Kunming Travel Guide
Kunming is known as the 'City of Eternal Spring' due to its pleasant climate and attractive setting among limestone hills and large lakes. It's the capital of Yunnan Province in southern China, and encompasses an ancient city and a modern commercial district. It's also an important hub for trade and transportation, linking to Vietnam by rail and to Laos and Myanmar by road, but remains quite laid back by Chinese standards.
The city has been rapidly modernised in the last few decades, perhaps to the detriment of traditional and cultural attractions. Nonetheless, there are still many to explore, including temples, museums, parks and gardens, and the fascinating Stone Forest. Jiuxiang Scenic Area has a number of popular caves and waterfalls as well. Kunming's status as a provincial capital and crossroads between countries also makes it very useful to tourists exploring the region.
Things to do in Kunming
Although parts of Kunming are industrial and unattractive, its dramatic setting among limestone hills makes it special. Its tourist attractions are varied and impressive. Jiuxiang Scenic Area tops many travel itineraries and is packed with enough natural phenomena to easily occupy visitors for a day or more. Jiuxiang has a magical subterranean world made up of more than 100 caves, as well as cliff paintings that date back to the Qin and Han dynasties. It also has several waterfalls and 'stone forests': striking limestone formations eroded over centuries to look like frozen trees. The Stone Forest of Shilin has the most impressive examples of these rather eerie formations.
Travellers who want to venture off the beaten track should head to the Dongchuan Red Land in Huashitou Country. Although the area's lack of infrastructure can make travel less comfortable, the landscapes are unspoilt, colourful and startlingly beautiful.
Yuantong Temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kunming. This active, beautiful Buddhist temple's history spans over 1 000 years. Green Lake is a popular park and lakeside area for relaxation, exercise and leisurely strolls. Kunming also has many malls, cinemas, shopping streets and entertainment complexes.
Stone Forest
The Stone Forest of Shilin is a breathtaking and eerie landscape. The limestone pillars and stalagmites poking out of the green hillsides look like petrified trees, with rock formations believed to be over 270 million years old and formed by the slow erosion of time. The Shilin National Scenic Area includes seven areas: the Greater and Lesser Stone Forests (also called Lizijing Stone Forest), Naigu Stone Forest, Zhiyun Cave, Lake Chang, Lake Yue, Dadie Waterfall and Qifeng Cave. The Naigu Stone Forest and Suogeyi Village, also within the scenic area, are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visitors can avoid the masses by going in the morning or early evening, and avoiding weekends and Chinese public holidays. They might even catch one of the few guides who can speak English.
Jiuxiang Scenic Area
The Jiuxiang Scenic Area near Kunming is a breathtaking cave complex and the largest in China. Stone forests of karst limestone are littered throughout, with lush forests and underground waterfalls common in this subterranean world. Jiuxiang is also the home of the aboriginal Yi people and the excavated Yi cliff paintings of the Qin (221 BC to 206 BC) and Han (206 BC to 220 AD) dynasties. Yi customs and culture are still evident today in the many legends and folk stories. These are brought to life in the magical underground universe of Jiuxiang, which includes more than a hundred caves, as well as bridges, valleys and rivers.
Yuantong Temple
The ancient Yuantong Temple is easily one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kunming. The 8th-century temple is situated in a natural depression at the foot of Yuantong Hill, showcasing an interesting mixture of architectural styles from the Yuan and Ming dynasties. It should be remembered that it's still an active temple, where visitors can hear chanting and classes being conducted as they explore beside the monks and pilgrims.
For a remarkable, panoramic view of the temple complex, travellers can climb Yuantong Hill by taking one of the stone staircases carved into the mountain on either side of the main hall. These stairways boast the most ancient inscriptions in Kunming, carved into the stone wall and still readable after centuries of exposure to the weather. There are also some impressive statues and carvings within the temple, such as the two ferocious dragons carved into the pillars, while the lovely scenic area of Green Lake is a 10-minute walk away.
