Kunming, China π¨π³
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| ποΈ City | Kunming is the capital of Yunnan Province in southwest China, known for its pleasant weather and botanical gardens. |
| π₯ Population | Approximately 7 million. |
| π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps. |
| πΈ Currency & Banking | CNY (Chinese Yuan), 1 USD β 6.45 CNY. |
| π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| π Power | 220V, 50Hz, π Type A/C plugs. |
| πΆ SIM Card | China Mobile and China Unicom provide good coverage and data plans. |
| π³ Banking for Expats | International cards accepted, but itβs advisable to open a Chinese bank account for local transactions. |
| π Accommodation | Options include serviced apartments, guesthouses, and Airbnb. Prices range from Β₯1,500 to Β₯3,000/month. |
| π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, mobile payments via WeChat and Alipay are very common. |
| π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental platforms like Tujia are widely used. |
| ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like 'Yufeng Hotel' offer beds from Β₯80/night. |
Working and Networking
| π’ Best Coworking Space | 'Mixpace Coworking' offers a vibrant atmosphere and various facilities. |
| β Best Cafe for Work | 'Mude' Cafe is ideal for work with good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| πΌ Networking Events | Kunming Expats and Yunnan Networking events can be found on Meetup. |
| π₯ Social Events for Expats | 'Kunming Expats' Facebook Group hosts various social gatherings. |
Transportation
| π Best Taxi/Ride App | Didi is the most popular ride-hailing app in Kunming. |
| π² Bike/Scooter Rental | 'Mobike' and 'Ofo' provide bike-sharing services. |
| ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches in Kunming, but Dianchi Lake is a scenic area. |
| βοΈ Top Regional Airline | China Eastern Airlines serves regional flights from Kunming. |
| βοΈ Top International Airline | China Southern Airlines operates international routes. |
| π£οΈ Highway Access | Well-connected via the G1, G56, and G8511 highways. |
| π Main Train/Transit Hub | Kunming Railway Station is the central transportation hub. |
| π Public Transport Passes | Monthly bus passes are available for around Β₯60. |
| βοΈ Regional Travel | High-speed trains connect Kunming to Dali and Lijiang. |
Health and Wellness
| π₯ Best Hospital | The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University provides good healthcare. |
| π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | 'Yoga Studio Kunming' offers various classes. |
| ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | 'Fitness World' and 'Keep Gym' are well-equipped for workouts. |
| π§Ί Laundry Services | 'Laundromat Kunming' offers affordable laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| π± Best Food Delivery App | 'Meituan' and 'Ele.me' are popular food delivery services. |
| π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles' (θΏζ‘₯η±³ηΊΏ), a local specialty. |
| π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | 'Vegetarian Jane' offers a wide range of plant-based dishes. |
| π« Best Dessert Spots | 'Dali Blossom' is famous for its local desserts. |
| π Affordable Shopping Spots | Night markets like 'Nanping Street Market' offer local street food. |
| π E-commerce/Online Store | 'JD.com' and 'Taobao' are widely used for online shopping. |
| π Grocery Delivery | 'Hema Fresh' and 'Walmart' offer grocery delivery services. |
| πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | 'Shulin Street' is known for its bars and nightlife. |
| π» Local Brewery | 'Yunnan Craft Beer' offers local brewing tours. |
| π· Wine Bars | 'Wine Lover' bar has a variety of local and imported wines. |
| π² Street Food Stalls | Street food near 'East and West Street' is vibrant and diverse. |
| π Popular International Cuisine | 'Pasta Go Go' serves a range of Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the 'Stone Forest' and 'Green Lake Park.' |
| ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | 'Yunnan Provincial Museum' showcases local culture. |
| π° Historical Sites | 'Golden Temple' and 'Yuantong Temple' are significant historical landmarks. |
| π Religious Sites | 'Yuantong Temple', a famous Buddhist temple. |
| π Annual Events | 'Kunming International Flower Exposition' is held annually. |
| π¨ Cultural Districts | 'Old Town Kunming' preserves traditional Yunnan architecture. |
| π Theater Venues | 'Yunnan Arts Theatre' hosts cultural performances. |
| ποΈ Local Markets | 'Bird and Flower Market' is popular for local crafts. |
| πΌ Music Scene | 'Club Fly' features live music and DJ events. |
| π¨ Street Art | 'Kunming City Walls' have various street art murals. |
| π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | 'Yunnan Cookery' offers hands-on cooking experiences. |
| π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | 'Yunnan Artists' Studio' exhibits local artists' work. |
| π°οΈ Historic Buildings | 'Green Lake Pavilion' is a notable historic structure. |
| π΄ Local Heritage | Yunnan Province is known for its diverse ethnic cultures. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| π Nearby Nature Escapes | Dianchi Lake offers beautiful views and recreational activities. |
| ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Yading Nature Reserve is a few hours away and worth visiting. |
| π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Kunming has several cycling paths around Dianchi Lake. |
| π Scenic Viewpoints | 'Xishan' provides breathtaking views of Kunming. |
| π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Dongchuan Red Land is great for birdwatching. |
| π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Dianchi Lake offers designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | 'SF Express' provides reliable parcel delivery services. |
| π οΈ Tech Repair Services | 'Kunming Electronic Market' offers various repair services. |
| π Table Tennis Spots | 'Table Tennis Center Kunming' is famous among locals. |
| π§βπ« Language Classes | 'Mandarin House' offers Mandarin classes for expats. |
| π Libraries & Study Spots | 'Kunming Library' is available for studying and reading. |
| ποΈ Community Centers | 'Kunming Community Center' hosts various cultural activities. |
| πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | 'Game Land' offers video gaming facilities. |
| π° Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are in Kunming, but nearby cities may have. |
Business
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β₯18,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = Β₯720,000) |
| π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β₯14,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = Β₯560,000) |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β₯20,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = Β₯1,200,000) |
| π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β₯16,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = Β₯960,000) |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. Β₯22,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = Β₯1,760,000) |
| π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. Β₯18,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = Β₯1,440,000) |
| πΌ Corporate Tax | 25% standard corporate tax rate. |
| π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% withholding tax rate on dividends. |
| π¦ Tax System | China has a progressive tax rate system for residents. |
| π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| π§Ύ VAT | 13% standard Value Added Tax rate. |
| π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, China has strict CFC rules. |
| π Property Tax | Annual property tax rates apply based on local guidelines. |
| π Property Transaction Tax | 3% standard property transaction tax. |