I am Alex Chen, a passionate independent traveler from China. I love to explore secluded corners of the world and am eager to share my experiences on how to travel on a budget within China. This article will reveal the best areas to stay in Kunming, helping you to conveniently access major attractions and transportation hubs during your brief stay.

Summary

What are the Best Areas to Stay in Kunming?

Kunming’s popular attractions are relatively centralized, primarily featuring natural landscapes, and can usually be explored within 1-2 days. Therefore, most visitors to Kunming typically stay for 2-3 days before taking the train to other cities in Yunnan. The best areas for accommodation in Kunming are conveniently located near both railway transport hubs and major attractions. Thanks to Kunming’s developed subway system, whether you are traveling to and from Kunming Changshui International Airport, Kunming train station, or to popular attractions, the subway makes travel easy and enjoyable. Staying near a suitable subway station can greatly enhance your Kunming travel experience.

  • Near Tangzixiang: It is recommended to stay near the Tangzixiang subway station on line 6, a bustling area with Kunming’s old streets like Nanping Street nearby, where shopping, dining, and cultural experiences meet! From here, you can easily take the subway line 6 to and from Kunming Changshui International Airport and reach Kunming train station.
  • Near Wuyi Road: Recommended near Wuyi Road subway station, where lines 5 and 3 intersect, placing you close to Nanping Street and Cuihu (Green Lake). You can also take line 3 to reach Kunming’s hottest attractions like Dian Lake and Xishan Park. The subway also provides direct access to Kunming train station.
  • Near Huancheng South Road: Staying near Huancheng South Road subway station is ideal for those planning to travel by train to Lijiang, Dali, and Xishuangbanna. This location is also convenient for visiting the southern parts of Kunming, such as Dian Lake, Colorful Yunnan Happy World, and the Dou Nan Flower Market.

Ibis Styles Hotel (Kunming Nanping Walking Street Branch)

Ibis Styles Hotel (Kunming Nanping Walking Street Branch)
  • Location: 7 minutes walk from Dongfeng Square Metro Station, 13 minutes walk from Tangzixiang Metro Station
  • Price Range: 299 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
  • Rating: Trip 4.8 out of 5
  • Special Amenities: Gym, Laundry Room

The hotel is situated in the heart of Kunming’s old Nanping Street, surrounded by the bustling pedestrian street. Step outside to immerse yourself in the vibrant city life of Kunming. Whether you want to taste authentic Yunnan cuisine or purchase unique souvenirs, everything is just a short walk away. The hotel is close to the H exit of Dongfeng Square Metro, making it convenient to visit popular attractions like Dian Lake and Kunming Zoo.

Clean and comfortable rooms, very clean bathrooms, large beds. The breakfast is rich and tasty, and the soundproofing is excellent. This hotel offers great value for money.

Ji Hotel (Kunming Nanping Walking Street Beijing Road Branch)

Ji Hotel (Kunming Nanping Walking Street Beijing Road Branch)
  • Location: 2 minutes walk from Tangzixiang Metro Station
  • Price Range: 359 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 4.8 out of 5
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room, Robot delivery service

The hotel boasts an excellent location; you can directly take the subway from the airport to the hotel. The subway exit is only 20 meters away from the hotel entrance. Nearby are many of the city’s major tourist attractions.

The rooms are very clean and, despite being near the street, it is very quiet at night. All necessary facilities are available, and the service is commendable.

Dreamland Happy Moon Hotel (Kunming Old Street Nanping Walking Street Branch)

Dreamland Happy Moon Hotel (Kunming Old Street Nanping Walking Street Branch)
  • Location: 13 minutes walk from Tangzixiang Metro Station
  • Price Range: 386 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 4.8 out of 5
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room, Family rooms

The hotel is conveniently located near Nanping Walking Street, making shopping and exploring very accessible. The Jinma Archway is right downstairs and is beautifully lit at night, with convenient shopping options and a lively night market just across the street.

The rooms are not very large but are clean and well-arranged, with a complete set of toiletries. A pleasant surprise is a small tea table with exquisite tea sets on a low platform in the room.

