16+ Top Kunming attractions & must-see places in Kunming

January 20, 2025

Kunming is the capital of Yunnan province and is also a must-see destination for “explorers”. So, where to go in Kunming? Find out about the attractive Kunming tourist places to visit with 16+ top Kunming attractions & must-see places in Kunming below!

Kunming city by Dianchi Lake | Kunming attractions

Ancient beauty of Kunming | Kunming attractions

Kunming, the China’s spring city | Kunming attractions

As the gateway to Yunnan, Kunming is known as the “city of spring” with a cool climate and brilliant natural scenery. Coming to Yunnan is a journey that takes you to explore the majestic mountain ranges and ancient towns with a long history and culture. The Stone Forest, the poetic Dianchi Lake, or the busiest flower market in China will all bring you many memorable experiences. Hurry up and explore the beautiful Kunming tourist destinations with us now!

Shilin Stone Forest – Kunming

Address: Shilin Yi District, Kunming, Yunnan

The Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a prominent symbol and a must-see destination when coming to Kunming. With towering limestone pillars rising between the sky and the earth, this place creates a majestic scene like a stone forest in a fairy tale. Formed over millions of years, Stone Forest not only possesses rare natural beauty but also contains unique cultural values of the Sani people, a branch of the Yi ethnic group.

When entering the stone forest, visitors will immediately be attracted by the rocks with unique shapes such as “Sword Peak Pond” (Jianfengchi) or “Ashima Rock.” Each place is associated with legendary stories, creating a special attraction. In addition, Stone Forest is also a place to preserve traditional culture through art performances of the Sani people.

Dianchi Lake – Kunming (#Kunming attractions)

Address: Dianchi Road, Xishan District, Kunming

Like a giant mirror reflecting the Kunming sky, Dianchi Lake is a fascinating natural wonder in the heart of Yunnan Province. As the largest freshwater lake in the region, it not only has endless beauty but also plays an important role in the lives and culture of local people for centuries.

Surrounding the lake are famous attractions such as Xishan Mountain, Yunnan Ethnic Village and Haicang Park, creating an attractive space for you to explore. Visitors can immerse themselves in the peace by walking on the lakeside paths, cycling amidst the tranquil scenery or trying rowing a boat to see the water surface stretching to the horizon. In particular, during the migratory bird season, Dianchi Lake becomes an ideal rendezvous for water birds, bringing an interesting experience for nature lovers.

Jiuxiang Karst Cave – Kunming

Address: Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Autonomous Town, Yiliang County, Kunming City

Located in the middle of the poetic highland mountains of Kunming, Jiuxiang Cave is a wonderful natural masterpiece, taking visitors into the mysterious world hidden deep underground. Dubbed the “Karst Cave Museum,” this place gathers more than 100 large and small caves, forming the largest cave system in China, blending with waterfalls, underground rivers and attractive natural stone bridges.

Jiuxiang Cave stands out with wonders such as the Cool Valley – where couples used to sing and exchange love songs, or the Underground Valley – an impressive canyon with a depth of nearly 100m. In addition, visitors will be impressed by the brilliant beauty of the twin waterfalls, explore the Goddess Palace with stalactites resembling dancing fairies, or admire the “fairy field” with layers of stalactites creating a captivating landscape.

Kunming West Hill (Xishan Forest Park)

Address: West of the suburbs of Kunming, Xishan District, Kunming, Yunnan

Like a vivid landscape painting on the edge of Kunming city, Xishan Forest Park is an ideal stop for visitors looking for peace and beauty blending nature and history. This place is not only famous for its majestic mountain scenery but also a fascinating cultural treasure, attracting visitors through each step of discovery.

The journey to Xishan Forest Park offers many diverse experiences, from taking the cable car, climbing through tree-lined paths, admiring the panoramic view of Dianchi Lake from above, to exploring Longmen – a majestic cave system carved deep into the cliff with Buddha statues and ancient inscriptions.

Jianshui Ancient Town – Kunming

When coming to Kunming, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the ancient streets with rich cultural features! Jianshui is one of the ancient streets full of charm between ancient beauty and modern vitality. Here, you will feel the majesty of Chaoyang Tower when looking out to admire the panoramic view of the ancient town. The Confucian Temple of Literature, is a place that brings a quiet atmosphere, helping to discover the profound value of Confucian philosophy. The Zhu family garden, with its elaborate design and elegant style, is a testament to the prosperity of a golden age.

