China

Kunming

Kunming, China's Spring City, gateway to Yunnan and Southeast Asia.

Local time: UTC+8
Population: 8.5M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$

Affordable

Food$$$$$About $18 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $34 a night for two
Transport$$$$$About $3.0 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇨🇳 CNY =

Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

KMGKunming Changshui International AirportMain airport, about 25 km north-east of the city area.

How	Cost	Time
Metro Line 6East Bus Station, then Line 3 downtown	¥6	45-60 min
Get off at Airport Center/Kunming Airport station, not Airport Front.
Airport Express busCity centre	¥25	40-60 min
Six lines; most popular run about 08:00-00:00.
TaxiCity centre	¥80-120	30-40 min
Double at peak times due to heavy traffic.
Ride app (Didi)City centre	¥70-110	30-40 min
Book in-app; prices vary with demand.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Kunming

Getting around

Metro for most trips; Didi or taxi for late nights and the airport.

Metro ★Five lines run about 07:00–22:00, fares ¥2–10. Ticket machines take paper cash only, so keep small notes.
BusCity buses cost ¥2 and run roughly 06:00–22:00. A bus card cuts fares to about ¥0.90.
Taxi / ride apps ★Taxis start at ¥8 plus a ¥3 fuel surcharge; insist on the meter. Didi works, and WeChat or Alipay are widely used to pay.
Rental carNot needed for city sights. Use trains and buses for day trips instead.
WalkingFine in the centre and parks. Distances grow outside downtown, so mix walking with the metro.
Bikes / e-bikesHostels rent bikes for about ¥20 a day. Shared e-bikes cost about ¥2.5 for the first 20 minutes.
Airport linkLine 6 links Changshui Airport to East Bus Station, then Line 3 into downtown.

Recommended stay★ 2 nights (3 days)

Two nights covers the city sights and a Stone Forest day; add a night for lake and hill time.

Best for

NatureStone Forest, Dianchi Lake and green hills.
FoodRice noodles, wild mushrooms and market snacks.
CultureTemples, ethnic villages and old streets.

Weather by month

15°4°Jan🌧 8d

17°5°Feb🌧 6d

22°9°Mar🌧 6d

24°12°Apr🌧 10d

26°15°May🌧 13d

25°17°Jun🌧 24d

24°17°Jul🌧 26d

24°16°Aug🌧 26d

23°15°Sep🌧 22d

20°12°Oct🌧 18d

18°8°Nov🌧 8d

15°5°Dec🌧 7d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Mild highland climate: cool, dry winters and a long, wet summer. Rarely hot, rarely freezing.

Best time: October to AprilMild days around 15–24°C and fewer rainy days. Ideal for parks, temples and day trips.
Wet summer (June to September)Rain on most days, up to 26 rain days in July and August. Showers often pass; carry rain gear.
Cool nights all yearLows drop to 4–8°C in winter. Even summer evenings are mild, so bring a light jacket.
Strong highland sunDays are bright even in the wet season. Use sunscreen and a hat at altitude.
Mushroom seasonWild mushrooms peak in the wet months. Eat them only at busy restaurants, always cooked.
What to packLayers, a rain jacket and waterproof shoes for summer; a warm coat for winter nights.

Landmarks 5

Must-see · 5

1
Shilin Stone Forest
A vast karst landscape of limestone pinnacles and pillars that is Kunming's most famous sight and a UNESCO-listed wonder. Go early in the morning to beat the tour buses, and wear sturdy shoes since the paths are uneven.
2
Yuantong Temple
Kunming's largest and oldest Buddhist temple, with a peaceful pond and halls set below street level. Dress modestly and keep your voice down; it is an active place of worship, and mornings are calmest.
3
Dianchi Lake
A huge lake on the city's edge, best known for the winter seagulls that flock to its shores and the views toward the Western Hills. Head out in the morning for clearer light and fewer crowds.
4
Green Lake Park
A lively central park with lotus ponds, bridges and locals dancing and playing music. It is free to enter and easy to reach on foot from the city center; late afternoon is the liveliest time.
5
Yunnan Provincial Museum
The best place to understand Yunnan's many ethnic groups and regional history. Check opening hours in advance as many Chinese museums close on Mondays, and allow a couple of hours.

Cultural

Park 1

Buddhist 1

Museum 1

Natural

Lake 1

Unique Landscape 1

Day trips from Kunming

Shilin · 2 h 34 by train

★★★★★ · Full day · 87 km from Kunming

Best way: Frequent high-speed trains reach Shilin West in under half an hour, with local buses or taxis for the last few kilometres to the Stone Forest.

Frequent high-speed trains run from Kunming South Station to Shilin West in under half an hour, with local buses or taxis covering the last few kilometres to the Stone Forest.

Train ★2 h 34 · from $8-$15
Car1 h 08 · taxi ≈ 180 CNY

What to see

Stone Forest (Shilin) karst formations
Naigu Stone Forest section
Yi minority villages and culture
Shilin scenic-area walking trails

1 landmark quest to check off here

Good to know

Go early in the morning to avoid the biggest tour-group crowds
Bring sun protection; the stone karst area has little shade
Wear shoes with good grip for the uneven stone paths

Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

Plans

Kunming rewards visitors with mild weather, lakeside scenery, diverse cuisine and easy links to Southeast Asia. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

How long?

