Kunming Botanical Garden

昆明植物园

Founded in 1938, Kunming Botanical Garden is a multifunctional botanical garden with distinct regional characteristics, integrating scientific research, popular science, tourism, and teaching practice. It is the largest subtropical plant diversity and germplasm resource conservation research base in Southwest my country, and an introduction and cultivation center for plants such as camellia, magnolia, and begonia.

Introduction

  • Attraction Location: 132 Lanhei Road, Xishan District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China (云南省昆明市西山区兰黑路132号)

  • History: Established in 1959, Kunming Botanical Garden is a major research and conservation center for tropical and subtropical plants. It has grown to be one of China’s most important botanical gardens, combining scientific research, education, and tourism.
  • Architecture/Natural Features: The garden spans over 218 hectares and features thematic sections including tropical, subtropical, alpine, medicinal, and ornamental plants. Scenic areas include lakes, rock gardens, bamboo groves, and greenhouses.
  • Cultural Value: The garden plays a significant role in plant conservation, botanical research, and environmental education in Yunnan. It hosts flower exhibitions and seasonal events that celebrate local and exotic flora.
  • Other Information: Popular for walking, photography, family outings, and educational tours. The garden also provides research facilities for students and botanists.

Visiting Information

  • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

  • Ticket Price:
    Adult: ¥20
    Student/Senior: ¥10
  • Best Photo Spots:
    1. Rose Garden in bloom
    2. Orchid Greenhouse
    3. Bamboo Grove Pathways
    4. Lakes with reflections of nearby mountains
  • Time Reference: Spring and summer for flowers in full bloom; early morning for soft light and fewer crowds

Where to Sleep (Nearby Hotels & Stays)

  • Luxury:
    Intercontinental Kunming (昆明洲际酒店)
    Mid-range:
    Kunming Jinjiang Hotel (昆明锦江酒店)
    Kunming Grand Park Hotel (昆明大公园酒店)
    Budget & Boutique:
    Kunming Youth Hostel (昆明青年旅舍)
    Local boutique guesthouses near Xishan District (西山区民宿)

What & Where to Eat

  • Must-Try Dishes:
    Crossing-the-bridge rice noodles (过桥米线)
    Er Kuai rice cake (饵块)
    Yunnan mushroom hot pot (云南菌类火锅)
    Famous Spots:
    Xishan District local eateries (西山区餐馆)
    Kunming city center restaurants (昆明市中心餐馆)

What Souvenirs to Buy

  • Seeds and dried flowers, Yunnan tea, handmade botanical-themed crafts, local herbal products

Transportation

  • How to Get There:
    From Kunming city center: Take bus No. 17, 20, or 118 to Kunming Botanical Garden stop
    Taxi or ride-hailing app: ~30 minutes from Kunming Railway Station
    Private car or tour bus is also convenient

Nearby Attractions

  • Kunming Golden Temple (金殿) – ~1.8 km, taxi or walk through scenic park path Kunming Black Dragon Pool (黑龙潭) – ~1.9 km, taxi or local bus Yunnan Nationalities Village (云南民族村) – ~2 km, taxi

Tips for Visitors

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes Bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent Visit early morning for cooler temperatures and better photos Check for seasonal flower exhibitions Respect the plants and do not pick flowers or leaves Photography drones may need permission

Recommended itineraries

  • Half-Day Kunming Garden Tour:
    D1: Kunming Botanical Garden (昆明植物园) → Golden Temple (金殿) → Return to city center
  • Full-Day Nature & Culture Tour:
    D1 Morning: Kunming Botanical Garden (昆明植物园) → Lakes and Greenhouse Sections
    D1 Afternoon: Black Dragon Pool (黑龙潭) → Yunnan Nationalities Village (云南民族村) → Return to hotel
  • Two-Day Kunming Highlights:
    D1: Kunming Botanical Garden (昆明植物园) → Golden Temple (金殿) → Overnight in Xishan guesthouse
    D2: Black Dragon Pool (黑龙潭) → Yunnan Nationalities Village (云南民族村) → Flower Market / City exploration

User Reviews

By Qianyi |

The autumn wind sweeps the fallen leaves. We wait for the falling leaves during this period of time all year round. You no longer need to envy those who have to go far away to take pictures of ginkgo leaves. Kunming Botanical Garden is the best place. You can find different colors of the four seasons here. I like the season of ginkgo leaves. It is quite beautiful. However, you need to fight for the spot to take pictures in this season. Otherwise, you can only take pictures after others have finished taking pictures. There are also many people taking wedding photos here.

