City Guide：Kunming 

  CONTENT

1. General introduction

Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province,

is known as 'the City of Eternal Spring' for its pleasant climate and flowers that bloom

all year long. With a history of more than 2,400 years, it was the gateway to the

celebrated Silk Road that facilitated trade with Tibet, Sichuan, Myanmar, India and

beyond. Today it is the provincial political, economic and cultural center of Yunnan

as well as the most popular tourist destination in southwest China.
As one of China’s famous ancient and cultural cities, it boasts a history which can be

traced back thousands of years. The Dianchi Lake is said to be one of the cradles of

mankind. Kunming consists of an old, previously walled city, a modern commercial

district, residential and university areas.
The city center is an attraction with its two squares (Jinma Biji Square, Dongfeng

Square) and five intersecting roads (Dongfeng Road, Jinbi Road, Zhengyi Road, Renmin

Road and Qingnian Road). Of these, Jinma Biji Square (also known as Jinbi Square) has

the most eye-catching archways and stylish architectures. Qingnian Road, Zhengyi Road

and Renmin Road are the main commercial areas. The most popular pedestrian streets

are Nanping Street, Jingxing Flowers & Birds Market, and Jinma Biji Fang. The city is

also the focal point of Yunnan minority culture. Some 26 ethnic minorities such as

Yi, Bai, Miao, Dai, and Hani inhabit this region.
More information on www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/kunming.htm
and www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/kunming.htm

?Location & population
  

In the center of Yunnan Province and a portal to Southeast Asia, South Asia, the

Middle East, southern Europe and Africa, Kunming is located on Yunnan-Guizhou

Plateau, from which you can visit Xishuangbanna to the south, explore the snow-capped

Shangri-La to the north, watch the Tengchong volcano to the west and appreciate

Luoping rape flowers to the east.
  
It covers an area of 21,473 square kilometers (8,291 sq mi) and its urban area covers

2,622 square kilometres (1,012 sq mi). Kunming has a population of 6,432,212, including

3,583,429 in the built-up area made up of 4 urban and 1 suburban districts.

?Climate
Located at an elevation of 1,890 metres (6,200 ft) on the Yunnan–Guizhou Plateau

with low latitude and high elevation, Kunming has one of the mildest climates in China,

characterised by short, cool dry winters with mild days and crisp nights, and long,

warm and humid summers, but much cooler than the lowlands.
The weather never gets very hot in summer; the temperature has exceeded 30 °C

(86 °F) only on a handful of occasions. Freak snowfalls occur occasionally during winter.

Spring
Enjoy the cherry blossom in springEnjoy cherry blossom in Yuantong Mountain in spring.
Spring is from March to May. It is cool and dry. The weather is changeable, with very big

difference of temperature between day and night. Prepare light sweater and coat for spring.

Summer
Summer is from June to September. It is wet but not very hot. About 60% of the

annual rainfall concentrates in summer. The hottest month is July, with daily high

temperature generally between 21 °C (70 °F) and 27 °C (80 °F). Wear any summer

clothes, such as shirts, skirts and shorts, but also prepare a light coat when the

temperature is lower at night or if you travel to the mountainous areas. During

the rainy season, bring umbrella or raincoat.

Autumn
Autumn is from October to November. The weather is pleasant, dry and cool,

with much less rainfall than in summer. The weather is changeable, and

temperature may drop suddenly.

Winter
Enjoy a hot spring bath in Spring Soul Garden Spa & Resort Enjoy a hot spring bath

in Spring Soul Garden Spa & Resort in winter. Winter is from December to February.

It is mild and sunny most of the time. But it gets cold when it rains. The drizzles

seem endless and the humidity makes it feel cold, even thought the temperature

is not very low. It rarely snows in Kunming, and even if it does, it is very light. Prepare

thick sweater and overcoat or down jacket, and bring umbrella when traveling in winter.

?Economy & industry

Kunming has 3 economic

advantages over other cities in southwest China: significant natural resources, a big local

consumer market and a mild climate. Kunming's economy was ranked 12th of Chinese

cities in 1992. Due to its position at the center of Yunnan, one of China's largest producers

of agricultural products, minerals and hydroelectricity, Kunming is the main commercial

hub for most of the province's resources.
Kunming's chief industries are copper, lead and zinc production. Its iron and steel

industry has been expanded. Salt and phosphate mines around Kunming are some

of the largest in China. Yunnan Copper Company Limited, based in Kunming, is one

of Yunnan's largest mining corporations. From the late 1970s, Kunming's main industries

also came to include food and tobacco processing and the manufacture of construction

equipment and machines.
In May 1995, the State Council approved Kunming as an Open City. By the end of 1995,

the city had approved 929 overseas-funded enterprises with a total investment of $2.3

billion including $1.1 billion of foreign capital. More than 40 projects each had an

investment of more than $9 million.

