Top 50 Best Things to Do in Kunming
left-leaf
trip-best

Top 50 Best Things to Do in Kunming

right-leaf
Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
2026 Global 100
2026 Global 100 image
Innovation Award
Innovation Award image
Contact Us
facebook icon
instagram icon
tiktok icon
󰴉
Theme filters
District
Theme filters
District
  • Stone Forest Scenic Areatop_1
    󰺂8.8
    34.04
    Shilin66.8 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoStunning Late Fall and Early Winter Views at Stone Forest Scenic Area | Dec 2025-Jan 2026
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    󱨜See the bizarre karst peaks
    󰀆Ashima rock: unique & captivating
    󱨠Saved by 1634 users󱨠8098 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    快乐的老小子快乐的老小子

    The stone forest scenic spot is worth visiting. It is a world natural heritage, a world geological park, and a national 5A-level tourist attraction, known for its unique karst landscape and rich national culture. Its highlights are as follows: - Unique karst landform: Stone Forest Scenic Area is a famous karst landform wonder agglomeration, with the world's oldest karst landform evolution history, the widest distribution area, complete types, unique morphology of the Palaeozoic karst landform community. Here, stone peaks, stone pillars, stone scorpions and other forms, as well as dissolved hills, depressions, funnels, etc., almost all the karst forms in the world are concentrated here, forming a panoramic map of karst geological landforms, known as "the first wonder in the world". - Rich natural landscape: The large stone forest consists of dense blue and gray stone peaks, which are upright, with typical attractions such as "Lotus Peak" and "Jianfeng Pool". The "Shilin Shengjing" is even more famous. The small stone forest is beautiful and beautiful, and the stone statue of Ashima becomes the iconic landscape of the stone forest. The mountain is the highest altitude of the scenic spot, with multiple columnar stone forests. The height can see the difference between the forest sea pine Tao and the pillars. There are many tall mushroom-shaped and tower-shaped stone peaks in the Wannian Ganoderma region, which is spectacular. - Rich national culture: The Yi Sani culture represented by "Ashima" is a major feature of the stone forest. The long poem "Ashima" is the first national intangible cultural heritage, and the film "Ashima" is well known at home and abroad. There are Dai song and dance performances in the scenic area every day. Tourists can also participate in the traditional torch festival of the Yi nationality, experience the enthusiastic and unrestrained ethnic customs, and feel the charm of the "Oriental Carnival". - Diversified tour experience: In addition to enjoying the natural landscape and experiencing the national culture, there are also some special activities in the scenic area. For example, you can participate in the stone forest treasure hunt game, collect treasure maps in the visitor center, find small gifts according to clues; you can also camp in the Changhu scenic spot, lie on the grass at night to see the stars, and feel the unique outdoor fun.

  • Dianchi Laketop_2
    󰺂8.5
    Kunming23.8 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoAt dusk, the light and shadows on Dianchi Lake are as poetic as a painting, with the afterglow dyeing the distant mountains and water the same color as the sky.
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    󰀆Surrounded by mountains & Daguan Tower
    󰋄Majestic plateau freshwater lake
    󱨠Saved by 1192 users󱨠4583 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    beauty of lovebeauty of love

    The vast and quiet Dianchi Lake was shocked by the open waters at first sight. The lake was silvery in the sun, and a few red-billed lizards were dotted in the distance. Everything seemed peaceful and harmonious. I went in the evening, the sunset spilled on the lake, dyed the water and the sky a warm color, the soft light and wind made people unconsciously relax. There are trails and viewing platforms by the lake. When walking, you can see locals fishing and running by the lake. The atmosphere of life is very strong. The meadows reflect the water, the reflection sways gently, one step at a time. Dianchi Lake is not only a geographical business card in Kunming, but also an exit where the city's rhythm slows down. For me, this is not only a lake, but also a place where the heart calms down.

  • Yunnan Nationalities Villagetop_3
    󰺂8.3
    11.55
    Kunming.Dianchi Lake Scenic Area/ Sunac World9 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoWarm Winter Seagull Watching at Yunnan Ethnic Village: Where Black-Headed Gulls Dance with Ethnic Culture | Dec 2025-Jan 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    12 villages & 26 cultures
    󰀆Experience lively folk shows & festivals
    󱨠Saved by 867 users󱨠6221 positive reviews
    4.3/5
    SpeedysSpeedys

    All good spectacular scenery, awesome experience highly recommended 👌

  • Yunnan Wild Animals Park
    4
    󰺂8.1
    12.16
    Kunming.Kunming Wild Animal Park/The Golden Temple scenic spot10.4 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoSquirrel Monkey Happy Planet Exhibit Upgrade
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Asia 100 - Family-friendly Attractions
    Highlights:
    󰀆Elephant shows & red panda meetups
    󰌌Feed & interact with red pandas
    󱨠Saved by 273 users󱨠4062 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    E25***16E25***16

    We love Zoos and have been to zoos all over the world. However, this might be our favorite experience! The animals are well kept and everything is clean. The tigers are amazing! Our kids loved every second.

  • Kunming Xishan Scenic Resort
    5
    󰺂7.8
    21.64
    Kunming.Dianchi Lake Scenic Area/ Sunac World11.3 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊50-foot natural stone gateway
    Cable car ride overlooking temples
    󱨠Saved by 697 users󱨠1625 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    SindibadSindibad

    be ready to hike if you want to visit all the sights. It’s all well worth it when you reach the peak to overview the city in the distance. The temples sprinkled along the way provide a peaceful atmosphere to relax.

