Kunming City Guide

Local dishes like Cross-the-Bridge Noodles and Steam Pot Chicken are popular. There are some international restaurants with Western, Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian food. Vegetarian options exist but are limited. Night markets and BBQ stalls offer late-night food.

Nightlife centers around bars, pubs, and karaoke near Green Lake Park and Nanping Street. The scene is growing but still developing.

Good number of independent cafes and specialty shops. Yunnan is a coffee-growing region, so local beans are popular.

Tipping is not customary and sometimes seen as rude. Not expected in restaurants or taxis.

SIM cards require passport registration. China Mobile offers best coverage; China Unicom and China Telecom provide competitive plans. eSIMs are rare for tourists. Buy at airport or carrier stores in the city.

Streets are generally clean with regular waste collection. Recycling is developing but limited. Public restroom cleanliness varies.

Some convenience stores and pharmacies operate late or 24/7. Hospitals have emergency services. Late-night food stalls are common.

Supermarkets carry limited imported goods but options are improving. Wet markets offer fresh produce and local foods. Supermarkets open 8 AM–10 PM; wet markets open early to late afternoon. Large stores usually open on Sundays and holidays.

Most payments use WeChat Pay or Alipay. Cash is rarely used and many places may not accept it.

ATMs from Bank of China, ICBC, China Construction Bank, and Agricultural Bank of China are common and accept international cards. Expect small fees from your bank and local banks.

Kunming International Academy offers an American curriculum. Some local schools have international sections. English is used at international schools; local schools teach in Mandarin. Admission requires early inquiry due to possible waitlists.

Small community with some meetups and online groups via WeChat. Co-living spaces are rare, but many cafes offer good Wi-Fi.

The city has many parks and green spots like Green Lake Park and Dianchi Lake Greenway with shaded trails suitable for walking and running.

Green Lake Park and Dianchi Lake Greenway are popular running spots. Running is generally safe with some local running groups.

Many modern gyms are available, including chains and local options.

Tennis courts are available at some clubs and universities, often requiring advance booking.

Padel is rare but may be found in newer sports complexes.

Several yoga studios offer various classes, some with English-speaking instructors for expats.

Martial arts schools teach Tai Chi, Wing Chun, and some Kung Fu styles. Some gyms offer Muay Thai and boxing. English-speaking instructors are rare.

No ski resorts in or near Kunming.

Limited water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding on Dianchi Lake, with rentals at some clubs.

No surfing as Kunming is inland.

No diving available due to lack of ocean access.

Public hospitals have good equipment but can be crowded. Some English-speaking staff are available at major hospitals like Yunnan Provincial Hospital. Private clinics are limited and more expensive. Pharmacies are common and pharmacists assist with OTC meds.

Tap water should be boiled or bottled water consumed instead.

Many parks have playgrounds and cafes that are family-friendly. Baby supplies are common. Popular family spots include Yunnan Nationalities Village, Kunming Zoo, Green Lake Park, and the Stone Forest.

Moderately tolerant but public displays of affection are rare. No major LGBTQ+ venues or pride events. Legal protections are lacking.

Pet-friendly options are limited. Many apartments and public transport restrict pets. Veterinary clinics exist, but dedicated pet parks and pet-friendly venues are scarce.