Kunming Travel Guide
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
See below for some fast facts and useful tips to facilitate your visit to the city whether it is for travel, business or study.
- 72-Hour Visa-Free Transit
- 144-hour Visa-free Transit
- Festivals & Events
- Famous Universities
- Nightlife
- Banks
- Minority People
- Local People in Yunnan
- Stone Forest
6-Day Kunming/ Jianshui/ Yuanyang from $989
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- Last updated on Nov. 20, 2024 by Zoey Gong -
Questions & Answers on Kunming Travel
Asked by Salim from BANGLADESH | Dec. 18, 2024 01:37
Reply
ReplyBangladeshi passport holder allow for a 144 Hour Visa Free Transit
Answers (1)
Answered by Olivia | Dec. 19, 2024 00:38
0
0Reply
00ReplySorry, Bangladeshi passport holders are not eligible for it. BTW the 144h visa free transit has been upgraded to 240h and crossing provincial boundaries is allowed now.
Asked by James from THAILAND | Dec. 03, 2024 19:39Reply
ReplyPre booking high speed train
i know that the ticket will be available for only 14 days in advance.
pls advise how soon, you can let us know if you can successfully buy ticket for me.
pls advise how soon, you can let us know if you can successfully buy ticket for me.
Answers (1)
Answered by TravelChinaGuide | Dec. 03, 2024 22:3210Reply
10ReplyOnce the tickets are released by the official, we will book it the very first moment for you and if booking successfully on the releasing day, we will send you the ticket information and if we fail, we will also send you an email to inform you and provide back up choices on the same day.
Asked by Wong KW from MALAYSIA | Nov. 30, 2024 01:20Reply
ReplyFrom airport to hotel
Hi, from Kunming Changshui International Airport, what is the best way to travel to Ha Luo Hotel at Panlong District?
Answers (1)
Answered by Janice | Dec. 01, 2024 22:2800Reply
00ReplyThe one near Beichen Avenue and Beijing Road? Take metro line 6 to Tangzixiang, transfer to line 2 to Beichen, exit C out and then you can see the hotel.
Asked by Kornvika from THAILAND | Oct. 31, 2024 21:23Reply
ReplyHow can you get to Yunnan Nationalities Village from Western Hill?
Does the cableway to the village still operate? How much does it cost? I plan to go there in mid-January.
Answers (1)
Answered by Rita | Nov. 03, 2024 22:0700Reply
00ReplyYes, it still operates. The cable is CNY70 in July, Auigust, October - the next May for a single trip and CNY40 in other months. From the cable car station, you can walk eastward to the village. And you can enjoy a discount of CNY 10 for the entrance ticket holding the cable car ticket.
Asked by Lee from MALAYSIA | Oct. 19, 2024 07:17Reply
ReplyIs the any Deyun show in Kunming ?
Answers (1)
Answered by Emily | Oct. 20, 2024 18:3400Reply
00ReplyCrosstalk by Deyunshe? There will be a show at 19:30 on Dec. 1, at Yunnan Grand Theater.