8 Best Things to Do in Kunming, China: Stone Forest, Food & More

Kunming is a city like no other. With over 8.5 million people, roughly the size of London, it’s China’s vast urban playground with a laid-back soul. Often called the Spring City, Kunming enjoys mild weather year-round, rarely breaking 30°C in summer or dropping below freezing in winter. Its nickname isn’t just marketing; it truly feels like spring most days... fresh, thriving, and hopeful.

I've been to the city quite a few times over the years, but on the contrary, Fabio experienced his first Chinese megacity here, and it was overwhelming in the best way. The metro stations are huge, packed with cheerful mascots and a buzz of activity. Western tourists are almost a rarity these days, yet somehow the city keeps a mellow, approachable vibe beneath its massive size.

This post is a roundup of the top things to do in Kunming and what to expect on your visit. Whether you’re wandering ancient towns or soaking in hot springs, Kunming offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, nature, and urban energy.

Is Kunming Worth Visiting?

This is a big yes. While it may look like any big Chinese city at first glance, it has so much to offer in both the city and the surrounding area that make it worth it, in our opinion. You have ancient cities, UNESCO nature sights, massive lakes, and hot springs all in a two-hour radius.

Plus, it is your gateway to other fantastic Yunnan destinations like Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La, and the legendary Tiger Leaping Gorge hike, so if you are planning a Yunnan trip, you will likely need to be passing through here anyway.

Top Things to Do in Kunming: Must-See Sights & Experiences

1. Take A Walk Through Time: Guandu Ancient Town

Guandu Ancient Town is one of Kunming’s oldest districts and was once a major trade hub. The ancient architecture is stunning, with old facades now housing shoe shops, street food stalls, and scattered markets. Despite its commercialization, Guandu retains charm and energy. You find yourself immersed in a scene crowded yet intimate, alive with the buzz of locals.

One highlight for us was spotting a local cheese specialty from nearby Dali, fried crispy cheese. Trying this was a reminder of how Yunnan’s regional flavors are a world apart from typical Chinese food.

This one is still very much off-the-beaten-path, particularly for Western tourists.

Experience Spiritual Energy at the Guandu Shaolin Temple

One of Guandu’s jewels is the Shaolin Temple branch linked to its Henan counterpart. This temple is more than a historical relic; it’s an active monastery where monks practice kung fu—the birthplace of the martial art. For a longtime fan of Shaolin games and culture, visiting this temple felt like connecting dots across time and story.

The temple embraces modernity in parts—donations can be made digitally through WeChat, reflecting how religion and tech live side by side here. The temple is a place where Buddhist spirituality meets martial arts tradition in a powerful way.

2. Stroll Green Lake Park (French Flair in Kunming)

Green Lake Park is a lush natural oasis in the city, packed with families and tourists on weekends. The park offers a peaceful break, but the crowds remind you that Kunming contains millions. Its charm is amplified by neighboring French-style architecture, a subtle reminder of the colonial histories shared with Indochina (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia).

3. Go on Some Food Adventures (Mushroom Hot Pot)

On our final night, we ventured into the famed mushroom hot pot, a Yunnan specialty made with wild mushrooms and (in our case) chicken broth.

The hot pot experience is interactive: a timer tells you exactly how long to cook each batch to perfection, or else you risk actually hallucinating from them. The mushrooms ranged from slightly bitter with unique textures to rich and satisfying. This meal was filling and deeply comforting after a week of rich regional dishes.

The richness of flavors and textures here felt like discovering the city’s soul, one bite at a time. You'll find a lot of places to try this food in the next list item of things to do in Kunming.

4. Get Lost on Nanping and Wenmin Pedestrian Streets

The heartbeat of Kunming’s commercial life is in its pedestrian streets. Nanping and Wenmin are bustling hubs of humanity, lined with shops, markets, and endless food stalls. Here, you find everything from casual street eats to small Russian stores selling vodka and souvenirs. It’s a mix of local flavor and international oddities. You can easily spend a few hours just wandering the streets, taking in the stimulating sights, smells, and tastes.

Kunming’s nickname as the “City of Flowers” also comes to life here, as flower markets and decorations are everywhere. Locals often sport floral crowns and bouquets, tying nature deeply into city life.

One thing I appreciated was the clean, free public bathrooms scattered through these areas. While the sanitation might not match Japan’s high standards, having free facilities without charge is rare in Asia.

5. Take a Day-Trip to The Stone Forest (Shilin): Nature’s Majestic Sculptures

Roughly an hour and a half from Kunming lies the Stone Forest, a stunning UNESCO site of towering limestone formations. The surreal landscape looks like nature’s own cathedral, and local Yi people say the rocks hold spirits.

