Top 50 Best Things to Do near Kunming
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Top 50 Best Things to Do near Kunming

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  • Fuxian Lake
    󰺂7.0
    Chengjiang.Fuxian Lake Scenic Area60.3 km from Kunming
    Highlights:
    󱓊Panoramic view of Fuxian Lake
    󱨜Explore Cambrian life remnants
    󱨠141 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    印象西南印象西南

    Here is a review of my trip to Fuxian Lake in Yunnan: Fuxian Lake is truly a stunning place, a hidden gem of Yunnan. Picturesque Scenery The lake water is crystal clear and azure, like jelly, with extremely high visibility, making the pebbles and small fish underwater clearly visible. The lakeside ecological park boasts vast green lawns, and the wooden boardwalk is a photographer's paradise, offering stunning shots whether it's morning or evening. The sunset, in particular, with its orange hues reflected on the lake, is breathtakingly beautiful. Abundant Activities There are many fun activities to enjoy. For example, at the Star Fish Cave, you can rent kayaks or sailboats to enjoy a relaxing time on the water; Moon Bay Wetland Park features coconut groves, white sand beaches, and an infinity pool, making it feel like a mini-Sanya, perfect for family trips. Tempting Cuisine The food at Fuxian Lake is also unforgettable. Copper pot fish is a must-try local specialty. The freshly caught fish, cooked in a flavorful broth, results in tender, melt-in-your-mouth fish. The accompanying copper pot potato rice is also very fragrant. Street vendors selling chilled pea noodles and iced rice porridge are also delicious and offer excellent value. However, the facilities at Fuxian Lake Scenic Area do have some shortcomings. Some attractions are quite remote, making transportation inconvenient. The distances between attractions are considerable, making it difficult to explore without a car. Furthermore, some popular spots, such as the pink sand beach at Hongshanzui, differ from online descriptions; the beach has many pebbles, and the color isn't as vibrant. Additionally, some guesthouses in Guanglong Town have poor soundproofing, affecting the accommodation experience. Overall, Fuxian Lake is a perfect resort for relaxation. Despite some minor flaws, its natural beauty and unique experiences make it well worth a visit.

  • Mingxing Fish Hole
    󰺂6.2
    1.82
    Yuxi.Fuxian Lake Scenic Area61.3 km from Kunming
    󱨠101 positive reviews
    4.1/5
    ﹎错.`覺﹎错.`覺

    The famous Fish Cave on the west shore of Fuxian Lake is a hidden gem where nature and culture intertwine. Over 200 fish holes stretch along the lake, and the "water-carrying fishing" practice during the fishing season is a living intangible cultural heritage. The waters are as clear as glass, dotted with sailboats and kayaks. The lakeside seating at Xin Coffee is a truly stunning spot. The 15 yuan ticket price is a great value, and paired with the delicious taste of the braised kanglang fish, it perfectly captures the charm of slow-paced life in central Yunnan.

  • World Dinosaur Valley
    󰺂6.3
    8.46
    Lufeng64.3 km from Kunming
    Highlights:
    󱓊Dinosaur site exploration & education
    󰋄Jurassic dinosaur skeletons exhibit
    󱨠Saved by 213 users󱨠776 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    M63***11M63***11

    We brought a very young child here; he really likes dinosaurs, and he was very excited about the dinosaur fossils. It's a good idea to bring kids here on weekends to learn some knowledge. They'll have a great time.

  • Keyi Town And Ancient Village
    󰺂6.8
    4.84
    Mile88.6 km from Kunming
    Highlights:
    󰀆Yi Axi Welcome Ceremony Performance
    󱓊Traditional Yi welcome ceremony
    󱨠435 positive reviews
    4.0/5
    StoneStone

    Keyi Town has three attractions. We took a sightseeing bus to the second one, Tiger Roaring Forest, and then rode the flying magic carpet up, which was very interesting. The third attraction was Keyi Town itself, where we watched a Yi ethnic performance at 3:30 PM: Axi Jumping Moon, which is worth a visit.

  • Mt. Jinping Scenic Resort
    󰺂7.9
    Mile95.5 km from Kunming
    Highlights:
    󰀆Majestic mountain & unique springs
    󱨜Hidden Maitreya Temple in Jinping Mountain
    󱨠3643 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    _We***13_We***13

    A highly recommended town, a truly pristine place, a veritable textbook of Yi ethnic culture. The locals are incredibly kind and hospitable. I would definitely go back to experience it again. 👍👍👍👍👍👍

  • Huquan Banshan Hot Springs
    󰺂6.9
    20.06
    Mile.Huquan Hot Spring Water World/Huquan Mid-mountain Hot Spring99.1 km from Kunming
    Highlights:
    󱓊Hot springs & unique mountain views
    12 uniquely named hot springs
    󱨠454 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    我是哪大人物我是哪大人物

    The spa is spacious, with the outdoor hot springs shaded by trees and filled with squirrels. I loved the fish spa pool, where tiny fish kept chasing after food at my feet. The spa is located across the garden, with a large pool on the first floor. There's a lounge on the second floor, and a buffet on the third (for an additional fee).

