Holiday in Kunming

About Kunming

Kunming is the capital of the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan and is referred to as the "Spring City" (Chuncheng) due to its mild climate year-round. Located at an altitude of about 1,890 meters, this million-inhabitant metropolis offers pleasant temperatures without the extreme summers or winters found in other major Chinese cities. The Stone Forest (Shilin) is located about 90 km southeast of Kunming and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site: limestone formations up to 30 meters high rise from the ground like petrified trees — a geological marvel shaped by erosion over 270 million years. The Sani, a branch of the Yi people, live here and preserve their traditional culture. Dianchi Lake (Kunming Lake) is the largest lake in Yunnan, covering 300 square kilometers, and is also called the "Sea of Kunming." A bike path runs along the western shore, offering views of the Western Hills (Xishan), where Taoist and Buddhist temples are built into the cliffs. The Dragon Gate (Longmen) at the summit offers a spectacular view over the lake. Kunming is the gateway to Yunnan's ethnic diversity: 25 of China's 56 recognized minorities live in the province. The Yunnan Nationalities Village at Dianchi Lake showcases the cultures of these peoples with traditional villages, dances, and crafts. Kunming's flower markets are among the largest in Asia — the city is China's flower capital, producing over 60% of the nation's cut flowers.