Attractions in Kunming Overview
Kunming, also known as Yunnan-Fu, is the capital and largest city of Yunnan province in China. With a population of over 8 million, it is the political, economic, and cultural center of the region.
Kunming has a rich history dating back over 2,200 years and is home to many cultural and historical sites, including the famous Stone Forest, Dian Lake, and the Yuantong Temple. The city is also known for its mild climate and is often referred to as the "City of Eternal Spring."
The city's economy is driven by a range of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. As the headquarters of many of Yunnan's biggest corporations, Kunming plays a significant role in the region's economic development.
In recent years, Kunming has become an important transportation hub, connecting China with Southeast Asia and beyond through a range of high-speed rail links and international flights. The city is also at the forefront of China's efforts to promote sustainable development, with a number of initiatives dedicated to environmental protection and conservation, such asGreen Transport System andGreen Transport System etc.
Overall, Kunming offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Yunnan province.
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Western Hills
In the
western suburbs of Kunming lies Western Hills.
Western Hills boasts an excellent environment with flourishing flowers and
dense forest, providing tourists an excellent environment to enjoy the
tranquility and marvelous scenery.
In Western Hills, there are wonderful scenic spots such
as Huating Temple, Taihua Temple, Sanqing Pavilion, and Dragon Gate. Dragon
Gate, one of the hill's most visited scenic spots, provides amazing aerial
views of Lake Dianchi peacefully resting below. The famed gate stands at an
elevation of 2,500 meters.
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Yuantong Temple
Yuantong Temple is northern Yunnan's major
Buddhist temple and an active place of pilgrimage. It is Kunming's largest and
most famous temple with the original structure being first constructed more
than 1,200 years ago during the Tang Dynasty. The temple sits on the southern
slopes of Yuantong Park.
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Golden Hall
The "Golden Hall Scenic Zone",
located on the Mingfeng Hill in the northern suburbs of Kunming, is eight
kilometers from central Kunming. Constructed in 1602 (the 30th year of the
Wanli reign period of the Ming Dynasty), all of the hall’s beans, pillars,
arches, doors, windows, tiles, Buddhist statues, and horizontal inscribed
boards are made of copper, weighing more than 200 tons. It is the largest
copper building in China.
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Cuihu Park
Cuihu Park (Green Lake Park) is one of
Kunming's major park and is predominately a lake surrounded by greenery. It has
a large and elaborate network of waterways and winding paths, with broad,
lotus-covered pools and overhanging willows. It is a place where thousands
exercise, do Taichi practice, sing and feed the flocks of black-headed gulls.
Located in the west side of the park is the statue of one of Yunnan's most
famous patriots - Nie Er, the composer of China's national anthem.
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Stone Forest
The Stone Forest or Shilin is a notable set
of karst formations located in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, approximately 78
kilometers (49 miles) from the provincial capital Kunming in Yunnan. The tall
rocks seem to emanate from the ground in the manner of stalagmites, with many
looking like petrified trees thereby creating the illusion of a forest made of
stone. Since 2007, two parts of the site, the Naigu Stone Forest and Suogeyi
Village, have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites as part of the South China
Karst.