The area can get packed, especially near the start of the park, but we found peace in the Minor Forest and at the Lion Pavilion, where the atmosphere was calm and reflective. Give yourself plenty of time, because we only had half a day and it wasn't enough. Take the park shuttle too, and hire a local Ashima guide at the gate (we didn't, but they can point out the hidden rock shapes and tell the folklore behind the famous Ashima stone). The Stone Forest reminded me how nature’s raw beauty can overwhelm even the busiest mind.

Entry tickets are booked through the park's official WeChat account, but if you struggle with that, you shouldn't have an issue buying them at the entrance. Trip.com's Stone Forest page also has some nice tour options.

Want to pair it with Kunming city sights? This Stone Forest + Yiliang Roast Duck + Kunming City Private Tour stops for a famous Yiliang roast duck lunch, then lets you customize the afternoon. A full day, fully handled.

Getting There by Train

We were staying downtown, so we took a slow, old train from Kunming Railway Station to Shilin Station (30 to 40 minutes), which is only about a 10-minute taxi ride from the park entrance. Kunming South Station has faster high-speed trains to Shilin West Station, but it's far from the center, and Shilin West is roughly a 30-minute drive from the park. Book tickets in advance on Trip.com and bring your passport. Full directions are in our Stone Forest guide.

6. Explore Kunming's Nearby Nature: The Dragon Gate and Dian Lake

Our attempt to catch a sunset at Dragon Gate, overlooking Dian Lake, ended in a funny fail... the cable car closed early, and we barely made it in time. These little travel missteps are part of the journey. Luckily, Dian Lake itself offers natural beauty and peaceful walks, even without the sunset spectacle.

Dian Lake (滇池, Diānchí) is Kunming’s largest lake, stretching over 300 square kilometers. It’s a popular spot for walking, cycling, and enjoying lakeside parks. The lake is surrounded by lush hills and is especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset. You’ll find locals fishing, flying kites, and relaxing along the shore.

Dragon Gate (龙门, Lóngmén) is a famous viewpoint perched on the Western Hills (Xishan), overlooking Dian Lake and Kunming city. The area features dramatic cliffs, ancient Taoist grottoes, and winding stone paths carved into the mountainside.

7. Unwind at Jinfang Forest Hot Springs

After days of constant motion, we found rest at the Jinfang Forest Hot Springs, a hidden gem with quirky pools shaped like teacups, a hotpot, and a boot (the boot turned out to be a toilet). Many of the pools are herbal infusions of ingredients like rosewater and cranberries, offering scented, mineral-rich waters to soak away the travel fatigue.

We paid a discounted evening rate and spent hours switching between pools, bathing beneath the night sky. This spot felt like a secret escape from the city’s bustle and a perfect end to our Kunming adventure. You can also stay there for a night or two, as it is a hotel/resort.

Hot Springs Info:

• Location: Jinfang Forest Hot Springs. In order to reach here, we recommend you take a taxi, which is about 30 minutes from the center of Kunming.
• Different prices and packages are listed here
• Tip: Best to visit in evening hours for quieter experience

8. Explore the "Ghost City" of Chenggong District

While this may not be the case at all now, Chenggong District used to be one of the most notorious ghost cities in China. Since a few universities have moved in, it has gained quite a bit of life, but you can still find semi-abandoned markets and more if you wander around enough.

Additionally, Chenggong District hosts the Dounan Flower Market, which is the largest in Asia and the second-largest in the world. This impressive market further reinforces Kunming’s reputation as the “City of Flowers.”

While this is an interesting place, I would put this lower on the list, hence why it is at number 8.

Best Tours and Tickets in Kunming

Here are the tickets and tours worth booking ahead for the things on this list, plus the multi-day Yunnan routes that start in Kunming.

How Many Days Should I Spend in Kunming?

We spent 3 days (3 nights) in Kunming and honestly, it was tough to fit in all the things to do in Kunming that we wanted. Even though Kunming might seem like just another Chinese city at first glance, there’s a surprising amount to explore, from ancient towns and parks to food adventures and day trips like the Stone Forest. If you want to experience the highlights without rushing, 3-4 days is ideal. More time lets you dive deeper into local culture, relax at hot springs, and enjoy the city’s endless energy at a comfortable pace.

How to Get to Kunming

Kunming is well-connected by both air and rail, making it easy to reach from major cities in China and Southeast Asia.

By Plane

Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) is the main gateway, located about 25 km from downtown. It serves direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and international hubs like Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. For booking flights, check Skyscanner or Trip.com.

