Overview
Take a trip to Kunming on your China Vacation
Kunming is the capital and largest city of the Yunnan Province and is located in the southwest of the country on China tours. Nearing the border of southeastern Asian countries, Kunming serves as a transportation hub, linking by rail to Vietnam and by road to Burma and Laos – playing an important role in China’s trade.
Although being the gateway to the Silk Road and having a nearly 2400-year history, Kunming only really started developing in the early 20th century, after it built its first railroad to Hanoi. Since then it was also used as a Chinese military centre during World War II, an American air base, and a transport terminus for the Burma Road.
Furthering in its development, Kunming has fast become Yunnan’s economic, political, and cultural centre. An industrious complex filled with universities, museums and galleries, Kunming has been designated as a special tourism area, as construction of new hotels and high-rises continue to be seen on tours to China.
In spite of constant development, part of Kunming’s history consists of an old, previously walled city, as well as Yuantong Temple, first built in the 8th and early 9th century during the Tang Dynasty and considered Yunnan’s most important Buddhist temple.
Known as ‘The City of Eternal Spring, Kunming sports an ideal climate for China travel. Flowering throughout the year, Kunming is situated in the middle of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, at an altitude of 1,900 metres above sea level and at a latitude just north of the Tropic of Cancer.
A variety of historic sites, a fascinating city centre, famous local restaurants, and beautiful scenery make Kunming an interesting place to visit.
In spite of constant development, part of Kunming’s history consists of an old, previously walled city, as well as Yuantong Temple, first built in the 8th and early 9th century during the Tang Dynasty and considered Yunnan’s most important Buddhist temple.
Known as ‘The City of Eternal Spring, Kunming sports an ideal climate for China travel. Flowering throughout the year, Kunming is situated in the middle of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, at an altitude of 1,900 metres above sea level and at a latitude just north of the Tropic of Cancer.
A variety of historic sites, a fascinating city centre, famous local restaurants, and beautiful scenery make Kunming an interesting place to visit.
At a Glance
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MandarinCurrency
Chinese Yuan (CNY)What do the experts say?
It is very enjoyable to travel in China by high-speed train, but you should avoid travelling during the National Holidays from October 1 to 7 and from May 1 to 4, as they get extra busy.
Jinxian Road in Shanghai is a small road but full of superb, Michelin-recognized restaurants. I highly recommend visiting here on your travels to China.
China's many beautiful natural sights and rich cultural areas are what I love most about visiting. Some of my personal favourites are Yunnan's Shangri-La, Xinjiang, Zhangjiajie, and the 5 Great Mountains.
Razor rock mountains at Stone Forest National P...
YuanTong Temple - the biggest buddhist temple i...
An ancient arch
The Stone Forest
Daguan Park
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