The capital of Yunnan, nicknamed the "Spring City" for its mild weather year-round at around 1,890 m altitude · stroll scenic Green Lake, where winter brings thousands of black-headed gulls · the downtown Nanping and Zhengyi pedestrian streets · vast Dianchi Lake with the Western Hills and Dragon Gate · the UNESCO Stone Forest · and the perfect base to take the train or fly on to Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La and Xishuangbanna
Kunming is the capital of Yunnan, nicknamed the "Spring City (春城)" because it sits at around 1,890 m and stays mild almost all year — one stroll around Green Lake (翠湖) in the heart of town, where winter brings thousands of black-headed gulls, and you'll get it. Spend the day on the Nanping and Zhengyi pedestrian streets · head southwest to Dianchi Lake (滇池) and the Western Hills and Dragon Gate (西山龙门) · stop by Yuantong Temple (圆通寺) and the bronze Golden Temple (金殿) · take a day trip to the UNESCO Stone Forest (石林) · and don't miss Dounan flower market (斗南), the biggest in Asia · then ride the train or fly on to Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La and Xishuangbanna, with Thai passport holders entering China visa-free.
From Green Lake and Dianchi Lake to the Stone Forest, the Western Hills and Dragon Gate, Yuantong Temple, the Golden Temple, the Nanping pedestrian street and the flower market — this is the atmosphere you'll really find in Kunming.
The full Kunming travel guide is growing piece by piece · stays are ready now, with eat, see, plan and prep on the way · choose a tab below to start planning each part of your trip
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🪙Green Lake · Nanping pedestrian street · Yuantong Temple · Dianchi Lake · the Western Hills and Dragon Gate · the Golden Temple · Kunming South Railway Station — see where everything sits so you can plan your route more easily.
Pick by budget — compare prices across all 3 sites before you book · Trip.com has the most complete China inventory
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🦅 5★ Green Lake
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Around Green Lake and the Nanping / Zhengyi pedestrian streets puts you in the walkable old centre, close to the sights; the area by Dianchi Lake to the southwest has lakeside resorts and Western Hills views; and there are handy stays right by the Kunming South high-speed rail station and Changshui Airport. Pick your area first, then choose a hotel below.
🏆💎💎💎💎💎💎💎🏞️⭐🎨🚄✈️🪙A great trip isn't limited to one city — Kunming is the gateway to Yunnan, with high-speed trains on to Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La in just a few hours.
Kunming is the capital of Yunnan province, nicknamed the "Spring City (春城)" because it sits at around 1,890 m and stays mild almost all year. Its heart is scenic Green Lake (翠湖) in the centre of town, where winter brings thousands of black-headed gulls. Stroll the Nanping and Zhengyi pedestrian streets and visit Yuantong Temple (圆通寺) · head southwest to vast Dianchi Lake (滇池) and the Western Hills and Dragon Gate (西山龙门) · out of town, see the UNESCO Stone Forest (石林) and the bronze Golden Temple (金殿) · and don't miss Dounan flower market (斗南), the biggest in Asia · then ride the train or fly on to Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La and Xishuangbanna.
You can visit Kunming on any budget — backpackers around ฿800–1,800/day · mid-range ฿2,000–4,000/day (excluding flights) · arrive via Changshui International Airport (KMG), with direct flights from Thailand, or the Kunming South high-speed rail station (昆明南站) · in town, ride Metro Lines 1–6, which are extensive and cheap · the best times to visit are March–June and September–November, with clear skies and mild weather (skip the rainy months of July–August) · Thai passport holders enter China visa-free · and don't forget to set up a VPN · eSIM · Alipay/WeChat Pay before you go.
The Wherebest team is steadily adding in-depth Kunming hotel reviews and travel guides — stays are ready now, from Green Lake and the city centre to Dianchi Lake resorts and stays near the station and airport, with sights, food and day trips on the way. Start planning your trip with the full China travel guide →
Begin with the China travel guide, then take in Kunming one corner at a time
Book popular attraction tickets and tours online in advance — often cheaper, skip the queue, and lock in your spot on the day (especially in high season when tickets sell out).
Day tour to the UNESCO Stone Forest (Shilin) — surreal limestone pillars, from Kunming
View tickets & tours →Tour Dianchi Lake, the Western Hills and Dragon Gate with Kunming city views
View tickets & tours →Tour the Dongchuan Red Land or ancient towns — Yunnan's most photogenic scenery
View tickets & tours →