What do you enjoy most?

Day trip · Food

A market morning, a noodle lunch and an evening of street snacks.

Stay: City centre (Tangzixiang). Walk to Green Lake Park, the old streets and markets. Metro nearby for trips out of town.

Tickets & tours: ≈ CNY 50
Taxis: ≈ CNY 70

Day 1

Markets, noodles and old streets

Tickets ≈ CNY 50 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 70

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1356 m · ≈ 10 min · ≈ CNY 11
1

08:30–09:30 · Free to enter; pay per item

Zhuanxin Wet Market

Go early; it is busiest in the morning. Try fresh fruit and local snacks.

Open Roughly 06:00–19:00; busiest in the morning
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ CNY 15
2

09:45–10:45 · Free

Green Lake Park Landmark quest

Short walk from the market. Watch locals dance and sing.

Open Open daily, roughly dawn to dusk
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ CNY 11
3

11:30–12:15 · ≈ CNY 20–40 per bowl

Yunnan rice noodle lunch (guoqiao mixian)

Classic crossing-the-bridge rice noodles for lunch.

Open Roughly 10:00–21:00
Taxi · 1309 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ CNY 11
4

14:00–14:20 · ≈ CNY 15–25 per drink

Chagee Landmark quest

Milk tea break. Check the branch hours.

Open Roughly 10:00–22:00; check the branch
Taxi · 901 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ CNY 11
5

18:00–19:00 · Free to walk; pay per snack

Nanping Street pedestrian area

Evening snack street. Shops roughly 10:00–22:00.

Open Shops roughly 10:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 992 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ CNY 11

1 night · Nature

Lakeside views and the Stone Forest in one short stay.

Stay: City centre (Tangzixiang). Walk to Green Lake Park, the old streets and markets. Metro nearby for trips out of town.

Tickets & tours: ≈ CNY 195
Taxis: ≈ CNY 561
Hotel: CNY 200–550

Day 1

Arrive, Dianchi Lake and seagulls

Tickets ≈ CNY 0 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 162

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 14 km · ≈ 53 min · ≈ CNY 37
1

14:00–15:30 · Free

Dianchi Lake promenade and Haigeng Dam

Walk the Haigeng Dam promenade. About 30–40 minutes by taxi from the centre; check on the day.

Open Always open
Taxi · 842 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ CNY 11
2

15:45–16:45 · Free; bird food a few CNY

Seagull watching at Haigeng Park

Seagulls at Haigeng Park, November to March only. In summer, skip and stay on the promenade.

Open Daylight hours, November to March
Taxi · 19 km · ≈ 1 h 8 min · ≈ CNY 46
3

17:15–18:45 · Free to enter; pay per bunch

Dounan Flower Market

Dounan Flower Market. Wholesale trade is very early; afternoon is calmer.

Open Roughly 08:00–22:00; wholesale trade very early
Taxi · 25 km · ≈ 1 h 28 min · ≈ CNY 58
4

19:30–20:30 · Free to walk; pay per snack

Nanping Street pedestrian area

Dinner and a stroll in the pedestrian area.

Open Shops roughly 10:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 992 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ CNY 11

Day 2

Stone Forest, then leave

Tickets ≈ CNY 195 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 399

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 93 km · ≈ 5 h 16 min · ≈ CNY 195
1

08:00–12:00 · ≈ CNY 130–175 entry; check on the day

Shilin Stone Forest Landmark quest

Go early to beat crowds. About 1.5 hours by bus or car each way; check on the day. Bring water and sun protection.

Open Roughly 08:00–18:00; check on the day
Taxi · 90 km · ≈ 5 h 4 min · ≈ CNY 188
2

13:30–14:00 · ≈ CNY 15–30 per bowl

Kunming Railway Station noodle stalls

Quick noodle lunch near the station before departure.

Open Roughly 06:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ CNY 17

1 night · Food

Markets, rice noodles and street snacks in the old town.

Stay: City centre (Tangzixiang). Walk to Green Lake Park, the old streets and markets. Metro nearby for trips out of town.

Tickets & tours: ≈ CNY 105
Taxis: ≈ CNY 174
Hotel: CNY 200–550

Day 1

Arrive, market and old streets

Tickets ≈ CNY 65 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 68

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1356 m · ≈ 10 min · ≈ CNY 11
1

14:00–15:00 · Free to enter; pay per item

Zhuanxin Wet Market

Busiest in the morning, but afternoon still has stalls. Try fresh fruit and snacks.

Open Roughly 06:00–19:00; busiest in the morning
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ CNY 11
2

15:30–16:15 · ≈ CNY 20–40 per bowl

Yunnan rice noodle lunch (guoqiao mixian)

Late guoqiao mixian lunch; many shops serve all day.

Open Roughly 10:00–21:00
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ CNY 11
3

16:30–17:30 · Free

Green Lake Park Landmark quest

Walk off lunch by the lake.

Open Open daily, roughly dawn to dusk
Taxi · 1018 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ CNY 11
4

17:45–18:30 · ≈ CNY 25–45 per drink

Green Lake café stop

Coffee break near the park.