Getting Around
Most people use buses and taxis to get around Kunming, while inter-city travel is usually done in trains. The Kunming Railway Station is the most useful for travel to other parts of China. Long distance buses can also be used for travel between cities, with the South Bus Station providing access to most regional destinations.
For local transport, the Kunming Metro has several operational lines in the city. In addition, Kunming has a highly developed bus system that is affordable and runs until around 10:30pm. Taxis are widely available except at peak traffic times, but travellers should have their destination written down in Chinese as very few drivers speak English. Travellers also have the option of hiring a bicycle from a hostel or hotel in the city.
Kunming Climate and Weather
Kunming's subtropical highland climate causes dry winters and warm summers. The city's position on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau makes its conditions moderate by Chinese standards. The warmest part of the year lasts from early April to the middle of September, with average high temperatures sitting between 68F (20C) and 77F (25). Light to moderate rains and thunderstorms are frequent during this period, especially in July. Summer can have humidity levels of over 90 percent. The cold season lasts between the end of November and early February; winter temperatures tend to average between 39F (4C) and 63F (17C), with occasional showers and little chance of snow. Even though conditions suit travel for most of the year, the period between March and October is popular with both locals and tourists.
China travel info
Electricity
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Plug types vary, but the two-pin flat blade and oblique three-pin flat blade plugs are common. Adapters are generally required.
Language
The official language is Mandarin Chinese, but there are hundreds of local dialects.
Money
China's currency is the Renminbi Yuan (CNY), which is divided into 10 jiao or 100 fen. Cashless payments via smartphone applications such as WeChat Pay are increasingly commonplace in main cities, and major credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are widely available in major cities. It is not possible to exchange Scottish or Northern Irish bank notes; banks are closed on weekends.
Tipping
Tipping is not officially recognised in China, though the practice is has become increasingly common among tour guides, top-end restaurants, tour bus drivers and hotel staff. Travellers wanting to tip should leave a gratuity of about 10 percent. Large hotels and restaurants often include a service charge in their bills, usually of around 10 percent, so travellers should make sure that they aren't doubling up.
Health
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming into China from infected where there is a risk of transmission. There is a risk of malaria throughout the low-lying areas of the country, and it is recommended that travellers to China seek medical advice about malaria before departure. All eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines; vaccinations are recommended against hepatitis A and hepatitis B, typhoid (not necessary if eating and drinking in major restaurants and hotels), Japanese encephalitis (usually only recommended for rural areas), and rabies (only recommended for travellers at risk of animal bites). Tap water shouldn't be drunk unless it has first been boiled, filtered or chemically disinfected. Street food should be treated with caution. High levels of air pollution in major cities and industrialised areas in China may exacerbate bronchial, sinus or asthma conditions. There is generally a high standard of health care in major Chinese cities, but it is not provided free of charge; travellers are advised to have comprehensive travel health insurance.
Safety
China is one of the safety countries to visit in Asia. Serious crime against foreigners is rare but does occur, particularly in isolated or sparsely populated areas. If travelling alone, including following parts of the Great Wall, it is advisable to leave an itinerary and expected time of return with a third party. Travellers should take extra care in street markets and at tourist sites, which attract thieves and pickpockets, and around the popular expat bar areas at night, where lone foreigners have occasionally been targetted. Travellers should be cautious about using pedicabs in Beijing, as tourists have reportedly been mugged by the drivers. Disputes over taxi fares can occur. Passengers should insist on paying the metered fare and should ask for a receipt; this has the taxi number on it.
Seasonal heavy rains and typhoons cause hundreds of deaths in China each year, particularly those areas bordering the Yangtze River in central, southern and western China. Demonstrations have taken place in Lhasa, Tibet, as well as in some Chinese provinces in protest against Chinese rule in Tibet. Even though the situation seems to have stabilised, visitors are advised to stay up to date on the situation before travelling to the region and to avoid all protests. The Chinese government sometimes suspends the issue of permits for travel to Tibet due to unrest.
