Kunming Introduction
Kunming, known as the 'City of Eternal Spring', is one of the excellent international tourist cities in China. Whenever stepping foot in the city, one inevitably gasps in admiration at its blue sky and pervading clean air, verdant grasses and flourishing flowers. Perhaps more stunning is the sight of shoulder-to-shoulder enchanting minority girls dressed in ornate costumes. Alluring like this, Kunming is always considered as a holiday resort for respite from the adverse seasons.
Kunming is the capital of Yunnan Province, the southwest border of China. It has a low-altitude plateau monsoon climate. With comfortable humidity and temperature, it is neither too hot in summer nor too cold in winter, so plants are exuberant and flowers blooming all the year round like spring, giving it the name of 'City of Eternal Spring'. Hence visitors will be met with smiles every time they come here.
History
As one of the historical and cultural cities in China, Kunming boasts a long history of more than 2,000 years. Historically the city played a dominant function in the politics, economics and communication of the province. It used to be an important stop in the Southern Silk Road, which gives the city a superiority to serve as a gateway for China to communicate with Southeast Asia, which continues until this day. The city has also cultivated numerous well-known talents in China, such as Zheng He (who traveled far away across the Atlantic seven times), the composer of China's national anthem, Nie Er, scientists Yang Zhenning and Deng Jiaxian as well as mathematician Hua Luogeng, etc. The 1999 International Horticultural Exposition held in Kunming has also given more fame to the city.
Things to Do
Favored by nature and accumulated with deep cultures influences, Kunming has formed three unique facets, that is, picturesque landscapes, cultural interests and splendid local customs. 'The First Wonder of the World', Yunnan Stone Forest is a splendid example of typical karst physiognomy and a real labyrinth that often stuns visitors. Dianchi Lake Scenic Area, famed as 'A Pearl of Yungui Plateau', is the perfect place for relaxation and sightseeing. Nearby one can also find the 'Sleeping Beauty' Western Hills, and the enthralling Daguan Park with an overlooking pavilion. In addition, the fantastic Black Dragon Pool in the city is also worth seeing. Travelers most appreciate the pool and other age-old trees there. It is also inviting to view the spectacular big bell in the Golden Temple and the hundreds of lifelike Arhats in Qiongzhu Temple.
Minority Nationalities
The minority groups are also an attractive sight in Kunming. The city concentrates as many as 26 nationalities here, including Yi, Hui, Bai, Miao, Lisu, Zhuang, Dai among others. Almost all of these minority people are adept in singing and dancing, and their dressings are also very exotic and colourful. Generally they are also quite hospitable, down-to-earth and polite. The folk festivals are also very frequently held, of which are the famous Torch Festival of Yi and Water Splashing Festival of Dai. When a festival comes, people dress in their finest attire and congregate to hold various activities like wrestling, bullfighting and antiphonal singing. There are also some popular festivals such as the grand party of singing and dancing in Western Hill on Lunar March 3rd, the long walk in Golden Temple on Lunar Jan. 9th and enjoying the moon in Daguan Park in Mid-autumn Festival (Lunar Aug. 15th). It is also possible to appreciate the unique local customs and their architectural styles in some ethnic villages.
Kunming Highlights
There are also many interesting art forms and performances in Kunming, like Dian (short for Yunnan Province) Opera, Kunqu Opera, folk songs and legends and some ethnic operas. Kunming is also the land of flowers. Camellia, azalea, primrose, magnolia, lily and orchid illustrate some of the flowers blooming in the city. Camellia, which is the most welcomed, is the flower of the city. Kunming also has many local snacks. The traditional Guoqiao Rice Noodle is the one you should not miss here. Ham Mooncake is also a specialty.
How to Get to/around Kunming
The previously remote Kunming can now be accessed easily. It is possible to travel there by airplane, road, or railway. And in the city, you can take a bus or hire a taxi or car to everywhere you want to go.
Foreign Consulates
Cambodia
Chancery: 20/F, Jinquan Hotel, 93 Renmin Dong Lu
Tel: +86-(0)871-3317320
Fax: +86-(0)871-3316220
Laos
Chancery: 1/F Main Tower, Camellia Hotel, 96 Dong Feng Dong Lu
Tel: +86-(0)871-3176623/4
Fax: +86-(0)871-3178556
Malaysia
Chancery: Room 401-405, Sakura Hotel, No. 29 Dongfeng Lu
Tel: +86-(0)871-3165888-6241/6242
Fax: +86-(0)871-3113503
Myanmar
Chancery: 2/F, Main Tower, Camellia Hotel, 96 Dong Feng Road, E., Kunming
Tel: +86-(0)871- 3163000-6215, 3176609
Fax: +86-(0)871-3176309
Thailand
Chancery: 1/F, South Building, Kunming Hotel, 145 Dong Feng Dong Lu
Tel: +86-(0)871-3168916, 3149296
Fax: +86-(0)871-3166891
Viet Nam
Chancery: 1/F, Jiaxing Hotel, 529 Beijing Lu
Tel: +86-(0)871-3183092
Fax: +86-(0)871-3183085