Kunming rewards visitors with a mix of UNESCO-listed natural wonders, 1,200-year-old temples, lakeside parks, and the gateway to Yunnan’s diverse ethnic cultures. Most attractions are accessible by public bus or taxi, with the Stone Forest requiring a day trip 78km (48 miles) southeast of the city. For more detail, see our Kunming weather by month.
Things to Do in Kunming: Iconic Attractions
Stone Forest (Shilin)
A UNESCO World Heritage site 78km southeast of Kunming, the Stone Forest covers 350 square kilometres of limestone karst formations resembling a petrified forest. The main scenic area has paved paths through towering rock pinnacles, caves, and lakes. The iconic “Ashima Stone” formation is named after a Yi ethnic legend. Entry costs CNY 175 (US$24) in peak season (April to October) and CNY 130 (US$18) off-season. Open daily 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Allow 4 to 5 hours to explore the main area. Take bus A2 from Kunming East Bus Station (CNY 34, 90 minutes). Best visited on a weekday to avoid crowds. The on-site restaurants serve Yi minority cuisine. Combine with a visit to the Naigu Stone Forest (separate ticket, CNY 60) for fewer tourists. For more detail, see our best time to visit Kunming.
Green Lake Park (Cuihu Park)
Kunming’s central urban park wraps around a series of interconnected lakes with willow-lined paths, pavilions, and arched bridges. From November to March, thousands of black-headed gulls migrate from Siberia to winter on the lake. The park is free to enter and open 24 hours. Morning visits (6:00 to 9:00 AM) are best for seeing locals practicing tai chi, calligraphy with water brushes, and traditional music. The surrounding area has cafes and tea houses. The Yunnan University campus borders the park to the north. In summer, lotus flowers cover sections of the lake. The annual Kunming International Flower Expo displays in the park each April. For more detail, see our Kunming events and festivals.
Western Hills (Xishan)
The Western Hills rise along the west shore of Dian Lake, about 15km from downtown. The Dragon Gate (Longmen) complex of Taoist grottoes and temples was carved into a cliff face starting in 1781 and offers panoramic views of Dian Lake from 2,500 metres. Entry costs CNY 40 (US$5.50), plus CNY 25 for the cable car. Open 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Bus 6 or 51 from downtown reaches the base in 40 minutes (CNY 2). The hike to Dragon Gate takes about 90 minutes on stone paths. The Huating Temple (founded 1063) and Taihua Temple (1306) are en route. Combine with a Dian Lake boat ride from the base station. For more detail, see our Kunming neighborhoods guide.
Yuantong Temple
Kunming’s oldest and largest Buddhist temple, founded during the Nanzhao Kingdom (738 to 902 AD) and rebuilt in the 13th century. The temple sits in a natural depression with a central pond and octagonal pavilion, surrounded by halls containing Ming and Qing dynasty statues. Entry costs CNY 6 (US$0.80). Open daily 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Located at Yuantong Street in the city centre, walkable from Green Lake Park (15 minutes). The temple is active; you will see monks and worshippers. Visit during morning chanting (around 6:00 AM) for the full atmosphere. February and March bring cherry blossoms to the temple grounds. For more detail, see our where to stay in Kunming.
Things to Do in Kunming: Museums & Culture
Yunnan Nationalities Museum
Houses exhibits on Yunnan’s 25 recognised ethnic minorities, the most of any Chinese province. Collections include traditional costumes, silver jewellery, musical instruments, and Bronze Age artefacts from the Dian Kingdom (3rd century BC). Entry is free with passport. Open Tuesday to Sunday 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Located near Dian Lake, bus 44 or 73 from downtown (30 minutes). Allow 2 hours for the main exhibits. English signage is limited; the ethnic costume displays are the highlight. For more detail, see our Kunming travel tips.
Kunming Golden Temple (Jindian)
A Taoist temple on Mingfeng Hill whose centrepiece is a hall cast entirely from bronze in 1602 during the Ming Dynasty, weighing 280 tonnes. Entry costs CNY 30 (US$4). Open 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Bus 10, 71, or 76 from downtown (30 minutes). The surrounding park features camellia gardens (blooming January to March), pine forests, and a bell tower. The hilltop location gives city views. Combine with the nearby World Horti-Expo Garden.
Things to Do in Kunming: Day Trips
Dian Lake (Dianchi)
The largest lake in Yunnan and the sixth largest in China, Dian Lake stretches 39km north to south. The Haigeng Park area on the north shore has walking paths, bike rentals (CNY 20 per hour), and viewpoints of the Western Hills. Free access to the lakeside. Boat tours depart from Haigeng Wharf: CNY 80 for a 1-hour cruise. Best visited in winter (November to March) when thousands of seagulls gather. The Yunnan Nationalities Village (CNY 90 entry) is adjacent, featuring replica villages of 25 ethnic minorities with performances throughout the day. Bus 24, 44, or 73 from downtown to Haigeng Park (40 minutes, CNY 2).
Jiuxiang Scenic Area
A karst cave system 90km east of Kunming featuring underground rivers, waterfalls inside caverns, and the massive Grand Lion Hall. Entry costs CNY 90 (US$12.50). Open 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The site has 6 main caves connected by walkways and a chairlift down into the valley (CNY 30). Allow 3 to 4 hours. Buses from Kunming East Bus Station take 2 hours (CNY 45). Less crowded than the Stone Forest. The bat cave (Bianfu Dong) is a highlight.