Open Roughly 09:00–22:00
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 13 min · ≈ CNY 13
5

19:00–20:00 · Free to walk; pay per snack

Nanping Street pedestrian area

Evening street food and shops.

Open Shops roughly 10:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 992 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ CNY 11

Day 2

Guandu food and temples, then leave

Tickets ≈ CNY 40 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 105

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 15 km · ≈ 53 min · ≈ CNY 37
1

09:00–11:00 · Free to walk; small fees at some temples

Guandu Old Town

Old town streets and temples; snack as you go. Temples roughly 08:00–17:00.

Open Streets always open; temples roughly 08:00–17:00
Taxi · 14 km · ≈ 51 min · ≈ CNY 36
2

11:30–11:50 · ≈ CNY 15–25 per drink

Chagee Landmark quest

Milk tea stop; check the branch.

Open Roughly 10:00–22:00; check the branch
Taxi · 4 km · ≈ 18 min · ≈ CNY 16
3

13:00–13:30 · ≈ CNY 15–30 per bowl

Kunming Railway Station noodle stalls

Noodles before your train.

Open Roughly 06:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ CNY 17

1 night · Culture

Temples, old streets and a museum in the city centre.

Stay: City centre (Tangzixiang). Walk to Green Lake Park, the old streets and markets. Metro nearby for trips out of town.

Tickets & tours: ≈ CNY 26
Taxis: ≈ CNY 149
Hotel: CNY 200–550

Day 1

Arrive, temple and old-town walk

Tickets ≈ CNY 6 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 57

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ CNY 12
1

14:00–15:00 · ≈ CNY 6 entry

Yuantong Temple Landmark quest

Calm temple in the centre. Roughly 08:00–17:00; check on the day.

Open Roughly 08:00–17:00; check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ CNY 11
2

15:15–16:15 · Free

Green Lake Park Landmark quest

Short walk from the temple. Good late afternoon.

Open Open daily, roughly dawn to dusk
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ CNY 12
3

16:30–18:00 · Free

Wenlin Street and Kunming old-town walk

Wenlin Street and old-town lanes; shops roughly 10:00–22:00.

Open Always open; shops roughly 10:00–22:00
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ CNY 11
4

18:30–19:30 · Free to walk; pay per snack

Nanping Street pedestrian area

Dinner and evening stroll.

Open Shops roughly 10:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 992 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ CNY 11

Day 2

Museum or Guandu, then leave

Tickets ≈ CNY 20 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 92

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 13 km · ≈ 47 min · ≈ CNY 33
1

09:00–11:00 · Free with ID; some special shows charge

Yunnan Provincial Museum

Closed Monday. Roughly 09:00–17:00.

Open Closed Monday; roughly 09:00–17:00
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 14 min · ≈ CNY 13
2

11:30–13:30 · Free to walk; small fees at some temples

Guandu Old Town

Old town temples and lunch. Temples roughly 08:00–17:00.

Open Streets always open; temples roughly 08:00–17:00
Taxi · 10 km · ≈ 39 min · ≈ CNY 28
3

14:00–14:30 · ≈ CNY 15–30 per bowl

Kunming Railway Station noodle stalls

Quick bite before departure.

Open Roughly 06:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ CNY 17

2 nights · Nature ★ Recommended length

First-timers who want the big landscapes: Stone Forest, the lake and the western hills.

Stay: City centre (Tangzixiang). Walk to Green Lake Park, the old streets and markets. Metro nearby for trips out of town.

Tickets & tours: ≈ CNY 320
Taxis: ≈ CNY 695
Hotel: CNY 400–1,100

Day 1

Arrive, lake promenade and gulls

Tickets ≈ CNY 0 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 95

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 14 km · ≈ 53 min · ≈ CNY 37
1

14:00–15:30 · Free

Dianchi Lake promenade and Haigeng Dam

Walk the Haigeng Dam. Taxi from the centre takes about 30 minutes.

Open Always open
Taxi · 842 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ CNY 11
2

15:45–16:45 · Free; bird food a few CNY

Seagull watching at Haigeng Park

Seagulls only November to March. Otherwise skip and stay on the promenade.

Open Daylight hours, November to March
Taxi · 14 km · ≈ 53 min · ≈ CNY 37
3

18:30–19:30 · Free to walk; pay per snack

Nanping Street pedestrian area

Dinner and an evening stroll in the city centre.

Open Shops roughly 10:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 992 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ CNY 11

Day 2

Stone Forest day trip

Tickets ≈ CNY 280 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 401

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 93 km · ≈ 5 h 16 min · ≈ CNY 195
1

08:00–16:00 · ≈ CNY 150–300 plus entry; check on the day

Shilin day trip from Kunming

Full day out. Bring water, sun hat and cash. Dry season is best.

Open Morning departure, returns evening
Taxi · 93 km · ≈ 5 h 17 min · ≈ CNY 195
2

18:30–19:15 · ≈ CNY 20–40 per bowl

Yunnan rice noodle lunch (guoqiao mixian)

Crossing-the-bridge rice noodles for dinner back in town.

Open Roughly 10:00–21:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 567 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ CNY 11

Day 3

Western Hills, then out

Tickets ≈ CNY 40 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 199

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 16 km · ≈ 1 h · ≈ CNY 41
1

08:30–11:30 · ≈ CNY 25–40 for the cable car or park; check on the day

Xishan (Western Hills) viewpoint

Go on a clear morning for the lake view. Cable car or bus up; check on the day.

