Kunming Museum

What are the most recommended things to do in Kunming Museum?

Explore the museum's vast collection of cultural and historical artifacts from Yunnan Province.
Visit the special exhibitions which change throughout the year, focusing on local history, art, and nature.
Attend educational workshops and events held at the museum, often focused on local culture and heritage.
Discover the museum’s architecture, blending traditional and modern styles.
Enjoy interactive exhibits and learn about the diverse cultures and ethnic groups of Yunnan.

Introducing Kunming Museum

Located on the eastern section of Tuodong Road in the eastern part of Kunming, Yunnan Province, China, the Kunming Museum, covering 20,000 square meters, is a comprehensive geographical museum (a national Class III museum). It boasts a spacious and bright hall, in the center of which stands a Song Dynasty Dali Kingdom Sutra Pillar, hailed as a treasure of ancient Chinese sculpture. Because it is located on the site of the former Ksitigarbha Temple, it is named the "Ksitigarbha Temple Sutra Pillar," commonly known as the "Ancient Pillar." Later, the temple collapsed, and the ancient pillar remained buried underground for a long time. Unearthed from the ruins in 1919, the ancient pillar astonished both Chinese and international audiences with its unparalleled beauty, attracting "people both in China and abroad to come and touch it," earning it the acclaim of "a rare and unparalleled work of art from the East!" Historian Professor Fang Guoyu described the ancient pillar as "the ultimate masterpiece of central Yunnan art."

Kunming Museum is a comprehensive geographical museum. It currently has basic exhibits such as the bronze culture exhibition of the Dianchi Lake area, the Ksitigarbha Temple Sutra Pillar Exhibition and the dinosaur fossil exhibition. It also has two mobile exhibition halls where various temporary exhibitions are held from time to time.

Since its establishment, Kunming Museum has not only consolidated its basic exhibitions, but also fully exerted the role of public cultural facilities in publicity and education, taking the introduction of exhibitions that combine ideology, artistry and appreciation as its leading factor. As of December 2007, it has successively undertaken and held more than 130 temporary exhibitions of certain quality and influence, including "Return - Xiong Bingming Art Exhibition", "Zhang Jianzhong Art Exhibition", "Ding Shaoguang Works Exhibition", "China and South Korea National Plastic Arts Exhibition", "National Geographic Centennial Classic Photography Exhibition", "Qing Dynasty "Yangzhou Eight Eccentrics" National Treasures of Painting and Calligraphy Exhibition", etc., receiving nearly 2.6 million visitors from home and abroad, and fully exerting the unique and irreplaceable role of museums in the construction of spiritual civilization.

Climate and best time to travel

The low-latitude subtropical-plateau mountain monsoon climate in the north; Kunming Museum is a geographical comprehensive museum, a very well-designed and inspiring museum, suitable for travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours

Tickets

Free and open

Attraction opening hours

9:30-17:00

Most Popular FAQs for Kunming Museum

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Kunming Museum is a key cultural institution in Yunnan, established to preserve and showcase the region’s rich historical and cultural heritage. It holds important collections of ancient relics, ethnic artifacts, and artistic works, reflecting the diverse cultures of Yunnan’s ethnic groups.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Located in the center of Kunming, the museum can be easily reached by taxi, bus, or walking. The nearest metro station is the Kunming Railway Station, from where it's a short ride or walk to the museum.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is on weekdays, early in the morning or later in the afternoon, to avoid the crowds.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The general entrance fee is free, though special exhibitions may have an entrance fee. Tickets can be obtained directly at the museum's entrance.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

No advance booking is required for regular entry, as admission is free. However, for special exhibitions or events, it is recommended to check the museum’s website for ticket availability.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

A visit typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits and the number of special exhibitions available.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The ancient artifacts section, showcasing relics from Yunnan’s diverse history.
The ethnic groups exhibit, featuring cultural artifacts and clothing from the province's many ethnic communities.
The natural history section, with displays on Yunnan’s flora and fauna.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Chinese and English. Audio guides in multiple languages, including English, are available for rent at the museum entrance.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The outdoor courtyard, with its scenic views of the museum's architecture.
The main hall, offering a great vantage point for capturing the museum's interior design.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start with the permanent exhibits on the first floor, then explore the special exhibitions on the second floor. Finish your visit by enjoying the outdoor courtyard for a break and photos.