There is currently little threat from global terrorism. The risk of terror attacks is higher in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and travellers should exercise caution if travelling to or around Xinjiang.
Local customs
Chinese people usually have three names, the first of which is their surname, or family name. As a result, visitors should be prepared for hotels mistakenly reserving rooms under their first names. For clarity, surnames may be underlined. When addressing Chinese people, the surname should come first and official titles should be used. Chinese handshakes last longer than those in western countries, and it is customary to stand close together when in conversation. Politeness in western terms is often foreign to the Chinese, and they rarely bother with pleasantries. It is considered disrespectful to keep prolonged eye contact, avoiding eye contact is considered reverential rather than rude. All foreigners should carry their ID on them at all times, as spot checks are common. Failure to show evidence of ID when requested by an official may result in a fine or detention.
Doing business
The Chinese are strict timekeepers and being late for a meeting is considered rude. When meeting people for the first time it is normal to shake hands and say 'ni hao', which means 'how are you'. Handshakes generally go on for longer in China than in most western countries. Business cards are commonly exchanged at the start of meetings in China; it is customary to have one side printed in Chinese and one in English. When giving or receiving business cards or a gift, it is customary to hold it with both hands. Chinese consider gifts an important show of courtesy. Decision-making may take longer than expected during negotiations. During a meal or reception, a host is likely to offer a toast; foreigners may be expected to offer them one in return.
Women are generally treated with respect and courtesy when doing business in China and it is increasingly common to find Chinese women in senior positions, especially in the big cities. Businesswomen should, however, avoid showing too much skin. Business dress for both men and women tends to be conservative and plain without much ornament or bright colour.
Business hours are 8am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. A five-day week is more common in larger cities and international companies. Workers usually take their lunch break between 12pm and 2pm and it is not unusual to find offices empty during this time.
Duty free
Travellers to China do not need to pay customs duty on 400 cigarettes or 100 cigars or 500g of tobacco; 1.5 litres of alcohol; perfume for personal use; and personal articles up to the value of CNY2000. Prohibited goods include arms, ammunition, or printed material that conflicts with the public order or moral standards of the country. Also prohibited are radio transmitters and receivers, exposed but undeveloped film and fresh produce. Strict regulations apply to the import and export of antiquities, banned publications, and religious literature. All valuables must be declared on the forms provided.
Communications
The international dialling code for China is +86. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free WiFi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
Passport & Visa
There are a few complex exceptions to Chinese visa requirements, which will not apply to the majority of visitors, but all requirements should be confirmed with a Chinese embassy before travel. All documents necessary for further travel and sufficient funds to cover intended period of stay are required; travel to Tibet will require a special Tibet Entry Permit. It's recommended that passports be valid for six months after intended period of travel.
Entry requirements
US nationals require a passport that is valid for six months after the date of departure. A visa is required for entry into China.
UK nationals require a passport that is valid on arrival for six months after the date of departure. UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from China. Travellers may need to show a police report indicating how they lost your full passport. A visa is required for entry.
Canadians require a passport that is valid for six months at the time of entry. A visa is also required.
Australians require a passport valid on arrival, and a visa for entry to China. A valid visa is required.
South African nationals require a passport valid on arrival, and a visa for entry to China.
Irish nationals require a passport valid on arrival, and a visa for entry to China.
New Zealand nationals require a passport valid on arrival, and a visa for entry to China.
Useful contacts
Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Guangxi: +86 773 288 5326, www.topchinatravel.com/
110 (Police); 120 (Ambulance)Embassies / consulates in other countries
Chinese Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 495 2266.
Chinese Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7299 4049.
Chinese Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 3434.
Chinese Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6228 3999.
Chinese Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 431 6500.
Chinese Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 219 6651.
Chinese Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 473 3514.
Embassies / consulates in China
United States Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 8531 3000.
British Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 5192 4000.
Canadian Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 5139 4000.
Australian Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 5140 4111.
South African Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 8532 0000.
Irish Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 8531 6200.
New Zealand Embassy, Beijing: +86 (0)10 8531 2700.