Kunming
Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province, with a history of more
than 2,400 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.
Kunming travel attractions:
Yunnan Stone ForestDianchi Lake
Golden TempleWestern Hills Bamei Village
Black Dragon Pool
Daguan ParkFlowers and Birds Market
Qiongzhu Temple
Yuantong Temple
World Horticultural Expo Garden
Kunming Map
Kunming Hotel
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