Things to do in Kunming

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Kunming showing a city, a high rise building and landscape views
Kunming showing a high rise building, a sunset and a city
Kunming featuring signage and a city as well as a small group of people
Kunming
Kunming featuring a city

Kunming Attractions

If you're looking for exciting things to see and do in Kunming, plan on being busy. This thriving city knows how to have fun. Whatever your tastes, you'll be amazed by the wide variety of tourist attractions to sink your teeth into here. Keep reading to learn about a few of our favorites.

Explore the best sights in Kunming with some popular tours & day trips, or get through our list of {34 fun activities in Kunming fun activities in Kunming}. We have free cancellation and no added fees, so you can rest easy and focus on planning the perfect vacation.

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What to do in Kunming

Free Things to Do in Kunming

Escaping to Kunming on a budget? The following can be experienced for nix.

Songhua Dam Nature Reserve - Whether you can separate your geraniums from gerberas, you won't struggle to find beauty in this gorgeous display.

Things to Do in Kunming with Kids

Kunming is an excellent destination for a family vacation. Take the kids along and enjoy these top family friendly experiences together:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Kunming? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Kunming

I am guessing this is a black swan

Green Lake Park

Explore the great outdoors at Green Lake Park, a lovely green space in Kunming. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Green Lake Park
Affirmation without discipline is the beginning of delusion. - Jim Rohn I have many Chinese students who, because I teach them one to one and have forged a relationship with them, tell me a great deal about their personal life. One of the things I have learned is that Middle School and University students spend time, during grade 7, 10 and their freshman year in university, training in the military. Personally, I would hate it and don't ascribe to its practice. However, as an observer of political economy and nation states, I must admit that it is of incredible benefit. China has a vibrance to it and it owes this in part to the level of discipline that exists throughout its society. On the contrary, in the US, there is a malaise that runs deep within its core. It is rotting from the inside out. Everywhere, you here the cry of how great America is, an affirmation without any discipline. It is a profound self-delusion and it is about to bite us all squarely on the ass.

Yunnan University

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit Yunnan University, during your travels in Kunming. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Yunnan University
Stone Forest

Stone Forest

Explore the great outdoors at Stone Forest, a lovely green space in Shilin Yi Autonomous County. Discover the mountain views while you're in the area.

Stone Forest
Kunming Zoo

Kunming Zoo

More than 50 species of animals are on display at this zoo, but the star attractions are the pretty plantings of cherry and plum trees on the slopes of Yuantong Hill.

Kunming Zoo
orchid... a great good morning Hi in the lobby ... nice place to take photo

Lake Dian

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Lake Dian during your travels in Kunming. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Lake Dian
Yuantong Temple is a 1200 year old Buddhist temple in the heart of Kunming. ¥6 to enter but totally worth it.

Yuantong Buddhist Temple

Find out about the history of Kunming when you take a trip to Yuantong Buddhist Temple. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Yuantong Buddhist Temple

Nanping Pedestrian Street

You can enjoy retail therapy at Nanping Pedestrian Street during your trip to Kunming. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Nanping Pedestrian Street

Kunming University of Science and Technology

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of Kunming University of Science and Technology, during your travels in Kunming. While you're in the area, stroll along the lakeside.

Kunming University of Science and Technology

Kunming Dianchi International Convention and Exhibition Center

Learn about the events happening at Kunming Dianchi International Convention and Exhibition Center during your trip to Kunming. Wander the forest and waterfront while you're in the area.

Kunming Dianchi International Convention and Exhibition Center

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Kunming

Kunming Zoo

Kunming City Centre

Kunming City Centre is noteworthy for its lake views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Green Lake Park and Nanping Pedestrian Street.

Kunming City Centre
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Guandu

4/5(24 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the parks and waterfront in Guandu. You might want to make time for a stop at Yunnan Provincial Museum or Lake Dian.

Guandu
The Wanda Plaza comes complete with an IMAX theatre. Soon, Kunming will look just like every other city in the world...just a bit more crowded. The Wanda Plaza towers, when completed, will be the 88th and 89th tallest skyscrapers in the world.

Xishan District

4.5/5(9 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in Xishan District. You might want to make time for a stop at West Pagoda or Lake Dian.

Xishan District
Kunming Zoo

Wuhua District

If you're spending some time in Wuhua District, Kunming Zoo and Green Lake Park are top sights worth seeing.

Wuhua District
This was once a little village outside of Kunming. It is now less than one mile from my modern apartment complex and is next to the newly built subway line. Across the way is a cement factory which is churning out the liquid foundation for the new urban complex emerging all around this cultural backwater. The living meat to the left will soon become the hanging meat to the right which will presumably be served to the locals dining inside the restaurant. I can only imagine what they talk about.

Panlong

4/5(12 area reviews)

Panlong is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Yunnan Railway Museum and Kunming Hall.

Panlong
Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience. - Ralph Waldo Emerson We are a product of nature, albeit an infinitesimal one. Nature includes quantum particles, black holes, and the expanding parts of the universe filled with dark energy. Within the scope of space-time, patience is really the only option.

Xiao Ximen

The museums and parks are just a few features travelers like about Xiao Ximen. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Green Lake Park and West Pagoda are a few top places to visit.

Xiao Ximen
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Kunming

Zhaotong

Zhaotong

Photo by James Ng

Qujing

Photo by Andy Cao

Mile

Honghe

Honghe

Green Lake Park featuring a river or creek, a city and boating

Chenggong

Green Lake Park featuring a river or creek, a city and boating

Chenggong District

Frequently asked questions

Is Kunming worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor activities and history, there are plenty of fun things to do in Kunming. Remember to experience the area's blend of unmissable attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Kunming?
Kick your day off with a visit to Yunnan Provincial Museum and Yunnan Nationalities University. Then, check out other parts of Kunming for local dining and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kunming?
You can't go home without checking out Yunnan Provincial Museum, ranked the top tourist attraction in Kunming.
Is three days enough to stay in Kunming?
Three days in Kunming is enough to visit the city's key attractions. Many guests spend two days on average. Yunnan Nationalities University, Willows Beach and Dounan International Flower Center are among the top-rated sights. Want to discover more? Hang around a while longer to explore nearby hotspots like Jincheng.
Is Kunming a walkable city?
With leading attractions like Yunnan Nationalities University close by, Kunming is every bit a destination to experience on foot. Like to discover some exciting neighborhoods within walking distance of downtown? Chenggong District is around 1 mile away.
What are some activities to do in Kunming with kids?
If you are after attractions and activities for all ages, check out these fabulous ideas for what to do in Kunming with kids.

What to do in Kunming for adults?
From local cuisine and cultural hotspots to outdoor activities and unique experiences, there are loads of exciting things to do in Kunming for adults.
Are there free things to do in Kunming?
One of the easiest ways to discover free things to do in Kunming is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on interesting neighborhoods, parks and other hotspots you can experience without taking your wallet out. Dounan International Flower Center is one spot that doesn't have an admission fee.

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