Open Roughly 08:00–17:30; check on the day
Taxi · 24 km · ≈ 1 h 26 min · ≈ CNY 56
2

12:30–14:00 · Free to enter; pay per bunch

Dounan Flower Market

Dounan is on the way back to town. Wholesale trade is very early; afternoons are calmer.

Open Roughly 08:00–22:00; wholesale trade very early
Taxi · 11 km · ≈ 41 min · ≈ CNY 29
3

15:00–15:30 · Free to enter; pay for food

Kunming South Station transfer stop

Allow buffer time for a high-speed train.

Open Station open roughly 06:00–23:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 32 km · ≈ 1 h 53 min · ≈ CNY 73

2 nights · Food ★ Recommended length

Eaters: market breakfasts, rice noodles and a slow café afternoon by the lake.

Stay: City centre (Tangzixiang). Walk to Green Lake Park, the old streets and markets. Metro nearby for trips out of town.

Tickets & tours: ≈ CNY 181
Taxis: ≈ CNY 268
Hotel: CNY 400–1,100

Day 1

Market morning and old town

Tickets ≈ CNY 71 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 69

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1356 m · ≈ 10 min · ≈ CNY 11
1

08:30–09:30 · Free to enter; pay per item

Zhuanxin Wet Market

Busiest and best in the morning. Snack as you go.

Open Roughly 06:00–19:00; busiest in the morning
Taxi · 3 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ CNY 14
2

10:00–11:00 · ≈ CNY 6 entry

Yuantong Temple Landmark quest

Quiet temple a short walk away.

Open Roughly 08:00–17:00; check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ CNY 11
3

12:00–12:45 · ≈ CNY 20–40 per bowl

Yunnan rice noodle lunch (guoqiao mixian)

Guoqiao mixian lunch, the classic Kunming bowl.

Open Roughly 10:00–21:00
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ CNY 11
4

13:30–14:30 · Free

Green Lake Park Landmark quest

Walk it off around the lake.

Open Open daily, roughly dawn to dusk
Taxi · 1018 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ CNY 11
5

15:00–15:45 · ≈ CNY 25–45 per drink

Green Lake café stop

Afternoon coffee stop.

Open Roughly 09:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 1291 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ CNY 11

Day 2

Lake food and flowers

Tickets ≈ CNY 90 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 165

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 14 km · ≈ 53 min · ≈ CNY 37
1

09:30–11:00 · Free

Dianchi Lake promenade and Haigeng Dam

Promenade walk before it gets busy.

Open Always open
Taxi · 1191 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ CNY 11
2

11:30–14:30 · ≈ CNY 90 entry; check on the day

Yunnan Nationalities Village

Snack stalls inside; check opening on the day.

Open Roughly 08:30–18:00
Taxi · 21 km · ≈ 1 h 14 min · ≈ CNY 49
3

15:30–17:00 · Free to enter; pay per bunch

Dounan Flower Market

Flowers, tea and cheap eats. Early morning is the wholesale rush.

Open Roughly 08:00–22:00; wholesale trade very early
Taxi · 25 km · ≈ 1 h 28 min · ≈ CNY 58
4

18:30–19:30 · Free to walk; pay per snack

Nanping Street pedestrian area

Evening street food and shops.

Open Shops roughly 10:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 992 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ CNY 11

Day 3

Noodles before the train

Tickets ≈ CNY 20 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 34

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ CNY 17
1

09:00–09:30 · ≈ CNY 15–30 per bowl

Kunming Railway Station noodle stalls

Quick bowl near the station before departure.

Open Roughly 06:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ CNY 17

2 nights · Culture ★ Recommended length

Temples, old streets and museums, with the Stone Forest as the big day out.

Stay: City centre (Tangzixiang). Walk to Green Lake Park, the old streets and markets. Metro nearby for trips out of town.

Tickets & tours: ≈ CNY 311
Taxis: ≈ CNY 639
Hotel: CNY 400–1,100

Day 1

Temple, lake and old streets

Tickets ≈ CNY 36 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 114

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ CNY 12
1

09:00–10:00 · ≈ CNY 6 entry

Yuantong Temple Landmark quest

Morning is calmest.

Open Roughly 08:00–17:00; check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ CNY 11
2

10:15–11:15 · Free

Green Lake Park Landmark quest

Short walk from the temple.

Open Open daily, roughly dawn to dusk
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ CNY 11
3

12:00–12:45 · ≈ CNY 20–40 per bowl

Yunnan rice noodle lunch (guoqiao mixian)

Lunch nearby.

Open Roughly 10:00–21:00
Taxi · 13 km · ≈ 48 min · ≈ CNY 34
4

13:30–15:30 · Free with ID; some special shows charge

Yunnan Provincial Museum

Closed Monday. Good rainy-afternoon backup.

Open Closed Monday; roughly 09:00–17:00
Taxi · 13 km · ≈ 49 min · ≈ CNY 34
5

16:00–17:30 · Free

Wenlin Street and Kunming old-town walk

Wenlin Street and old-town lanes in late afternoon light.

