Kunming serves not only as the provincial center of Yunnan but also as the destination for its snowballing tourism with so many places of interest spread all around the city.

Like Guilin, the capital of Guangxi Province, Kunming is also well known for its beautiful and peculiar, breathtaking and unique natural landscape. Among these dramatic sites, Yunnan Stone Forest , which is about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Kunming city and requires only a three-hour drive, is known best by the tourists. These magnificent stone masterpieces, various strange and steep intricate formations, and countless labyrinthine vistas make Stone Forest (Shi Lin in Chinese) worthy of the fame as the 'First Wonder of the World'. And there goes a local saying: 'It is a waste of time without being in the Stone Forest while visiting Kunming'.

Dianchi Lake, the largest lake of Kunming, enchants people with its cyan water and peaceful environment. It is a favorite with those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life.

A visit to the Golden Temple is strongly recommended. It is the largest copper temple in China. Here you can see something of the origins of Taoism as the temple is located on Fengming Hill, the home of the Taoist Taihe Palace (Hall of Supreme Harmony).

The famous Buddhist Qiongzhu Temple (Bamboo Temple) with its most outstanding artistic features and surrounding bamboo forest should be included in your itinerary.

The famous '99 International Horticultural Exposition enhanced Kunming's reputation world-wide. In the Expo Garden, you can appreciate the perfect harmony of man and nature.

The spectacular view across Dianchi Lake from the vantage point of West Hills is another enjoyable experience for visitors to Kunming.

In addition to these sites, there are other attractions such as Daguan Park , Black Dragon Pool , and Yuantong Temple . These are all well worth a visit if you have the time available.

Sightseeing List

At the foot of Longquan Hill, about 10 miles north of the center of Kunming, there is a beautiful place called Black Dragon Pool (Heilongtan), also known as the Dragon Fountain Temple (Longquanguan).

True to its name, Daguan Park and the attractions in it provide spectacular and grand views in different styles.

Dianchi Lake Scenic Area is centered by Dianchi Lake. There are numerous attractions along the lake captivating tourists.

The famous Flowers and Birds Market in Jingxing Street is Kunming’s biggest, most attractive shopping market where spring reigns all year.

Golden Temple is the largest copper temple in China. It is also known as the Tongwa Temple (Bronze Tile Temple).

Qiongzhu Temple is a restorative, peaceful and beautiful attraction offering natural, artistic and cultural insight.

Western Hills boasts an excellent environment with flourishing flowers and dense forest, providing tourists with an excellent environment to enjoy the tranquility and marvelous scenery.

With a history of more than 1,200 years, Yuantong Temple is the grandest as well as the most important Buddhist temple in Yunnan Province.

Yunnan Stone Forest (Shilin) has been known since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.) as the 'First Wonder of the World'.

Around Kunming

Bamei Village is like a Peach Blossom Valley isolated from the hustle and bustle of the ordinary world.

Notes: " " , highly recommended!

Quick Guide