Travel & Venue
Tourism
Discover Kunming & Yunnan — Gateway to Natural and Cultural Wonders

Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, is the gateway to one of China’s most diverse and spectacular regions. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its mild climate and year-round greenery, Kunming combines a pleasant urban environment with easy access to some of Yunnan’s most remarkable natural and cultural treasures.

Located in southwestern China, Yunnan is renowned for its extraordinary diversity of landscapes, ranging from dramatic snow-capped mountains and ancient forests to deep river valleys, alpine lakes, and spectacular karst formations. The province is also home to a rich tapestry of ethnic cultures and traditions, making it one of China’s most distinctive destinations for international visitors.

As the provincial capital and an important transportation hub, Kunming provides an ideal base for discovering the region. Conference participants can enjoy the city’s relaxed atmosphere and pleasant climate while experiencing the natural beauty and cultural diversity that have made Yunnan one of China’s most fascinating destinations. 

For more information on Kunming’s attractions, culture, dining, and local experiences, please visit the official Kunming municipal website.
https://subsites.chinadaily.com.cn/kunming/img/attachement/jpg/site48/20210803/1627970332059.jpg














Attractions

Stone Forest
The Stone Forest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located near Kunming, the spectacular landscape is characterized by towering limestone formations, dramatic cliffs, caves, and unusual rock pillars that resemble a vast forest made of stone. Formed over millions of years by geological processes, the distinctive karst landscape is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders in southwestern China.

37b7c8d87c7c4221b9ed3528765969ba.jpeg

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is one of Yunnan’s most iconic landscapes and a spectacular symbol of the region’s natural beauty. Located near Lijiang, the mountain range rises dramatically above the surrounding landscape, with its snow-covered peaks remaining visible throughout much of the year.

玉龙雪山.jpg

Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest river canyons in the world. Located between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain, the gorge is shaped by the powerful Jinsha River flowing through a dramatic landscape of towering mountains and steep cliffs. The area is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and hiking trails, offering experience of the grandeur of Yunnan’s mountain.

u=4018432954,2647953678&fm=3074&app=3074&f=JPEG.jpg

Erhai Lake & Cangshan Mountain
Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain form one of the most iconic natural landscapes in Yunnan. Located near Dali, the expansive alpine lake is surrounded by the majestic Cangshan Mountains, creating a picturesque combination of water, mountains, villages, and traditional landscapes. The landscape also provides a glimpse into the distinctive culture and traditions of the Bai ethnic group.

u=3977568673,3971855965&fm=3074&app=3074&f=JPEG.jpg

Recommended Sightseeing Routes in Kunming
Classic Kunming Route: Dianchi Lake ➠ Western Hills ➠ Dragon Gate Grottoes ➠ Haigeng Park
Nature & Culture Route: Stone Forest ➠ Dianchi Lake ➠ Western Hills ➠ Yunnan Ethnic Village
City Heritage Route: Kunming Old Street ➠ Green Lake Park ➠ Yuantong Temple ➠ Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Archways
Relaxed Route: Dianchi Lake ➠ Haigeng Park ➠ Kunming Old Street ➠ Local Food Experience

Culinary Experiences

Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles
Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles are served specially with a selection of thinly sliced meats, vegetables, and other fresh ingredients. Traditionally, the ingredients are presented separately and added to the hot broth just before eating. The heat of the broth gently cooks the ingredients while bringing together their individual flavors, resulting in a light yet deeply savory bowl of noodles.

过桥米线.png

Steam Pot Chicken
Steam Pot Chicken is prepared in a distinctive clay pot designed to cook the ingredients with steam. Tender chicken is slowly steamed with aromatic herbs and other carefully selected ingredients, allowing its natural flavors to infuse into the broth. The resulting soup is clear, delicate, and fragrant, while the chicken remains tender and succulent. It is a comforting dish with a clean and naturally rich flavor.

汽锅鸡.png

Yunnan Mushroom Hot Pot
A selection of fresh wild mushrooms is simmered together in a flavorful hot pot, with different varieties adding their own distinctive aromas and textures, creating a satisfying variety in every bite. The mushrooms are cooked slowly in the broth, allowing their earthy fragrance and natural umami to build into a rich and savory flavor.

菌菇.png

Flower Cakes
Flower Cakes are delicate pastries made with edible rose petals and a thin, flaky pastry crust. The fragrant rose filling has a gentle floral aroma and a naturally sweet flavor, while the pastry provides a crisp, buttery texture. Often enjoyed with tea or coffee, these small pastries offer a light and fragrant finish to a meal.

鲜花饼.png

Visa Information

All visitors to China must meet the following entry requirements:

- Valid travel document (with a minimum validity of 6 months);
- Onward/return ticket;
- Entry facilities to next destination;
- Sufficient funds to stay in China;
- Visa for China (*if applicable).

Visa-free policy

Unilateral visa-free policy: Brunei, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Holland, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, and Japan.

Mutual visa-free policy: The United Arab Emirates, Barbados, Bahamas, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ecuador, Fiji, Grenada, Mauritius, San Marino, Seychelles, Serbia, Tonga, Belarus, Qatar, Armenia, Albania, Dominica, Suriname, Maldives, Singapore, Thailand, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Antigua and Barbuda, Solomon Islands.
The latest policies shall be subject to official announcements issued by local immigration authorities.

Request for Visa Application Document(s) - Invitation Letter
Please note that you must apply for your own visa application. MDPI is not responsible for any visa application. However, MDPI can provide a Visa Support Letter. To be eligible for such a document, the criteria below must be fulfilled:
1. Applicants must have paid for registration and submitted an abstract in order to get a letter of support.
2. Applicants must provide us with a scan of their valid, in-date passport that contains a photo of them.
3. Applicants must provide us with a letter of support from their institution to confirm that they support the delegate attending the meeting.
4. This must be carried out in good time before the meeting; "last minute" requests will not be processed.

Guide To China
1. Preparations Before Departure

1.1. Credentials/Documents
(a) Passport
(b) Visa if needed

1.2. Daily Necessities
(a) Masks, medicines (e.g., cold medicine/gastrointestinal medicine/anti-inflammatory medicine)
(b) Conversion plug, mobile phone card (open international traffic)



(c) Credit card and some cash; commonly used Alipay and WeChat

2. Local Life Tips

2.1. Public Safety
Chinese police number: 110
Chinese emergency number: 120
Fire alarm number in China: 119

2.2. Common APP
(a) How to Pay
• In China, you can enjoy convenient payments with just a mobile phone. Payment services such as Alipay and Weixin Pay are available.
Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Diners Club, and Discover cards can all be added.
This is a Alipay guide video: https://youtu.be/JcUKLoNyeUQ?si=rOfa1xkOO6PTrHzh
• Large supermarkets support direct visa/master credit card payment.
• Cash. If you need cash, you can withdraw RMB cash with your bank card at an ATM with logos of the corresponding bank card organizations. You can also directly exchange at bank outlets with currency exchange signs, outlets of qualified financial institutions, or self-service kiosks. Please consult the staff for currencies available.
(b) Transportation
Search routes: Gaode Maps, Baidu Maps
Public transportation: public transportation is well developed, generally take the bus, subway, use Alipay - you can swipe the electronic card to pay for the trip.