Open Always open; shops roughly 10:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 915 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ CNY 11

Day 2

Stone Forest, then out

Tickets ≈ CNY 250 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 408

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 93 km · ≈ 5 h 16 min · ≈ CNY 195
1

08:00–16:00 · ≈ CNY 150–300 plus entry; check on the day

Shilin day trip from Kunming

Full day. Check the return time before booking onward travel.

Open Morning departure, returns evening
Taxi · 66 km · ≈ 3 h 46 min · ≈ CNY 140
2

17:30–18:00 · Free to enter; pay for food

Kunming South Station transfer stop

Buffer for a high-speed train.

Open Station open roughly 06:00–23:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 32 km · ≈ 1 h 53 min · ≈ CNY 73

Day 3

Guandu morning

Tickets ≈ CNY 25 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 117

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 15 km · ≈ 53 min · ≈ CNY 37
1

09:00–11:00 · Free to walk; small fees at some temples

Guandu Old Town

Temples roughly 08:00–17:00. Street food is good here.

Open Streets always open; temples roughly 08:00–17:00
Taxi · 21 km · ≈ 1 h 15 min · ≈ CNY 50
2

11:30–13:30 · ≈ CNY 25 entry; check on the day

Jindian (Golden Temple) Park

Golden Temple Park; check on the day.

Open Roughly 08:00–18:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 11 km · ≈ 42 min · ≈ CNY 30

3 nights · Nature

Lakes, hills and the Stone Forest, with easy mornings and sunset by the water.

Stay: City centre (Tangzixiang). Walk to Green Lake Park, the old streets and markets. Metro nearby for trips out of town.

Tickets & tours: ≈ CNY 400
Taxis: ≈ CNY 930
Hotel: CNY 600–1,650

Day 1

Arrive and ease in by the lake

Tickets ≈ CNY 0 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 83

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 14 km · ≈ 53 min · ≈ CNY 37
1

15:00–16:30 · Free

Dianchi Lake promenade and Haigeng Dam

Walk the promenade and Haigeng Dam. Always open; sunset is the best light.

Open Always open
Taxi · 14 km · ≈ 51 min · ≈ CNY 36
2

18:30–19:30 · Free to walk; pay per snack

Nanping Street pedestrian area

Dinner and a wander. Shops roughly 10:00–22:00.

Open Shops roughly 10:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 992 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ CNY 11

Day 2

Western Hills and the lake shore

Tickets ≈ CNY 70 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 227

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 16 km · ≈ 1 h · ≈ CNY 41
1

08:30–11:30 · ≈ CNY 25–40 for the cable car or park; check on the day

Xishan (Western Hills) viewpoint

Go on a clear morning for the lake views. Roughly 08:00–17:30; check on the day.

Open Roughly 08:00–17:30; check on the day
Taxi · 17 km · ≈ 1 h 1 min · ≈ CNY 42
2

12:30–13:15 · ≈ CNY 20–40 per bowl

Yunnan rice noodle lunch (guoqiao mixian)

Crossing-the-bridge rice noodles for lunch.

Open Roughly 10:00–21:00
Taxi · 16 km · ≈ 57 min · ≈ CNY 39
3

15:00–16:00 · Free; bird food a few CNY

Seagull watching at Haigeng Park

Seagulls at Haigeng Park, November to March only. Daylight hours.

Open Daylight hours, November to March
Taxi · 19 km · ≈ 1 h 8 min · ≈ CNY 46
4

17:00–18:30 · Free to enter; pay per bunch

Dounan Flower Market

Dounan Flower Market. Roughly 08:00–22:00; wholesale trade is very early.

Open Roughly 08:00–22:00; wholesale trade very early
Taxi back to your hotel · 26 km · ≈ 1 h 31 min · ≈ CNY 59

Day 3

Stone Forest day trip

Tickets ≈ CNY 270 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 399

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 93 km · ≈ 5 h 16 min · ≈ CNY 195
1

08:00–16:00 · ≈ CNY 150–300 plus entry; check on the day

Shilin day trip from Kunming

Full-day trip from Kunming, back in the evening. Book ahead and start early.

Open Morning departure, returns evening
Taxi · 90 km · ≈ 5 h 5 min · ≈ CNY 188
2

19:30–20:00 · ≈ CNY 15–30 per bowl

Kunming Railway Station noodle stalls

Quick noodles near the station if you arrive there. Roughly 06:00–22:00.

Open Roughly 06:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ CNY 17

Day 4

Green hills, then go

Tickets ≈ CNY 60 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 220

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ CNY 12
1

08:00–09:00 · Free

Green Lake Park Landmark quest

Early morning is calm and local. Open dawn to dusk.

Open Open daily, roughly dawn to dusk
Taxi · 12 km · ≈ 44 min · ≈ CNY 31
2

09:30–11:30 · ≈ CNY 25 entry; check on the day

Jindian (Golden Temple) Park

Golden Temple Park. Roughly 08:00–18:00; go in the morning.

Open Roughly 08:00–18:00
Taxi · 11 km · ≈ 41 min · ≈ CNY 30
3

12:00–12:45 · ≈ CNY 25–45 per drink

Green Lake café stop

Lunch stop before you head off. Roughly 09:00–22:00.