Dreamland Moon View Courtyard Hotel (Kunming Nanping Walking Street Jinmabiji Square Branch)

Dreamland Moon View Courtyard Hotel (Kunming Nanping Walking Street Jinmabiji Square Branch)
  • Location: 15 minutes walk from Tangzixiang Metro Station
  • Price Range: 498 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 4.8 out of 5
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room

Excellently located on Dongsi Street, a taxi to Kunming Station takes only 15 minutes, and it’s a short walk to Kunming Old Street Nanping Walking Street. Directly opposite is the Jindai Tower, which houses a museum, and it’s a short walk to Jinmabiji Square and around the Eastern and Western Pagodas to experience local character.

Rooms are clean and tidy with a complete range of toiletries, a humidifier to combat dryness, good breakfast, a beautiful courtyard, and excellent service.

Kunming Grand Hyatt Hotel

Kunming Grand Hyatt Hotel
  • Location: 6 minutes walk from Tangzixiang Metro Station
  • Price Range: 1289 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 4.8 out of 5
  • Special Amenities: Gym, Indoor swimming pool

The hotel features a beautifully artistic lobby that highlights Yunnan’s cultural elements. Located in the city center, it is close to shopping malls and the old streets of Kunming, ideal for dining and shopping.

Excellent room cleanliness, great soundproofing, stunning room views, and a rich breakfast. The facilities and service are well worth the price.

Zhe Coffee Hotel (Kunming Nanping Walking Street Branch)

Zhe Coffee Hotel (Kunming Nanping Walking Street Branch)
  • Location: 8 minutes walk from Dongfeng Square Metro Station, 14 minutes walk from Wuyi Road Metro Station
  • Price Range: 239 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 4.7 out of 5
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room, Family rooms, Children’s playground

The hotel boasts an excellent location with convenient transportation options. Multiple subway lines are nearby, and it is not far from Kunming Old Street and Nanqiang Night Market, just a 10-15 minute walk. It’s an ideal place to stay when using Kunming as a travel hub in Yunnan.

The rooms are very clean and free from any odors! The bedding is extremely comfortable, the breakfast is rich and tasty. This hotel offers great value for money.

Hanting Hotel (Kunming Nanping Walking Street Wangfujing Branch)

Hanting Hotel (Kunming Nanping Walking Street Wangfujing Branch)
  • Location: 7 minutes walk from Wuyi Road Metro Station
  • Price Range: 317 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
  • Rating: Trip 4.8 out of 5
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room, Robot delivery service

The hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from Kunming Old Street and Wuyi Road Metro Station, making dining and other activities highly convenient.

The room is very quiet despite being on a busy pedestrian street, thanks to the double-glazed windows which provide a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle.

Crystal Orange Hotel (Kunming Nanping Walking Street)

Crystal Orange Hotel (Kunming Nanping Walking Street)
  • Location: 3 minutes walk from Wuyi Road Metro Station
  • Price Range: 404 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
  • Rating: Trip 4.7 out of 5
  • Special Amenities: Gym, Laundry room, Robot delivery service

The hotel enjoys a prime location with just a five-minute walk to Nanping Old Street and easy subway access directly downstairs, making trips to the airport or train station very convenient.

The rooms are quite spacious. Although the decor is a few years old, it is clean and hygienic. The room features full smart home capabilities, including adjustable lighting to set the mood. The bedding is soft and comfortable, ensuring a good night’s sleep. The bathroom is well designed with a wet and dry separation, and the toiletries provided are of high quality.

Atour Light Hotel (Kunming Nanping Walking Street)

Atour Light Hotel (Kunming Nanping Walking Street)
  • Location: 2 minutes walk from Wuyi Road Metro Station
  • Price Range: 449 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 4.6 out of 5
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room, Family rooms, Robot delivery service

Excellently located, the hotel is opposite a shopping mall, with the old street 100 meters to the right and Nanping walking street to the left. A subway station is straight ahead, and a bus station is just downstairs.

The rooms are very clean and well-equipped, including disposable bathrobes and earplugs. The environment and soundproofing are both quite good. The fridge comes stocked with complimentary drinks, water, and tea.

Zhe Coffee Hotel (Kunming Train Station Huancheng South Road Metro Station)

Zhe Coffee Hotel (Kunming Train Station Huancheng South Road Metro Station)
  • Location: 6 minutes walk from Huancheng South Road Metro Station
  • Price Range: 210 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 4.6 out of 5
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room, Family rooms

The hotel is very close to Kunming Station, about a ten-minute walk, making it a convenient option for transit. However, there’s a slight incline from the lobby to the elevator, which might be a bit challenging when pulling luggage, especially for older guests. Considering the price, it offers great value.

