The Eight Scenic Spots of the city systematically integrate elements such as architecture, poetry, and landscape, serving as a concentrated refl ection of local culture and natural landscapes. The study selects the Eight Scenic Spots of Kunming from the Ming Dynasty to the Republic of China as case studies. It examines the dynamic relationships among changes in patterns, functional transformations, and urban development of the Eight Scenic Spots throughout history by tracing their historical evolution. It investigates the impact of urban renewal on landscape functions and the adaptive adjustments it causes. The results show that: (1) Infl uenced by the confl uence of Yi and Han cultures as well as the geographical environment, the early Kunming Eight Scenic Spots displayed characteristics that were closely integrated with economic life; (2) The eight water-dominated scenic spots have demonstrated strong historical continuity in their development, yet their spatial confi guration has experienced adaptive changes coinciding with the shifting economic focus of the city; (3) The functional evolution of Kunming’s Eight Scenic Spots refl ects a transition from predominantly agricultural landscapes to commercial landmarks, alongside an expansion of urban public spaces and continuous urban development adjustments. By analyzing the factors that have infl uenced changes in the sequence of the “Eight Scenic Spots” over time, we explore strategies to balance the preservation of traditional landscape symbols with the promotion of urban growth.