By pufferfish |

The Kunming Botanical Garden is a microcosm of the botanical kingdom, offering breathtaking scenery in every season. In autumn, a must-see is the Liquidambar Avenue, where a vibrant interweaving of red and yellow creates a magical oil painting. In winter, the Camellia sasanqua blossoms in the Camellia Garden burst into bloom, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for flower viewing. The Fuli Palace greenhouse complex, a key attraction, is a must-see. Its five themed pavilions, including the Tropical Rainforest Pavilion and the Exotic Plant Pavilion, house over 2,000 rare species. Take photos beneath the glass dome to create breathtaking forest-like moments, and the interactive educational activities are highly interactive. Admission is 10 yuan, with an additional 80 yuan for the greenhouses (including guided tours). Opening hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Take bus No. 9/79 to the Botanical Garden's North Gate stop. Allow three hours for an in-depth tour. Ideal for nature lovers and families, avoid the afternoon rush during holidays.

By Zhong Zhong Zhong Zhong |

I visited this attraction while visiting my uncle's house. It is near Ciba. It is rich in oxygen ions and has a decent amount of vegetation. I remember there was an azalea flower area with various azaleas. Unfortunately, it was not the blooming season when I went there. Then I saw a sign on one of the azaleas saying that azaleas are used in Yu-Sai cosmetics.

When we went there, the leaves were falling and the scenery was still very beautiful.

By Han Fei Home |

To the east of the Golden Temple is the Botanical Garden. As I walked out of the gate, looking back amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, I couldn't bear to leave behind this vibrant color and refreshing freshness...

By Jamie |

It seems that there are relatively few foreign tourists in Kunming Botanical Garden, and most of them are locals. I am a little plant lover. Others go to museums and popular check-in places when traveling, but I prefer botanical gardens. It is definitely a pleasure to see different plants from different places.

By Zhiqiu |

In February, you can go to the East Garden to photograph camellias, and in autumn, you can take photos of red leaves and ginkgo trees. It is also a great place to take portraits!

By 🐰Listening to the Rain🐰 |

A place worth visiting, quiet and beautiful. Suitable for walking

By ♬ Xiaokui♪ |

See the azaleas in spring and the ginkgo and maple leaves in winter🍂

Ticket price is 10 yuan, a good place to relax on weekends🎐

This weekend, the maple leaves on both sides of Xiangfeng Avenue are not yet fully red🍁

By Tao Wenen |

It is a multifunctional comprehensive botanical garden that integrates scientific research, popular science, tourism and teaching practice, and has obvious regional characteristics. It is worth a visit.

By The King of Woodworms |

The botanical gardens within the Golden Temple boast beautiful scenery and lush vegetation, including the Camellia Garden, the Children's Fun House Butterfly Garden, the Waterscape Garden, and the Tomb of Yu Enyang. In spring, you can enjoy camellias, in summer, peonies, in autumn, maple leaves, and in winter, plum blossoms. This is a paradise for flower and plant photography enthusiasts. These attractions are included in the Golden Temple ticket.

By mango |

Once inside, we discovered the botanical gardens were incredibly large, with the areas to explore and explore seemingly endlessly. Strolling through the 40-degree heat, we felt like we were deep in the mountains and forests, and a sense of unease crept in. Perhaps we hadn't reached a better spot, but in any case, we didn't enjoy our time at the botanical gardens.

By Raspberry |

Saw a large area of American tulip trees.

It happened to be Mr. Zeng Xiaolian's painting exhibition, and I enjoyed a visual feast with awe for life in nature.

