South East Asia Pearl
The capital of China’s Yunnan province is located in the middle of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau at a height of 1891m, Kunming enjoys a cool, pleasant climate, earning it the name of “City of Eternal Springâ€. With a long history going back 2400 years, Kunming was the gateway to the Silk Road that facilitated trade with Tibet, Sichuan, Myanmar and India.Today the city is the political, economical and cultural center of Yunnan and the provincial center for transport, science and technology and consequently has become the most popular center for tourism in Southwest China. The city center is an attraction with its two squares and five interlaced roads and other historical sites and breathtaking natural wonders include the Yunnan Stone Forest, Dianchi Lake, Golden Temple (the largest copper temple in China) and
Qiuongzhu Temple (Bamboo Temple). The city is the focal point of Yunnan minority culture with 26 ethnic groups such as the Yi, Bai, Miao, Dai and Hani inhabiting the region. This gives tourists the opportunity to experience the particular festivals of the people such as the Torch festival of Yi people and the Golden Temple Fair.
Currency Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)
Climate Pleasant all year round
Best time to visit March-May
Unique festivals Sword Festival of Lisu (March)
Activities Sightseeing, market shopping, golf
Must visit Villages of ethnic minorities
Must try Kunming braised duck; Yunnan guoqiao mixian (rice noodles)