2. Transportation
To get the most out of a visit to Yunnan Province, travelers would do well to familiarize

themselves with the provincial, inter-provincial and internationally-linked transportation

network, including travel options by air, by rail, and by road. In the following are listed

the main air, rail, and highway routes within the province – and beyond. Yunnan is

served by several civilian airports and a major highway and rail network. The province

is served by a network of bus routes that radiates from the capital city, Kunming.
Several high-speed rail projects have been planned for Yunnan. The high-speed

Shanghai–Kunming Passenger Dedicated Line, scheduled to be completed in 2015,

is expected to shorten the travel time between Shanghai and Kunming from 37 hours

to less than nine hours. This line follows the same route as the existing Shanghai–Kunming

Railway from Shanghai on the East China Sea to Kunming via Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guizhou and Yunnan province, passing through the major cities of Hangzhou, Nanchang and Changsha.
?Air

As the

transportation hub of Yunnan Province, Wujiaba International Airport (KMG) near

the provincial capital of Kunming currently operates 48 Chinese domestic routes – including

a number of strictly provincial routes – and 6 international routes. There are domestic

flights to most of China's major cities, offering connections to some of China's most

popular tourist destinations in cities such as Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin and Shanghai.

Provincial routes originating from KMG include flights to the scenic sites of cities

such as Baoshan, Dali, Lijiang, Mangshi, Simao, Xishuangbanna, Zhaotong and

Zhongdian. International routes include flights between KMG and Bangkok, Hong

Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Rangoon and Singapore. In addition to the air routes originating

from KMG, there are 11 provincial and 2 international routes that originate from

Jinghong Airport (JHG), near Xishuangbanna.
?Railway
china-trains/book-ticket-offices-kunming.htm Yunnan Province is naturally linked to

other parts of China via a network of railways – and indeed, also linked by rail to

China's immediate neighbors: Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam. With the capital, Kunming,

serving as the province's railway hub, a number of railway lines radiate out in all directions.
More information on www.chinahighlights.com/kunming/transportation.htm

3. Education & Health care

?Education
Kunming remains a major educational and cultural center in the southwest region of

China, with universities, medical and teacher-training colleges, technical schools, and

scientific research institutes. The city has more than 300 scientific research institutions

employing 450,000 scientists and technicians. Included were 68,500 people with

middle-level and senior professional titles.

Kunming Medical University
Kunming Metallurgy College
Kunming University
Kunming University of Science and Technology (1925)
Southwest Forestry University
Yunnan Agricultural University
Yunnan Arts University
Yunnan Normal University
Yunnan Normal University Business School
Yunnan University (1922)
Yunnan University of Finance and Economics
Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

?International schools
Kunming International Academy
Description: This school was opened under the supervision of OASIS international

schools, and is dedicated to providing a first-class K-12th grade education to the

children of foreign nationals residing within China. Community service and science

fair activities, as well as choir, swimming, drama, basketball, student government

and journalism. Tuition fees are around RMB65,000/year.
Address:Yanjiadi Community, Kunming

Kunming Wujie International School
International schools
Description:
This Hong Kong funded school offers an IT lab, library, sports facilities and a

contemporary curriculum.
Address:Hedianying, Guanyu Lu, Guanshang, Kunming Postcode: 650200

Kunming Nanyang School
Address:Juren Plaza, 20 Tuodong Lu, Kunming

?Hospitals

Currently,

there are 2,774 medical institutes of various kinds and 33,600 medical professionals

in the City. The 170 medical service institutes based on communities cover a population

of 1.86 million. China Health Management Corp (CNHC) is the main private healthcare

provider in the city. It has been predicted that private hospitals will provide 70 percent

of total medical health care services by 2012 within Kunming City.
Yunnan Provincial Red Cross Hospital and Emergency Center, is the main general

hospital in Kunming.