Not only stopping at the scenery and architecture, the journey to Jianshui is also embellished with the flavors of local cuisine. The fragrant grilled tofu or the rich clay pot steamed chicken will surely make the trip more memorable.

Yuanyang Terraced Fields – Kunming

Address: Yuanyang County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province

Yuanyang terrace fields | Kunming attractions

The Yuanyang Terraced Fields appear like a vivid picture, stretching across the winding mountain slopes and carrying a history of more than 1,300 years. This is the heart of the Honghe Terraced Fields World Heritage Site, where nature and humans together create spectacular scenery through each soft curve of the hills.

Not only attractive for its majestic beauty, Yuanyang is also an ideal stop to explore the unique culture of the Hani and Yi people. Here, the image of people in colorful costumes, working hard on the fields with buffalo and primitive tools, will give you the feeling of looking back at a vibrant past.

Start your day at Duoyishu, where the gentle dawn illuminates the fields; continue your journey to Bada to admire the vast landscape; and ends with an impressive sunset moment at Laohuzui.

Dongchuan Red Land – Kunming

Address: Huashitou Village, Dongchuan District, Kunming, Yunnan

Dongchuan not only attracts photographers but is also a great destination for those who want to immerse themselves in the wild and poetic beauty of nature. Located about 200 km from the center of Kunming, Dongchuan is likened to a beautiful picture drawn by nature, with the red color of the soil stretching across the fields, dotted with the fresh green of the trees, the deep blue sky and the magical changing light according to the time of day.

The formation of red soil in Dongchuan is the result of centuries of oxidation in a humid tropical climate, combined with terrain at an altitude of 1,800 to 2,600 meters. Some of the highlights here include Qicaipo – the colorful hill of seven colors, Damakan – the ideal place to watch the magical sunrise, and Luoxiagou – the valley filled with poetic sunsets.

Yunnan Ethnic Village – Kunming

Address: #1310 Dianchi Road, Kunming City, Yunnan Province

If you want to explore the cultural soul of Yunnan, Yunnan Ethnic Village is a must-see destination. This is a place that vividly recreates the lives of 25 ethnic minorities in the region, bringing a colorful journey of discovery. From the moment you set foot in the village, visitors will encounter many typical architectural styles, from the elegant wooden houses of the Thai people to the cozy terracotta houses of the Hani people – the artisans behind the majestic beauty of the Yuanyang terraced fields.

Not only stopping at the scenery, the village also offers folk art performances and activities introducing traditional crafts such as embroidery and weaving, helping viewers understand more about the life and culture of each ethnic group.

Green Lake Park – Kunming

Address: No. 67, South Cuihu Road, Wuhua District, Kunming, Yunnan

Located right in the center, Green Lake Park is known as the “emerald” of the city with a harmonious landscape of trees, flowers, lakes and animals. Each season, Green Lake puts on its own beauty. Spring is brilliant with colorful tulip carpets, summer is charming with blooming lotus, winter is warm when thousands of black-headed seagulls from Siberia visit.

This is also a place for local people to relax, enjoy tea, play music and exchange cultures. Take a walk on the tree-lined path, watch the sparkling fish swimming under the lotus leaves, or simply enjoy the fresh air. Green Lake Park is not only a destination, but also a memorable experience when visiting Kunming.

Daguan Zhuanxin Agricultural Market (Zhuanxin Farmers’ Market) – Kunming

Address: Guanshang Road, Xishan District, Kunming City, Yunnan

Tourism cannot be without cuisine, and when coming to Kunming, you cannot miss Daguan Zhuanxin Market, a market with a strong local character. This is a place where the vibrant atmosphere, fresh food sources and attractive street food converge, bringing an unforgettable culinary culture experience.

When entering this market, visitors are immediately attracted by the vibrant colors of the stalls selling tropical fruits, fresh vegetables and local specialties. The aroma of traditional dishes such as rice noodles, cheese or sweet rice wine will make anyone stop to enjoy. Whether you are a foodie or simply want to explore the daily culture, the journey at this market will definitely leave a lasting impression on visitors.

Kunming City Museum

Address: 71 Tuodong Road, Kunming City, Yunnan

If you love exploring history and culture, Kunming City Museum is a must-see destination on your journey. Located right in the city center, this museum preserves vivid stories about the formation and development of Kunming through the ages.

