Kunming Travel Guide: Your Complete Guide to China's Spring City

Kunming: The City of Eternal Spring

Kunming is a place I’ve visited twice.
The first time was a short trip—I only stayed for two days.
The second time was very different: I lived there for a full year.

Traveling in Kunming and living in Kunming are two very different experiences.
Travel means a place has incredible sights worth visiting. Living there means the city itself is appealing and its surroundings are rich enough to explore in depth. Staying long-term deepens your understanding tenfold—or even a hundredfold—compared to a quick visit.

My First Visit

During my first trip, I checked off most of Kunming’s major attractions: Green Lake Park, the Yunnan Military Academy, Western Hills Forest Park, Dianchi Lake, Yunnan Nationalities Village, and the Jinma Biji Archways.
That was in June 2016—more than nine years ago now.

Living in Kunming

My second experience in Kunming began in January 2024, right after I had finished living in Dali.
Since Yunnan is a province I truly love, I decided to spend another year in its capital. Over that year, I came to know Kunming’s “eternal spring” and its everyday warmth more deeply.

A City of Mild Air and Mountain Light

Kunming is the capital of Yunnan Province. The city’s main urban area sits about 2,000 meters above sea level. The climate is mild, with an average annual temperature of around 15°C. Flowers bloom year-round, and the air feels crisp and clean.
Nestled between hills and water, Kunming is embraced by Dianchi Lake to the south, with the silhouette of the Western Hills’ “Sleeping Beauty” clearly visible. The city blends urban convenience with a slower, more human-paced lifestyle.

The Plateau Lakes

Dianchi is one of Yunnan’s nine plateau lakes. Its water quality has faced challenges—years of neglect mean restoration has only achieved partial success. But that’s “poor” only by Yunnan’s high standards; by national standards, it’s still good.

Two other plateau lakes, Yangzong and Fuxian, are nearby. Fuxian Lake is especially famous for its clarity, with water transparency reaching 7–8 meters—among the best in all of China’s inland lakes.

Life in Chenggong District

I lived in Chenggong District, about 30 kilometers from downtown Kunming and roughly the same distance from Fuxian Lake.
I loved it there. I went to Fuxian about once every ten days. The water was so clear it looked like a giant crystal reflecting blue skies and drifting clouds. It was peaceful too—far fewer tourists.

Everyday Comforts

My favorite food in Kunming is rice noodles—cheap, comforting, and delicious. Especially that steaming bowl of small-pot mixian from an old street shop: the broth rich, the noodles silky, the balance of sour and spicy just right.

Housing costs are also very low. The apartment I rented—130 square meters with underground parking—cost only 1,200 RMB per month, including property management fees.

The Perfect Climate

What I love most about Kunming is the climate. I’m very heat-sensitive—during summer, I usually keep the air conditioner running for 20 hours a day. But in Kunming, highs rarely exceed 28°C, even at the hottest time of year. There’s no need for air conditioning at all.

Winter is also gentle. While other cities freeze, Kunming’s winter lows rarely drop below 5°C, and sunny days feel warm and bright. At the coldest, a lightweight down jacket is enough; most days, thermal wear and a light coat are all you need.

Why Kunming Feels So Good

Kunming’s comfortable weather owes much to the Wumeng Mountains, which shield the city from cold air coming down from the north.
Its elevation also helps: at more than 2,000 meters above sea level, the temperature is naturally about 12°C cooler than many coastal regions. Even under strong sunlight, daytime temperatures rarely exceed 28°C.

My Thoughts

All this makes me love Kunming deeply. My favorite city in China is Chengdu; my second favorite is definitely Kunming—otherwise, I wouldn’t have stayed for a whole year!

I might return someday to live another year. There’s far too much to explore in one go, so I’ll continue updating my blog with stories about both traveling and living in Kunming.

Final Thoughts

If you’re touring the Southwest, Kunming should be your first stop. The rest of Yunnan has an incredible amount to offer.
A detailed guide can be a big help—if you’d like one, you can purchase our in-depth version to plan your journey more easily.