KUNMING, 10 November 2025: Positioned at the crossroads of the China–ASEAN Free Trade Area and the Greater Mekong Subregion, Kunming is fast becoming one of China’s top destination cities for inbound travel, particularly for visitors from South and Southeast Asia, according to a recent statement by the Kunming Bureau of Commerce.
With its warm climate, friendly culture, and strong connectivity, Kunming has become the preferred first stop in China for travellers from Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and beyond, says the bureau.
Direct flights from major regional capitals take just two to five hours, while the China–Laos Railway provides a convenient “morning departure, evening arrival” link for cross-border tourism. Combined with China’s new visa-free policies and Kunming’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy, the city is redefining its role in the expanding regional travel market.
However, more could be done to attract airlines to serve routes from Southeast Asia’s secondary cities. For example, Chiang Mai in Thailand is served by China Eastern and Ruili Airlines. Flights between Kunming and Chiang Rai paused during the COVID-19 pandemic and have not resumed.
To make spending easier, Kunming launched the “Kunming PASS – Spring City Privilege Card,” which integrates public transportation, scenic spots, and shopping discounts into a single card. Six major commercial zones now fully accept Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay, while leading hotels and restaurants also accept cash payments in USD, Thai Baht, and Malaysian Ringgit. Cross-border e-wallet connections with TrueMoney (Thailand), Touch ’n Go (Malaysia), and Momo (Vietnam) are being tested to make mobile payments as effortless as at home.
Tourists can access a multilingual “Spring City Consumption Guide” and 24-hour service centres at airports, train stations, and shopping malls for translation and trip planning. Meanwhile, tax refund points across six shopping areas — including Nanping Street and Kunming Old Town — offer both luxury goods and local specialities, such as flowers, coffee, and wild mushrooms. A new “instant refund” system allows travellers to collect rebates directly in-store, encouraging higher spending.
Kunming’s 77 themed business districts showcase diverse urban life — from the lively night markets of Nanqiang Alley to the floral splendour of Dounan Flower Market. Monthly campaigns offer electronic vouchers with discounts on hotels, dining, train and airline tickets.
To ensure a smooth visitor experience, Kunming has created a dedicated task force and a 30-minute consumer dispute mediation service in Southeast Asian languages.
(Source: Kunming Bureau of Commerce)
