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Kunming 昆明

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Kunming, ChinaKunming, China
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kunming_13.JPG
Author: Brücke-Osteuropa
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Kunming (昆明) is the provincial capital of Yunnan Province in southern China. The city is often known as City of Eternal Spring due to its year-round temperate climate. The city of Kunming has a population of 3 million people, in a metropolitan of about 5.7 million people. The medieval part of the city is surrounded by an old city wall.

The area where Kunming is located has been settled as early as 279 BC. Early settlements from the Neolithic age have been discovered on the edge of Lake Dianchi just outside the boundary of the city. In the 3rd century BC, the Dian Kingdom was founded by General Zhuang Qiao in present-day Kunming.

Downtown Kunming, at the main railway stationDowntown Kunming, at the main railway station
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Train_Station_Kunming_Yunnan_China_2008.jpg
Author: Jialiang Gao
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Much of Yunnan came under Chinese control during the Han Dynasty (205 BC to AD 220). Under Emperor Wudi of Western Han, the Kunming region was called Yizhou Prefecture. It forms a link between Sichuan and Vietnam.

The city of Kunming was founded in AD 765. At that time, it was known as Tuodong, and it was the successor to the Kingdom of Dali. Following Mongol invasion (1252-1253), Kunming was made the capital of Yunnan in 1276. It grew as a trading center and was said to be visited by Marco Polo who described it as a fascinating place.

Huating Temple, KunmingHuating Temple, Kunming
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Author: Brücke-Osteuropa
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Following the defeat of the Mongols, Kunming came under the administration of the Ming Dynasty. That was when its medieval city walls were built. In the 17th century, even after the rest of China had falled under Manchu rule, Kunming continued to be a stronghold of the Ming rulers until the dealth of Ming General Wu Sangui in 1678.

Du Wenxiu, the Sultan of Dali, besieged Kunming between 1858 and 1868. By then most of its Buddhist sites have been razed.

Yuantong Temple, KunmingYuantong Temple, Kunming
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Yuantong_Si.jpg
Author: Chinatravelsavvy
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Kunming's transformation into a modern city was the result of an influx of refugees following the Second Sino-Japanese War of 1937. A number of universities and institutes were established here, and the funds that poured into the city helped it form a manufacturing base for the war time government in Chongqing.

Kunming experiences a booming economy in the 1990's leading up to the World Horticultural Expo held here. Most of the infrastructure of the city was laid in the late 1990's.

Clay sculptures of Qiongzhu Temple, KunmingClay sculptures of Qiongzhu Temple, Kunming
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Qiongzhu_arhats_2010_jan_10.jpg
Author: Rolfmueller
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Planning your trip to Kunming

By Plane
Due to its distance from other cities in China, most travelers arrive by plane. Kunming International Airport (KMG) gets flights from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. The present airport is located 9 kilometers to the southeast of downtown Kunming. The bus from airport to city costs ¥2 one way. Taxi to the city will cost you around ¥25 to ¥30.

By Train
You can also reach Kunming by train from Beijing, Shanghai and Xi'an.

Exploring Kunming

Kunming suffers from massive traffic jams on a regular basis. The buses tend to be quite haphazard, stopping anywhere they wish, and not just at designated bus stops. Buy a bus map from a local store if you intend to use the bus to explore.

When calling a taxi, note that bigger taxis charge more than small ones. Insist on the meter to avoid being scammed. Some taxis are not allowed into the downtown area during certain times, so do not be surprised if the driver tells you that. Taxi fares start at ¥8 and a fuel surcharge of ¥1 added to the fare.

Downtown Kunming, ChinaKunming, China
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kunming_53.JPG
Author: Brücke-Osteuropa
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Places of Interest in Kunming

  1. Cui Hu Gongyuan
    This is a park on the northwest of Kunming. It has pavilions and lotus ponds.

  2. Yuantong Si Temple
    This is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Yunnan. It is located at the foot of Yuantong Hill.

  3. Bird & Flower Market
    These are the alleyways off Jingxing Jie where you can see a variety of exotic birds and other animals on sale, along with flowers of all types.

  4. Provincial Museum
    Museum showcasing the history and culture of Yunnan. Highlights include the ancient drums excavated from the tombs on the shore of Lake Dian.

  5. Muslim Quarter
    The enclave where you can see Muslim shops selling things like raisin, noodles and lamb kebabs. Highlight is the 400-year-old mosque, Nanchang Qingshen Si.

  6. Xi Si Ta (Western Pagoda)
    13-storey Tang Dynasty pagoda.

  7. City Museum
    This museum houses artifacts related to the history of Kunming. Highlight is the Song Dynasty Dali Sutra Pillar.

  8. Jin Dian
    A lovely park with flower beds and pine groves on the northeast of Kunming. Highlight of this sight is Jian Dian, or Golden Temple, built in 1671.

  9. Qiongzhu Si Temple (Bamboo Temple)
    Tang Dynasty temple rebuilt in the 15th century, this temple is an impressive structure of black and red woodwork.

  10. Lake Dian
    Picturesque lake on the south of Kunming with its shore dotted with fishing villages.

  11. Xi Shan (Western Hills)
    Hills 16 km to the southwest of Kunming, with scenic views of Lake Dian.

  12. Daguan Pavilion
    Three-storey pavilion with scenic view of Lake Dian and Xi Shan.

  13. Dragon Gate Grotto
    Tunnels, steps and chambers carved into the mountain by an 18th century monk.

  14. Shi Lin (Stone Forest)
    Limestone pillars, a major tourist attraction 120 km to the southeast of Kunming.

  15. Tanhua Temple
    Temple built over the thatched shack of Ming scholar Shi Shiqiao.

  16. Kunming Zoology Museum
    Museum exhibiting the animals of Yunnan from prehistoric time till present day. Specimens include dinosaur fossils to preserved fish, amphibians and insects.

  17. Yunnan Railway Museum
    Small museum detailing the various narrow gauge railways built in Yunnan.

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