4. Recreation
?Shopping

Golden Eagle Shopping Center
Address: 8 Qingnian Lu, Wuhua District, Kunming 
Tel: 871 3158 919
Opening hours: Sun-Thu, 10:00-22:00; Fri-Sat, 10:00-22:30
Website: http://www.goodee.cn/home/index/store/114
Getting there: take bus No. 1, 3, 4, 91, 112, 129, a2, 161 to Golden Eagle Shopping Center
Wangfujing Department Store
Address:  Wangfujing Department Store, 7 Yanhe Lu (near Shunvheng Wangfujing

Shopping Center), Wuhua District, Kunming
Tel: 871 5218 556
Opening hours: Department store: Sun-Thu, 10:00-22:00; Fri-Sat 10:00-22:30
Supermarket: Sun-Thu: 9:00-22:00; Fri-Sat: 9:00-22:30
Website: http://www.wfj.com.cn/kunming/
Getting there: take bus No. 10, 82, k13, 84 to Nanping Jie Xikou
Parkson Shopping Center
Address: Parkson Shopping Center, 6 Sanshi Jie, Wuhua District, Kunming
Tel: 871 3630 186
Opening hours: 9:30-22:00
Getting there: take bus No. 3, 4, 62, 73, 90, 98, 107, 206, 213, a1, k11 to Jinma Fang
Amax Department Store
Where: 98 Fuchun Jie, Renmin Zhong Lu, Wuhua District, Kunming
Tel: 871 360 5555
Opening hours: 9:00-22:30
Getting there: take bus No. 2, 5, 10, 14, 17, 18, 21, 56, 61, 65, 69, 84, k3, k5, k7, k13 to Xiaoximen

Nightlife
As for nightlife activities, Kunming does not differ a lot from other cities in China.

Bars, KTV, disco and other clubs can easily be found around the city. The night market

area consists of lots of bars and clubs for people to enjoy their night in Kunming.
The fantastic Yunnan ethnic folk dance is also one of the most wonderful nightlife

activities for you to take part in. Among all the dances there, Peacock Dance is the

most popular one, which will be introduced later.
Generally speaking, there are special cultural activities in Kunming all the year round,

including flowers and plants exhibitions, festivals, photography exhibitions and so on.
Kunming International Club
Add: 57 Xiba Road, Kunming
Hours: 8:00PM – midnight

Diwang Nightclub
Add: 216 Huannan Road, Kunming
Hours: 8:00PM – midnight

New Culture Bar
Add: 60 Tudong Road, Kunming
Hours: 8:00PM - 5:00AM

Top One Disco
Add: 3rd floor, King World Hotel, Kunming
Hours: 8:00PM - 5:00AM

More information on www.chinahighlights.com/kunming/nightlife.htm

Hump bar and hostel
Add: Jinmafang, Wuhua District, Kunming (near Qianhe Gutouwang)
Tel: 0871 6364 0359
Website: http://www.thehumphostel.com/
Getting there: Take buses 3, 4, 62, 73, 90, 98, 107, 109, 213 or fast buses a1, k12 to

Jinmafang bus station

Huihuxi Cafe
Add: Building 3, 7 Shuncheng Wangfujing, Wuhua District, Kunming
Opening hours: 10:00 – 02:00
Getting there: Take buses 3, 4, 62, 73, 90, 98, 107, 109, 213 or fast buses a1, k12 to

Jinmafang bus station

Yuhua Western restaurant
Add: Building 4, Qingcheng Mingdian, Nanqiang Jie, Wuhua District, Kunming

(near Xiangyun Jie)
Tel: 0871 6362 4031   
Opening hours: 10:00 – 00:00
Getting there: Take buses 3, 4, 62, 73, 90, 98, 107, 109, 213 or fast buses a1, k12

to Jinmafang bus station

Airuochun (Jinbi park restaurant)
Add: Jinbi Gongyuan, Jinbi Lu, Wuhua District, Kunming
Tel: 0871 6363 2118
Opening hours: 09:00 – 22:00
Getting there: Take buses 3, 4, 62, 73, 90, 98, 107, 109, 213 or fast buses a1, k12 to

Jinmafang bus station

Qiaoxiangyuan (Wenhua Jie branch)
Add: 2 Shulin Jie, Wuhua District, Kunming (near Jinbi Guangchang)
Tel: 0871 6364 5275
Opening hours: 07:00 – 00:00
Getting there: Take buses 3, 4, 62, 73, 90, 98, 107, 109, 213 or fast buses a1, k12 to

Jinmafang bus station

Cuisine
Kunming is renowned for its many delicious dishes. Due to the multi-cultural nature

of the province, the city brings together the most representative

food of the various nationalities residing in Yunnan, so

eating here is an experience not to be missed. Famous foods

include Steaming-Pot Chicken, Rice Noodles, and Xuanwei Ham.