By Train

Kunming Railway Station is a major hub for high-speed and regular trains. You can travel from cities like Chengdu, Nanning, Guilin, and even as far as Hanoi, Vietnam. For domestic train tickets, use Trip.com or Rail Europe.

We actually traveled from Laos on the Laos-China high speed railway and the last stop is Kunming. You can search for tickets on 12Go.

Tip: Book tickets in advance, especially during holidays, and bring your passport for ticket collection.

Where to Stay in Kunming

The best area to stay in Kunming is the city center, where the pedestrian streets are easy to walk. Below are our budget stay, two upscale picks, and a hot spring resort if you'd rather sleep at the springs.

Budget: Where We Stayed

Our accommodation was a little different, a hotel that seemed to exist inside an old office building 🤔. The stark gray floors and elevator buttons suggested cubicles rather than cozy rooms, but inside, the rooms were well done and comfortable. Big cities in China sometimes seem to have a trade-off: smaller cities often offer incredible hotels for a low price, but in places like Kunming, the balance shifts a bit (as expected).

If you're on a budget, this kind of hotel can work well for a short stay. For those seeking luxury or charm, look elsewhere, but it’s serviceable and keeps you in the heart of things.

Luxury: Sofitel Kunming

A five-star hotel in the heart of Kunming, Sofitel offers elegant rooms, panoramic city views, a luxurious spa, and several fine dining options. Its central location makes it easy to explore major attractions and enjoy upscale comfort.

Near Green Lake Park: Grand Park Kunming

Located near Green Lake Park, Grand Park Kunming features spacious rooms, modern amenities, and excellent service. Guests enjoy quick access to shopping, dining, and cultural sites, making it a top choice for luxury stays in the city center.

Stay at the Hot Springs: Jinfang Forest Hot Springs

You can also stay for a night or two at Jinfang Forest Hot Springs, as it is a hotel/resort. See prices and packages, and read what it's like in our hot springs section.

Getting Around Kunming

The metro system, sprawling, complex, but new, took us nearly an hour to get from Kunming South Station to the center. It’s clean, efficient, and full of quirky touches like mascots that instantly lift the mood. One thing we quickly learned is that despite China’s push toward a cashless society, carrying some cash is still wise. We struggled to buy a ticket because international bank cards linked to Alipay or WeChat didn’t work in this one case to buy tickets (but I imagine this will change in the near future). Plus, helping out other stranded tourists reminded me that moving around a giant city like Kunming can overwhelm newcomers.

Otherwise, once you are downtown, walking is incredibly friendly as you have many pedestrian streets to wander.

Tips for Exploring Kunming Transport:

• Carry some cash just in case, especially for smaller transactions.
• Allow extra time for metro transfers.
• Be patient with crowds and don’t hesitate to ask locals for help.

Before You Go: China Travel Essentials

Sort two things before you land in Kunming: an eSIM and a VPN. The VPN is the one you can't leave for later, since you can't install one once you're inside China.

eSIM for China

Get a China eSIM before you land, so you're not hunting for WiFi at the airport or train station. Trip.com's eSIM cards are good value and worked well for us across Yunnan. Not sure which to pick? See our eSIM comparison.

VPN for China

Download and test your VPN at home. You'll need it for Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, and most Western apps. We recommend NordVPN or ExpressVPN, and our VPN guide explains why.

Payments and Cash

WeChat Pay and Alipay cover most things once you link an international card, but ours failed at a Kunming ticket machine, so carry some cash. For restaurant deals once you're set up, here's how to use Meituan.

Travel Insurance

Get your Genki travel insurance before you go. Here's our Genki review if you want the details. For visa rules and the full China checklist, see China travel essentials in our Dali guide.

FAQs About Visiting Kunming

Plan the Rest of Your Yunnan Trip

Whether you're chasing traditional culture, local flavors, or natural wonders, Kunming has plenty. Over 8 million people live here, and the city keeps surprising you with new smells, stories, and corners.

Kunming is usually the first stop on a bigger route. Here's where to go next:

• Putting the whole trip together? Our 8 to 10 day Yunnan itinerary shows exactly how Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La connect.
• Next stop by train: Things to do in Dali, about 2 hours away. Book the train to Dali on Trip.com.
• Prefer a guided loop? The 6-Day Kunming, Dali & Lijiang Tour starts and ends right here in Kunming.
• Mountains and ancient streets: the 2-day Lijiang itinerary and our Tiger Leaping Gorge hike guide.
• Heading further north: Shangri-La travel guide.
• More on the region: the Yunnan destination page.

Kunming is more than a stop; it's a vibrant chapter in the story of traveling China.

Let its flowers, food, and stone forests leave their mark on you.