The prime seasons are March–May (spring, with blooming jacarandas and azaleas) and September–November (autumn, crisp weather and golden ginkgoes). Kunming’s "Spring City" climate stays mild year-round, but avoid June–August (rainy season) and mid-winter (occasional chill).

Yes, most international travelers need a valid Chinese visa. Apply through Chinese embassies/consulates in advance, or check if you qualify for visa-free transit (144-hour policy for eligible countries).

Within the city, use the metro (via Alipay’s transit card), Didi ride-hailing, or shared bikes (Hello Bike via Alipay). For day trips (Stone Forest, Fuxian Lake), take tourist buses from Eastern/Western Bus Stations or book private transfers for flexibility.

English proficiency is limited outside major hotels and attractions. Download translation apps (Google Translate, Alipay’s built-in translator) and carry bilingual address cards. Key phrases in Chinese (e.g., "Where is the subway?") will be helpful.

Don’t miss cross-bridge rice noodles (guoqiao mixian), wild mushroom hot pot, steam pot chicken, rose flower pastries, and Yiliang roast duck. For halal options, look for restaurants like Malaoduo Hot Pot.

Opt for a local China SIM card (buy at Kunming Airport) + VPN (install Astrill/Spark before arrival) for full access to Chinese apps (WeChat/Alipay) and foreign sites. eSIMs (RORO, RedteaGO) work for foreign apps but can’t register Chinese services.

Stone Forest and Jiuxiang don’t require advance bookings, but buy tickets on-site (foreigners must use physical ticket offices). For Yunnan Military Academy, reserve via its official WeChat mini-program "Digital Jiangwu" for free entry.

A comfortable budget is around $300 per person, covering mid-range accommodation ($30–$80/night), meals ($10–$25/day), attraction tickets ($50 total), and local transport ($30 total).

Layered clothing (day-night temperature shifts), SPF50+ sunscreen (high altitude UV), a lightweight windproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a universal adapter (Type A/C/I sockets, 220V).

Major hotels and malls accept Visa/Mastercard, but local markets, street stalls, and small restaurants prefer mobile payments (Alipay/WeChat Pay) or cash. Link your foreign credit card to Alipay/WeChat for convenience, and carry small CNY bills as backup.