Best Hotels in Kunming

Kunming is China’s eternal spring city—where you can sip tea by emerald-green Dianchi Lake in the morning, snack on wild mushroom hotpot in the afternoon, and end the day strolling under blooming camellias in a night market that never feels rushed.

Getting to & Around Kunming

Flying in? You'll land at Changshui Airport (KMG), about 25-30 km northeast of downtown. The easiest way to reach the city is by metro Line 6 (¥5, 30 mins to Tangzixiang Station, first/last trains 6:20 AM/11 PM). Airport buses (¥25, 50 mins) run until midnight, while taxis cost ¥60-100 but watch for traffic.

If you arrive late, choose hotels near the KMG airport that offer shuttle pickups.

See more hotels near Changshui Airport (KMG) for your perfect stay!

Kunming relies on its metro (¥2-8 per ride) and buses, with the "Kunming Metro Card" for discounts. Key sights like Dianchi Lake are accessible by Line 3.

Where to Stay in Kunming

Green Lake (Cuihu)​​ – This is where you stay if you want to step outside and immediately be in the center of everything. Old men playing chess by the water, street vendors selling weird fruits you’ve never seen before, and cafes where the Wi-Fi actually works. It’s not the quietest, but who comes to Kunming for peace and quiet anyway? Just don’t expect a five-star experience—most hotels here have seen better decades.

​Nanping / Jinma Biji​ – If your idea of a good time involves eating until 2am and then stumbling into a hidden bar behind what looks like a hardware store, this is your spot. The streets smell like grilled fish and chili oil, the locals ignore you in the best way possible, and the "boutique hotels" are really just old apartments with new paint. Perfect if you like your trips messy and memorable.

Chenggong - This is student central. Cheap eats, cheaper beer, and hostels that smell like instant noodles and regret. You’ll feel ancient if you’re over 25, but the street food makes up for it.

​Things to Do in Kunming

China’s "Spring City" doesn’t sweat, doesn’t rush, and it's always spring.

1. ​Stone Forest (Shilin)​​ – Yes, it’s a UNESCO site, but skip the tour groups. Wander off-path and pretend you’re in a wuxia movie. Bonus: Old Yi ladies will aggressively sell you embroidery. Haggle or flee.
2. ​Dianchi Lake​ – The water’s cleaner than it used to be, but the real magic is the seagulls (Nov-Feb). Buy a bread loaf, get mobbed by birds, feel like a Disney princess.
3. ​Yuantong Temple​ – Buddhist monks, incense, zero entrance fee. More authentic than half the "must-see" temples in China.