Here, visitors will admire a rich collection, from relics from the Bronze Age to impressive dinosaur fossils. In particular, the exhibition area about the “Flying Tigers” recreates the important role of the American volunteer pilots in World War II, when they accompanied China to fight against the Japanese.

Guandu Ancient Town – Kunming

Address: Luofeng Village, southeastern suburb of Kunming City, Yunnan

Guandu Ancient Town is an ideal destination to experience the beauty of Kunming’s blend of culture, architecture and spirituality. Guandu impresses with ancient temples such as Miaozhan Temple, featuring majestic pagoda towers, and architectural works imbued with the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Not only that, you also have the opportunity to enjoy the unique performances of Kunming classical opera, a unique artistic heritage of Yunnan. In particular, try learning Kungfu at the small temple of Shaolin Temple here, which offers a new perspective on Chinese martial arts.

Flower and Bird Market – Kunming

Address: Midway between Jingxin Road, Wuhua District, Kunming, Yunnan

Jingxing Flower and Bird Market is a destination you cannot miss if you want to feel the bustling life of Kunming. Not only does it stand out with its vibrant colors, it also resonates with the vibrant sounds of local life. Opened since the 1980s, the Kunming Flower and Bird Market has become an indispensable part of the city.

With more than 700 stalls, the market sells all kinds of fresh flowers such as orchids, camellias, jasmine, and countless rare birds such as parrots and starlings. The fragrant scent of flowers blends with the chirping of birds, creating a space full of vitality and energy. In addition to flowers and birds, the market also sells handicrafts, gemstones, and antiques. The trip will also be more complete when enjoying specialties such as Yunnan noodles or attractive grilled BBQ.

Yuantong Temple – Kunming

Address: 30 Yuantong, Wu Hua District, Kunming, Yunnan

With a history of more than 1,200 years, Yuantong Temple is not only a place of worship but also an important spiritual and cultural center, connecting Buddhist schools from Tibet, Mahayana and Theravada. In particular, the large Sakyamuni Buddha statue donated by Thailand in the 1980s is a symbol of the connection between Southeast Asian Buddhist communities.

In addition to visiting the unique architecture, you can enjoy vegetarian dishes at the vegetarian restaurant in the temple, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and admire the beautiful cherry blossoms in spring. Yuantong Temple is a “must-visit” destination for spiritual people!

Jiaozi Snow Mountain – Kunming

Address: Wumeng Town, Luquan Yi and Miao Autonomous County, Kunming City

Located about 150 kilometers from downtown Kunming, Jiaozi is a 4,223-meter-high mountain, famous for its beautiful scenery in every season. In winter and spring, it is covered in pure white snow, creating a majestic scene with icefalls and brilliant waterfalls. In summer and autumn, the mountain is covered in brilliant colors of azaleas, creating a vivid natural picture.

In addition to beautiful waterfalls and lakes, Jiaozi Mountain is also famous for its rich flora and fauna, known as the “Gene Bank of Yunnan”. This is a must-see destination for those who love nature and exploring wild beauty.

Golden Temple – Kunming

Address: 3QQC+9MQ Chuanjin, Panlong District, Kunming, Yunnan

The Golden Temple is not only a historical relic but also a symbol of the pinnacle of bronze casting art from more than 300 years ago. First built in the Ming Dynasty (1602) and restored in the Qing Dynasty, the Golden Temple is famous for being the largest, heaviest and best-preserved bronze temple in China. The entire temple architecture is crafted entirely from bronze, demonstrating Yunnan’s excellent metallurgy and bronze casting techniques.

Visitors can explore Taoist culture at the Taihe Palace, admire the giant bronze bell from the Ming Dynasty weighing 14 tons, or stroll through the botanical garden with thousands of flowers such as camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons. In spring, the camellias at the temple bloom brilliantly, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

With a pleasant climate all year round, Kunming is truly a wonderful destination where the “crazy about walking” will find endless joy. Here, you will admire the majestic beauty of Jiaozi Snow Mountain, enjoy the quiet and sacred space at Yuantong Temple, or discover the historical value at the Golden Temple relic.

The post first appeared on Klook Vietnam and was translated, more compiled and edited by Living Nomads. If you find any images or text that belong to you, please contact us, so we can credit you or give us permission to use them. Thank you very much!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Kunming and Yunnan you can refer to

Read more Kunming guide here and China guide here.