You need to buy a separate ticket to the Greenhouse Fuli Palace, which includes a guided tour. There were not many people visiting, and we were the only two tourists there, which was equivalent to enjoying VIP treatment.

My son used his phone watch to play music for the dancing grass, and the dancing grass really swayed gently.

The great formation of the Buddhist plant Ground Golden Lotus is enough to resist all demons and monsters.

The moss forest feels like something out of a Hayao Miyazaki animation.

The most interesting thing was the puffball. At first I thought it was an unripe persimmon that had fallen down, so I touched it and it started to smoke. I immediately knew it was a type of puffball, so I poked and poked it, having a lot of fun.

By Bobo |

The Kunming Botanical Garden covers an open area of 44 hectares and is divided into two parks, the East and the West. It has built 15 specialized gardens (areas), including the Camellia Garden, the Rock Garden, the Bamboo Garden (a waterscape garden dominated by bamboo), the Yuxi Azalea Garden, the Foliage and Fruit Garden, the Herb Garden, the Magnolia Garden, the Hamamelis Garden, the Minimum Species Plant Garden, and the Gymnosperm Garden, collecting and conserving more than 7,000 species and varieties of plants.

By Rachel 🌸... |

There are few people, very quiet, and there is also a Ginkgo Road

By Celtic |

Close to Heilongtan Park, the climate is pleasant and many people take photos inside in autumn.

By Planting flowers late at night |

The botanical garden is most beautiful in late autumn in November, when the maple leaves on Maple Avenue are brilliant red.

By LY |

I went to the botanical garden with my teacher and classmates because I wanted to see the wintersweet. The wintersweet is really beautiful in the cold winter, with a kind of transparent beauty. There are many kinds of plants in it, and there are introductions next to the plants.

By Liupanshui Imperial Capital |

I went there on October 25th, and it happened to rain lightly that day, otherwise the avenue lined with maple leaves would have been even more beautiful. However, the maple leaves had only turned 10% red, and it would have been even more beautiful if I had gone there a month later.

By Serenity leads to far-reaching goals |

Kunming Botanical Garden is a comprehensive botanical garden integrating scientific research, species conservation, popular science and public awareness. It has been successively named "National Science Popularization Education Base", "Yunnan Province Science Popularization Education Base", "National Youth Entering the World of Science and Technology Activity Demonstration Base", "National Youth Science and Technology Education Base", "Kunming City Science Popularization Base" and so on; the Camellia Garden has won the title of "International Outstanding Camellia Garden".

By blessing |

It's okay. You need to make an effort to discover the beauty when you come here at this time. Although Kunming is the city of spring, most flowers still bloom in spring.

And many museums are not open.

By What the hell is a name? |

A good place for leisure in Taipei City, with many unique plant species

By Jiang Yitula |

I went in early April, when the camellias had already faded, the azaleas were just beginning to bloom, and the maple leaves were bright green. The Fuli Palace greenhouse is worth a visit, featuring a tropical rainforest pavilion and a desert pavilion. Admission is 30 yuan, and there are scheduled free guided tours. Butterflies are sparse, and you won't see large flocks of them until July. It's not recommended for travelers on a tight schedule; it's a relaxing and relaxing place.

By Mia |

This is one of the places recommended by a local taxi driver in Kunming. I didn’t have time to go there, but I may go and see it next time.

By hcx0715 |

The vegetation is lush and the air in the forest park is fresh. Yunnan is truly a kingdom of animals and plants!

By style |

Kunming Botanical Garden is 12 kilometers away from the center of Kunming City. Together with the Black Dragon Pond Park with its towering ancient trees, it forms a famous scenic tourist area. In 2012, it was awarded the honorary title of International Excellent Camellia Garden by the World Camellia Association.

By Photographing the Donkey Wind Flute |

There are so many plant varieties in Kunming Botanical Garden.

By crystal |

The botanical garden is rich in history and well worth a visit. The ancient trees tower above, and the air is refreshing and pleasant. It's a great place for a stroll. We visited the garden on November 26th. It was a bit late when we arrived, and some of the pavilions were closed, which was a bit disappointing. I recommend going in the morning.

