Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province in China, is known as the "Spring City" because of its pleasant weather year-round. The city is famous for its beautiful parks and natural scenery. The Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with towering limestone formations that create a surreal landscape. Green Lake Park, located in the city center, is a nice spot to enjoy a stroll or relax by the water.
Where to Stay in Kunming
Book your hotel on Trip.com for an amazing travel experience. Planning a trip to Kunming? You can stay 3-5 days at hotels in Kunming without running out of things to do. While traveling to China, Kunming is one of the most popular destinations. Cities near Kunming include Anning, Fumin, Yiliang, and so on.
On Trip.com, there are more than 396 hotels for you to choose from. When looking for hotels in Kunming, there are likely good options at a nightly budget of just 35 SGD.
- Five-star hotels: 29 hotels, 118 SGD per night
- Four-star hotels: 65 hotels, 60 SGD per night
- Three-star hotels: 100 hotels, 46 SGD per night
- Two-star hotels: 187 hotels, 23 SGD per night
Hotels Near Kunming Changshui International Airport
Kunming Changshui International Airport is the main gateway to Kunming, providing domestic and international flights. The area around the airport is convenient for travelers with early flights or layovers, offering easy access to the city center via metro or taxi.
| Hotel Name | Location | Amenities | Rating |
| Ibis Hotel Kunming Changshui International Airport | Building 1, Da Nang Modern Plaza, Guandu District | Free Wi-Fi, restaurant, airport shuttle, 24-hour front desk | 4.3/5 |
| Mercure Kunming Changshui International Airport | 1 Ling Hang Road, Guandu District | Free Wi-Fi, fitness center, restaurant, airport shuttle | 4.5/5 |
| City Trace Dianzhong Grand Hotel | No. 01, Building 1, Da Nang Modern Plaza, Guandu District | Free Wi-Fi, fitness center, restaurant, free parking, airport shuttle | 4.8/5 |
Hotels Near Kunming Railway Station
Kunming Railway Station is a major transportation hub, connecting Kunming to other parts of China. The area around the station is bustling with activity, featuring shopping centers, local markets, and eateries.
| Hotel Name | Location | Amenities | Rating |
| Ramada Encore Kunming Guandu | No. 1 Shiji Square, Guandu District | Free Wi-Fi, fitness center, restaurant, business center | 4.4/5 |
| Zhongyu Hotel Kunming | No. 1088 Beijing Road, Guandu District | Free Wi-Fi, restaurant, 24-hour front desk, business services | 4.2/5 |
| Kai Wah Plaza Hotel | 157 Beijing Road, Guandu District | Free Wi-Fi, fitness center, indoor pool, multiple dining options, business center | 4.6/5 |
Must-Visit Attractions in Kunming
If you want to spend a fun vacation with your family, locals recommend visiting Jiaozi Snow Mountain, Dongchuan Red Land. The most famous attractions locally are Kunming EXPO Center, Yunnan Nationality Village, Cuihu Park. Those interested in art and culture can visit attractions like Kunming Zoology Museum. There are quite a few parks like Lianhuachi, Green Lake Park in Kunming, Dianchi Haigeng Park, all of which are great places to relax and spend time with friends and family.
The Stone Forest, located in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its towering limestone formations that resemble a forest made of stone. This geological wonder spans over 400 square kilometers and features impressive natural sculptures that have been formed over millions of years. Visitors can explore various sections such as the Greater Stone Forest, Lesser Stone Forest, and the Naigu Stone Forest. Guided tours are recommended to navigate the vast area and to understand the history and significance of the formations. The park also offers cultural performances by the local Sani people.
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming, Yunnan, China
Ticket Price: Starting at $29 for adults
Yunnan Ethnic Village is an open-air museum that showcases the culture, traditions, and lifestyles of the various ethnic groups in Yunnan Province. Spread over 200 hectares, the village features traditional architecture, performances, and exhibitions from 26 ethnic minorities. Visitors can explore replicas of ethnic homes, enjoy folk dances and music, and taste traditional foods. Battery cars and small trains are available for transportation within the village to make the visit more convenient.
