiches.
  • Indian Kitchen: Savor authentic Indian cuisine, with a range of curries and tandoori dishes.
  • Pizza Hut: Enjoy international pizza chain options, perfect for a comfort food fix.

Where to Stay

Budget-Friendly Options

  • Kunming Upland International Youth Hostel: A social hostel with dorms and private rooms, offering activities and tours.
  • Mengzhai Hotel: A budget hotel with basic amenities, ideal for travelers on a tight budget.
  • Airbnb Options: Rent apartments or rooms from local hosts, experiencing Kunming like a local.

Mid-Range Accommodations

  • Grand Park Hotel Kunming: A 4-star hotel with comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and restaurants.
  • Kunming Golden Dragon Hotel: A mid-range hotel featuring modern amenities, including a business center and spa.
  • Yunnan Zhenzhuang Hotel: A traditional Yunnan-style hotel with elegant rooms and a relaxing atmosphere.

Luxury Hotels

  • Sofitel Kunming: A 5-star hotel offering luxurious rooms, fine dining options, and a rooftop pool.
  • The Langham, Kunming: An upscale hotel featuring modern amenities, including a fitness center and spa.
  • Kunming Xinzhai Hotel: A luxury hotel with elegant rooms, a business center, and a range of restaurants.

Things to Know

Language

  • Mandarin Chinese: The official language spoken in Kunming, although many locals also speak the Yunnan dialect.
  • English: Widely used in tourist areas, but it’s still recommended to learn basic Mandarin phrases.

Currency

  • Chinese Yuan (RMB): The local currency, with ATMs and money exchange services available throughout the city.

Climate

  • Spring City: Kunming is known for its mild climate year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).

Safety

  • Pickpocketing: Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
  • Traffic: Be cautious when crossing roads, as traffic rules may differ from those in your home country.

Transportation

Airport

  • Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG): Located 24 km (15 miles) northeast of the city center, with taxi and bus services available.

Public Transportation

  • Bus: An extensive network of buses covering the city, with routes and schedules available online.
  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available, but be prepared to negotiate prices or use a translation app.

Bike Rental

  • Bike-Sharing Systems: Kunming has several bike-sharing systems, offering an affordable and convenient way to explore the city.

Tips

Respect Local Customs

  • Remove Your Shoes: When entering temples, homes, or traditional restaurants, remove your shoes as a sign of respect.
  • Use Both Hands: When giving or receiving something, use both hands as a sign of respect and politeness.

Be Prepared

  • Sunscreen and Sun Hat: Protect yourself from the strong high-altitude sun.
  • Water Bottle: Stay hydrated by carrying a refillable water bottle.
  • Power Adapter: China uses Type A, C, and D power sockets, with a standard voltage of 220V.

Learn Some Mandarin

  • Hello (nǐ hǎo): Greet locals with a friendly “hello”.
  • Thank You (xiè xiè): Express gratitude with a sincere “thank you”.
  • Excuse Me (duì bù qǐ): Politely get someone’s attention with an “excuse me”.

Other Things of Interest

Festivals and Events

  • Kunming International Cultural Festival: A celebration of music, dance, and art from around the world.
  • Yunnan Torch Festival: A traditional festival featuring dragon dances, fireworks, and street food.

Shopping

  • Kunming Walking Street (Guilin Lu): A pedestrian shopping street lined with boutiques, souvenir shops, and local eateries.
  • Yunnan Provincial Museum Shop: A museum shop selling authentic Yunnan handicrafts and souvenirs.

Day Trips

  • Dali Old Town: Explore the ancient town’s cobblestone streets, temples, and vibrant markets. ( approx. 4 hours from Kunming)
  • Lijiang Old Town: Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring traditional Naxi architecture and scenic canals. (approx. 5 hours from Kunming)

With its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant urban life, Kunming is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a unique Chinese experience. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient temples, hiking through breathtaking landscapes, or simply soaking up the local atmosphere, this comprehensive guide has everything you need to plan your trip to Kunming, China.