Kunming - Do & See

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Kunming

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Overview

Do & See The guide was updated: 2023-02-07

The best way to experience the charm of Kunming is to simply wander around the constantly evolving city centre. Though modernising the city is an ongoing process, most residences in Kunming still retain the traditional style of architecture, quadrangle courtyards with sun-powered water heaters, and comfortable temperatures even without air conditioning, thanks to the landscape and climate. Flowers are abundant – at roadside stores, along green belts, and across tables of local eateries, giving the city a very pleasant vibe. Most sights outside the city centre are just a quick bus ride away, with enough to occupy the visitor for more than a couple of days.

Western Mountains (Xishan Mountain Park)

Western Mountains (Xishan Mountain Park)

The Western Mountains (also referred to as "hills") make for an excellent day trip into nature. You can take a 20-minute cable car trip to the top; the 'Dragon Gate' carved into the side of the hill is an unmissable highlight, which also affords spectacular views of Kunming and Dianchi Lake. The tomb of Nie Er, the composer of the national anthem of China, rests on the hill.

Haigeng Park

Haigeng Park

Take a lakeside stroll along Lake Dianchi in Haigeng Park and take in the view of Kunming's "sleeping beauty" – Western Mountainous – resting in the distance. The park is a popular public recreation area; you'll see locals fishing and barbecuing around here.

Daguan Park (Grandview Park)

Daguan Park (Grandview Park)

Daguan Park is set to the west of Kunming, with Dianchi Lake close by. Its pavilion, with a history of more than 300 years, is a three-storey square structure with flying eaves and golden lacquered ornaments. A historic couplet of 180 characters hangs down the pavilion, lauded as "number one couplet in the past and present". In winter, the Siberian sea gulls stop by on their migratory flights.

World Horticulture Expo Garden

World Horticulture Expo Garden

The World Horti-Expo Garden is a botanical garden containing a grand exhibition of horticulture from all over the world. Situated in the northern suburbs of Kunming, it is also located close to the Golden Temple scenic spot at 4 km from downtown.

Golden Temple Park

Golden Temple Park

This park contains the most prestigious Taoist temple in Yunnan. The serene Golden Temple standing on the Mingfeng Mountain is the largest bronze temple in China. It was built by General Wu Sangui, and dates back to the early Qing Dynasty (17th century). Rare plants and tea flowers flourish in this traditional Chinese-style garden. It has become a local traditional custom to enjoy the blooming flowers in the park every annual Temple Fair, which is held on the 9th day of every Lunar New Year.

Stone Forest (Shilin)

Stone Forest (Shilin)

The natural landscape of the stone forest is a spectacular limestone formation, which has been named a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Exposed to rain and winds and eroded by the elements, the limestone ranges were shaped by time into a vast forest of stone. The karst formations are believed to be 270 million years old and are located just under 100 km away from Kunming.

Green Lake Park

Green Lake Park

The Green Lake is known as the Jade of the city. Two long dikes divide the lake into four parts. Brightly painted pavilions, tree-lined walks and exercising locals all add to the appeal of the park. During the winter months, black-headed gulls from Siberia migrate to Green Lake and entertain the crowds of visitors as they circle around and snap up bread fed to them by birdwatchers and visitors. There used to be a military school in the neighbourhood, where the famous Chinese generals Zhu De and Ye Jianying were educated in the 1910s.

Yunnan Ethnic Village

Yunnan Ethnic Village

This sprawling theme park showcases the cultural diversity of China's Yunnan Province. Each of the 26 ethnic groups represented in the park has a "station" of its own, often featuring typical residential homes, folk art (such as dance, song, or crafts), and offerings of traditional food. It can easily take a whole day to see everything, so we recommend you pick the villages you're particularly interested in beforehand. Maps are available at the entrance.

Yuantong Buddhist Temple

Yuantong Buddhist Temple

The splendid Yuantong Temple is the most important Buddhist site in the entire province, with a history of nearly 1200 years. Unlike at other temples, you enter at an elevation and make your way down through tranquil temple grounds – these feature ornate pavilions and halls (the main hall maintains Yuan dynasty architecture), mountain caves and stone staircases. carved directly into the cliff sides.

Dynamic Yunnan Dance Show

Dynamic Yunnan Dance Show

This riveting folk dance show features several segments, each representing the culture and traditions of a different ethnic minority inhabiting the province. Showmanship and choreography have received glowing reviews, and combine modern and traditional elements to create one compelling 90-minute performance that culminates in a stupendous "Peacock Dance".

Nanping Pedestrian Street

Nanping Pedestrian Street

Kunming's popular Nanping Street is a pedestrian-only commercial area packed with shops and restaurants, both local and international. It has continued to be the city's liveliest stretch for decades, and remains busy with shoppers and diners even after sundown.

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