Top Attractions and Best Things To Do in Kunming

1. Shilin Stone Forest National Park

• Location: Located in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, about 78 kilometers from Kunming city.
• Features:
  • A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its karst formations, with stone peaks in various shapes like sword-like, tower-like, and mushroom-like forms.
  • Main attractions include the Great Stone Forest, Small Stone Forest, Naigu Stone Forest, and the Dashi Waterfall. The “Ashima Stone” in the Small Stone Forest is a landmark.
  • The park offers electric carts and boat tours for visitors.
• Best Time to Visit: Suitable throughout the year, especially spring and autumn for pleasant weather.
• Transportation: Take a bus from Kunming East Bus Station, about a 1-hour ride.
• Entrance Fee: 130 RMB per person (peak season), 115 RMB per person (off-season).

2. Dianchi Lake

• Location: Located in Xishan District, about 5 kilometers from Kunming city.
• Features:
  • China’s sixth-largest freshwater lake, known for its vast and picturesque waters.
  • Visitors can stroll along the lakeside path, take a cable car to the top of West Mountain for panoramic views, or feed red-beaked seagulls at Haigeng Park.
  • Winter is the best time to see the seagulls, which are a popular attraction.
• Nearby Attractions: West Mountain Forest Park, Yunnan Ethnic Village, Daguan Park.
• Transportation: Take Metro Line 3 to Western Bus Station, then transfer to a bus.
• Entrance Fee: Free for Dianchi itself; West Mountain Forest Park entrance fee is 20 RMB per person.

3. Jiuxiang Scenic Area

• Location: Located in Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Autonomous Township, Yiliang County, about 90 kilometers from Kunming city.
• Features:
  • Famous for its cave formations, with over a hundred caves, earning it the nickname “Cave Museum.”
  • Key attractions include Yincui Gorge, Lion Hall, and Soul Shocking Gorge. Lion Hall is the world’s largest underground square, covering 15,000 square meters.
  • Visitors can take an elevator into the gorge and then a boat tour through Yincui Gorge to admire the stalactites.
• Transportation: Take a bus from Kunming East Bus Station to Yiliang, then transfer to a bus to Jiuxiang.
• Entrance Fee: 120 RMB per person (includes internal transportation).

4. Cuihu Park

• Location: Located in the heart of Kunming city, easily accessible.
• Features:
  • A famous park in downtown Kunming, known for its clear lake and lush greenery, a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
  • The park features structures like the Sea Heart Pavilion and Fish Viewing Tower, and in winter, it’s a haven for photographers with red-beaked seagulls.
• Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 to Dongfeng West Road Station, then walk.
• Entrance Fee: Free.

5. Yuantong Temple

• Location: Located on Yuantong Street in Kunming, easily accessible.
• Features:
  • One of Kunming’s oldest Buddhist temples, dating back to the Tang Dynasty (824-859 AD), with a rich history.
  • The temple features elegant architecture, including the Yuantong Pagoda and an octagonal pavilion, making it an important site for experiencing Buddhist culture.
• Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 to Chuanxinpo Station, then walk.
• Entrance Fee: Free.

6. Guandu Ancient Town

• Location: Located in Guandu District, about 10 kilometers from Kunming city.
• Features:
  • Preserves numerous buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, offering a strong historical and cultural atmosphere.
  • The town features ancient structures like the Guandu Earth God Temple and Fading Temple, along with local specialties like Guandu Baba (a type of pancake).
• Transportation: Take Metro Line 3 to Eastern Bus Station, then transfer to a bus.
• Entrance Fee: Free.

7. Seven Colours云南 Happy World

• Location: Located in the Ancient Dian Resort Area in Chenggong District, Kunming.
• Features:
  • A large theme park ideal for family and children, offering a variety of entertainment options and exciting performances.
  • Themed areas include Dian Army Camp, Mule Square, and Tea Horse Road, incorporating Yunnan’s regional culture.
• Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 to South Bus Station, then transfer to a bus.
• Entrance Fee: 280 RMB per person.

8. Yunnan Wildlife Park

• Location: Located near Jin Dian Park in Panlong District, Kunming.
• Features:
  • Home to a variety of rare animals, such as Asian elephants, Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys, and green peacocks.
  • Visitors can take a sightseeing vehicle into the park for close-up animal encounters.
• Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 to Jin Dian Park Station, then walk.
• Entrance Fee: 100 RMB per person.

9. Yunnan Ethnic Village

• Location: Located on Dianchi Road, about 5 kilometers from Kunming city.
• Features:
  • Showcases the customs and culture of Yunnan’s 26 ethnic groups, an important window for understanding Yunnan’s diverse culture.
  • Visitors can enjoy ethnic dance performances and taste local ethnic cuisine.
• Transportation: Take Metro Line 3 to Western Bus Station, then transfer to a bus.
• Entrance Fee: 125 RMB per person.

10. Jinma Biji Archways

• Location: Located in Jinyu Square, Wuhua District, Kunming.
• Features:
  • A landmark of Kunming, built during the Ming Dynasty, symbolizing the city.
  • The two archways are named “Jinma” and “Biji,” representing auspiciousness.
• Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 to Dongfeng West Road Station, then walk.
• Entrance Fee: Free.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Kunming has a spring-like climate all year round, but spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the most pleasant.
• Transportation: Kunming has a well-connected public transportation system, and the metro covers most attractions. It is recommended to use the metro for travel.
• Notes: Some attractions like Shilin and Jiuxiang are far from the city center, so it is advisable to plan your itinerary in advance.