About
Kunming is the capital of Yunnan Province in southwestern China, and it is often called the Spring City for its mild climate, which stays pleasant throughout the year. That steady weather makes it a comfortable base at almost any time of the season, whether you plan a short stop or a longer stay.
The city is also a gateway. Many travellers use it as a starting point for the Stone Forest, a landscape of limestone rock formations a short journey from the city. Yunnan is home to a wide range of ethnic minority communities, and Kunming is one of the easiest places to begin learning about them, through their food, crafts and the cultural life visible across the province.
What a visit offers
- A mild, year-round climate that suits outdoor sightseeing
- Easy access to the Stone Forest and its striking rock scenery
- An introduction to the many ethnic minority cultures of Yunnan
- A city that serves as the provincial capital and a hub for exploring the region
Planning your trip
Because Kunming is both a city in its own right and a launching point for day trips and wider travel in Yunnan, it works well as the first or last stop of a longer itinerary. Allow time to move around the city at an easy pace, and build in a trip out to the surrounding landscapes if you want to see more of what the province is known for.