  • Luliang Colorful Sand Foresi
    󰺂5.9
    7.86
    LuliangMore than 100 km from Kunming
    Highlights:
    󱓊Stroll among giant sand sculptures
    󰋄World-class colorful sand sculptures
    󱨠183 positive reviews
    4.3/5
    andylindaandylinda

    Located in Majie Town, Luliang County, Qujing City, Yunnan Province, the area covers 25 square kilometers, with a protected area of ​​52.8 square kilometers. The towering, colorful sand pillars, with their graceful and varied shapes, resemble a masterpiece of traditional Chinese painting.

  • Dongfengyun Scenic Area
    󰺂8.5
    9.67
    MileMore than 100 km from Kunming
    Highlights:
    Scenic platform & trail
    Enjoy a choir of thousands and terracotta art
    󱨠Saved by 541 users󱨠9092 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    风雨大漠客1969风雨大漠客1969

    Dongfengyun Scenic Area is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction located on the outskirts of Mile City, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province. Starting as Dongfeng Farm in 2014, it has gradually developed into a distinctive town integrating grape culture, natural scenery, and cultural tourism. The Kaleidoscope Art Museum, a popular spot for online influencers, was designed by Mile-born artist Luo Xu. The architecture blends wine culture and Yi ethnic fire culture, presented as a red brick castle shaped like wine bottles and flames, constructed without a single steel bar or nail, earning it the reputation of a "magical castle of futuristic magic." • Half a Cloud: Continuing the architectural style of the Kaleidoscope Art Museum, it resembles "half a cloud on the horizon," with layers of exterior walls resembling continuous clouds. The interior features a Zen-inspired tea and rest space, a popular spot for tourists to relax and take photos. • The Lavender Theme Park is known as the "Provence of Central Yunnan." • Niu Duoluo Music Farm • State Farm Exhibition Hall: A red-brick industrial-style building displaying farm tools and archives of educated youth from the reclamation period. • Admission: Adult ticket 60 yuan/person, students enjoy half price, sightseeing bus within the scenic area 20 yuan/person. Expensive! • Transportation: After arriving at "Mile Station", it's about a 10-minute taxi ride to the scenic area; from Kunming by car, it's about a 1.5-hour drive. Convenient!

  • Yunnan Red Chateau
    󰺂6.3
    2.18
    MileMore than 100 km from Kunming
    Highlights:
    󰋄Winery in vast vineyards
    󰀆Romantic dance & wine experience
    󱨠405 positive reviews
    4.1/5
    lx_2375033lx_2375033

    When you arrive in Mile, you absolutely must visit Yunnan Red Winery to learn about its origins, see how it's produced and stored, and, of course, taste some fine wine. I was surprised by how large the winery is, and how crowded it is. Entering the cellar, the aroma of oak permeated my nostrils. Each cellar contained a different variety and vintage of red wine. I ended up having a glass of sweet red wine, which was quite good.

  • Taiping Lake International Ecotourism Resort
    󰺂6.8
    9.07
    MileMore than 100 km from Kunming
    Highlights:
    󱓊Vast flower fields & lush forests
    Wood art & architecture museum
    󱨠390 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    32007681573200768157

    Taiping Lake Forest Town is absolutely stunning, like stepping into a fairytale. My favorite spots are "In the Clouds," "Zixia Lake," and Monet's Garden—every photo is a true masterpiece. Taiping Lake was a truly worthwhile trip to Mile! You can rent electric carts within the scenic area, which is incredibly convenient! The restrooms are also incredibly clean, and the brown sugar ginger tea is incredibly thoughtful and warm!

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.

Fuxian Lake

• Chengjiang.Fuxian Lake Scenic Area | 60.3 km from Kunming

• : Panoramic view of Fuxian Lake,Explore Cambrian life remnants

Mingxing Fish Hole

• Yuxi.Fuxian Lake Scenic Area | 61.3 km from Kunming

World Dinosaur Valley

• Lufeng | 64.3 km from Kunming

• : Dinosaur site exploration & education,Jurassic dinosaur skeletons exhibit

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 are some Best Things to Do near Kunming?
Some Best Things to Do near Kunming include:Fuxian Lake, Mingxing Fish Hole, World Dinosaur Valley, Keyi Town And Ancient Village, Mt. Jinping Scenic Resort
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do near Kunming?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do near Kunming include:Fuxian Lake:4.6, Mingxing Fish Hole:4.1, World Dinosaur Valley:4.5, Mt. Jinping Scenic Resort:4.6, Huquan Banshan Hot Springs:4.4
Where are Best Things to Do near Kunming located?
The Best Things to Do near Kunming are mainly located in:Fuxian Lake:Chengjiang, Mingxing Fish Hole:Yuxi, World Dinosaur Valley:Lufeng, Keyi Town And Ancient Village:Mile, Mt. Jinping Scenic Resort:Mile
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