Come to Kunming

Kunming

You may be like me and have not heard of the city of Kunming in China until recently. Kunming is a major city in south west China close to Asian countries of Vietnam, Burma, and Laos.  It is known as the "City of Eternal Spring", as it has very temperate weather because of its almost tropical latitude but high altitude. Kunming is the largest city and the capital city of the province of Yunnan. Kunming consists of an old, previously walled city, a modern commercial district, and expanding residential and university areas. The population of the Kunming province is more than 10 million people and is on the increase, with many new roads and buildings being constructed.

China National Travel Mart

In October this year Kunming will be the host city to the China National Travel Mart where people from all over China, Asia and the rest of the world will gather..Many will arrive at the Kunming International Airport (KMG) which has connections to various Chinese and international cities. The airport is located about 9km south-east of the city area. A new larger airport is being planned to be built within the next 5 years, further from the city center. The recently refurbished south train station links other cities in China. Four major bus stations have recently been located on each side of Kunming outskirts due to the traffic congestion in the city.

Moving around in Kunming is done by either walking, riding bicycles, buses, or taxis. Bicycle riding is made easier by dedicated bicycle lanes along major roads, and bicycles can be hired by visitors. Bus rides are cheap costing about 20c, and taxis start at about $1, with a 60c fuel tax added to each fare.

Notable buildings to see in the Yunnan Province include temples such as the Yuantong Temple and Tanhua Temple

Yuantong Templ

 

Museums in Kunming worthwhile visiting include - Kunming Zoology Museum, Yunnan Military Academy, Yunnan Railway Museum, Yunnan Provincial Museum, and the Kunming City Museum

Kunming has many modern and traditional shops to explore, some large and some small market stalls. Something a little different is the Kunming flower and bird market, which, as well as selling flowers and birds, sells antiques, curios, coins, jade articles, jewellery, ink stones, porcelains, potteries, stone carvings, marble products and other  arts and crafts to be found there. It is a treasure trove for souvenirs.

Kunming Botanical Gardens

To enjoy the outdoors people flock to the various parks, such as the Kunming Zoo, Kunming Botanical Gardens, Dianchi lake, Green Lake Park, Yunnan Nationalities Village, Jindian Park, Western Mountain Forest Reserve, Stone Forest, and the Jiuxiang Scenic Area,

Two major Theatres are the Kunming Art Theatre and Kunming Theater. 

For more information on Kunming see websites such as

- TripAdvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g298558-Kunming_Yunnan-Vacations.html)

- Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kunming)

- Travel China Guide (http://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/kunming.htm)

- China Highlights (http://www.chinahighlights.com/kunming/)