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
Copyright© 1998-2009 TravelChinaGuide.com, All rights reserved.
Travelers' Voices on Kunming
1.
Nov. 15,2009 23:57 Reply
Mr.Rachmat(Indonesia) said:
Dear Sirs,
I have a plan to Kunming from Hongkong on 20 Nov and stay over ther 2 night. Proceed to Guilin on 22 Nov afternoon and stay 2 night. before back to Hongkong.
Please advise me flight from Hongkong to Kunming/Guilin and back to Hongkong.
Also : Hotel, Tour and Golf in Kunming and Guilin.
Thanks
Rachmat
2.
Nov. 11,2009 08:36 Reply
Mr.Fauzi(Malaysia) said:
I would like to know how many hours from Chengdu to Kunming by bus or train? Thank you.
Nov. 12,2009 03:40
Mr.Sam replied:
The fastest train from Chengdu to Kunming takes about 19 hours on the way. Actually, it is suggested that you fly to Kunming.
3.
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?
4.
Oct. 31,2009 22:00 Reply
Ms.Michelle(Singapore) said:
I will be visiting Lao Cao, Vietnam in December 2009. I would like to travel up to Lijiang and Shangri-La for I've heard much about it.
I know that the rail from Lao Cai brings me to Kunming. After that, what are the means of transport for me to move on to Lijiang and Shangri-La?
Nov. 1,2009 03:47
Mr.Sandy replied:
See my reply to Mr Benjamin below. :-)
5.
Oct. 29,2009 23:16 Reply
Mr.Benjamin Abadiano(Philippines ) said:
How far in Shangri-la from Kunming? Is is possible to visit Sharngrila all the time? I will be in Kunming for 5 days and I thought of going to Shangri-la at least for 2 days. Please give me some advioce . Thanx
Nov. 1,2009 03:44
Mr.Sandy replied:
Kunming is 10-12 hours by bus from Shangri-la. You can also go by flight.
6.
Oct. 28,2009 00:33 Reply
Ms.ONNHOOWBIN(Malaysia) said:
we are going to kuming on 2nd december till 13th december, my main point is Lijiang, shangrila dali and kuming will be the last point, i need a budjet hotel in kuming, and i require the email for Rui Chun Inn, and
i did remember that is a taiwaness who own a hotel in lijiang, can i get the above information, we are back packers
Nov. 1,2009 03:35
Mr.Sandy replied:
Here is the contact of Rui Chun Inn: address is 78 Ji Shan Xiang, Xin Yi street, old town, Lijiang. the phone # 0888-5120084
7.
Oct. 27,2009 23:40 Reply
Ms.Lim(Singapore) said:
Hi, I'll be in Kunming on 17Nov. I intend to visit Dali then Lijiang if possible to Shangrila.Can you advise me how best to get to Shangrila in November from Lijiang?
Nov. 1,2009 03:30
Mr.Dora replied:
Shangri-La is about 4 hours by bus from Lijiang. It is getting cold for the winter has come. Not very cold but you have better to take down coat and keep warm. Women are not allowed to visit the kitchen in Songzanlin Monastery. Do not point at some regligous stuff there, you need to show it with you palm. You should visit the monastery clockwise. Tips for your travel in SHangri-la. Hope it is helpful.:-)
8.
Oct. 22,2009 09:36 Reply
Mr.Benjamin Abadiano(Philippines) said:
I will be in Kunming for 5 days in November. What other nearby places shouldI go to maximize my stay in Kunming. Thank you.
Oct. 25,2009 02:02
Ms.Dora replied:
Dali and Lijiang. Both can be arrived from Kunming by bus.
9.
Oct. 21,2009 01:31 Reply
Ms.Sew(KL) said:
Appreciate if you can introduce me to a reliable local tour agency in Kunming. I would like to book for a land arrangement during my trip to Kunming. Usually how much for a land tour (ie accomodation ie tourist class and full board) for 7 days 6 nights in Kunming? tq in advance for your assistance.
Oct. 21,2009 02:37
Ms.Pink replied:
Hi Ms, why don't you refer to the Kunming tour arrangement of this website? Here it is http://www.travelchinaguide.com/package/kunming.htm
10.
Oct. 19,2009 11:14 Reply
Mr.Andreas(Germany) said:
Hi,
we plan going to Kumning this year and actually are scheduling our tour. Therfor it would be cery good to receive some information about drinving time from Kunming to Dali either by bus or by hiring a driver with a car. Does anyone have trustful informationon that? I wouzld relaly appriciate.
Thanks a lot in advance,
Andreas
Oct. 21,2009 02:31
Mr.Frankie replied:
Currently, there are frequent bus from Kunming to Dali, justing take about 4.5 hours on the way. The fare is about 100RMB/adult. If you hire a cab to Dali, the fare should be around 1,200RMB.