Kunming---Travel In China

Kunming (ch. 昆明, Hanyu Pinyin: Kunmíng, Wade-Giles: K'un-ming) is the capital of Yunnan province, China. It is located at the northern edge of the massive Lake Dian and has a population of over four million.

Geography
Kunming is situated atop a 2 km plateau in Yunnan Province. It enjoys a protected location with mountains surrounding the city on three sides.

History
Early townships in the southern edge of Dianchi (outside the comtemporary city parameter) could be dated backed to 279 BC. These were long lost cities.

In 765 AD, Tuodong city was founded. It was renamed Kunming under the Mongol ruler (1276).

Marco Polo is thought to have traveled to this area in the 13th Century and wrote about his fascination.

In the 14th Century, Kunming was taken over by the Ming. The Ming had built a wall surrounding the city that is the present Kunming.

In the 19th Century, Kunming suffered at the hands of the Sultan of Dali. Decades later Kunming had begun to be influenced by the West.

Economy

The GDP per capita in 2003 was ¥6655 (ca. US$800), ranked no. 427 among 659 Chinese cities.

Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province, is known as 'the City of Eternal Spring' for its pleasant climate and flowers blooming all year long. With a history of more than 2,400 years, Kunming was the gateway to the celebrated Silk Road that facilitated trade with Tibet, Sichuan, Myanmar and India. Today it is the political, economical and cultural center of Yunnan as well as the most popular tourist destination in southwest China.
Kunming enjoys a pleasant climate and does its best to live up to its title of 'the City of Eternal Spring'. Whenever you are planning to go, the temperature is always pleasant. With its convenient transport links in and out of the city, Kunming welcomes and sees off tens of thousands of tourists every day.


For first-time tourists Kunming city center is an attraction with its two squares and five interlaced roads - Jinma Biji Square, Dongfeng Square, Dongfeng Lu, Jinbi Lu, Zhengyi Lu, Renmin Lu and Qingnian Lu, among which Jinbi Square has the most eye-catching architecture. Qingnian Lu, Zhengyi Lu, and Renmin Lu are the main commercial areas in Kunming; the most popular pedestrian streets are Nanping Jie, Jingxing Huaniao Shichang, and Jinma Biji Fang.




Dianchi LakeKunming is the focal point of Yunnan minority culture. Some 26 ethnic minorities such as Yi, Bai, Miao, Dai, Hani and more inhabit the region. Each group has its own featured festivals such as the Torch festival of Yi people, the Golden Temple Fair and so on. The hugely successful 1999 International Horticultural Exposition enhanced Kunming's influence in the world resulting in a snowball effect upon tourism as more and more foreigners come to discover this enchanting part of China.
Its alluring highland scenery, bewitching karst landform, varied and exotic habitats and customs and places of historical interest can be found at major scenic spots such as Dianchi Lake, Stone Forest, the Village of Ethnic Culture, Grand View Pavilion, etc.


Kunming has more than one hundred star rated hotels and a variety of a thousand or so guest houses. These provide tourists a wide choice of somewhere to relax after whole day's tour.


Kunming is also renowned for many delicious local dishes; the most famous ones are Across Bridge Rice Noodle and Xuanwei Ham. You can enjoy them both at local famous restaurants or the night market. In the night markets you will find many pubs, bars and cafes that serve good quality meals.


Lastly, do not forget to buy some locally produced souvenirs for your friends or family when you visit Kunming, such as ivory or wood carvings, minority tie dyings. You will find a variety of stores to meet your specified requirements.