Kunming Attractions
Kunming lies at 102°43'E and 25°05'N, in the center of the province of Yunnan on the northern shore of Lake Dianchi.
Kunming is famed as the ''City of Eternal Spring'' because of its mild climate and lush vegetation although within the space of a single day it is possible for the city to experience considerable variations in temperature. The city is also the cultural capital of the province, possessing universities, colleges and an institute for minorities.
People of many different nationalities live together in the city, a fact immediately apparent just from external appearances. There is a wide range of handmade goods available, e.g. embroidered blouses and caps. A modern, urban culture blends with the traditional Chinese way of life in Kunmin despite the demolition of the historic center of the town in 1990.
In the 3rd C BC. General Zhuang Qiao retreated to the shores of Lake Dianchi and founded the city of Kunming. Under the Tang dynasty (618-907) it had the role of a military base. A little later on it became the capital of the Nanshao Kingdom. Kunming developed into an important trading center, supplying India, Indochina, Burma and Sichuan. Marco Polo described it in 1287 as a ''fine city'' with inhabitants of many different races. In addition he mentioned the wealth of its trading houses and its salt production. Around 1650 the last hereditary prince of the Ming dynasty sought refuge in Kunming and founded the Southern Ming kingdom, which was destroyed eleven years later by Qing troops. In 1855 the city started a rebellion against its foreign Manchurian rulers but it was brutally put down. After 1910, when the railroad line to Haiphong (now Hanoi) was opened, Kunming developed into a modern city. At the time of the Japanese invasion a large number of factories and research establishments were transferred here, in order to save them from destruction. In the last forty years Kunming has experienced another enormous spurt of growth and become a major economic center.
Kunming is famed as the ''City of Eternal Spring'' because of its mild climate and lush vegetation although within the space of a single day it is possible for the city to experience considerable variations in temperature. The city is also the cultural capital of the province, possessing universities, colleges and an institute for minorities.
People of many different nationalities live together in the city, a fact immediately apparent just from external appearances. There is a wide range of handmade goods available, e.g. embroidered blouses and caps. A modern, urban culture blends with the traditional Chinese way of life in Kunmin despite the demolition of the historic center of the town in 1990.
In the 3rd C BC. General Zhuang Qiao retreated to the shores of Lake Dianchi and founded the city of Kunming. Under the Tang dynasty (618-907) it had the role of a military base. A little later on it became the capital of the Nanshao Kingdom. Kunming developed into an important trading center, supplying India, Indochina, Burma and Sichuan. Marco Polo described it in 1287 as a ''fine city'' with inhabitants of many different races. In addition he mentioned the wealth of its trading houses and its salt production. Around 1650 the last hereditary prince of the Ming dynasty sought refuge in Kunming and founded the Southern Ming kingdom, which was destroyed eleven years later by Qing troops. In 1855 the city started a rebellion against its foreign Manchurian rulers but it was brutally put down. After 1910, when the railroad line to Haiphong (now Hanoi) was opened, Kunming developed into a modern city. At the time of the Japanese invasion a large number of factories and research establishments were transferred here, in order to save them from destruction. In the last forty years Kunming has experienced another enormous spurt of growth and become a major economic center.
Jade Lake
Jade Lake (Cuihu), into which nine springs feed, lies in the northwest of the city in the park of the same name. The late 17th C Pavilion of the Green Waves (Biyi Ting) stands on an island in the middle of the lake. Two dams dominate the lake: the one running in a north-south direction and crossed by three bridges is known as the Dike of Governor Ruan (Ruan Di) and was erected towards the end of the 18th C. The other one, called Tang Dike (Tang Di), was built in 1919 and runs east-west.
Pagoda of the West Temple and Pagoda of the East Temple
In the south of the city two pagodas rise up in close proximity to one another, the Pagoda of the West Temple (Xisi Ta) and the Pagoda of the East Temple (Dongsi Ta), both dating from the Tang period (618-907) and both having been faithfully rebuilt after the Muslim uprising of 1868.
Provincial Museum
The Provincial Museum, which was opened in Dongfeng Xilu in 1964, contains over 50,000 exhibits, including valuable bronze implements belonging to the national minorities.
Temple of Perfection and Success
The Temple of Perfection and Success (Yuantong Si), situated in the north of the city and just to the south of the zoo of the same name, was built during the Tang period (618-907), rebuilt between 1301 and 1320, and subsequently restored on several occasions during the next few centuries. An octagonal pavilion situated in a square lake is of particular interest. In the main temple, the Hall of Perfection and Success (Yuantong Baodian), the visitor should look out for some 14th C Buddhist statues and two Ming period (1368-1644) dragons made from colored clay which are coiled around two pillars.
Kunming Surroundings
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Lake Dianchi (Lake Kunming)
Lake Dianchi, now known as Lake Kunming, is back on the west by the Western Mountains. Daguan Lou Gongyuan Park, also on the west, contains an historic 17th C tower.
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Lunan Stone Forest
Unique rock formations comprise what is known as the Lunan Stone Forest. Visitors can get up close to these attractions on paths leading through the towering rocks.
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Bamboo Temple
The Bamboo Temple lies at the base of Yu'anshan Mountain and contains some noteworthy pieces of art.
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Caoxi Si Temple
The main highlight of the Caoxi Si Temple is a Buddha statue dating from the Song period.
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Pool of the Black Dragon
Along the Pool of the Black Dragon stands the Temple of the Dragon Spring and the Palace of the Black Dragon.
Gold Hall
The Golden Hall, built in 1671 and situated to the northeast of the city on Minfeng Shan Mountain, is modeled on an earlier building dating from 1602, which was moved to Binchuan near Dali in 1637.
The building has a square ground-plan with 6.2m/20ft sides and is 6.7m/22ft high. It is made completely of bronze, as are its fittings and statues. It gets its name from the way its roofs shine like gold in the sun.
The building has a square ground-plan with 6.2m/20ft sides and is 6.7m/22ft high. It is made completely of bronze, as are its fittings and statues. It gets its name from the way its roofs shine like gold in the sun.
Thermal Springs of Anning
The Thermal Springs of Anning (Anning Wenquan) lie 40km/25mi to the southwest of Kunming near the village of Anning. They were discovered as early as the Eastern Han period (25-220), but were not made use of until the early 15th C.
The 45°C (113°F) hot springs contain calcium, magnesium, natrium and other minerals; they are particularly recommended for skin diseases and rheumatism.
The 45°C (113°F) hot springs contain calcium, magnesium, natrium and other minerals; they are particularly recommended for skin diseases and rheumatism.
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