Kunming boasts several major tourist attractions: Stone Forest, renowned for its unique limestone karst landforms and diverse natural scenery, is a must-visit destination for tourists in Kunming. Dianchi Lake, known as the "Pearl of the Plateau", offers scenic boat rides to enjoy the beauty of its lakeside scenery. Yunnan Ethnic Villages showcase the diverse cultures, customs, and architectures of Yunnan's ethnic groups. Lastly, West Hill Scenic Area invites visitors to hike and stroll, offering panoramic views of Dianchi Lake while exploring ancient ruins and sites.

Kunming’s Main History
Founded as an ancient Dian settlement in 279 BCE, Kunming became Yunnan’s political hub during the Yuan dynasty, was officially declared a city in 1928, served as a key wartime base during the Anti-Japanese War, and today is the capital of Yunnan and China’s gateway to South and Southeast Asia.

Kunming’s Latitude & Longitude
City centre: 25°02′11″ N, 102°42′31″ E.

Kunming’s Total Area
21,012.54 km².

Kunming’s Permanent Resident Population
≈ 8.68 million (end-2024).

Number & Name of Kunming Airport
1 civil airport: Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG).

Number & Names of Kunming’s Main Railway Stations
3 principal stations: Kunming Station, Kunming South, and Kunming West.

When Kunming Opened Its Metro & How Many Lines Exist
First metro line opened 28 June 2012; as of June 2025 the network comprises 6 operating lines (metro & tram).

Kunming’s Geographic Position in China
Located in the central Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau of south-west China; serves as the provincial capital of Yunnan and a transport nexus linking Guizhou & Guangxi to the east, Sichuan & Chongqing to the north, and Myanmar, Laos, Thailand & Cambodia to the south and west.

Kunming’s Geographic Features
Average elevation ≈ 1,891 m; encircled by mountains on three sides and bordering Dianchi Lake to the south. Karst plateau basin with numerous caves and dissolution lakes; terrain slopes from north to south.

Kunming’s Climate Characteristics
Low-latitude plateau mountain monsoon climate: “spring-like all year round”; mild winters, cool summers, large diurnal temperature range, abundant sunshine.

Months of Kunming’s Four Seasons
Spring: March–May
Summer: June–August
Autumn: September–November
Winter: December–February

Kunming’s Annual Average Temperature
≈ 15 °C.

Kunming’s Annual Average Precipitation
≈ 1,000 mm.

Best Times to Visit Kunming
Year-round destination; most pleasant from March to October.

Kunming’s Peak Tourist Seasons
March–May (flower-viewing season) and August–October (summer retreat & National Day “Golden Week”).

Major Tourist Attractions
Dianchi Lake, Stone Forest UNESCO Global Geopark, Western Hills Dragon Gate, World Horti-Expo Garden, Green Lake Park, Guandu Ancient Town, Yunnan Ethnic Village.

Main Shopping Streets & Locations
Nanping Pedestrian Street (Nanping Street, Wuhua District) and Jinma Biji Square shopping district (intersection of Sanshi & Jinbi Roads).

Signature Kunming Snacks
Cross-bridge rice noodles, steam-pot chicken, Xuanwei ham, flower cakes, roasted er-kuai (grilled rice cake).

Stone Forest

A World Natural Heritage site, it is renowned for its unique karst landforms. Within the scenic areas such as the Big and Small Stone Forests and Naigu Stone Forest, stone peaks stand in clusters, each with a different form, earning it the reputation as "the First Marvel Under Heaven."

Dianchi Lake

The largest freshwater lake in Yunnan, it offers breathtaking views of lakes and mountains. From the Xishan Scenic Area, one can overlook the panoramic view of Dianchi Lake, while Haigeng Park is a great place to observe sea gulls, and the surrounding wetland parks are excellent leisure destinations.

Guandu Ancient Town

With a long history and profound culture, it preserves a large number of ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Famous for its ancient monuments such as the Diamond Tower, it is an excellent location to experience Yunnan's ancient culture.

World Horticultural Exposition Garden

Also known as the Kunming International Horticultural Exposition Garden, it displays exquisite garden art from both China and abroad. With five major exhibition halls and six specialized theme gardens, it is a great place to enjoy flowers and scenery.

Xishan Scenic Area

Dense with forests and abundant in ancient sites, it features attractions such as the Longmen Grottoes and Huating Temple, which are fascinating. Reaching the peak, one can overlook the panoramic view of Dianchi Lake and enjoy the reputation as the "Sleeping Beauty."

Chama Flower Street

Located at the entrance of the Xishan Scenic Area, it integrates dining and leisure activities. Visitors can taste Yunnan's specialty cuisine and experience the culture of the ancient tea-horse road, making it a must-visit destination for tourists.

Jiuxiang Scenic Area

Renowned for its karst cave landscapes, it boasts spectacular and mysterious attractions such as the Dadieshui Waterfall and Sanjiaodong Cave. Visitors can explore the underground world and appreciate the incredible work of nature.

Lijiang

With its well-preserved ancient townscape and unique Naxi culture, it features fascinating attractions such as the Black Dragon Pool and Shuhe Ancient Town, making it an excellent choice for experiencing Yunnan's ethnic minority customs.

Dali

With its charming scenery of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake and its historic Dali Ancient Town, visitors can stroll through the ancient town, appreciate the beautiful scenery of Erhai Lake, and experience the unique charm of Bai culture.

Erhai Lake

The second largest freshwater lake in Yunnan, it offers breathtaking views of lakes and mountains. Visitors can enjoy cycling or boat rides around the lake, immersing themselves in tranquility and beauty.

Lugu Lake

Located at the junction of Sichuan and Yunnan, it features unique Mosuo culture. With its clear lake water and surrounding mountains, it is an ideal destination for exploring the mysterious culture of the "Daughter Kingdom."

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