Overview
Take a trip to Kunming on your China Vacation
Kunming is the capital and largest city of the Yunnan Province and is located in the southwest of the country on China tours. Nearing the border of southeastern Asian countries, Kunming serves as a transportation hub, linking by rail to Vietnam and by road to Burma and Laos – playing an important role in China’s trade.
Although being the gateway to the Silk Road and having a nearly 2400-year history, Kunming only really started developing in the early 20th century, after it built its first railroad to Hanoi. Since then it was also used as a Chinese military centre during World War II, an American air base, and a transport terminus for the Burma Road.
Furthering in its development, Kunming has fast become Yunnan’s economic, political, and cultural centre. An industrious complex filled with universities, museums and galleries, Kunming has been designated as a special tourism area, as construction of new hotels and high-rises continue to be seen on tours to China.
In spite of constant development, part of Kunming’s history consists of an old, previously walled city, as well as Yuantong Temple, first built in the 8th and early 9th century during the Tang Dynasty and considered Yunnan’s most important Buddhist temple.
Known as ‘The City of Eternal Spring, Kunming sports an ideal climate for China travel. Flowering throughout the year, Kunming is situated in the middle of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, at an altitude of 1,900 metres above sea level and at a latitude just north of the Tropic of Cancer.
A variety of historic sites, a fascinating city centre, famous local restaurants, and beautiful scenery make Kunming an interesting place to visit.
In spite of constant development, part of Kunming’s history consists of an old, previously walled city, as well as Yuantong Temple, first built in the 8th and early 9th century during the Tang Dynasty and considered Yunnan’s most important Buddhist temple.
Known as ‘The City of Eternal Spring, Kunming sports an ideal climate for China travel. Flowering throughout the year, Kunming is situated in the middle of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, at an altitude of 1,900 metres above sea level and at a latitude just north of the Tropic of Cancer.
A variety of historic sites, a fascinating city centre, famous local restaurants, and beautiful scenery make Kunming an interesting place to visit.
At a Glance
Languages
MandarinCurrency
Chinese Yuan (CNY)What do the experts say?
It is very enjoyable to travel in China by high-speed train, but you should avoid travelling during the National Holidays from October 1 to 7 and from May 1 to 4, as they get extra busy.
Jinxian Road in Shanghai is a small road but full of superb, Michelin-recognized restaurants. I highly recommend visiting here on your travels to China.
China's many beautiful natural sights and rich cultural areas are what I love most about visiting. Some of my personal favourites are Yunnan's Shangri-La, Xinjiang, Zhangjiajie, and the 5 Great Mountains.
Razor rock mountains at Stone Forest National P...
YuanTong Temple - the biggest buddhist temple i...
An ancient arch
The Stone Forest
Daguan Park
Most Popular Time to Travel
Know when to go.
Place
Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
KunmingOccasional Showers
29°C / 84°F
50mm / 2.0"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.Popularity rating
-
Travel Stories
Get Inspired About Your Trip to China
Unlock more by subscribing to our newsletter.
With our newsletter, you’ll get access to regular communications that inspire you and help you explore the world your way.Exclusive Savings
Insider Benefits
Trending Stories
ExcellentBased on 5,245 ReviewsAthul Ajay was our travel agent and he was excellent from the beginning to the end of planning our trip. Great at communicating and replying back too. Sabrina GaffoglioIsabella Luu made the arrangements for our trip to Scotland and all aspects of the trip and stay were excellent. Our assistance at the airports were very good as all were alerted to our needs. Our ride services were excellent. Isabella was always available to answer any questions that we had in a knowledgable and prompt manner, which is always very important to me.Audrey HenryHad an excellent tour of Australia, thanks to our travel specialist Katie Stephenson. She was patient as we kept modifying our plans. Got support from Goway and Katie when there was a need to rebook a tour midway through, all handled easily by Goway.Ron PrestonWe went on a highly customized comprehensive (though quick tour) of England and a bit of Scotland through Goway. Ingrid Aird did an amazing job of planning and arranging every detail with her deep experience, insight, thoughtfulness and creativity, tuning into the needs of each traveler; and she did so even though our decision to travel was rather spontaneous and last minute! Our family had the best time! We look forward to working with Ingrid and Goway again!Vilja BreilingWe used Goway to put together an itinerary for East Africa , and Zanzibar . Everything was great and went smoothly DawnI can't tell you enough how much I love to work with Callie. She is a life saver and I love how attentive she is. Every time I give her an itinerary for a client- she really knocks it out of the park with the proposal. If there are any issues- she is on it right away. Her work ethic is outstanding.Michelle LabarcaI had the pleasure of working with Amelia on a booking for a family of 4 to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. She executed everything perfectly, was attentive to needs and the family was over the top happy with their vacation. She was quick to answer questions and provide helpful feedback. Highly recommended!Jessie WilliamsWe were trying to navigate Swiss Travel Center to book a 10 day train trip through Switzerland. It was exactly what we wanted but navigating their site was extremely difficult for us. Goway Travel picked up on our plight and put us in contact with Jacqueline Fagooli, one of their agents. From there on everything was so smooth. Their efficiency, communication, and thoroughness were beyond our expectations. The trip was fabulous and kudos to Jacqueline and Goway for their help in making it so.Carolyn McCormackThe destination specialist I've worked with (Kim Rawlings) has provided exceptional service. She is very knowledgeable of her region and everything they have to offer. She is very prompt in her communication and follow-up. She listens and is very attentive to my client's needs and wants. Kim's personality makes one feel like they've known each other for years.
If GoWay had a customer service model, Kim is it.T. Jackson, Tribe Trek TravelWe had a wonderful and amazing two weeks in North-West Scotland. Shoutout to Jacqueline at Goway Toronto and the driver/guides with Rabbie's minibus tours (Stefan and Willie). Well-chosen hotels and no worries with dietary requirements; every detail was taken care of. Thank you!
Ben Daube
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified
Verified