  • Yunnan Provincial Museum
    6
    󰺂7.5
    Kunming.Guandu Ancient Town10.3 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Family-friendly Attractions
    Highlights:
    󱓊Near Kunming Zoo & Green Lake
    Diverse ethnic artifacts on display
    󱨠Saved by 322 users󱨠854 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    小羊不要踩小羊不要踩

    The Yunnan Provincial Museum is very worth a visit. It is free to learn about the history and civilization of Yunnan. It only needs to be reserved. A three-story, the first floor can be saved for free. Friends who like the collection can collect it for free on the first floor. There are many different types of chapters. At the entrance of each cultural and creative store on the first floor. The second and third floors are the exhibition hall. There are many cultural relics in the exhibition hall, very beautiful and beautiful. It can be taken. It can also be used as a punch card to come to Yunnan. Each floor has a toilet and a seating stool, which is very convenient. There are also some shops for shopping. If you are interested, you can go shopping.

  • Old Street Kunming
    7
    󰺂7.4
    Kunming.Nanping Pedestrian Street731m from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Night Attractions in Kunming
    Highlights:
    󰋄Panoramic view & charming old town
    Local snacks & ethnic crafts gathered
    󱨠Saved by 1320 users󱨠432 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    钲在购钲在购

    Kunming Old Street is located in Wuhua District, Kunming City. It is the only traditional neighborhood in Kunming with the texture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. From Zhengyi Road to the east, Wuyi Road to the west, Jingxing Street to the south, and Renmin Middle Road to the north. There are nearly 900-year-old buildings, such as Fulintang and the former residence of Nie'er. In 2021, it will become the first provincial night cultural tourism consumption gathering area. Walking among them, you can feel the historical charm on the Qingshiban Road, taste special snacks, and buy ethnic accessories. It is a great place to experience the old Kunming style.

  • Colorful Yunnan Paradise
    8
    󰺂7.2
    25.53
    Kunming.Colorful Yunnan Paradise29.7 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Family-friendly Attractions
    Highlights:
    Ferris wheel view of park
    󰀆Ferris wheel view of Dian Lake
    󱨠Saved by 423 users󱨠3008 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Pau1982Pau1982

    The Colorful Yunnan·Happy World theme park is located on the shore of Dianchi Lake in Jincheng Town, Jinning District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China. It is a theme park centered on ancient Dian culture. It is a core sub-project of Yunnan Province's key historical and cultural tourism project "Colorful Yunnan·Ancient Dian City". [1] It covers an area of ​​700 acres and was officially opened to the public on July 5, 2018. The Ferris wheel in the park, the "Eye of Dianchi Lake", is 108 meters high and is the tallest Ferris wheel in Yunnan Province. [2] The park’s amusement facilities are divided into seven themed areas: Four Seasons Flower Sea, Children’s Dream World, Fantasy Yunnan Wonderland, Yunnan Army Camp, Wilderness Secret Realm, Vientiane Tribe, and Frost Moon Cold Continent, with 81 amusement projects.

  • Shangrila-Dynamic Yunnan
    9
    󰺂7.2
    24.07
    Kunming.First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University/Pan Jia Wan950m from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Night Attractions
    Highlights:
    Yunnan's canyon terraces & rainforest
    Spectacular light & sound visual feast
    󱨠Saved by 407 users󱨠1159 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    MummumsMummums

    非常非常精彩!土地 朝圣 月光 雀之舞 …每一场都让人沉浸其中,演员的合唱 和音都能听出耳油,没有任何现代乐器伴奏,乐声来自广袤的大自然,禁止拍照录音,专注艺术,不做网红!还有票价真是喜人,在深圳看一场舞剧500起的票是在角落…

  • Jiuxiang Scenic Area
    10
    󰺂6.9
    22.86
    Yiliang66.6 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Elevator ride & boat tour
    Explore caves via 174ft elevator
    󱨠Saved by 457 users󱨠1138 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    还在路上的人还在路上的人

    This is a unique underground karst landform scenic spot in China. It is located on the outskirts of Yiliang, Yunnan. The transportation is convenient. The scenic spot is large in scale. There are caves, dark rivers, canyons and other scenic spots. The characteristics are distinctive. The film "Myth" of Jackie Chan is the exterior scene taken here.

Best things to do in Kunming (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Kunming? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Kunming offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Kunming

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Kunming experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Stone Forest Scenic Area

• Shilin | 66.8 km from downtown

• : See the bizarre karst peaks,Ashima rock: unique & captivating

Dianchi Lake

• Kunming | 23.8 km from downtown

• : Surrounded by mountains & Daguan Tower,Majestic plateau freshwater lake

Yunnan Nationalities Village

• Kunming.Dianchi Lake Scenic Area/ Sunac World | 9 km from downtown

• : 12 villages & 26 cultures,Experience lively folk shows & festivals

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Kunming

If you want to explore attractions just outside Kunming, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Kunming, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Kunming special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Kunming

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Kunming

Ready to explore the best of Kunming? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Kunming?
These are all Best Things to Do in Kunming:Stone Forest Scenic Area, Dianchi Lake, Yunnan Nationalities Village, Yunnan Wild Animals Park, Kunming Xishan Scenic Resort
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Kunming?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Kunming include:Stone Forest Scenic Area:4.7, Dianchi Lake:4.7, Yunnan Nationalities Village:4.3, Yunnan Wild Animals Park:4.7, Kunming Xishan Scenic Resort:4.5
At what locations in Kunming can Best Things to Do in Kunming be found?
The Best Things to Do in Kunming are mainly located in:Stone Forest Scenic Area:Shilin, Dianchi Lake:Kunming, Yunnan Nationalities Village:Kunming, Yunnan Wild Animals Park:Kunming, Kunming Xishan Scenic Resort:Kunming
󰴉