By Fake smile on Hu Mao |

Tickets are 5 yuan each. I came at the wrong time, the camellias hadn't bloomed yet, and the maple leaves hadn't turned red yet. What a pity.

By I just want to rely on you |

It is quiet and beautiful. Many people take beautiful wedding photos here.

By Kaokaosheshe |

I've been there many times, but I've never been able to fully explore it. It's quite large, and there are different views in different seasons. It's also a natural oxygen bar, which is great. You can even bring a tent and food for a picnic, making it a great place for a family outing. It's also a great choice for photography enthusiasts. I took a group of photos, and they turned out great!

By zither and glass |

Covering a total area of 44 hectares, it is a living botanical garden that focuses on introducing Yunnan's precious flowers, Yunnan's traditional Chinese medicines, Yunnan's important trees, and Yunnan's rare and endangered plants. It currently houses nearly 4,000 plant species and has 10 specialized botanical gardens.

By Heart Promise |

Great great great great great great great great great great

By Mu Ming |

It is suitable for viewing maple leaves in autumn, and many people come here to take wedding photos.

By Ice and tide |

The best thing about Kunming Botanical Garden is the plants and the fresh air. Every time I go there, I wish this garden were mine. There are so many plants, it's just amazing.

By Missing @Sky |

Here, you can admire peach blossoms in spring, lotus flowers in summer, crimson leaves blanketing the ground in autumn, and camellias in full bloom in winter – each season offers a unique scenery. During a long stay in Kunming, the Botanical Garden is a wonderful place to relax. Amidst the strains of work, a stroll through the gardens is a welcome respite, offering both a soothing visual experience and a refreshing sanctuary for a weary heart. The expansive greenery offers a tranquil escape. The garden is located adjacent to Yunnan Agricultural University, making it convenient for students conducting research. Across from it lies Black Dragon Pond Park, making both attractions worth exploring.

By Bruce |

The location is really far away. Bus-subway-bus, backing up and backing up was exhausting. The weather wasn't great that day, so the botanical garden was deserted when we arrived. Maybe it was because of the abundance of trees; the air must have been fresh. It was a bit chilly early in the morning, and my nose was running. We visited the Hundred Herb Garden, where many herbs were new to us, and some had characters we couldn't even identify. Luckily, you can scan a QR code and use Baidu Encyclopedia. The leaves covered the path, making it feel like a scene from a Korean drama. The main point of our visit was to visit the greenhouse, but we weren't allowed in. We were so disappointed. We also visited the museum, where we saw Ganoderma lucidum, various plant and animal specimens, and a celebrity botanical garden where plants were planted by successive directors.

By kevinwei |

Founded in 1938 (the year of the Tiger), the Kunming Botanical Garden is a multifunctional botanical garden with distinct regional characteristics, integrating scientific research, popular science, tourism, and teaching practice. It is the largest subtropical plant diversity and seed resource conservation research base in Southwest my country, and a center for the introduction and cultivation of plants such as camellia, magnolia, and begonia. The Kunming Botanical Garden was formed by integrating the original botanical garden and plant biotechnology laboratory. In 2000, through international and provincial collaboration, the Lijiang Alpine Botanical Garden and Field Station were rebuilt in Lijiang. The garden currently has five doctoral supervisors and nine master's supervisors.



Kunming Botanical Garden is 12 kilometers away from the center of Kunming City. Together with the Black Dragon Pond Park with its towering ancient trees, it forms a famous scenic tourist area. In 2012, it was awarded the honorary title of International Excellent Camellia Garden by the World Camellia Association.



With a history spanning over 60 years, the Kunming Botanical Garden, covering a total area of 44 hectares, is a living botanical garden dedicated to the collection of rare and endangered Yunnan flowers, herbal medicines, and important trees. It boasts a collection of nearly 4,000 plant species and houses 10 specialized botanical gardens.

