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Home / Destinations / Kunming

Kunming

China · City · CNY · 25.038900, 102.718300
Family friendly 5.8/10 · Rank 1740 of 2 709
Best season: March-May, September-November

Best for

Suitable for nature lovers, culture, gastronomy, and those seeking a mild climate

Best season

March-May, September-November

Daily budget
$50.00 (≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 360 CNY)
For 7 days
$350.00 (≈ 29 372 ₽ · ≈ 2 520 CNY)
Kunming is the capital of Yunnan province, often called the "City of Eternal Spring" for its mild climate. The city is famous for its stone forests, lakes, and ethnic diversity. It is an excellent base for travelling through the scenic regions of Yunnan.
Summer
25.0°C
Winter
4.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Friendly, hospitable, with rich cultural diversity

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Mild climate year-round
  • Rich culture and nature
  • Excellent local cuisine
  • Affordable prices
  • Visa-free entry for Russians up to 30 days
  • Good base for trips to Dali and Lijiang

Cons

  • No direct flights from Moscow
  • High altitude, possible altitude sickness
  • Rainy season from June to August
  • Many tourists in high season
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
19.1°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
25.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
25.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
8.5°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
16.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
4.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
June-August
Attractions

Stone Forest

Unique karst landscape with stone formations, UNESCO site

Dianchi Lake

Scenic lake with parks and walking opportunities

Yuantong Temple

One of Kunming's largest Buddhist temples

Western Hills

Scenic hills with panoramic views of Dianchi Lake

Flower Market

Asia's largest flower market, popular walking spot

Best areas

City Center

Area with hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls

Dianchi Lake

Lakeside area with hotels and restaurants

Old Town

Historic area with hotels and restaurants

Must-try food

Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles

Rice noodles with broth and various toppings, Kunming specialty

Yak Cheese

Cheese made from yak milk, popular in the region

Mushroom Soup

Fresh mushroom soup, popular dish

Flower Tea

Tea with flowers, popular drink

Fresh Fruit

Tropical fruits, popular in the region

Where to go next

Stone Forest

Karst landscape, 1.5 hours away

Dianchi Lake

Scenic lake with parks, 30 minutes away

Dali

City with old town and Erhai Lake, 4 hours away

Lijiang

UNESCO museum town, 8 hours away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
medium
Getting there
Nearest airports
Международный аэропорт Куньмин Чаншуй (KMG).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required (up to 30 days)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
March-May, September-November
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 72 CNY
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$34.00
≈ 2 853 ₽ · ≈ 245 CNY
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$68.00
≈ 5 707 ₽ · ≈ 490 CNY
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$104.00
≈ 8 728 ₽ · ≈ 749 CNY
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$90.00
≈ 7 553 ₽ · ≈ 648 CNY
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 288 CNY
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 29 CNY
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 72 CNY
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 22 CNY
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽ · ≈ 11 CNY
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.50
≈ 42 ₽ · ≈ 4 CNY
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 58 CNY
Burger
Average price for a burger
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 36 CNY
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 22 CNY
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 36 CNY
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 108 CNY
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.50
≈ 42 ₽ · ≈ 4 CNY
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 22 CNY
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 288 CNY
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 22 CNY
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 58 CNY
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 216 CNY
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
—
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 216 CNY
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 58 CNY
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 108 CNY
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Frequently asked questions
Kunming: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is March-May, September-November. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Kunming: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +25.0°C, during the day — up to +25.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Kunming: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +4.0°C, during the day — up to +16.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Kunming: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on June-August. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Kunming: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $50.00 (≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 360 CNY) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Kunming: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $10.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $34.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $68.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $104.00 per night, an apartment — $40.00 per night, a villa — $90.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Kunming: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $4.00, dinner at a restaurant — $10.00, a cup of cappuccino — $3.00, a 0.5L beer — $1.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Kunming: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $15.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.50, a short taxi ride — $3.00, car rental — $40.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Kunming: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Stone Forest — Unique karst landscape with stone formations, UNESCO site; Dianchi Lake — Scenic lake with parks and walking opportunities; Yuantong Temple — One of Kunming's largest Buddhist temples; Western Hills — Scenic hills with panoramic views of Dianchi Lake; Flower Market — Asia's largest flower market, popular walking spot. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Kunming: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles — Rice noodles with broth and various toppings, Kunming specialty; Yak Cheese — Cheese made from yak milk, popular in the region; Mushroom Soup — Fresh mushroom soup, popular dish; Flower Tea — Tea with flowers, popular drink; Fresh Fruit — Tropical fruits, popular in the region. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Kunming: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: City Center — Area with hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls; Dianchi Lake — Lakeside area with hotels and restaurants; Old Town — Historic area with hotels and restaurants. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Kunming: is a visa required?
Visa: not required (up to 30 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Kunming: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт Куньмин Чаншуй (code KMG). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $15.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Kunming: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — CNY. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $50.00 (≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 360 CNY). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Kunming: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Kunming: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as medium. There is a good choice of bars and restaurants, but without excessive noise.
Kunming: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Stone Forest — Karst landscape, 1.5 hours away; Dianchi Lake — Scenic lake with parks, 30 minutes away; Dali — City with old town and Erhai Lake, 4 hours away; Lijiang — UNESCO museum town, 8 hours away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

5.8/10
Overall rank: 1740 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 689

Best season

March-May, September-November

Useful information

Currency: CNY
Coordinates: 25.038900, 102.718300