Open Roughly 09:00–22:00
Taxi · 33 km · ≈ 1 h 57 min · ≈ CNY 75
4

14:00–14:30 · Free to enter; pay for food

Kunming South Station transfer stop

Allow extra time for security before a high-speed train.

Open Station open roughly 06:00–23:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 32 km · ≈ 1 h 53 min · ≈ CNY 73

3 nights · Food

Markets, noodles and snacks, with a lake walk between meals.

Stay: City centre (Tangzixiang). Walk to Green Lake Park, the old streets and markets. Metro nearby for trips out of town.

Tickets & tours: ≈ CNY 135
Taxis: ≈ CNY 410
Hotel: CNY 600–1,650

Day 1

Arrive and eat downtown

Tickets ≈ CNY 30 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 44

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1356 m · ≈ 10 min · ≈ CNY 11
1

15:00–16:00 · Free to enter; pay per item

Zhuanxin Wet Market

Wet market snacks. Roughly 06:00–19:00; busiest in the morning.

Open Roughly 06:00–19:00; busiest in the morning
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ CNY 11
2

17:30–18:15 · ≈ CNY 20–40 per bowl

Yunnan rice noodle lunch (guoqiao mixian)

Rice noodle dinner. Roughly 10:00–21:00.

Open Roughly 10:00–21:00
Taxi · 1462 m · ≈ 10 min · ≈ CNY 11
3

19:00–20:00 · Free to walk; pay per snack

Nanping Street pedestrian area

Evening street food and shops. Roughly 10:00–22:00.

Open Shops roughly 10:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 992 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ CNY 11

Day 2

Market morning and old town tastes

Tickets ≈ CNY 20 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 104

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1356 m · ≈ 10 min · ≈ CNY 11
1

08:00–09:00 · Free to enter; pay per item

Zhuanxin Wet Market

Come early for the full market. Roughly 06:00–19:00.

Open Roughly 06:00–19:00; busiest in the morning
Taxi · 14 km · ≈ 50 min · ≈ CNY 35
2

10:00–12:00 · Free to walk; small fees at some temples

Guandu Old Town

Old town snacks and temples. Streets always open; temples roughly 08:00–17:00.

Open Streets always open; temples roughly 08:00–17:00
Taxi · 14 km · ≈ 51 min · ≈ CNY 36
3

14:00–14:20 · ≈ CNY 15–25 per drink

Chagee Landmark quest

Tea break. Roughly 10:00–22:00; check the branch.

Open Roughly 10:00–22:00; check the branch
Taxi · 1263 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ CNY 11
4

16:00–17:30 · Free

Wenlin Street and Kunming old-town walk

Old-town walk with snack stops. Shops roughly 10:00–22:00.

Open Always open; shops roughly 10:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 915 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ CNY 11

Day 3

Lake day with a flower market finish

Tickets ≈ CNY 30 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 203

Taxi from your hotel · 14 km · ≈ 53 min · ≈ CNY 37
1

09:00–10:30 · Free

Dianchi Lake promenade and Haigeng Dam

Promenade walk. Always open.

Open Always open
Taxi · 15 km · ≈ 54 min · ≈ CNY 38
2

12:00–12:45 · ≈ CNY 20–40 per bowl

Yunnan rice noodle lunch (guoqiao mixian)

Lunch. Roughly 10:00–21:00.

Open Roughly 10:00–21:00
Taxi · 26 km · ≈ 1 h 32 min · ≈ CNY 60
3

15:00–16:30 · Free to enter; pay per bunch

Dounan Flower Market

Dounan Flower Market. Roughly 08:00–22:00.

Open Roughly 08:00–22:00; wholesale trade very early
Taxi · 25 km · ≈ 1 h 28 min · ≈ CNY 58
4

18:30–19:30 · Free to walk; pay per snack

Nanping Street pedestrian area

Last dinner downtown. Roughly 10:00–22:00.

Open Shops roughly 10:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 992 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ CNY 11

Day 4

Quick bite before you go

Tickets ≈ CNY 55 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 59

Taxi from your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ CNY 12
1

08:00–09:00 · Free

Green Lake Park Landmark quest

Morning stroll. Open dawn to dusk.

Open Open daily, roughly dawn to dusk
Taxi · 1018 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ CNY 11
2

09:30–10:15 · ≈ CNY 25–45 per drink

Green Lake café stop

Coffee and a snack. Roughly 09:00–22:00.

Open Roughly 09:00–22:00
Taxi · 6 km · ≈ 24 min · ≈ CNY 19
3

11:30–12:00 · ≈ CNY 15–30 per bowl

Kunming Railway Station noodle stalls

Noodles before departure. Roughly 06:00–22:00.

Open Roughly 06:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ CNY 17

3 nights · Culture

Temples, old streets and museums, with the Stone Forest as a day out.

Stay: City centre (Tangzixiang). Walk to Green Lake Park, the old streets and markets. Metro nearby for trips out of town.

Tickets & tours: ≈ CNY 386
Taxis: ≈ CNY 817
Hotel: CNY 600–1,650

Day 1

Arrive, temple and old town

Tickets ≈ CNY 6 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 57

Taxi from your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 12 min · ≈ CNY 12
1

14:00–15:00 · ≈ CNY 6 entry

Yuantong Temple Landmark quest

Temple in the city centre. Roughly 08:00–17:00; check on the day.

