Since the summer vacation, Kunming has become a popular destination for tourists nationwide, thanks to its pleasant climate and rich tourism resources. Particularly after summer's onset, amid persistent heatwaves across many parts of the country, Kunming's unique cool summer has made it the top choice for those seeking relief from the heat. Major scenic spots and transportation hubs have witnessed continuous peak visitor flows, primarily driven by educational tours, family trips, and elderly tourists, fueling the tourism boom.

Transportation Hubs: Busy Operations at Airport and Railway Station

As an important hub linked South Asia and Southeast Asia, Kunming Changshui International Airport saw a significant increase in arrivals and departures during the peak summer travel season, compounded by the expansion of international flight routes and visa-free policies. In July, airports across Yunnan Hit a record high of 7.2 million, with Kunming Changshui International Airport accounting for 4.72 million passengers. So far this year, over 1.36 million Chinese citizens have entered or exited through this airport, a 21.3% year-on-year increase, with Thailand, Laos, and Malaysia as top destinations. Additionally, over 640,000 foreigners entered in the same period, a 49% increase, with visa-free arrivals accounting for over 60%. Entry numbers from Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore have respectively increased by 406%, 119%, and 273% compared to 2019, demonstrating a surge in Southeast Asian visitors.

Kunming Railway Station is bustling, rivaling the crowds seen during Spring Festival travel. Customer service staff Wang Liyan reports: "Halfway through the summer rush, passenger flow continues to grow. Kunming Railway Station operates approximately 145.5 train pairs daily, with daily inbound and outbound passenger numbers remaining above 120,000."

Tourist Experience: Praises for Comfortable Climate and Rich Activities

A tourist from Zhejiang said, "The weather in Kunming is very pleasant, barely need for air conditioning. The local cuisine is really good and suits my taste. People are also very friendly, and the planning of scenic spots is excellent. The scenery is beautiful." 

Another Zhejiang visitor added, "I explored Guandu Ancient Town, the pedestrian street, and also traveled to Lijiang and Dali. It's been a wonderful experience."

A tourist from Jiangxi commented, "The climate is very pleasant here, very comfortable. The scenery and local delicacies are great." 

Another Jiangxi visitor added, "I stayed in Kunming for two days and found the weather quite agreeable. The flowers pastries are delicious, and this is a beautiful city worth visiting again."

A visitor from Guizhou remarked, "We came to Kunming for fun. The climate is especially nice and cool. We tried Yunnan rice noodles, which are very distinctive, and also enjoyed wild mushroom hotpot. The service is excellent, and the locals are very hospitable. Kunming is really fun; we plan to come back next year."

Featured Attractions: Dounan Flower Market Revives with New Vitality

This summer, Dounan, known as Asia's Flower Capital, attracted visitors from across the country. The abundant floral varieties and related products have become popular souvenirs, turning “bringing fresh flowers home” into a new trend for tourists in Dounan. Before 10 a.m., the Flower World at Dounan was crowded with visitors viewing roses, lilies, lotuses, and thousands of other blooms competing in color and fragrance. In July, the Flower World saw a footfall of 1.6296 million, a 42% increase from June. Dounan is evolving from a traditional floral trading center into a "tourism + industry" complex, allowing visitors to take home distinctive Kunming souvenirs and experience "there is a lifestyle called Yunnan."

Urban Charm: Downtown Hotspotting

Kunming's old street in the city center remains bustling, with visitor numbers at Cuihu Park doubling and an average daily flow reaching 30,000. Markets such as Zhuanxin Farmers' Market and the Mushuihua Wild Mushroom Trading Market also see a high volume of visitors. Tourists from all parts of the country enjoy local cuisine and scenic views, immersing themselves in Kunming's unique summer atmosphere.

Tourist Recommendations: Turning Alleyways around Cuihu into "Open-Air Art Galleries"

Strolling through the alleys surrounding Cuihu Park is akin to entering an open-air gallery. Recently, murals have emerged unexpectedly, infusing ordinary street corners with artistic vitality. At the entrance of Xiaoji Slope Alley, a three-meter-high cloisonne flower vase relief glazed with flowing colors depicts lively, vibrant bouquets and breathes new life into intangible cultural heritage art; on a Alley in Cuihu East Road, the "Lotus Sounding Rain (Cuihe Ting Yu)" intricate brushwork depicts lotus leaves shimmering in the wind with gold foil accents, blending natural greenery into a harmonious painting; on Xiansheng Slope, a girl's mural merges history and modernity, with the aroma of coffee and ink-filled poetry seemingly transcending time—creating a poetic fusion of art and urban life amidst lush shade.

These murals are not mere simple paintings but are deeply rooted in the alleyway's texture and historical context—auspicious symbolism at Xiaoji Slope, cultural traditions at Xiansheng Slope, and Lotus Rhyme in the hustle and bustle of Cuihu East Road —all harmoniously coexist on these tiny walls. Bathed in the city's 22°C breeze, visitors can indulge in an immersive experience—"walking in the paintings"—where art and city life intertwine poetically.