By DG |

The Kunming Botanical Garden, 12 kilometers from downtown Kunming, forms a renowned scenic spot alongside the towering ancient trees of Black Dragon Pond Park. With a history spanning over 60 years, the 44-hectare Kunming Botanical Garden is a living botanical collection focused on introducing Yunnan's precious flowers, traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, important trees, and rare and endangered plants. The collection boasts nearly 4,000 plant species and includes ten specialized botanical gardens.

By √ What a summer night☆ |

As the name suggests, it is a plant. The park is quiet and the air is super good. It is very suitable for family and lovers to date. Haha

By Guo Guo |

It was autumn when we went there, and there were a lot of people. Actually there wasn't much to do, so we just went there to relax on the weekend.

By living |

The plants are very beautiful when they bloom, and there are many birds singing, and the scenery is pleasant!

By Knowledge and Action |

The TV news said there were red leaves, but I went there but there were no red leaves or flowers. I might as well go to Dounan to see the flowers.

By 123xsw2 |

Maybe it was the wrong season to go, it seemed a bit depressed.

By Misty |

It's OK. If you have enough time, you can go and have a look.

By Lijiang Yuhuai Inn |

Yunnan, known as the kingdom of plants and animals, has many strange plants. Many researchers like to go to Yunnan. You can see many plants and animals that are not found elsewhere. It is worth a visit.

By Xiaoyu |

The botanical garden is quite large and has many plants. Children like to come here very much.

By Extreme |

There are many kinds of plants that I have never seen before, it is really worth recommending

By Small amount 0011 |

Kunming Botanical Garden is located at No. 610, Longquan Road, Wuhua District, Kunming City, near Heilongtan

By Love Beauty |

Kunming Botanical Garden is located at No. 610, Longquan Road, Wuhua District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province. It is a living plant collection garden that mainly introduces Yunnan's precious flowers, Yunnan's Chinese herbal medicines, Yunnan's important trees and Yunnan's rare and endangered plants.

By Light blue |

Kunming is not only an animal kingdom, but also a plant kingdom. I remember when I was a child, the school always organized trips to these parks during autumn outings. The autumn maple leaves were very beautiful.

By Smallangela Dream |

Kunming Botanical Garden is very beautiful in autumn, with bright red maple leaves

By Natsuki |

The Botanical Garden, as the name suggests, is full of plants. I went there in late autumn, and the maple leaves hadn't yet fully turned red, but the ginkgo trees were starting to drop their leaves, leaving the ground covered in yellow leaves. It was quite nice. I went there on the weekend, and it was especially crowded, with everyone gathering around one or two trees to take pictures.

By Johanni Aha |

In early winter, the autumnal atmosphere of Kunming still lingers. Inside the garden, golden ginkgo trees sway in the breeze, carpeted with golden fallen leaves. From afar and up close, the scene is awash in gold. A gentle mountain breeze sweeps through, sending fluttering yellow leaves scattering like a fluttering golden butterfly, a breathtaking sight. Red maples and magnolias interspersed among the trees, combined with the lush greenery of the surrounding trees, add to the vibrant and captivating color of the nursery. At dusk, the ginkgo trees, illuminated by the setting sun, blaze with a brilliant yellow. A small iron gate cannot contain the ripples of autumn colors, allowing them to spread...

By small potatoes |

If you want to see flowers in Kunming, you should also see the various plants. The Botanical Garden is not much different from the Beijing Botanical Garden, mainly because the plant types are different.

By k2kang |

It's still a lot worse than Xishuangbanna. But if you don't have anywhere to go, you can still go and have a look.

By Wolf King |

It is a place worth visiting. It is best to bring a tent. Tents can be seen everywhere in the botanical garden. The red maple leaves in autumn are very beautiful. The garden is not big. It is very suitable for chatting and playing next to the tropical botanical garden of Fuli Palace. It's just that the ground is a little wet. The ticket is also cheap, only 10 yuan. It is recommended to bring a tent, buy enough fruits, set up a tent, and then several people can eat fruits and snacks. You can even buy cold noodles to accompany yourself. It is a beautiful botanical garden. I just hope that the environment there will not be destroyed. There is a Heilongtan Park next to it. You can spend a whole day to visit two attractions. For meals, you can go to a technical college next to it. The rice bowl is super delicious. I still want to eat it now. Believe me, bee friends will definitely be very happy when they go there.

