By Bus Around Kunming
While Kunming is waiting for its proper subway network, the public buses around town are a useful alternative. For either 1 or 2 RMB per single bus ride, you will be able getting all over town, including most of Kunming’s major attractions. Note that during rush hours it can get quite crowded though and not everywhere a separate bus line is ensuring traffic jam-free driving. A difficulty for people lacking the command of the Chinese language is that bus stops signs are all written in Chinese. But still, it’s worth a try, below some information on how to get to over 20 of Kunming’s prime sights.
To Temples
Bamboo Temple
Nestled in the forests up on a hill west of the city, the cozy and quiet Bamboo Temple can be found. Overland buses number C61 or C62 can be taken at the bus terminal at Hong Shan Dong Road.
Golden Temple
The Golden Temple in Kunming’s north east is served by buses with the numbers 10, 71, 146 and 235.
Yuantong Temple
The Yuantong Temple, one of Kunming’s most famous temples can be found in the city center. Easy to reach by bus routes 101, 100, 119, 187, 92, 95 and Z5. Get off at Yuantong Street.
To Museums
Guandu Old Town with the new Yunnan Provincial Museum
One of Kunming’s 4 boroughs: Guandu with its old town in the city’s south east. The new Yunnan Provincial Musuem has moved to that area as well. Take bus number 31, get off at at Guandu Old Town.
Kunming City Museum
“Kunming City Museum” is also the name of the bus station one has to get off to visit temporary exhibitions on Kunming’s interesting history. Take bus number 1, 62,109,117,145,213, or A1.
The Yunnan Nationalities Village
In Kunming’s far west lie these sites showing Yunnan’s wide variety of ethnic minorities. To learn more about it, take bus No. 24, 44, 73, 94, 135,165, 184, A1, A4, A9
Yunnan Railway Museum
Relatively new and also very close to our office. Buses 3, 23, 50, 68, K1, or Metro Line No. 2, stop at “Kunming Northern Railway Station”.
To Parks
Black Dragon Pool Park
Close to Kunming’s Botanical Garden: buses number 9, 79, 128 or 249 will take you to Kunming’s Black Dragon Pool (not to be mixed up with Lijiang’s!).
Daguan Park
Between Kunming’s city center and large Dianche Lake lies beautiful Daguan Park. Get there with buses 4, 22, 52, 95, 100, 104 or 125.
Green Lake Park
Right in Kunming’s city center lies the city’s gem: the Green Lake Park. Accessible by all directions, for instance buses number 100, 101, 133, 139, 235 and Z5 will take you there.
Haigeng Park & Dianchi Lake
The Haigeng Park at the shores of Dianshi Lake is also the starting point of the cable cars up into the Western Hills (see above). Catch buses 24, 44, 73, 94,135,165, 184, A1, A4, A9 and get off at the terminal (Haigeng Park)
Kunming Botanical Garden
Close to Kunming’s Black Dragon Pool: buses number 9, 79, 128 or 249 will take you to Kunming’s Botanical Garden.
Kunming Zoo (Yuantong Mountain)
Right next to Yuantong Temple, Kunming’s former zoo (now park) can be visited. Get there by bus lines 4, 59, 74, 78,83,85,100,101, 129, and 234 and get off at Station Yuantong Shan.
Tanhua Temple Park
Close to Kunming’s Eastern bus station, the Tanhua Temple can be found. Many buses go there, among others, No.132 directly, 29,50,54,77 and 237 stoping at Wangdaqiao Station and bus line Z5 stopping at Jintai Street.
Xihua Park
In Kunming’s south, the Xihua Park is often used for local art and music events. Take bus No. 51, 75, 80, 181, 183 or 233 to get there.
Yunnan Wildlife Park
Kunming’s Wildlife Park is located in the city’s north-east. Get there by bus No. 150, 241, 235 or 249.
To Sites Outside of Kunming City
Jiaoye Park
Just opposite of the Bamboo Temple, surrounded by hills and woods, the Jiaoye Park awaits you for nice walks and BBQ. Overland bus number C61 can be taken for instance at the bus terminal at Hong Shan Dong Road.
Jiuxiang Cave
A special bus line to the Jiuxiang Caves leaves from the Kunming Eastern Bus Station. To get there from downtown, get on buses numbered 60, 22, 50, 193, 194, K18, 902, K9, 29, 906 and 237. Bus ride from Kunming East Bus Station to Yiliang county and further on by mini bus to the Jiuxiang Scenic Area.
Stone Forest
A special bus line to the Stone Forest leaves from the Kunming Eastern Bus Station. To get there from downtown, get on buses numbered 60, 22, 50, 193, 194, K18, 902, K9, 29, 906 and 237.
Western Hills
Outside of town, visible from almost everywhere in Kunming and also known as ‘Sleeping Beauty Mountain’: the Western Hills, a popular weekend get-away can be reached by buses 51, 6 and 94. The stop to get off is Gaoyao, from where you can either walk up or take a local shuttle bus inside the park area.
Yeya Lake
And last but not least, the Yeya Lake, north outside of town. Take bus number 147 and get off at Shuanglong Station, then walk for about 1 km where you can eventually relax.
Does all of this sound too complicated? No problem, just let us know and we can arrange a car with driver for you. Wonders of Yunnan Travel has received wide recognition for its registered Transfer and Transportation Service. We provide skilled drivers and a variety of licensed, modern and air-conditioned vehicles according to the number of clients. You can rely on our secure on-time services while traveling through Yunnan and Southwest China!