One of the greatest things about traveling within China as a Muslim is that the Muslim population will typically be concentrated in the city center or close enough to the metropolitan area. Visiting Kunming was no different.
Here’s a Muslim’s guide to Kunming and everything you need to know about getting around the city.
About Kunming
Kunming is the capital city of Yunnan province in southwestern China. It is known as the “City of Eternal Spring” because of its mild and pleasant climate year-round. Geographically, Kunming is located in the center of Yunnan province and is surrounded by mountains and plateaus. The city has an estimated population of over 8 million people. Kunming has a subtropical highland climate, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine year-round. The average temperature in January is around 8°C (46°F), while the average temperature in July is around 21°C (70°F).
Kunming has a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of ethnic minorities including the Yi, Bai, Hani, and Dai. The city is home to many museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, such as the Yunnan Nationalities Museum and the Yunnan Provincial Museum.
Kunming also has a significant Muslim population, with a history of Islam dating back over a thousand years. The majority of the city’s Muslims are of the Hui ethnic group, who have lived in China for centuries and have developed their own distinct culture and traditions.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Kunming is from March to October. During this period, the weather is mild, and the city is not too hot or cold. The spring months of March to May are particularly pleasant, with comfortable temperatures, blooming flowers, and clear skies. Summer (June to August) can be a bit rainy, but the temperatures are still mild, and it is a great time to explore the city’s natural beauty.
During the autumn season (September to November) the weather is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities. However, be aware that it can get quite crowded during the peak tourist season, so plan accordingly.
Winter (December to February) can be chilly in Kunming, but it is still a good time to visit if you want to avoid crowds. The city’s indoor attractions, such as museums and temples, are still open, and the winter months are a great time to explore the city’s delicious food scene.
How to get around
Kunming has a well-developed public transportation system and one that allows you to have options, based on your preferred travel style. Here are some of the best ways to get around the city:
- Metro: The Kunming Metro has an official mobile app called “昆明地铁” (Kunming Metro) that is available for both Android and iOS devices. The app is in Chinese, but it is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
- Bus: Kunming has an extensive bus network, with buses running to most parts of the city. Bus fares are relatively cheap, and it is a great way to explore the city. You can pay for the bus ride with cash or by using a transportation card.
- DiDi: If you prefer to travel in comfort, you can book a car-sharing service. This option is more expensive than other modes of transportation, but it is a good choice if you want to avoid the hassle of public transportation.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Kunming, and they are a convenient way to get around. Make sure to agree on a fare with the driver before starting the ride. If the
- Bicycle: Kunming is a bike-friendly city, and there are many bicycle rental services available. Renting a bike is a great way to explore the city at your own pace and take in the sights. Here are a couple of apps where you can access bike-sharing options:
Where to stay
Kunming has a plethora of options for where to stay. During my stay, I had the opportunity of doing a homestay offered by my good friend. To help make your stay comfortable and accessible, here’s a list of hotels near Shuncheng Street. You’ll be in close proximity to public transportation, mosques, halal food & restaurants, and shopping centers.
Mosques in Kunming
Kunming Nancheng Mosque
Kunming Nancheng Mosque, also known as the South Mosque of Kunming, is a historic mosque located in the Nancheng area of Kunming. The mosque is one of the largest and most important Islamic religious sites in Kunming.
The Nancheng Mosque was first constructed during the Tang Dynasty in the 9th century and has since undergone multiple renovations and expansions over the centuries. The mosque covers an area of about 10,000 square meters and features a unique blend of traditional Chinese and Islamic architectural styles.
Chongde Mosque
The Chongde Mosque, also known as the Kunming Guandu Mosque, was built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and has undergone several renovations since then. The mosque features a blend of Islamic and Chinese architectural styles, with a central prayer hall, two minarets, and a courtyard.
Shuncheng Street Mosque
The Shuncheng Street Mosque, also known as the Kunming Wuhua Mosque, is a historic mosque that was first built during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and has undergone several renovations over the centuries. The mosque features a blend of Islamic and Chinese architectural styles, with a central prayer hall, a courtyard, and a minaret.
Yongning Mosque
The Yongning Mosque, also known as the Kunming Great Mosque or the Kunming Dongsi Mosque, is one of the oldest and largest mosques in Kunming. The Yongning Mosque was first built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907).
Jinniu Street Mosque
The Jinniu Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the region and an important place of worship for the local Muslim community. The mosque was originally built during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and was renovated and expanded during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The current mosque covers an area of 2,557 square meters and consists of several halls and buildings, including a main prayer hall, a secondary prayer hall, a minaret, and a courtyard.
Halal food in Kunming
Halal food and restaurants in Kunming will mainly be around the mosques, with the majority being around Shuncheng Street. When searching for halal options around the city, type “qingzhen” or the Chinese character “清真” into your search engine or Google Maps.
Here are some of the famous halal food in Kunming:
- Crossing Bridge Rice Noodles (过桥米线): This is a traditional Yunnan dish that is served in a large bowl of hot broth, with thin rice noodles, sliced meat, vegetables, and other ingredients that can be added to the soup. There are several halal versions of this dish available in Kunming.
- Grilled lamb skewers (烤羊肉串): This is a popular street food in Kunming, where chunks of lamb meat are marinated in spices and then grilled on skewers. There are many halal vendors selling this dish in the city.
- Spicy chicken hotpot (麻辣鸡火锅): This is a type of hotpot that is flavored with spicy Sichuan pepper and other spices, and served with chicken meat and vegetables. Many halal restaurants in Kunming offer this dish.
- Steamed buns (包子): Steamed buns are a popular breakfast food in Kunming, and there are many halal versions available. These buns are usually stuffed with meat, vegetables, or sweet fillings.
- Baba (粑粑): Baba is a type of flatbread that is made from rice flour and served with spicy dips or curries. It is a popular halal snack in Kunming.
- Yunnan-style fried rice (云南炒饭): This is a type of fried rice that is flavored with Yunnanese spices and served with vegetables and meat. There are several halal versions of this dish available in Kunming.
Shuncheng Street Market
Shuncheng Street Market is a popular traditional street market and is known for its wide variety of local food, fresh produce, flowers, clothing, and household items. The market has been in operation for over a hundred years and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. It’s open daily from early morning until late at night and has a bustling atmosphere that reflects the vibrant culture of Kunming.
Visitors to the market can expect to find a range of local Yunnan cuisine, including specialties such as Crossing the Bridge Noodles, rice cakes, and various street snacks. The market also offers a range of fresh produce, including exotic fruits and vegetables that are unique to the region.
The Shuncheng Street Market is where you’ll find many of your halal food and restaurants in the city.
Well, there you have it. A comprehensive all-you-need-to-know guide to visiting Kunming as a Muslim traveler. If you’re visiting China anytime soon, I hope Kunming city is on your bucket list. You won’t regret it!
As always, happy travels.
