Kunming Travel Guide

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Kunming Overview

TOPGeneral Introduction of Kunming

Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, is nicknamed "City of Eternal Spring" due to its mild weather conditions all year around. The city enjoys a milder climate than most Chinese cities and can be visited at any time of the year.

Kunming has become internationally known for the highly praised Stone Forest but the city is by no means a one-hit-wonder. Being center of a region that supports 26 minorities, the city is filled with a diverse ethnic culture, which is well represented at the Yunnan Ethnic Minority Village. The numerous Buddhist temples, grottos and caves at the West Hill make it a good place to explore Buddhist development in this region. At the foot of the West Hill is Dianchi Lake, the largest alpine lake in China. Overlook the water pollution and you will find a really expansive, lively lake.

The Buddhist Temple-Yuantong Temple is very active. The Buddha at the temple is believed to be merciful and will bless the worshippers with good luck, happiness and whatever. Spending some time just watching the locals piously worshipping in front of the Buddha is interesting.

The Garden of the 1999 World Horticulture Exposition is a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.   

Kunming is also a transport hub connecting China with Southeast Asia and South Asia. Kunming has a population of 5,781,000, 13.7% of which is made up of minority group.

Area code：0871
Post code：650000
Total area：about 15,560sq km
Population：5.781 million (2000 population census)
Flower of the city: camellia
Local language: the local dialect sounds like Sichuan and Guizhou dialects. Putonghua (the standard Chinese pronunciation) is the official language in Kunming.

TOPAdministrative jurisdiction:

Panlong District, Wuhua District, Guandu District, Xishan District, Dongchuan District, Anning City, Fumin County, Songmin County, Chengong County, Jinning County, Yiliang County, Luquan Yi and Miao Autonomous County, Shilin Yi Autonomous County, and Xundian Hui and Yi Autonomous County.

Note: It is impossible to get a Vietnamese visa in Kunming, a visa has to be arranged beforehand in Guangzhou or Beijing or other parts of the world.