What to see in Kunming (Yunnan): Complete Travel Guide
Have you ever heard of Kunming? Do you know where Kunming is and what to see in Kunming? Kunming is the capital of the Yunnan Province, located in southwestern China. It has a population of approximately 7 million inhabitants and a temperate climate year-round.
The first thing I knew about Yunnan Province was what I read in the Lonely Planet guide I was carrying during my trip through Southeast Asia. It was titled “Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & the Greater Mekong”. There, it mentioned that if you only had time to see one province in China, it should undoubtedly be Yunnan.
It also warned that if you started your trip in Yunnan, it was very likely that you would end up staying and not seeing anything else. In my case, they were completely right; I fell in love with Yunnan and ended up staying for 6 years living in Kunming.
Trip from from Vientiane (Laos) to Kunming (Yunnan
The first time I went to Kunming was from Vientiane to Kunming by bus. On the bus, I started to perceive the difference between China and the other countries I had been to. No one understood a word of English, occasional spits could be heard, and the only foreigners were an Australian guy and me.
The more than 30 hours of travel were spent sleeping. I also took the opportunity to learn my first words in Chinese with the help of the Australian guy, who knew quite a bit: nihao (hello) and xiexie (thank you). We arrived around nine o’clock at night in Kunming.
We took a taxi to the center and asked around in a few hostels. I was lucky that the Australian guy spoke Chinese, otherwise who knows what would have happened. After a while searching, we finally stayed at the Cloudland Youth Hostel.
Kunming, the city of eternal spring
In the next three days, I could see that the city of Kunming was more beautiful than I expected, and it was probably true that it is the calmest provincial capital in China. Although it is estimated that about 7 million people live in Kunming, the pace of life is quite relaxed.
Kunming is famous in China for being called “The City of Eternal Spring,” where it is never too cold or too hot. The locals are not very used to seeing tourists, and many times they just stare at you. Almost no one understands a word of English, and almost all the food comes with a bit of spice.
One thing that also surprised me a lot was that about 90% of the motorcycles are electric. That’s a lot of motorcycles. Spitting on the streets and unclean bathrooms are also quite common, unfortunately, though it is gradually improving.
Next, I will describe the best places to see in Kunming, and I will also provide a map indicating where each place is located. Enjoy this wonderful city!
What to see in Kunming: The best places to visit in Kunming
1. The Green Lake
Green Lake, located in the heart of the city, is recognized as the most iconic lake in Kunming. The park is made up of a series of interconnected ponds, separated by elegant bridges and small islands full of food stalls.
Every morning, the place comes to life with people engaging in badminton games, traditional dances, and Tai Chi sessions. Although most participants are older adults, the welcoming atmosphere invites anyone who wishes to join in and enjoy these morning activities.
In winter, the lake fills with migratory seagulls from Siberia. This migratory phenomenon adds an extraordinary touch to the lake scene, making it a spectacle worth witnessing and an ideal place for a stroll. (Video of the Green Lake by my friend Emi Ciappi).
2. Yuantong Temple, the oldest in Kunming
The Yuantong Temple, located just 300 meters east of Green Lake, is an architectural gem built in the 8th century and stands as the largest Buddhist temple in Kunming. The temple’s design is a blend of classic Chinese architecture with unique features that distinguish it from other Buddhist temples in China. A central element is the Yuantong Hall, a pavilion surrounded by peaceful ponds filled with koi fish, which symbolize good fortune and prosperity.
The temple also houses a sacred bronze statue of Buddha, a gift from Thailand in the 20th century, symbolizing the deep cultural exchange between the Theravada and Mahayana Buddhist traditions. Visitors often leave offerings or light incense here, contributing to an atmosphere of deep reverence.
The entrance to this magnificent place costs only 15 RMB (approximately 2 euros), making it a must-visit. Immerse yourself in the serenity of its grounds to briefly disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city and experience a unique spiritual atmosphere.
3. Jinmafang Square
Jinmafang Square is distinguished by its imposing gates, designed in the shape of an arch, known as the Golden Horse Gate and the Jade Rooster Gate. These structures have been in Kunming for over 400 years, built during the Ming Dynasty.
Both arches are masterpieces of traditional Chinese architecture, featuring curved roofs and intricate details in wood and stone. Their design reflects the historical importance of Kunming as a cultural and political center in southwestern China.
This square is considered the nerve center of the city, being a bustling public space full of shops, restaurants, and street vendors. It stands as one of the most iconic sites in Kunming, and the fact that it perfectly combines history, culture, and modernity makes it one of those essential places to visit in Kunming.
4. The streets of Nanping and Zhenyi Lu
The bustling streets of Nanping and Zhenyi, along with the Flower Market, located near Jinmafang Square, stand out as the main arteries for those looking to shop, indulge in exquisite local cuisine, and immerse themselves in the vibrant everyday life of Chinese street culture.
