Kunming is the largest city of the Yunnan province and is considered to be it's capital. Not very many people have heard of this uban abode but it is becoming a growing tourist destination due to the many natural wonders that surround the city. It is an urban city that is located at the northern edge of a large lake known as Lake Dian, which is surrounded by many picturesque temples and lake-limestone-hill like landscapes.
Kunming is an old world walled city in the past which has become a very modern commercial district with very notable universities and luxurious residential areas. The city also has a massive astronomical observatory which is a must see place to visit. Just outside the city are the famous bronze temples dating as far back as the Ming Dynasty which ruled over China for over 276 years (1368-1644).
Kunming due to its geographical location bordering Southeastern Asia, has served as an important trade route for the Chinese nation. It houses manufacturing facilities which mainly deals with copper, textiles, paper and cement. It culture is enriched by 2400 years of history and marks 1910 as an important modernization timestamp due to the Hanoi railroad system. Now Kunming is being built and marketed by the Chinese as a tourist hotspot through the proliferation of high rise structures, luxury hotels and sports.
Here are the top 5 things that visitors must experience when in Kunming for a few days:
1. Nature Hot Spot - Like Central Park in NewYork, Kunming's Cuihu Park locally known as Cuihu Nan Lu or Green Lake Park is a focal point for the people of this city. Close to Kunming Zoo, Yunnan Library and Yunnan University, Cuihu Park boasts traditional arched bridges and is filled with willow trees and lotus plants. On Sundays, the pathways are filled with families on weekend outings. During the winters, there is an added attraction of a huge flock of seagulls seeking to escape the extreme cold temperature of their native Siberia.
2. Traditional Cuisine - Yunnan cuisine is a mix of styles from the province's numerous ethnic communities and is often spicy, with mushrooms in many of the dishes. Cooked in chicken stock with meat and vegetables, Across The Bridge Noodles or Gouqiao Mixian, is a Yunnan classic found in many restaurants. Best restaurant to visit to get a taste of this dish is at Fuzhaolou. Yunnan Family is another eatery serving authentic local dishes. It also has a dinner show featuring the songs and dances of ethnic minorities. For dinner in a serene setting check out Cuihu 1923 located in the traditional courtyard house with a pond.
3. Spectacular Sight Seeing - The unique Shilin Stone Forest is located 120km south-east of Kunming. Covering some 400 sq km, the Shilin National Scenic Area is divided into seven zones of which two - the Naigu Stone Forest and Suogeyi Village - have been UNESCO World Heritage sites since 2007. The 270 Million Year Old Limestone Formation in the area come in multitudes of shapes and sizes. Some are even said to resemble that of plants and animals, and some even more unique ones are in human forms, swords, and other man made objects. There is even a subterranean stone forest in several caves covering an area of three square kilometers. The amazing landscape is the result of millions of years of water and wind erosion in a region that was once vast sea.
4. Temple Hopping (a definite must) - A must see is Yuantong Temple, dating back to more than a 1200 years ago and by far the grandest and most important Buddhist temple in Yunnan. It is located in the heart of the city, it is known for its unusual layout, with its grand hall at the lowest part of the temple instead of the highest point like most others. Jindian Gongyuan Temple Park is where you'll find Taihe Palace and the Golden Temple. The Taihe Palace is the most important Taoist Temple in Yunnan, while the Ming Dynasty era Golden Temple is noted for being among the four largest bronze temples in China.
5. Great Greens (Golf) - Golf is one of Kunming's main attraction as it is the home to some of the best courses in the country. At Spring City 36 km east of Kunming on the Yanzonghai Lake, tee off either at the acclaimed Lake Course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, or the easier Jack Nicklaus designed Mountain Course, which has an amazing view of the lake. New courses such as the Stoneforest International Golf Country Club are also proving to be a draw. Located near Shilin National Scenic Area, its stunning vistas may have you pulling out your camera more than your golf clubs.
Quick Facts:
Currency is Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Best Time to Visit - March to May and October to November where the weather is dry
Winter is December to February
Wet Season is June to October
Best Airline to go to Kunming is Singapore Airlines
With all that mentioned there is still quite a lot more to see and do in Kunming. One thing that you should take note of is that you'll be doing a lot of walking so bring a good pair of sneakers or comfortable foot wear. Also make sure that you have enough battery for your cameras and camera phones plus memory for the pictures of course as there are sure to be a lot of picture taking moments for you, your family, and your friends.
Till Next Time....
-Metz-
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