Operating Hours: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: 1310 Dianchi Road, Xishan District, Kunming, Yunnan, China
Ticket Price: Starting at $20 for adults
Dian Lake, also known as Dianchi Lake, is the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan Province and a popular recreational spot in Kunming. The lake is surrounded by scenic parks and is ideal for boating and bird watching, especially during the winter months when migratory birds visit the area. Visitors can take a cable car from the lake to the Western Hills, offering panoramic views of the lake and the city. There are also walking trails and picnic spots along the lake's shores.
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Location: Xishan District, Kunming, Yunnan, China
Ticket Price: Free (Cable car rides and boat rentals have separate fees)
Xishan Scenic Area, also known as the Western Hills, is a picturesque area on the western shore of Dian Lake. The area is known for its lush forests, temples, and the Dragon Gate Grottoes, which are a series of ancient Taoist cave sculptures. Visitors can take a cable car up to the scenic area and hike through the beautiful trails. The top of the Dragon Gate offers breathtaking views of Dian Lake and Kunming. Key attractions include Huating Temple, Taihua Temple, and Sanqing Pavilion.
Operating Hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: Western Shore of Dianchi Lake, Xishan District, Kunming, Yunnan, China
Ticket Price: Starting at $12 for adults
Colorful Yunnan Ancient City is a large cultural and entertainment complex that combines traditional Yunnan architecture with modern attractions. The area includes shopping streets, restaurants, and performance venues. Visitors can enjoy a variety of shows, including stunt performances, water shows, and fireworks displays. The Ferris wheel offers stunning views of the city, especially at night. The complex is a great place to experience Yunnan culture and enjoy leisure activities.
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Location: 29.5km from downtown Kunming, Yunnan, China
Ticket Price: Free (Individual attractions may have separate fees)
Kunming Transportation
For those traveling for business and tourism, Kunming Changshui International Airport is the preferred choice when visiting Kunming. If you don't want to take a flight, coming to Kunming by train is a good choice as well.
Kunming Metro
The Kunming Metro currently operates five lines: Line 1, Line 2, Line 3, Line 4, and Line 6. These lines cover major districts and key locations such as the Kunming Railway Station, South Railway Station, and the Changshui International Airport. The metro operates from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with ticket prices ranging from ¥2 to ¥7 (SGD 0.38-1.35) depending on the distance. Trains run every 7-10 minutes, making the metro a fast, reliable, and extensive transportation option, although it can be crowded during peak hours.
Buses
Kunming’s bus network consists of over 300 lines that serve all districts and suburban areas, operating from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The fare for a single ride is ¥2 (SGD 0.38). Buses provide extensive coverage and are an affordable option for getting around, although they can be slower due to traffic and have less English signage compared to the metro.
Taxis
Taxis in Kunming are available 24 hours a day. The base fare is ¥8 for the first 3 km, then ¥1.8 per km during the day, and ¥9.6 for the first 3 km, then ¥2.1 per km at night (SGD 1.55, 0.35, 1.86, 0.41). Travel duration depends on traffic conditions, and taxis are available on-demand. They provide convenient door-to-door service but are more expensive than public transport and can experience delays during peak traffic times.
Bicycles
Kunming has a well-developed network of bike lanes, making cycling a popular mode of transport. Bicycles can be rented for ¥2 per hour (SGD 0.38). This eco-friendly option is convenient for short trips around the city but is weather dependent and limited to certain areas.
Things to Know Before You Go to Kunming
| Category | Details |
| Language | Mandarin Chinese; local dialects |
| Currency | Chinese Yuan (CNY) |
| Visa Policies | 144-hour visa-free transit policy for visitors from 54 countries including the US, Canada, Australia, and most European countries |
| Best Time to Visit | March to October: mild weather (10-25°C) with blooming flowers and vibrant festivals. November to February offers fewer tourists and lower costs |
| Electricity | 220V, 50Hz, plug types A, C, and I |
Kunming Weather
Average Temperature
• January to March: 15.1°C during the day, 8.7°C at night
• April to June: 21.89°C during the day, 16.88°C at night
• July to September: 22.16°C during the day, 18.34°C at night
• October to December: 15.67°C during the day, 10.74°C at night
Average seasonal Rainfall
• Spring: 16.13 cm
• Summer: 94.73 cm
• Autumn: 171.6 cm
• Winter: 43.97 cm
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