The rooms are well-equipped and maintained in excellent cleanliness. The overall accommodation environment is quite satisfactory. There’s also a laundry room and space for drying clothes. A charming café is situated on the ground floor.

Orange Hotel (Kunming Train Station)

Orange Hotel (Kunming Train Station)
  • Location: 9 minutes walk from Huancheng South Road Metro Station
  • Price Range: 307 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 4.8 out of 5
  • Special Amenities: Gym, Laundry room, Robot delivery service, Family rooms

The hotel boasts an excellent location, very close to Kunming Train Station, making it extremely convenient to access the metro and travel to attractions.

The rooms feature a modern and minimalist design, are clean and tidy, and fully equipped with comfortable beds. The rooms are also fitted with smart home technology, allowing voice control of the lighting throughout.

Kunming Jin Jiang Hotel

Kunming Jin Jiang Hotel
  • Location: 6 minutes walk from Huancheng South Road Metro Station
  • Price Range: 308 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
  • Rating: Trip 4.5 out of 5
  • Special Amenities: Gym, Robot delivery service, Family rooms

The hotel is very close to the train station with a shuttle service provided in the morning. It’s conveniently located for accessing various attractions by metro, bus, or taxi.

As a well-established hotel brand, Jin Jiang maintains its rooms in a very clean condition despite its age. The rooms are soundproofed, ensuring a quiet stay despite being street-facing. This hotel offers excellent value for a high-star rating.

Kunming Kai Wah Plaza International Hotel

Kunming Kai Wah Plaza International Hotel
  • Location: 4 minutes walk from Huancheng South Road Metro Station
  • Price Range: 408 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
  • Rating: Trip 4.7 out of 5
  • Special Amenities: Gym, Laundry room, Indoor swimming pool, Robot delivery service, Family rooms, Quad rooms

Ideally situated near the train station, the hotel offers easy access to nearby subway and bus stations, making trips to attractions straightforward.

As Kunming’s first five-star hotel, it is exceptionally well-maintained. The rooms are spacious, clean, and tidy with very comfortable bedding and a full range of room facilities, ensuring a restful night.

Atour Hotel (Kunming Train Station North Square)

Atour Hotel (Kunming Train Station North Square)
  • Location: 10 minutes walk from Huancheng South Road Metro Station
  • Price Range: 412 RMB
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 4.8 out of 5
  • Special Amenities: Gym, Laundry room, Robot delivery service

The hotel is conveniently located near Kunming Train Station, less than a ten-minute walk, making it easy to access attractions by subway or taxi.

As part of a mid-range chain brand, the rooms are equipped with air purifiers and mini-fridges. The rooms are clean and well-maintained with a wide variety of breakfast options, including pastries, fruits, milk, and tea.

FAQ

Where is the most convenient place to stay when visiting Kunming?

When visiting Kunming, one of the most important considerations for choosing accommodation is the convenience of transportation. It is recommended to select areas near metro stations for quick access to major attractions and transport hubs. Specifically, the following areas are highly recommended:

  • Near Tangzixiang: Close to metro line 6, which offers easy access to Kunming Changshui Airport and Kunming Railway Station while allowing you to enjoy the bustling atmosphere of Kunming’s old streets.
  • Near Wuyi Road: This area is the intersection of metro lines 5 and 3, making it convenient to visit multiple popular spots within the city, such as Green Lake (Cuihu) and Nanping Street.
  • Near Huancheng South Road: Suitable for travelers planning to visit places like Lijiang, Dali, and Xishuangbanna, and also convenient for accessing attractions in southern Kunming.

Is it convenient to stay near the train station when visiting Kunming?

Yes, staying near the train station is very convenient when traveling in Kunming. The metro system in Kunming connects the main train station with various city attractions. For instance, staying near Huancheng South Road Metro Station not only provides easy access to the train station but also facilitates reaching Kunming’s major sights via the metro network. Additionally, Kunming Railway Station itself is a crucial transport hub, from where you can easily take public transportation to various city and regional attractions.

Essential Kunming Travel Resources