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昆明South-West China25.04° N · 102.71° E
Mild weather all year, a lakeside skyline and the limestone pillars of the Stone Forest. Here is what to see, what to eat and how to use Kunming as the gateway to Yunnan.
Kunming is the capital of Yunnan province and sits on a plateau at roughly 1,900 metres, which keeps the air mild for most of the year and has earned it the name Spring City. It is a modern, fast-growing city on the northern shore of Dianchi Lake, with wide roads, a metro and a large airport that links the rest of China with Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La.
Most travellers spend one or two nights here at the start or end of a Yunnan journey. That is enough for the Stone Forest, a field of grey limestone pillars about 90 minutes away by road, an evening walk around Green Lake, and a first taste of the province's food, from crossing-the-bridge noodles to wild mushrooms in season. Kunming is pleasant rather than spectacular, and its real value is as a comfortable, well-connected base.
Our Kunming journeys are private and tailor-made, usually a short stay with the Stone Forest before travelling on to Dali, Lijiang or Shangri-La.
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The experiences our travellers enjoy most, in order of what we would not miss.
A huge karst landscape of limestone pillars, some taller than a house, about 90 minutes from the city. Wander the paths of the Major Stone Forest, then find quieter corners in the smaller sections nearby.
A lively park of lotus ponds, bridges and willow-lined paths in the old university quarter. From late autumn to early spring, black-headed gulls from Siberia gather here and locals come to feed them.
Forested hills above Dianchi Lake with a path to the Dragon Gate, a series of grottoes and shrines carved into the cliff. The views over the lake are the best in Kunming on a clear day.
Kunming's best-known Buddhist temple, with a central pond, arched bridge and pavilions. It sits close to the centre and feels calm in the early morning when locals come to pray.
A good introduction to Yunnan's long history and its many ethnic groups, with bronze drums and objects from the ancient Dian kingdom that once ruled around the lake.
A busy area of small shops near the old centre selling flowers, plants, tea, local crafts and snacks. Fun to browse after a temple visit, and good for picking up Yunnan tea.
A walk or drive along the large lake south of the city, with views of the Western Hills. Haigeng Dam is a popular spot to watch the gulls and the sunset in winter.
From roughly June to September, Yunnan's wild mushrooms appear in markets and kitchens across the city. Eat them only where they are cooked properly, as some varieties need careful preparation.
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Customise My TripLocal specialities worth seeking out, and when the locals eat them. Your guide will know the best places to try each one.
Add a food experience →Kunming has direct flights from most large Chinese cities and some regional capitals in Asia. High-speed trains also link Kunming South station with Guilin, Guizhou, Shanghai and other cities, as well as Dali and Lijiang within Yunnan.
The easiest way to reach the Stone Forest, the Western Hills and the airport; included on our journeys.
Best for: Day tripsClean and simple, with lines linking the airport, the main stations and the city.
Best for: Crossing the cityDiDi works well across the city for short trips between sights and restaurants.
Best for: Short hopsPlaces that pair well with Kunming, with approximate travel times.
Kunming is comfortable all year, but spring and autumn bring the clearest skies and the best conditions for onward travel in Yunnan. The rainy season runs roughly from June to September, with short showers and green landscapes. Winter days are sunny and mild, though nights are cold, and it is the season of the gulls at Green Lake.
A general guide. Weather varies from year to year, and we plan each route around the season.
Quick answers from our local team. Anything else, just ask your travel specialist.
Ask us on WhatsAppYes, as a short stop. Kunming is a pleasant, modern city with a mild climate, good food and the Stone Forest nearby. It is not a historic old town like Dali or Lijiang, so most travellers spend one or two nights here at the start or end of a Yunnan journey rather than a longer stay.
The Stone Forest is about 80 to 90 km south-east of the city, roughly 90 minutes by road. A visit takes half a day to a full day depending on how much you walk. Arrive early in the morning to enjoy the paths before the large groups, and avoid national holidays if you can.
Kunming sits at around 1,900 metres on the Yunnan plateau, at a low latitude, so it rarely gets very hot or very cold. Flowers bloom for much of the year, and the city's markets sell fresh flowers in every season. Nights can still be chilly in winter, so bring a warm layer.
One full day covers the Stone Forest, and a second day allows time for Green Lake, Yuantong Temple and the Western Hills. Two nights is our usual suggestion before continuing to Dali, Lijiang or Shangri-La by train or a short flight.
Most people feel nothing at Kunming's altitude of around 1,900 metres, though you may get breathless on stairs at first. It is a gentle first step before higher places such as Lijiang and Shangri-La. Drink plenty of water and take the first day slowly.
High-speed trains run from Kunming to Dali in about 2 hours and to Lijiang in about 3.5 hours, several times a day. There are also short flights to both. On our journeys a driver meets you at each station and takes you to your hotel.
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