The Ultimate Guide to Kunming: Top Sightseeing Attractions

Kunming, also known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” is a beautiful and vibrant city located in Yunnan province, China. It is renowned for its picturesque scenery, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. If you’re planning a trip to Kunming, you won’t want to miss these top sightseeing attractions.

1. The Stone Forest

The Stone Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 75 miles east of Kunming. It is a scenic area with countless towering limestone pillars that look like a forest made of stone. Each pillar has unique shapes, and the overall formation is a natural art gallery that showcases the power of nature.

The Stone Forest is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from June to August when the weather is mild and the vegetation is lush. The entrance fee is around ¥175 ($25) per person.

2. Western Hills

The Western Hills, also known as the “Sleeping Beauty Hills,” are situated on the edge of Dian Lake and offer a stunning view of the entire city. The hills are known for their unique shape that resembles a beautiful sleeping lady lying on her back.

There are many scenic spots on the hills, such as Dragon Gate, Sanqing Pavilion, Huating Temple, and Taihua Temple. Unlike other hills that require physical strength to climb, visitors can take a cable car to reach the top of the Western Hills. The entrance fee is ¥35 ($5) per person, and the cable car fee is ¥70 ($10) per person.

3. Yuantong Temple

Yuantong Temple is one of the oldest and most famous Buddhist temples in China. It was built during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) and has a history of over 1,200 years. The temple features a unique architectural style that blends the traditional Chinese and Tibetan styles.

The main hall of the temple stands facing the water, and the surrounding trees and flowers create a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can explore the halls, pagodas, and gardens inside the temple, and also observe the daily lives of the monks. The entrance fee is ¥6 ($0.85) per person.

4. Dianchi Lake

Dianchi Lake is the largest lake in Yunnan province and the sixth largest freshwater lake in China. It covers an area of 330 square kilometers and has a maximum depth of 8.5 meters. The lake is surrounded by mountains and has a pleasant climate all year round.

Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake to explore its beauty or rent a bicycle to cycle along the lakeside. There are also many seafood restaurants located near the lake that serve fresh and tasty dishes made with fish from the lake. The entrance fee is free.

5. East and West Pagodas

The East and West Pagodas are two ancient towers located in the city center. The East Pagoda was built during the Tang Dynasty, while the West Pagoda was built during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 AD). The pagodas are regarded as symbols of Kunming and are known for their unique architectural style.

Visitors can climb up the stairs to the top of the pagodas and enjoy panoramic views of the city. The entrance fee is ¥20 ($3) per person.

Conclusion

Kunming is a fascinating city that offers diversity, culture, and beauty. Whether you’re interested in iconic landmarks, natural wonders, or ancient temples, there’s something for everyone in Kunming. Plan your trip now to experience the eternal spring of Kunming.

The Ultimate Guide to Kunming: Top Sightseeing Attractions

Kunming, also known as the “Spring City”, is the capital of China’s Yunnan province. With a pleasant climate all year round, Kunming is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the beauty of nature and immerse themselves in a unique cultural experience. In this insider’s guide, we’ll explore the top sightseeing attractions in Kunming, as well as local dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Top Sightseeing Attractions

Kunming has a variety of attractions for tourists to visit. Some of the top sights include:

• The Stone Forest: One of the most famous attractions in Kunming, the Stone Forest is a natural wonder that features towering stone formations in a forested landscape.
• Green Lake Park: A scenic park located in the centre of the city, Green Lake Park is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to enjoy a peaceful stroll or relax by the lake.
• Kunming Zoo: Home to over 300 species of animals, Kunming Zoo is a must-visit for animal lovers.
• Yuantong Temple: A Buddhist temple built in the 8th century, Yuantong Temple is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings.
• Western Hills: A range of hills located just outside of Kunming, the Western Hills offer stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside.

Dining Spots

Kunming is known for its unique cuisine that combines spicy and sour flavours. Some of the best local dishes to try include:

• Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles: A famous Yunnan noodle dish that features a variety of meats, vegetables, and spices.
• Yiliang Roast Duck: Roast duck that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
• Mushroom Hot Pot: A hot pot that features a variety of mushrooms and other vegetables.

Some of the best dining spots in Kunming include:

• Dianchi Garden Restaurant: Located in the Dianchi Lake Scenic Area, this restaurant offers stunning views and delicious Yunnan cuisine.
• Laofangzi Restaurant: This restaurant is known for its roast duck and other Yunnan dishes.
• Lao Dian Pao: A popular spot for hot pot, Lao Dian Pao is a great place to try Mushroom Hot Pot.

Cultural Experiences

Kunming has a rich cultural history that is reflected in its architecture, art, and festivals. Some of the best cultural experiences to have in Kunming include:

• Shuncheng Street: A historic street in Kunming, Shuncheng Street features traditional architecture and local handicrafts.
• Yunnan Nationalities Village: This theme park showcases the different ethnic groups that live in Yunnan through their culture, food, and architecture.
• Yunnan Provincial Museum: The Yunnan Provincial Museum features exhibits on the history, art, and culture of Yunnan.
• Yunnan Opera: This traditional Chinese opera features unique music, costumes, and dance that are specific to Yunnan.

Local History

Kunming has a fascinating history that spans thousands of years. Some of the best ways to learn about the local history include:

• The Golden Temple: Built in the 17th century, the Golden Temple is a historic Taoist temple that is known for its golden roof.
• The Yunnan Army Military Academy: Founded in 1909, the Yunnan Army Military Academy played an important role in Chinese history and is now a museum.
• The Kunming City Museum: The Kunming City Museum features exhibits on the history of Kunming and Yunnan province.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For tourists who want to explore beyond the usual tourist attractions, Kunming has many hidden gems to discover. Some of the best off-the-beaten-path suggestions include:

• The Night Market: Located in the heart of Kunming, the Night Market is a bustling market that features local cuisine and handicrafts.
• The Flowers and Birds Market: A traditional market that sells a variety of plants, animals, and other goods.
• Taiji Fan Dance: A unique form of martial arts that involves dancing with a Taiji fan.

Conclusion

Kunming is a unique and beautiful city that offers something for every type of tourist. Whether you want to explore the natural scenery, immerse yourself in the local culture, or try the delicious cuisine, Kunming is a destination that you won’t forget. With this insider’s guide, you’re now prepared to explore the top sightseeing attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that Kunming has to offer.