Kunming
The City of Eternal Spring
Welcome to Kunming! The "City of Eternal Spring." This 3-day plan covers the authentic local markets, historical sites, wetland sunsets, and a day trip to the famous geological wonders.
1. Attractions
Tap copy & paste icon at the right side of attraction name and paste in map app to see the location.
Note: Some major attractions require reservations even with tickets. Be sure to use Trip.com to purchase and reserve simultaneously
Day 1: City Vibes & History
Zhuanxin Farmers Market (篆新农贸市场)
Start your day like a local! The most vibrant market in Kunming. Try exotic fruits and local snacks for breakfast.
Cost:Free
Hours:Morning
SW Associated University Site (西南联大旧址)
Historically significant site inside Yunnan Normal University. The temporary campus for China's top universities during WWII. Nobel Prize winners Chen Ning Yang and Tsung-Dao Lee also studied here during that period.
Cost:Free (Reservation required)
Hours:9:00 – 17:00
Green Lake (Cuihu) Area (翠湖)
Walkable area including the Military Academy (yellow colonial building) and Green Lake (seagulls in winter).
Cost:Free
Hours:Open all day
Kunming Old Street & MixC (昆明老街 & 万象城)
Visit the Flower & Bird Market in Old Street. Then head to MixC Mall (free luggage storage for tourists!).
Cost:Free
Hours:Open all day
Day 2: Flowers, Culture & Sunsets
Dounan Flower Market (斗南花卉市场)
Asia's largest fresh cut flower trading market. Go early for variety or late for cheap prices.
Cost:Free
Hours:Before 9AM / After 4PM
Yunnan Provincial Museum (云南省博物馆)
Learn about the diverse ethnic minorities and bronze age history of Yunnan.
Cost:Free
Hours:9:00 – 17:00
Guandu Ancient Town (官渡古镇)
A historic town within the city, famous for 'Guandu Baba' (a local pastry).
Cost:Free
Hours:Open all day
Dianchi Lake Sunset (滇池日落)
Walk along Haigeng Dam to feed seagulls (Nov-Mar) and catch the sunset over 'Sleeping Beauty' hills.
Cost:Free
Hours:Evening
Day 3: Geological Wonders (Day Trip)
Option A: The Stone Forest(recommended) (石林)
Take 25 mins high-speed train from Kunming South Station to Shilin West. Focus on Major + Minor Stone Forest. Take the battery car!
Option B: Mile City (a bit far from Kunming) (弥勒)
Take 35 mins high-speed train from Kunming South Station to Mile. Visit Dongfengyun for distinctive red brick kaleidoscope buildings.
2. Food
Tap copy & paste icon at the right side of food name and paste in Dianping app to find restaurants.
Note: Food items may contain allergens. Please confirm with restaurant staff directly
Dian (Yunnan) Cuisine
Crossing the Bridge Noodles
过桥米线
The most famous Yunnan dish. Boiling broth with separate ingredients.
Posu Bao
破酥包
A flaky, layered steamed bun with sweet or savory fillings.
Hei San Duo
黑三剁
Minced pork stir-fried with pickles and peppers. A rice killer!
Wild Mushroom Hotpot
野生菌火锅
A must-try seasonal delicacy (June-Sept). Ensure fully cooked!
Steam Pot Chicken
汽锅鸡
Chicken soup steamed in a unique ceramic pot.
Fresh Flower Cake
鲜花饼
Pastry filled with rose petals.
3. Transportation
Arrival
- Air:
Metro Line 6: Direct link to city center (25-30 mins). Transfer at East Coach Station to Line 3 for downtown.
Taxi: ~80-100 RMB to city center (Green Lake area).
Airlines: Kunming is the hub for China Eastern and Lucky Air (budget friendly).Check flights via
- Train:
Kunming South (High Speed): Far from center (Chenggong District). Takes 45-60 mins by Metro Line 1 or 4 to reach downtown. Major hub for trains to Lijiang/Dali/Laos.
Kunming Station (Old Station): In the city center! Very convenient. Serves frequent bullet trains to Dali/Lijiang now. *Check your ticket carefully—getting the wrong station is a common mistake.*Check trains via
Metro
- Connects Airport (Line 6), Train Stations (Line 1/2), and MixC. Avoid rush hours.
4. Where to Stay
Green Lake / Nanping Street
Most central area, walkable to main city sights.
Beijing Road (Metro Line)
Very convenient for accessing train stations.
5. Essential Tips
💡 Top Tips
- Sun Protection: High-altitude plateau city. UV rays are strong. Wear sunscreen and a hat.
- MixC Perks: Claim "tourist gifts" at MixC service desk (free luggage storage!).
- Stone Forest Tram: Buy the battery car ticket (25 CNY). It's a 3km walk otherwise.
- SW Associated University: Reservation required on WeChat official account.