Name: Kunming

Chinese name: 昆明

Province: Yunnan

Status: Prefecture-level city

Population: 4,000,000 inhabitants

Area: 21,473 km²

Perched on the Yunnan plateau at an altitude of 1,800 meters, Kunming, capital of the province, rises above the clouds. Known as the "City of Eternal Spring" for its mild climate, Kunming is a modern and genuinely pleasant place to spend time.

As the primary gateway to Southwestern Chine, Kunming is a historic city with much to offer visitors, though it often remains a transit point during a journey through Yunnan.

History

Kunming boasts a remarkably long history, as the region has been populated for two millennia, particularly around Dian Lake. Until the 8th century, the city was merely an isolated Chinese outpost, then the Kingdom of Nanzhao seized it and made it a secondary capital.

In the 14th century, the Ming settled in Kunming, then called Yunnanfu, and built a fortified city.

During the 19th century, Kunming experienced numerous violent episodes.

During World War II, as the Japanese invaded eastern Chine, Kunming became the site of numerous new factories, which spurred the city's expansion. For years, Kunming served as a supply hub for weapons and provisions.

Since then, the city's streets have been widened and now host large office and residential buildings. Industrialization accelerated rapidly with the arrival of the railroad, and today a surprising number of goods and machinery distributed throughout Chine bear the label "Made in Yunnan".

Today

Kunming has become a resolutely modern metropolis dotted with skyscrapers amid tree-lined streets awash in palm trees. Its charming alleyways and wooden houses have given way to shopping galleries and recent residential buildings, though this hasn't diminished its relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

Despite modernization, the city retains some vestiges of its past that won't leave history-seeking travelers unmoved. The Golden Temple and the Bamboo Temple stand as perfect witnesses to ancient dynasties.

Kunming also appeals through its numerous natural parks and stunningly beautiful gardens. The Green Lake Park (Cuihu) offers a perfect retreat for peaceful strolls and admiring thousands of aquatic birds. From the Western Hill, enjoy sweeping views over Dian Lake and the city's skyline.

Don't miss the Stone Forest located 80 kilometers from Kunming—one of the premier attractions of this provincial capital.

After a leisurely stroll through the flower market, unwind in one of the charming tea houses tucked away in the city's older quarters.

Kunming is a delightful city well worth spending a few days exploring before venturing out to discover the treasures of Yunnan.

Climate

The city of Kunming enjoys a temperate climate that makes visiting pleasant year-round. The average annual temperature hovers around 15°C, though you'll notice significant temperature swings between day and night.

Winters are short, dry and sunny, while summers bring cooler, more humid conditions with relatively rainy days.

Although lightweight clothing generally suffices, pack a few warmer pieces for winter, as temperatures can drop sharply.

Air

Kunming Changshui International Airport opened its doors on June 28, 2012. It replaced the former Kunming Wujiaba International Airport and has become Chine's 4th largest airport, after Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Currently, 17 airlines offer domestic and international flights to and from Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Lhasa, Shanghai, Sanya, Xi'an, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Bangkok.

Train

The city has four railway stations.

The main station is Kunming Station, also known as Nanyao Station, located approximately four kilometers from the city center.

These stations are served by trains from Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou and many other major Chine cities.

Long-Distance Buses

Road transport is relatively well-developed in Kunming. It's possible to reach the city by long-distance bus from Lanzhou, Shanghai, Fuzhou and numerous other cities throughout the region and neighboring provinces.

Buses and taxis run throughout the city for easy point-to-point travel.

You can rent bicycles for approximately 20 RMB per day.

What to Do in Kunming?

• Step back in time with a visit to the Golden Temple.
• Observe red-billed gulls at Green Lake Park.
• Venture slightly beyond the city to explore the Stone Forest.
• Take in panoramic views of Dian Lake and the cityscape from Western Hill.
• Wander through the flower market and savor fine tea at one of the city's traditional establishments.

Discover all of Kunming's attractions.