Kunming, China | World’s Best Cities

Kunming, China

There’s the UNESCO-listed Yunnan Stone Forest offering a surreal landscape of towering limestone formations, and the serene Dianchi Lake inviting reflection. But Kunming is more than just its natural wonders; it’s a cultural mosaic where China’s diverse ethnic minorities showcase their vibrant traditions, adding a colorful flair to this already enchanting city.

It’s no surprise then that Kunming ranks #46 in our overall Livability index, with its consistently pleasant climate making it an ideal place to live. As the bustling capital of Yunnan Province, it also secures an even more impressive #19 spot in our overall Prosperity index. Kunming is on an ambitious path, pushing forward with the development of Mohan International Port City, set to become a pivotal gateway to South and Southeast Asia. And let’s not forget the flowers—Kunming is a global floral powerhouse, with its cut flower exports making up over 40% of China’s total. Last year, the city government unveiled bold new e-commerce investments to help the industry bloom. Kunming also shines as a major player in the exhibition world (ranking Top 5 for its convention center) and hosts marquee events like the China Kunming Import and Export Commodities Fair, the China International Travel Mart, and the China Kunming International Tourism Festival.