The night markets are the best places to sample and enjoy the

local snacks.

Greenery
Greenery is a restaurant combining Chinese cuisine and western food, and even East

Asian cuisine, such as Thai fried rice. Steak, spaghetti, salad and lamb chops are all

available there. Customers can order a mixture of Chinese style and western style

dishes and do not have to stick to one theme. The most popular foods are Thai fried

rice, set meals and pizza.
Chinese name: 绿茵阁西餐厅 Lüyin’ge Xicanting /lyoo-yin-ger sshee- tsan-ting /
Average price per person: 50 yuan
Address: Floor 6, Baida Xintiandi, Nanping Street (west entrance), Wuhua District

(五华区南屏街西口百大新天地6楼)

Yos-mite
Yos-Mite is a well-decorated restaurant with affordable food. Afternoon tea and

landscape seats are available there. The restaurant serves sirloin steak, shrimp meat

and abalone sauce, and other food.
Chinese name: 悠山美地 Youshan Meidi /yoh-shan may-dee/
Average price per person: 39 yuan
Open: 10am–10pm
Address: Floor 5, Jinying International Shopping Center, 8 Qingnian Road, Wuhua

District (五华区青年路8号金鹰国际购物中心5楼)
Tel: 0871-3102 266
Bus Routes: 4 and 146. Get off at Huguo Road (护国路).

More information on
www.chinahighlights.com/kunming/restaurants.htm

?Attractions
Kunming attractions include The Stone Forest, West Hill and Yunnan Minority Village

which exhibits the province’s 25 ethnic minorities. The spring city also has 3 museums,

3 temples, 2 parks, a cave, a lake, and some spectacular countryside, including Dongchuan

Red Land and the Yuanyang Terraced Fields.
Kunming is the gateway to Yunnan Province and fittingly the city’s attractions

reflect the province’s scenic and ethnic renown. If China’s mountain scenery

and minority culture interest you, but you don’t want to go somewhere too

remote or extreme climatically, then our Kunming tours should suit you.

Stone Forest

Being one of the National Scenic Resorts in China, Stone Forest Scenic Resort is 83km

from Kunming and has a complete range of karst formations. Among the most

wonderful attractions in this area are the following eight scenic spots: Large & Small

Stone Forests, Naigu Stone Forests, Large & Small Zhiyun Caves, Qingfeng Cave, Long

Lake, Moon Lake, Fairy Lake, Feilong Falls. Standing upright in the Stone Forest are

innumerable cliffs and peaks, lofty and majestic, steep and precipitous, charming and

enchanting.

Yuantong Temple
The Yuantong Temple is at the foot of Luofeng Hill in the northern part of the city. It is

the largest Buddhist temple in Kunming, where the Yunnan Provincial and city's Buddhism

Commissions are based. The temple was built during the Tang Dynasty, with a history

spanning over 1,200 years. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the temple was

reconstructed and repaired several times to its present size and appearance. The

temple is now one of the most important Buddhist temples under State special protection.

Golden Temple (Jin Dian)
The Golden Temple (Jin Dian) is a famous Toaism temple in Yunnan Province. The entire

temple was built from bronze, which makes it glitter like gold in the shining sun. This is

why people gave the temple its name, the Golden Temple.
The Alu Ancient Cave
The Alu Ancient Cave, reputed as the first wonderful cave in Yunnan Province, features

an underground karst cave landscape which looks like an upside down stone forests.

It is one of the most magnificent natural caves in Asia.
Dongchuang Red Land
Dongchuan Red Land is a new rising tourist destination near Kunming, loved by

photographers and backpackers, and praised as "God's palette". These red lands,

extending for nearly 50 kilometers (30 miles), are the most striking and distinctive

in the world.

Other stunning cultural and touristic spot include Dianchi Lake, Golden Temple, Western

Hills, Bamei Village, Yunnan Nationalities Village, Black Dragon Pool, Grand View Park

(Daguan Park), Green Lake Park (Cuihu Park), Flowers and Birds Market, Bamboo Temple

(Qiongzhu Temple), World Horticultural Expo Garden, Yunan Provincial Museum, Jiaozi

Snow Mountain and Chengjiang Fossil Site.
More information on
www.chinahighlights.com/kunming/attraction/the-alu-ancient-cave.htm