In 2024, Yunnan Province intensively introduced policies for cross-border tourism facilitation, including optimizing the 144-hour transit visa-free process, increasing the frequency of international trains on the China-Laos Railway, and adding direct flight routes to Southeast Asia. Data shows that from January to March this year, the number of people sojourning in Yunnan Province reached 2.2881 million, a year-on-year increase of 56.9%; 1.8699 million inbound tourists were received, among which 932,400 inbound tourists stayed overnight, a year-on-year increase of 77.9%. In addition, when the international passenger trains on the China-Laos Railway have been in operation for two full years, they have cumulatively transported more than 490,000 cross-border passengers from 112 countries and regions around the world, and the coverage rate of "multilingual" signs at border ports has increased to 78%.

Photo from Kunming Auto Music Radio FM95.4 WeChat Official Account 

Among the inbound tourists who stayed overnight in Yunnan, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Myanmar, South Korea, Laos, the United States, Indonesia, and Australia rank among the top 10 source countries. The number of inbound tourists who stayed overnight from countries such as Cambodia, Switzerland, Mongolia, South Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, and Japan has more than doubled. 

Kunming, as the capital city of Yunnan Province, has attracted a large number of foreign friends to visit. Why has Kunming become a "popular choice" for overseas tourists to sojourn? Let's take a look at what foreign tourists have to say. 

Ailola from Thailand: The Warm, Friendly Vibe of Everyday Life

"The closer to Kunming, the more prosperous the city became," Ailola, from Thailand, couldn't help but sigh with emotion. "The China-Laos Railway is a major project that closely connects China with Southeast Asia and even the whole world. It has boosted business, investment, and tourism, while also fostering the integration of the local customs and cultures across different regions." Upon arriving in Kunming, Ailola's first stop was to visit the trendy Grand View Zhuanxin Farmer's Market, a popular online destination.

Photo from Rednote

"When coming to China, Kunming should definitely be the first stop," she said happily. "The food here is absolutely delicious!" This was by no means an exaggeration. Specialty snacks such as Douhua rice noodles, Mile braised chicken, and roasted tofu made her enjoy a sumptuous meal. The fermented glutinous rice balls were her absolute favorite. She exclaimed that they helped soothe the fatigue of her journey. Here, she also tried Dai cuisine, which was similar to Thai food, and immediately felt a sense of familiarity and warmth.

Aaron from the United States: The Rich Cultural Atmosphere

In just a few days, Aaron Leonard Miller from the United States visited many famous scenic spots in Kunming. In the exhibition halls of the Yunnan Provincial Museum, Aaron was deeply captivated by the exquisitely beautiful cultural relics. On the bluestone roads of Kunming Old Street, he experienced the authentic, slow-paced life of the city. The bustling atmosphere at Zhuanxin Farmer's Market offered Aaron a unique experience.

He excitedly explored a variety of wild delicacies from the mountains and authentic local snacks, sampling delicious foods such as flower cakes and cross-bridge rice noodles, and couldn't stop praising them. Aaron said that compared with traditional tourist attractions like scenic spots, museums, historical and cultural buildings, and vegetable markets that serve the daily needs of local people are the true soul of a city and region.

Aqing from Thailand: A Warm Sense of Belonging

"Every time I return to Kunming from Chiang Mai, Thailand, I always have a bowl of small-pot rice noodles, just like a Kunming native who has been away from home for a long time. Kunming has already become my 'second hometown'," said Wu Minqing (Aqing), the owner of Yunrui Shiba Thai Restaurant. Aqing is a native of Chiang Mai, Thailand, and has lived in Kunming for 25 years, has gradually fallen in love with this city.

Photo from Kun Bao Tou Tiao WeChat Official Account

In 1999, Aqing came to work for her brother's logistics company, thus marking the beginning of her connection with Kunming. "I wasn't quite used to it in the first two years after I came here. But as I stayed longer, I found that the weather here is really nice and comfortable, and my friends and colleagues are also very friendly. I like this place more and more."

Luke and Naomi, A Couple from Ireland: Magnificent Scenery

Luke and Naomi, a couple from Ireland, uploaded the video of their trip to Kunming to a video-sharing site, and it quickly garnered millions of views. As they walked along the path in the Longmen Scenic Area of the Western Hills, they were captivated by the stunning view where Kunming’s city skyline met Dianchi Lake, with auspicious clouds drifting across the blue sky.

Photo from Rednote

"Yunnan is so beautiful. The city of Kunming is right before us. It's truly spectacular," Luke exclaimed as he turned the camera towards the city. They made their way up along the Longmen Grottoes, marveling at the perilousness of the Longmen. Running their hands along the rock walls, they could almost feel the pulse of history.

Korean Lee Kyung-hoon: The Enchanting Cultural Charm

Lee Kyung-hoon, who hails from Seoul, South Korea, came to study at Yunnan University of Finance and Economics in 2014 under the influence by his father. After graduation, he decided to stay and develop his career in Kunming. "I really like Kunming. The environment is great, the weather is nice, and the people are friendly and warm," he said. He chose to open a coffee shop because Kunming has a thriving coffee culture. Coffee is closely tied to the slow-paced life of Kunming people, and I also enjoy exploring different methods of brewing."

Photo from Rednode

Indeed, Kunming is not only known for its blue skies, white clouds and flower fields, but also for its world-renowned Yunnan coffee. Lee Kyung-hoon said, "In Kunming, I have learned not just how to make coffee, but also how to experience China and understand its culture. I still have many things I want to do and plan to settle down in Kunming in the future."

Frenchman Igor: Kunming's Climate Is Pleasant

Photo from Kunming Pocket Spring City WeChat Official Account

Igor, from France, who also goes by the Chinese name Li Xiaoyao, chose to settle in Kunming for its pleasant climate. After 15 years of living in Kunming, except for his appearance, which doesn't resemble that of a local - with a full beard on both cheeks and a pair of gray-blue eyes - Li Xiaoyao has fully adapted to the lifestyle of Kunming residents. "Everything here is great," he said, expressing his love for life in Kunming.

A Foreign Friend Invites You to Visit Here

Photo from Kunming Pocket Spring City

Steve also recommended many good places to visit in Kunming, such as Xishan, Kunming World Horticultural Exposition Park, Yunnan Wildlife Park, and Cuihu Park.

Having heard so many foreign friends' comments, why not set off to take a walk and have a look around Kunming? This “plateau pearl” favored by flowers and warm sunshine, with its spring-like climate all year round and the rippling waves of the 500-square-mile Dianchi Lake, greets guests from afar with the brightest smile.

As the permanent venue of the China-South Asia Expo, Kunming constantly creates international sister cities through cultural exchanges and tourism cooperation with its well-developed multilingual service system. We hope you will not only enjoy the picturesque landscapes here but also experience the warm friendship that transcends national boundaries. The gates of the Spring City are always open to the world!