"A seven-time Black Pearl winner inside the InterContinental — Kunming's most refined Yunnan and Cantonese table, and the one to book for a business dinner."
About Shang Tao Chinese Restaurant
Shang Tao is the Chinese restaurant on the first floor of the InterContinental Kunming, in the Dianchi lake tourism area. Its name is drawn from a line of Kunming's famous "Daguan Pavilion Poem" describing fine food, and its seven private rooms borrow their names from classical verses praising butterflies — a setting that takes Yunnan's literary heritage seriously.
It has won the Black Pearl Restaurant Award — China's most respected domestic restaurant guide — for seven consecutive years, and is consistently ranked among the city's best tables. The cooking is committed to authentic Yunnan cuisine alongside a strong Cantonese repertoire.
The Kitchen
The kitchen leads with Yunnan specialities — the province's celebrated crossing-the-bridge rice noodles, dishes built on wild mushrooms and cured Yunnan ham — and backs them with a refined Cantonese menu. Reviewers single out the duck and the Angus beef alongside the noodle dishes.
Execution is precise and the produce is regional, with the seasonal mountain ingredients Yunnan is known for handled with restraint rather than heavy saucing.
The Room
The room is richly decorated but not flashy — comfortable, quiet and geared to a proper meal. The seven private rooms make it a natural choice for a business dinner or a family celebration that needs a closed door.
Service is attentive in the hotel style, and the kitchen is happy to steer guests through the Yunnan side of the menu.
Not for
Not for budget travellers after a street-noodle bowl, or anyone wanting a buzzy casual scene — it is a quiet, refined hotel restaurant at fine-dining prices.
Frequently Asked
What is Shang Tao known for?
Refined Yunnan cuisine — including the province's crossing-the-bridge rice noodles and wild-mushroom dishes — plus a strong Cantonese menu. It has won the Black Pearl Restaurant Award for seven consecutive years.
Where is it?
On the first floor of the InterContinental Kunming at No. 5 Yijing Road, in the Dianchi lake tourism area of the city.
How much does it cost?
Expect roughly ¥200–¥400 per person, placing it in the $$$ range for Kunming.
Are there private rooms?
Yes — there are seven private rooms, each named after classical Chinese verse, which makes the restaurant popular for business dinners and family celebrations.
Do I need a reservation?
A booking is recommended, particularly for weekends or if you want a private room.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Shang Tao Chinese Restaurant
Booking is recommended, especially if you want one of the seven private rooms.
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Practical Information
Address1/F, InterContinental Kunming, No. 5 Yijing Road, Dianchi area, Kunming
NeighbourhoodDianchi National Tourism area
CuisineYunnan
PriceAround ¥200–¥400 per person
Dress CodeSmart casual
SeatingMain dining room plus seven private rooms
ReservationRecommended, particularly for the private rooms