By I don't know what I'm talking about |

One of Kunming's most distinctive scenic spots in autumn and winter, this is a perfect place to enjoy the autumn leaves. Founded by the late renowned scientist Cai Xitao, the scenic area is truly breathtaking. Divided into two parts, the Grand Garden and the Small Garden, each boasting its own unique character. Weekends see more visitors, so visiting on weekdays is recommended.

By kobou79 |

It's on the edge of Black Dragon Pond, the air is good, and everything else is just so-so.

By yueyue6510 |

A model of tropical botanical garden, it is worth a visit and there are many things to see inside.

By Mars User |

Kunming Botanical Garden was founded in 1938 (the year of Wuyin). It is a multi-functional botanical garden with distinct regional characteristics, integrating scientific research, popular science, tourism and teaching practice. It is the largest botanical garden in southwest my country.

By Tiantian |

The Kunming Botanical Garden is located west of Black Dragon Pond Park. Admission is 8 RMB. It features many Yunnan specialty plants and traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. Take the subway to North Railway Station, then transfer to bus No. 9 or No. 79 and get off at the "Botanical Garden North Gate" stop.

By Little giant♪ |

An unexpected surprise place~~ There are many kinds of unknown plants, and there is also a research institute here~ Professors and students are doing research from time to time, which feels great

By Rose Black Tea |

Especially in autumn, Maple Leaf Avenue is beautiful and worth a visit.

By Z880207 |

Everything is here. Are you here? Hurry up!

By Brother Lao Hou |

There are many plants that you can't see in the north, and they look very fresh. The botanical garden is also very large, nice!

By DennyChan0827 |

There are many flowers, it is worthy of being called the Flower City. It is more beautiful in spring.

By encourage |

This is a place I've always longed for. Only here can I truly experience the warmth and beauty of the South. The tropical plants intoxicated me, and I really wanted to stay in the botanical garden for a few days to fully enjoy the secrets of nature. The environment is very good, and transportation is convenient. I highly recommend visiting.

By Love is like the moon |

The Kunming Botanical Garden and the towering Black Dragon Pond Park, home to the towering ancient trees, form a renowned scenic tourist destination. In 2012, it was awarded the title of International Camellia Garden of Excellence by the World Camellia Association. A visit to Black Dragon Pond also includes a visit to the botanical garden, featuring the Liquidambar Avenue, Camellia Garden, Azalea Garden, Greenhouse, Arboretum, Fern Garden, and Orchid Garden. The garden boasts a tree-lined avenue of ginkgo and maple trees. In late autumn, the scenery is breathtaking as the fluttering yellow leaves and fiery red maple leaves create a breathtaking spectacle. The botanical garden is connected to the Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences. I frequently visited the botanical garden during my graduate studies, working at the institute. In late autumn and early winter, the Kunming Botanical Garden's Liquidambar Avenue, a vibrant red, draws countless visitors from China and abroad. Elderly people chat here, children play, and newlyweds exchange vows. And every photographer, with their cameras and cameras, is eager to capture every moment.

By Baili Qushuai |

The Kunming Botanical Garden is divided into two gardens: the Camellia Garden, a must-see in spring, and the Maple Leaf Avenue, a must-see in autumn. It's a pity that we came in the summer, but it still exceeded our expectations.

By Jingxing's behavior |

Kunming, the Spring City, is dotted with a variety of trees, flowers and plants. It is a great place to relax and breathe fresh air.

By Lily |

It's worth a visit. If you have time, go.

By Paxiaola |

There are very few people, many unique plants, and the place is very large.

By Miss Bones |

Enjoy the flowers in spring and the leaves in autumn, a great place for outdoor photography

By Black and White_Scholar |

There are not many people. It is in the suburbs and there are more locals. It is not worse than the Expo Park.

By Wind dances in the distance |

Connected with Black Dragon Pond, different flowers bloom in every season, making it a great place to relax in the suburbs.


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