Top 10 Places to Visit in Kunming

Known as the City of Eternal Spring, Kunming is basically an interesting city in China. However, it is often overshadowed by the more famous metropolises of Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, etc. But, of course, the comparison is just futile as the city holds a sense of uniqueness on it - not to mention that a lot of promo fares to Kunming are everywhere on the internet – that people would surely find immensely interesting.

Here are some of the top tourist destinations to visit in the city:

1) Yunnan Stone Forest

The Yunnan Stone Forest is basically famous for its stone mountains. It is a dramatic attraction which people constantly visit for the landscape. It is just a few hours off the city but is worth the trip as you would definitely be amused with the intricate stone formations that would look perfect against any camera lens.


2) Yuantong Temple

With over a thousand years of history, Yuantong Temple is undoubtedly the most spectacular Buddhist temple in Kunming. It flaunts the glorious fusion of Yuan and Ming dynasties’ architectural styles, making the temple really beautiful and worth the visit.


3) Dianchi Lake Scenic Area

Covering about 300 square kilometers of area, the Dianchi Lake is one of the most important tourist destinations in Kunming. Known as “a pearl in the plateau,” this lake is home to stunning sceneries. However, it has been badly polluted and efforts to save it were unsuccessful.


4) Golden Temple

Certainly distinct, the Golden Temple is the largest copper temple in China. It is perched on top of the Mingfeng Hill, and is visited by any Taoist devotees. The temple gives home to the Taoist Taihe Palace, also known as the Hall of Supreme Harmony.


5) Kunming Zoo

Home to more than 300 species of faunas, Kunming Zoo is one of the most popular destinations for many tourists. Families and friends come here to enjoy mingling with different types of animals. Nature is also displayed here as there is a sea of flowers inside it.


6) Black Dragon Pool

Contrary to what its name implies, the Black Dragon Pool is actually a temple located at the foot of Longquan Hill. It is also known as the Dragon Fountain Temple. It is primarily known for its colorful appearance, and the ancient trees that surround it.


7) Jiuxang Scenic Area

Tagged as the ‘mysterious heritage of Earth’, the Jiuxiang Scenic Area is one of the most spectacular nature destinations in Kunming. It is home to several attractions like the Diehong Bridge where the karst caves and twin waterfalls can be found;  Sanjiao Cave; Alu Long which features the cliff paintings of Qin; and the Mingyue Lake.


8) Kunming World Horticultural Expo Garden

After being used as the venue for the 1999 Kunming Horticultural Exposition, the Kunming World Horticultural Expo Garden is now divided into exhibition halls and large gardens that basically boast of different floral species that grow in the city, and in other places. Presentations and performances are also conducted in the expo garden.


9) Dinosaur Valley

Opened at 2008, kids will surely find it interesting to Kunming’s version of The Lost World. It is actually a museum that displays the full skeletons of almost 70 dinosaurs. It’s a good venue to have fun and learn at the same time!


10) Kunming Flower and Bird Market

Your trip to Kunming will never be complete without a trip to the flower and bird market. Even though you are not going to buy, it is already exciting and fun to go there for picture takings and just the experience. The atmosphere is so lively that you’d actually feel like the real Kunming has presented itself to you.


Cheap flights to Kunming are all over the internet, indeed. If looking for a place to go to for a quick getaway or enjoyable vacation, visit this Chinese city.