Open Roughly 08:00–17:00; check on the day
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ CNY 11
2

15:30–16:30 · Free

Green Lake Park Landmark quest

Park next door. Open dawn to dusk.

Open Open daily, roughly dawn to dusk
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ CNY 12
3

17:00–18:30 · Free

Wenlin Street and Kunming old-town walk

Wenlin Street and old-town walk. Shops roughly 10:00–22:00.

Open Always open; shops roughly 10:00–22:00
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ CNY 11
4

19:00–20:00 · Free to walk; pay per snack

Nanping Street pedestrian area

Dinner. Shops roughly 10:00–22:00.

Open Shops roughly 10:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 992 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ CNY 11

Day 2

Museum and Guandu Old Town

Tickets ≈ CNY 50 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 152

Taxi from your hotel · 13 km · ≈ 47 min · ≈ CNY 33
1

09:30–11:30 · Free with ID; some special shows charge

Yunnan Provincial Museum

Closed Monday; roughly 09:00–17:00.

Open Closed Monday; roughly 09:00–17:00
Taxi · 13 km · ≈ 48 min · ≈ CNY 34
2

12:00–12:45 · ≈ CNY 20–40 per bowl

Yunnan rice noodle lunch (guoqiao mixian)

Lunch. Roughly 10:00–21:00.

Open Roughly 10:00–21:00
Taxi · 15 km · ≈ 55 min · ≈ CNY 38
3

14:00–16:00 · Free to walk; small fees at some temples

Guandu Old Town

Old town temples and streets. Temples roughly 08:00–17:00.

Open Streets always open; temples roughly 08:00–17:00
Taxi · 14 km · ≈ 51 min · ≈ CNY 36
4

16:30–16:50 · ≈ CNY 15–25 per drink

Chagee Landmark quest

Tea break. Check the branch.

Open Roughly 10:00–22:00; check the branch
Taxi back to your hotel · 1183 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ CNY 11

Day 3

Stone Forest day trip

Tickets ≈ CNY 270 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 399

Taxi from your hotel · 93 km · ≈ 5 h 16 min · ≈ CNY 195
1

08:00–16:00 · ≈ CNY 150–300 plus entry; check on the day

Shilin day trip from Kunming

Full-day trip, back in the evening. Book ahead.

Open Morning departure, returns evening
Taxi · 90 km · ≈ 5 h 5 min · ≈ CNY 188
2

19:30–20:00 · ≈ CNY 15–30 per bowl

Kunming Railway Station noodle stalls

Quick noodles if you arrive near the station. Roughly 06:00–22:00.

Open Roughly 06:00–22:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 20 min · ≈ CNY 17

Day 4

Golden Temple, then go

Tickets ≈ CNY 60 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 208

Taxi from your hotel · 11 km · ≈ 42 min · ≈ CNY 30
1

08:30–10:30 · ≈ CNY 25 entry; check on the day

Jindian (Golden Temple) Park

Golden Temple Park. Roughly 08:00–18:00; morning is best.

Open Roughly 08:00–18:00
Taxi · 11 km · ≈ 41 min · ≈ CNY 30
2

11:30–12:15 · ≈ CNY 25–45 per drink

Green Lake café stop

Lunch before departure. Roughly 09:00–22:00.

Open Roughly 09:00–22:00
Taxi · 33 km · ≈ 1 h 57 min · ≈ CNY 75
3

13:30–14:00 · Free to enter; pay for food

Kunming South Station transfer stop

Allow extra time for security before a high-speed train.

Open Station open roughly 06:00–23:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 32 km · ≈ 1 h 53 min · ≈ CNY 73

Swap in instead

Add a day for the Stone Forest (Shilin): buses and trains run from the city; check times on the day.
Swap a city afternoon for a lake walk and the Western Hills near Dianchi.
Take a side trip to a nearby old town or ethnic village; ask your hostel about day tours.

Getting around

Metro has five lines, runs about 07:00-22:00, fares ¥2-10; ticket machines take paper cash only.
Line 6 links Changshui Airport to East Bus Station, then Line 3 into downtown.
City buses cost ¥2 and run roughly 06:00-22:00; a bus card cuts fares to about ¥0.90.
Taxis start at ¥8 plus a ¥3 fuel surcharge; insist on the meter.
Ride apps like Didi work; WeChat and Alipay are widely used for payments.
Bikes rent at hostels for about ¥20 a day; shared e-bikes cost about ¥2.5 for the first 20 min.

Where to stay

City centre (Tangzixiang) · ≈ CNY 200–550 a night
Walk to Green Lake Park, the old streets and markets. Metro nearby for trips out of town.
Kunming Railway Station area · ≈ CNY 150–400 a night
Handy for early trains and buses onward. Busy, plain streets; good budget rooms.
Dianchi lakeside · ≈ CNY 250–700 a night
Lake views, quieter evenings and easy access to the western hills. Far from the centre.
Kunming South Station area · ≈ CNY 180–450 a night
Best for high-speed trains to other provinces. Little to see nearby; a sleep-and-go base.