Both Nanping Street and Zhenyi Street feature fashion boutiques, shopping malls, and international chains, but they also offer shops selling traditional Yunnan products, such as Pu’er tea and local crafts. In addition, of course, there is a wide variety of restaurants and street food stalls. The Flower Market primarily consists of more traditional shops, offering both food and local products.
5. The Pagodas of the East and West
The East and West Pagodas, erected during the Tang Dynasty, stand as two impressive structures located approximately 200 meters apart, facing each other. Both pagodas were built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), and although the original structures of both have been rebuilt several times over the centuries, their designs remain representative of the architecture of that era.
The East Pagoda is a symbol of wisdom and knowledge, as well as a prominent figure in the Buddhist traditions of the region. It is said that the West Pagoda symbolizes beauty and divine love, complementing the symbolism of the East Pagoda and representing the balance between knowledge and spirituality.
Located to the south, near Jinmafang Square, these pagodas are historical witnesses that add an extra dimension to the charm of Kunming.
6. The Golden Temple
The Golden Temple, located about 12 kilometers outside the city, is a Taoist architectural gem built during the Ming Dynasty in 1902. Inside the temple, you can find an impressive statue of a golden Buddha. This Buddha is one of the central figures of the temple and is an object of veneration for the faithful who visit the site.
The temple consists of several pavilions and halls traditionally arranged in the Chinese style. Its most distinctive feature is the golden roof and the Taoist and Buddhist figures that decorate the walls and doors. Another of the most interesting features of the Golden Temple (Jindian) is that, within its complex, you can find miniature replicas of some of the most famous Taoist temples in China.
Set in a picturesque environment, this temple is surrounded by beautiful gardens and dominated by a majestic pagoda. It is an ideal destination to spend a day immersed in the serenity of nature and the spirituality of the temples.
7. The Dianchi Lake
Dianchi Lake, the largest lake in Yunnan Province with an area of 298 km² and 20 km in width, is located on the outskirts of the city, 15 km southwest of Kunming. It lies in a high-altitude basin, surrounded by mountains, making it the perfect place to enjoy panoramic landscapes and spectacular views.
I recommend climbing Xishan Mountain to enjoy an incredible view of the lake from above and the Dianchi Lake Park. You can also choose to explore the surroundings by bike, a charming way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area while enjoying a pleasant ride.
8. The Shilin Limestone Forest
The Shilin Limestone Forest, located 86 km from Kunming, is a park known for its towering rocks rising from the ground, forming an impressive stone forest. These formations have developed over millions of years as a result of erosion and water dissolution on the limestone, creating structures that resemble petrified trees.
The Stone Forest is inhabited by the Sani people, a subgroup of the Yi ethnic group. The Sani have lived in this region for centuries and have a deep cultural connection with the landscape. Throughout the area, you can find small villages where locals continue to practice ancient traditions.
This place was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. The entrance fee to the park is 175 RMB (approximately 20 euros), and although it is not cheap, it offers a unique and unforgettable experience among extraordinary geological formations.
Where to stay in Kunming?
In Kunming you will find many good places to stay. If you are looking for a five star hotel, you can stay at the Grand Park Hotel, right in the city center and opposite the Green Lake for about 50 euros a night.
If you prefer a hostel, the best one in town is undoubtedly the Upland International Youth Hostel, also in the city center, next to the Green Lake and with nice backpacker’s environment. You can stay in a dormitory for 5 euros and in a private room for 20 euros.
What to do in Kunming: Partying in Kunming
If you’re looking for nightlife, Kunming is also the ideal place. You can find a party every night in Chinese nightclubs or on weekends in popular bars for foreigners like The Turtle, Barfly, and one that’s currently trending, Orangutan.
Kunming remains, to some extent, a city that’s not frequently visited by foreigners and tourists. Because of this, when you enter a nightclub, it’s likely that some Chinese people will greet you or even invite you to stay with them and drink beer. Don’t expect cold beer; they usually order it by the dozen.
By the way, don’t imagine a nightclub like in Spain. There’s no large dance floor and a bar where everyone buys their own drinks. Here, everything is filled with high tables where groups of friends set up with their stack of beers. They chat, play drinking games, and occasionally, if they’re very drunk, they’ll dare to get on the podium and dance wildly.
You can visit the Gokunming website to see what events are happening in the city, or if you’re thinking about living in Kunming, you can use the website to find work, apartments, and schools where you can learn Chinese in Kunming.
Next Destination: From Kunming to the old city of Dali
After visiting Kunming I spent 3 weeks in the ancient city of Dali, living with monks in a temple and practicing Shaolin Kung Fu with them. It was a unique and unforgettable experience that you can read about by clicking on the link.
If you come on a trip to Yunnan you can also check out the Top Places to See in Yunnan and our Organized trip to Yunnan: 13 days in deep China. Remember, if the post about what to see in Kunming has been useful and practical, you can rate, comment and/or share. Thank you!
News! No visa fee is required for a 30-day stay! For citizens of Spain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg and Malaysia, until December 31, 2025, ordinary passport holders of these countries will be able to do business or travel to China without a visa for up to 30 days. So, don’t doub it, go to China!
