Cheap flights to Kunming
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Quick summary
Country
China
Continent
Asia
Airport
KMG
Currency
Chinese yuan (renminbi)
Time zone
UTC+8
Deals already spotted to Kunming
Real flight examples detected by SniperAir, with their reference price.
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Eternal spring
Kunming, the City of Eternal Spring
Kunming is the capital and largest city of Yunnan, in south-western China. It lies at a near-tropical latitude but at an altitude of about 2,000 m, which keeps the climate temperate all year and earns it the nickname City of Eternal Spring. It is also one of Asia's largest flower-market centres.
Spring (March to May)
One of the two best seasons. In late April jacaranda trees bloom, and the botanical garden is known for its camellias in February.
Autumn (September to November)
The other recommended season, mild and bright.
Winter
Cold nights and occasional snow are possible from December to February, and the UV is strong at altitude. Gulls gather at Green Lake in December and January.
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Day trip
The Stone Forest of Shilin
The Stone Forest is listed by UNESCO since 2007 as part of the South China Karst. It lies about 90 km east of Kunming, and its limestone formations are believed to be more than 270 million years old, dating from the Permian when the area was a shallow sea.
Seven scenic areas
The park includes the Greater and Lesser Stone Forests, the Naigu Stone Forest, Zhiyun Cave, Lake Chang, Lake Yue, Dadieshui Waterfall and Qifeng Cave.
A Yi legend
According to the Yi people, a girl named Ashima was turned to stone here. Each year on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, the Torch Festival brings folk dances and wrestling.
Getting there
Bus tours run from Kunming and there are hotels around the site.
In town
Lakes, temples and parks
Dian Lake, the largest lake in Yunnan
Kunming sits on the northern shore of Dian Lake, which covers about 340 km2 and is the sixth largest freshwater lake in China. In the city centre, Green Lake Park is a lake ringed by greenery with a statue of Nie Er, composer of China's national anthem, and it is free. Yuantong Temple, the largest and most famous Buddhist temple in the city, was first built more than 1,200 years ago in the Tang dynasty. In the Western Hills you will find Huating Temple and the Longmen Grottoes.
Ethnic mosaic
The peoples of Yunnan
Yunnan has 26 recognised nationalities. In Kunming itself, the Han make up 86 % of the population, with the Yi as the largest minority at about 7 %, followed by the Hui and the Bai.
| Place | What you will see |
|---|---|
| Yunnan Provincial Museum | Free to enter, with permanent exhibits on the upper floors. |
| Yunnan Nationalities Village | A village dedicated to the cultures of Yunnan's peoples. |
| Qiongzhu Temple | Known for its unusual clay arhat sculptures. |
History
From Tuodong to treaty port
Kunming was founded in 765 as Tuodong, a city of the Kingdom of Nanzhao. The Ming dynasty retook the area from the Yuan, and Kunming became a treaty port in 1908. The railway to Haiphong was completed around 1910, and the old city wall came down in 1952.
Food and markets
Rice noodles and a flower market after dark
Mixian rice noodles are cooked in copper pots, and informal Yunnanese restaurants sometimes offer a communal bamboo water pipe. At the Dounan flower market you can watch the night auction after 20:30, and Jingxing Street has a flower and bird market with plants, crickets and trinkets.
Gateway to Yunnan
The base for Dali, Lijiang and beyond
Kunming is the usual starting point for the rest of Yunnan. For Dali and Lijiang, long-distance buses leave from the West Bus Station, and Xishuangbanna lies in the tropical south of the province. Kunming South Station is the main high-speed hub.
Kunming Changshui
A major airport about 25 km from the city, among the 50 busiest in the world and served by Metro Line 6. A taxi takes 30 to 40 minutes.
In pictures
Kunming in pictures
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions about flights to Kunming
Which airport serves Kunming?
Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG), about 25 km from the city and connected by Metro Line 6. A taxi takes 30 to 40 minutes.
When is the best time to visit Kunming?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Thanks to the altitude, the climate stays mild all year, but winter can bring snow.
How do I get to the Stone Forest from Kunming?
It is about 90 km east of the city. Bus tours run from Kunming, and there are hotels around the site.
Is Kunming a good base for exploring Yunnan?
Yes, it is the usual starting point for Dali, Lijiang and the tropical south, with a major airport and a high-speed hub at Kunming South Station.
How much does a flight to Kunming usually cost?
It mostly depends on your departure city, the season and how far ahead you book. The "deals" section above shows real examples of prices already detected by SniperAir for this destination.
How do I get alerted when a flight to Kunming drops below my budget?
Create an alert profile with your departure airport, Kunming as the destination and your maximum budget. You'll be notified automatically the moment a matching price is detected.
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