Food & drink

Try Crossing-the-Bridge rice noodles (过桥米线), the city's signature bowl. Expect roughly ¥20–40.
Wild mushrooms are a summer treat. Eat them only at busy, reputable restaurants and always cooked through.
Snack streets near the old town and university area sell grilled skewers, fried potatoes and flower cakes.
Flower cakes (鲜花饼) and Pu'er tea make easy, light gifts. Buy from shops, not only tourist stalls.
Street food is cheap, often ¥5–15 a snack. Carry small cash and use WeChat or Alipay where accepted.

Tips

Take it easy on your first day as the 1,900m altitude can cause mild fatigue
WeChat Pay and Alipay are absolutely essential for all daily transactions
Try 'Crossing the Bridge Noodles' (Guoqiao Mixian), the most famous regional dish
Visit the nearby Stone Forest (Shilin) for striking karst limestone formations
Enjoy the massive Dounan Flower Market, the largest fresh cut flower market in Asia

Sources for prices and hours

Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

Tours & activities

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Shilin Stone Forest

Day trip to the Shilin Stone Forest
Roast duck lunch and city sights
24 reviews · 4.3 rating

Lunch includedPrivate tour

Stone Forest, Roast Duck Lunch & City Private Tour

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.3 (24)

$63View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Shilin Stone Forest

Full day among the limestone pinnacles
Flexible pace with a private guide
15 reviews · 4.8 rating

Private day tourTop rated

Stone Forest Private Day Tour

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (15)

$148View tour

Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

Shilin Stone Forest

Pre-booked entry to the scenic area
Explore the stone forest at your own pace
3 reviews · 4.7 rating

Entry includedUNESCO site

UNESCO-Listed Stone Forest Scenic Area Entry Ticket

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (3)

$39View tour

Souvenirs

Yunnan Pu'er tea

CNY 60–200100-200g small cake · estimate

Pu'er is a fermented tea from Yunnan, sold as compressed cakes. Kunming is the main trading hub for it.

Where: Kangle Tea Market, official brand shops

Choose raw (sheng) or ripe (shu) tea by taste. Skip expensive antique teas, which are often hard to verify.

Rose flower cake

CNY 30–706-10 pieces · estimate

A pastry filled with edible Yunnan rose petals. It is a classic Kunming treat that locals often give as gifts.

Where: Jia Hua Bakery (嘉华鲜花饼) official shop

Check the expiry date before you buy, since these pastries do not keep long.

Dried mushrooms

CNY 30–300100g · estimate

Yunnan is famous for its wild mushrooms, and Dounan is one of the best-known markets for them.

Where: Dounan Market

Matsutake is very expensive, so compare prices before buying the premium varieties.

Flights

Hotels

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Luggage storage

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Cost of a day

Exchange rate

Getting in

Getting around

Weather by month

Climate

Landmarks 5

Must-see · 5

Shilin Stone Forest

Yuantong Temple

Dianchi Lake

Green Lake Park

Yunnan Provincial Museum

Cultural

Park 1

Buddhist 1

Museum 1

Natural

Lake 1

Unique Landscape 1

Day trips from Kunming

Shilin · 2 h 34 by train

What to see

Good to know

Plans

Shilin Stone Forest Landmark quest

Yunnan rice noodle lunch (guoqiao mixian)

Dianchi Lake promenade and Haigeng Dam

Seagull watching at Haigeng Park

Zhuanxin Wet Market

Green Lake Park Landmark quest

Yunnan rice noodle lunch (guoqiao mixian)

Chagee Landmark quest

Nanping Street pedestrian area

Yuantong Temple Landmark quest

Green Lake Park Landmark quest

Yunnan rice noodle lunch (guoqiao mixian)

Yunnan Provincial Museum

Guandu Old Town

Dianchi Lake promenade and Haigeng Dam

Seagull watching at Haigeng Park

Dounan Flower Market

Nanping Street pedestrian area

Shilin Stone Forest Landmark quest

Kunming Railway Station noodle stalls

Zhuanxin Wet Market

Yunnan rice noodle lunch (guoqiao mixian)

Green Lake Park Landmark quest

Green Lake café stop

Nanping Street pedestrian area

Guandu Old Town

Chagee Landmark quest

Kunming Railway Station noodle stalls

Yuantong Temple Landmark quest

Green Lake Park Landmark quest

Wenlin Street and Kunming old-town walk

Nanping Street pedestrian area

Yunnan Provincial Museum

Guandu Old Town

Kunming Railway Station noodle stalls

Dianchi Lake promenade and Haigeng Dam

Seagull watching at Haigeng Park

Nanping Street pedestrian area

Shilin day trip from Kunming

Yunnan rice noodle lunch (guoqiao mixian)

Xishan (Western Hills) viewpoint

Dounan Flower Market

Kunming South Station transfer stop

Zhuanxin Wet Market

Yuantong Temple Landmark quest

Yunnan rice noodle lunch (guoqiao mixian)

Green Lake Park Landmark quest

Green Lake café stop

Dianchi Lake promenade and Haigeng Dam

Yunnan Nationalities Village

Dounan Flower Market

Nanping Street pedestrian area

Kunming Railway Station noodle stalls

Yuantong Temple Landmark quest

Green Lake Park Landmark quest