Attractions in Kunming

Overview

Kunming is the capital and largest city of Yunnan Province in Southwest China. It is approximately at the same location as northern Mexico,only on the other side of the world. However, because it’s situated on a 1.2 -mile (2-km) high plateau and enjoys a protected location, with mountains to the north, east and west, it has a mild climate; with an average temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius), making it spring all year round. Kunming, renowned as “the city of Eternal Spring” is blessed with diverse culture, breathtaking natural scenery and pleasant climate all year round.

Stone Forest

The Stone Forest or Shilin is a notable set of karst formations located in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, approximately 78 kilometers (49 miles) from the provincial capital Kunming in Yunnan. The tall rocks seem to emanate from the ground in the manner of stalagmites, with many looking like petrified trees thereby creating the illusion of a forest made of stone. Since 2007, two parts of the site, the Naigu Stone Forest and Suogeyi Village, have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites as part of the South China Karst.

Cuihu Park

Cuihu Park (Green Lake Park) is one of Kunming's major park and is predominately a lake surrounded by greenery. It has a large and elaborate network of waterways and winding paths, with broad,lotus-covered pools and overhanging willows. It is a place where thousands exercise, do Taichi practice, sing and feed the flocks of blackheaded gulls. Located in the west side of the park is the statue of one of Yunnan's most famous patriots - Nie Er, the composer of China's
national anthem.

Yuantong Temple

Yuantong Temple is northern Yunnan's major Buddhist temple and an active place of pilgrimage. It is Kunming's largest and most famous temple with the original structure being first constructed more than 1,200 years ago during the Tang Dynasty. The temple sits on the southern slopes of Yuantong Park.

Western Hills

In the western suburbs of Kunming lies Western Hills. Western Hills boasts an excellent environment with flourishing flowers and dense forest, providing tourists an excellent environment to enjoy the tranquility and marvelous scenery.In Western Hills, there are wonderful scenic spots such as Huating Temple, Taihua Temple, Sanqing Pavilion, and Dragon Gate. Dragon Gate, one of the hill's most visited scenic spots, provides amazing aerial views of Lake Dianchi peacefully resting below. The famed gate stands at an elevation of 2,500 meters.

Bamboo Temple

Bamboo Temple, or Qiongzhu Temple is a Buddhist temple situated on Yu'an Mountain to the northwest of Kunming, Yunnan, China. The name of the temple (Qiongzhu) refers to a type of bamboo (genus Qiongzhuea). The Bamboo Temple was established during the Yuan dynasty as the first temple dedicated to Zen Buddhism in Yunnan. It has since been burned down and reconstructed several times. The present structure mostly dates from the late Qing dynasty.