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Kunming Travel Guide

Stone Forest

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Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province, is known as 'the City of Eternal Spring' for its pleasant climate and flowers that bloom all year long. With a history of more than 2,400 years, it was the gateway to the celebrated Silk Road that facilitated trade with Tibet, Sichuan, Myanmar, India and beyond. Today it is the provincial political, economical and cultural center of Yunnan as well as the most popular tourist destination in southwest China.

The city center is an attraction with its two squares (Jinma Biji Square, Dongfeng Square) and five intersecting roads (Dongfeng Road, Jinbi Road, Zhengyi Road, Renmin Road and Qingnian Road). Of these, Jinma Biji Square (also known as Jinbi Square) has the most eye-catching archways and stylish architectures. Qingnian Road, Zhengyi Road and Renmin Road are the main commercial areas. The most popular pedestrian streets are Nanping Street, Jingxing Flowers & Birds Market, and Jinma Biji Fang. The city is also the focal point of Yunnan minority culture. Some 26 ethnic minorities such as Yi, Bai, Miao, Dai, and Hani inhabit this region.

Attractions

You may like: Top 10 Things to Do in Kunming

Transportation

With convenient transport links in and out of the city, Kunming welcomes and sees off tens of thousands of visitors every day. As southwest China’s transportation hub, the city plays a significant role for connecting Southeast Asia and China. The city also provides links to many popular destinations elsewhere in Yunnan such as Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La.

Weather

Best Time to Visit Kunming

Maps

Food

In addition to attractive scenic spots, Kunming is also renowned for its many delicious dishes. Due to the multi-cultural nature of the province, the city brings together the most representative food of the various nationalities residing in Yunnan, so eating here is an experience not to be missed. The famous food includes Steaming-Pot Chicken, Across Bridge Rice Noodles, and Xuanwei Ham. The night market is the best place to sample and enjoy the local snacks.

Shopping

Do not forget to purchase some locally produced souvenirs for your friends or family before leaving this charming city. The local wood carvings and minority tie-dye products are highly recommended. Jinma Biji Square is considered the best place to go for your purchases.

History

As one of China’s famous ancient and cultural cities, it boasts a history which can be traced back to 30,000 years ago. The Dianchi Lake area was one of the cradles of mankind. The city got its name from the Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368) and since then, it has become Yunnan’s center of politics, economy and culture.

Travel Tips

See below for some fast facts and useful tips to facilitate your visit to the city whether it is for travel, business or study.

Kunming Tours

Minority People
5-Day Private Photography Tour to Dongchuan Red Land from $899
Local People in Yunnan

8-Day Private Kunming/ Dali/ Lijiang/ Shangri-La Tour from $1299
Stone Forest

6-Day Kunming/ Jianshui/ Yuanyang from $1039

Train Tickets Booking

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- Last updated on May. 07, 2023 by Kina Lu -

Questions & Answers on Kunming Travel

Asked by Cindy Chimonides from CANADA | May. 07, 2023 16:36

Visiting Yunnan in November 2023, need help finding accommodation in Dongchuan Red Land

Would like to stay in Huashitou Village in Dongchuan Red Land preferably a room with private bathroom.

Answers (1)

Answered by Jessica | May. 07, 2023 23:19

You may stay in Caiyun Xuan Inn (彩云轩主题客栈).

Asked by JOAO VIZZOTTO from BRASIL | Feb. 16, 2023 06:46

information about train lines

I request information on where to buy a train ticket from kunming to Vientiane, the capital of Laos.
Does your company sell this ticket? how do i book?
Tanks

Answers (1)

Answered by Irene | Feb. 16, 2023 18:03

Currently, the ticket can only be bought at the departure railway station.

Asked by Lyne from PAPUA NEW GUINEA | Dec. 17, 2021 09:29

I'm Ms. Stiven, a mum of four children.

I am a Papua New Guinea citizen. My children attend school here in kunming. Due to the epidemic issue, we didn't go back to my Country before the expiry dates of our visas.How will I get a resident permit here in Kunming and how and where will I reapply for our Chinese visas since I tried contacting our png embassy in Beijing, but I could not go through since last year. And are we eligible to get covid vaccine here in Kunming? Because When schools took the covid vaccine, my children were told that, foreigners are not allowed to get the vaccine shots.

Answers (1)

Answered by Louis | Jan. 06, 2022 17:28

If the visa expires, there is no way out. At present, China does not issue ordinary study or work visas to foreigners except for some urgent humanitarian needs. Foreigners can get COVID-19 vaccines in China by booking in advance through mobile app.

Asked by Ana from CHINA | Dec. 05, 2020 22:33

Are there any restrictions for foreigners these days?

Are there any special restrictions or rules for foreigners traveling to Yunnan province this winter? (foreigners who live in China)

Answers (2)

Answered by William | Dec. 07, 2020 01:10

Well, as I know, you just need to show the green code when you touring around the scenic area or check-in the hotel.

Answered by Andrew | May. 08, 2021 19:35

You should quarantine in the hotel for 14 days and nucleic acid tests