Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province, with a history of more than 2400 years, owes its importance to the fact that it was the gateway to the celebrated Silk Road that facilitated trade with Tibet, Sichuan, Myanmar and India. Today the city is the political, economical and cultural center of Yunnan and the provincial center for transport, science and technology and consequently has become the most popular center for tourism in Southwest China.
Kunming enjoys a pleasant climate and does its best to live up to its title of 'the City of Eternal Spring'. Whenever you are planning to go, the temperature is always pleasant. With its convenient transport links in and out of the city, Kunming welcomes and sees off tens of thousands of tourists every day.
For first-time tourists Kunming city center is an attraction with its two squares and five interlaced roads - Jinma Biji Square, Dongfeng Square, Dongfeng Lu, Jinbi Lu, Zhengyi Lu, Renmin Lu and Qingnian Lu, among which Jinbi Square has the most eye-catching architecture. Qingnian Lu, Zhengyi Lu, and Renmin Lu are the main commercial areas in Kunming; the most popular pedestrian streets are Nanping Jie, Jingxing Huaniao Shichang, and Jinma Biji Fang.
Kunming is the focal point of Yunnan minority culture. Some 26 ethnic minorities such as Yi, Bai, Miao, Dai, Hani and more inhabit the region. Each group has its own featured festivals such as the Torch festival of Yi people, the Golden Temple Fair and so on. The hugely successful 1999 International Horticultural Exposition enhanced Kunming's influence in the world resulting in a snowball effect upon tourism as more and more foreigners come to discover this enchanting part of China.
Its alluring highland scenery, bewitching karst landform, varied and exotic habitats and customs and places of historical interest can be found at major scenic spots such as Dianchi Lake, Stone Forest , the Village of Ethnic Culture, Grand View Pavilion, etc.
Kunming has more than one hundred star rated hotels and a variety of a thousand or so guest houses. These provide tourists a wide choice of somewhere to relax after whole day's tour.
Kunming is also renowned for many delicious local dishes; the most famous ones are Across Bridge Rice Noodle and Xuanwei Ham. You can enjoy them both at local famous restaurants or the night market. In the night markets you will find many pubs, bars and cafes that serve good quality meals.
Lastly, do not forget to buy some locally produced souvenirs for your friends or family when you visit Kunming, such as ivory or wood carvings, minority tie dyings. You will find a variety of stores to meet your specified requirements.
Recommended Kunming Package Tour:
Yunnan Highlights: 9 days of Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-laRecommended tours with the visit to Kunming:
A Dreamland Trip: 16 days to visit Beijing, Lhasa, Shangri-La, Lijiang, Kunming, Shanghai
Minorities Culture Experience: 15 days to Kunming, Lijiang, Guiyang, etcMore Kunming Tour Information:
Golf Tour: Detailed information about 5 Days Golf Tour in Kunming
Hiking Tours: Information about hiking in Kunming for your reference
Bicycle Tour: Offer information about cycling in and around Kunming
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Q & A on Kunming
1.
Jan. 21,2010 09:13 Reply
Mr.bartlett(England) said:
I am travelling to Kunming in April 2010 and would like to stay there for at least one month. I need a nice room with internet access and bicycle hire. Any ideas ?
Jan. 22,2010 04:40
Ms.Sophie replied:
Well, I think every international Youth Hostels in Kunming could meet your needs. Or, you would like to rent an apartment?
Jan. 22,2010 08:27
Mr.bartlett(England) replied:
I am a bit too old for youth hostels, it's not really my style. If there are apartments to rent for 1 month then that would be, maybe, ideal !
Feb. 6,2010 08:53
Mr.Aage Faurholt(Denmark) replied:
We're going to in Kunming in April too - our son presently spends an internship ( in Chongqing ) with a company that specializes in helping foreigners in China with accomodation etc. - try to look at http://maxxelli-blog.com/category/expat-chongqing/
Have a nice trip - might see you there!
2.
Jan. 22,2010 10:55 Reply
Mr.Ian Hirst(UK) said:
Hi there Yunnan experts! We are planning to travel to Yunnan (Kunming, Shangri-la, Leaping Tiger Gorge) in August and are a bit worried about the rain. We spent an August in Laos recently and it was spoiled by constant rain and poor visibility. We know its the rainy season, but could you advise us on how many hours a day it normally rains and whether it would spoil our trip? Many thanks for your help!
Jan. 26,2010 02:16
Mr.Manny replied:
That is really hard to predict the weather in August. Kunming di not have so much rain. Rain coat or umbrella and coat to keep warm is neccesary, for it is colder if it rains and Shangri-La is cold at night. There are more showers in this month, so the rain doesn't last two long, only s few minutes in Lijiang. I think it is similar for other places.
3.
Jan. 13,2010 04:14 Reply
Mr.A(CHINA) said:
DONT BUY IVORY!!!! IT SUPPORTS ILLEGAL TRADE AND THREATENS ENDANGERED ANIMALS FROM POACHING
4.
Dec. 15,2009 22:17 Reply
Mr.Faye(USA) said:
I have heard a lot about the pollution in the cities. How about Kunming? Is the air very polluted?
Jan. 2,2010 08:48
Mr.Daniel Wong(Malaysia) replied:
I just came back from Kuming about a month back and I can tell you that the air there is very clean compared to the other coastal cities like Shanghai.
5.
Nov. 3,2009 07:47 Reply
Ms.Vigil(USA) said:
Can anyone tell me WHY are women not allowed in the kitchen at Songzanlin Temple?
Nov. 30,2009 22:53
Mr.Li(USA) replied:
Because the people that run the temple have decided that is the rule. It is hard to believe the people at the temple insist on forcing their morality on visitors.