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Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan, is the center of culture, economy, education and transpotation. With the average temprature 65 degrees all the year round, it has not bitter cold in winter, nor scorching heat in summer, hence the name The City of Eternal Spring. To the right are a few of the most popular tourist sites in and around Kunming. |
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Stone ForestStone Forest, a massive collection of grey limestone pillars, has long been one of the most famous scenic spots in the country ever since the Ming Dynasty some 300 years ago according to the historical record. It has also been considered as one of the eight natural wonders on earth. Throughout the year, thousands of visitors make it even more popular today. You would not say you have ever been to Kunming without visiting the Stone Forest. Back to: Top |
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Western HillsWestern Hills stand on the west bank of Lake Dianchi, Stretching over 40 km, with an altitude of 6200 ft. above sea level. Viewed from a distance, it looks like a maiden lying on the bank of the lake with her long beautiful hair flowing into the lake. That is why it is also called The Hill of The Sleeping Beauty. There are towering old trees, singing birds, waterfalls, old temples and stone tunnels to be seen in the Western Hills. The Dragon Gate, Sanqing Pavilion, Huating Temple and Taihua Temple are the main sites tourists like to visit. Among them, Dragon Gate is the fatanstic one you must pass through. "Once in the Dragon Gate, your fortune is made".Back to: Top |
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Daguang ParkDaguang Park is at the tip of Lake Dian closest to the City. Its history began in 1682 when a Buddhist Temple was built. Today it includes 60 hectares of well maintained grounds. On weekends the park is filled with local families and their children enjoying boat rides, the park's many flowers and reading the works of ancient Chinese poets. Qing era poet Sun Ranweng wrote a 180 character poem extolling the beauty of Lake Dian. This is inscribed on the walls of the pavilion. From Daguang Park passanger boats can be boarded that will take you to Haikou at the south end of Lake Dian, a four hour trip. This is one of the nicest ways to enjoy the Western Hills without the exertion of climbing all the stone steps to the top.Back to: Top |
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Bamboo TempleThe Bamboo Temple was built in the 15th century during the Tang Dynasty. It was burned down and rebuilt 1883-1890 only to be partially burned again during the Cultural Revolution. It has once again been rebuilt and remains one of the most beautiful temples in Yunnan. It is famous for its 500 clay figures representing various real and imaginary nobles. There is also a wall containing 70 plus Buddhas riding a variety of mounts, from giant crabs to unicorns. Why it is called the Bamboo Temple remains somewhat of a mystery as until recently there was no bamboo on the grounds. Bamboo plants were brought in from Chengdu a few years back. The Temple is located 12km northwest of Kunming.
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