Kunming Changshui International Airport
Kunming, China · Since 2012
Last updated:
About KMG
Kunming Changshui International Airport is the primary airport serving Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province in southwest China, known as the "Spring City" for its year-round mild climate. Opened in 2012, the airport features a single massive terminal building designed to resemble a Yunnan peacock in flight, covering over 548,000 square meters and ranking among the largest single-terminal airports worldwide. It serves as a hub for China Eastern Airlines' Yunnan branch and Lucky Air, handling over 48 million passengers annually. Kunming is a gateway to Southeast Asia and the diverse ethnic cultures of Yunnan.
Hub For
China Eastern Airlines (Yunnan branch hub), Lucky Air, Kunming Airlines
Terminals
Main Terminal
One of the world's largest single terminal buildings, designed in a flowing peacock-inspired form. The terminal handles all domestic and international flights across multiple concourses. The building features dramatic steel lattice ceilings, abundant natural light, and extensive Yunnan cultural displays throughout. Due to its enormous size, allow ample time to walk between gates—some routes can take 15+ minutes.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at KMG
China Eastern Airlines
Main Terminal Hub
Lucky Air
Main Terminal Hub
Air China
Main Terminal
Sichuan Airlines
Main Terminal
9 Air
Air Changan
Air Travel
AirAsia
Showing 8 of 39 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Metro Line 6, airport express buses, taxis, Didi ride-hailing, intercity coaches
Taxi
$8-12
35-50 minutes to city center
Public Transport
$0.80-1.00
50-65 minutes to city center
Parking at KMG
Massive parking facility with over 8,000 spaces across multiple levels adjacent to the terminal. Sections labeled by color zones for easy navigation....
P1 Main Parking Building
P2 Overflow Parking
Remote Economy Lot
Airport Lounges
China Eastern Premium Lounge
Main Terminal
Flagship lounge featuring Yunnan-inspired design with colorful ethnic minority motifs. Hot buffet includes Yunnan crossing-the-bridge noodles, Dai-style grilled dishes, and Pu'er tea station. Shower suites, rest pods, and panoramic mountain views on clear days.
Spring City VIP Lounge
Main Terminal
Independent lounge named after Kunming's Spring City nickname. Serves Yunnan crossing-the-bridge noodles made to order, local mushroom snacks, Pu'er tea, and Yunnan coffee. Shower rooms and comfortable rest area.
Lucky Air Cloud Lounge
Main Terminal
Comfortable hub lounge with Yunnan ethnic decor. Serves local specialties including Yunnan rice noodles and mushroom dishes. Rest area and working stations with power outlets.
Where to Stay
Nearby Hotels
Grand Park Kunming Airport Hotel
8-minute drive from terminal, free shuttle available
Comfortable hotel near the airport with Yunnan-inspired design. Features a restaurant serving crossing-the-bridge noodles, fitness center, and business facilities. Free airport shuttle runs every 30 minutes.
Capsule Hotels
Changshui Airport Capsule Hotel
Inside the terminal, domestic departures area near Gate D
Modern capsule hotel inside the terminal with private sleeping pods, USB charging, fresh linens, and shared bathrooms. Day-use available from 2 hours. Very affordable and convenient for transit passengers.
Food & Dining
Halal Noodle Kitchen
Chinese/Halal
Main Terminal (Landside)
Halal-certified kitchen serving hand-pulled noodles, beef soup, lamb kebabs, and rice dishes. Popular with the large Hui Muslim community in Yunnan. Generous portions at budget prices.
5:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Across the Bridge Noodle House
Chinese/Yunnan
Main Terminal (Airside)
Serving Yunnan's most famous dish—crossing-the-bridge rice noodles (guoqiao mixian). A steaming bowl of rich chicken broth with thin rice noodles and a platter of fresh ingredients to cook at your table. An essential Yunnan culinary experience.
6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Mushroom Kingdom Restaurant
Chinese/Yunnan
Main Terminal (Airside)
Yunnan is China's mushroom capital. This restaurant showcases wild mushroom dishes including stir-fried porcini, matsutake soup, and truffle dumplings. Seasonal menu features freshly foraged varieties from Yunnan's forests.
7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Car Rental
China Auto Rental (CAR Inc.)
Arrivals Hall, Ground Transportation Counter
Largest domestic chain with good coverage across Yunnan. Useful for road trips to Dali, Lijiang, or Stone Forest. International driving permits not valid—get a temporary Chinese license.
eHi Car Rental
Arrivals Hall, near Exit 3
Competitive rates and good vehicle selection. Their SUVs are popular for trips on Yunnan's mountain roads. Book via app for discounts.
Avis China
Off-airport, 5-minute shuttle from arrivals
International brand with English-speaking staff. Higher rates but smoother booking for foreign visitors. Free shuttle from arrivals.
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
Yunnan Coffee & Pu'er Tea Tasting
Yunnan produces 98% of China's coffee and is the origin of prized Pu'er tea. Several cafes and tea shops in the terminal offer tastings of local single-origin coffee and aged Pu'er tea. A unique cultural experience without leaving the airport.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Green Lake Park & Old Town Walk
Take the metro to Cuihu (Green Lake) Park, a beautiful urban oasis surrounded by Kunming's old quarter. In winter, thousands of black-headed gulls migrate here from Siberia. Walk to the nearby Yunnan University campus and Bird & Flower Market for local color.
Stone Forest (Shilin) Day Trip
The UNESCO-listed Stone Forest is a 90-minute drive from the airport (or 30 min by high-speed rail to Shilin station). A surreal landscape of towering limestone karst pillars. Entry fee about $25. Combine rail + taxi for the fastest round trip during a long layover.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Speed Rating: ●●●●○
- Power Outlets: Type A, Type I (Chinese), USB
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: $2-5/day depending on size
- Showers: Free in premium lounges
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
- Pet Relief Areas
Money & Currency
- Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY)
- Exchange: Bank of China and ICBC counters in arrivals hall and international departures
- Hours: 6:30 AM - 11:00 PM
- Tipping: Tipping is not customary in China or Yunnan Province. Prices are all-inclusive.
Good exchange rates for Thai Baht, Vietnamese Dong, and Lao Kip given the proximity to Southeast Asia. ATMs with international card support widely available.
Smoking Areas
Designated smoking rooms on each level of the terminal, both landside and airside
Lost & Found
- Phone: +86-871-67099114
Lost and found center on the arrivals level. Airport hotline available 24/7 for inquiries.
When to Fly
Best time: Year-round (Spring City climate), best March-May and September-November
Peak seasons: Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb), Water Splashing Festival (Apr), National Day (Oct 1-7), Summer (Jul-Aug)
Facilities & Contact
Airport Facilities
Free Wi-Fi, currency exchange, ATMs, left luggage, VIP lounges, nursing rooms, children's play areas, smoking rooms, prayer rooms, medical center, charging stations, duty-free shops, Yunnan cultural exhibition area
Official Website
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