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Kunming of Yunan Tour Package
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Tour Code & Duration |
Activities Involved |
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Kunming
Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province, with a history of
more than 2400 years, owes its importance to the fact that it was
the gateway to the celebrated Silk Road that facilitated trade with
Tibet, Sichuan, Myanmar and India. Today the city is the political,
economical and cultural center of Yunnan and the provincial center
for transport, science and technology and consequently has become
the most popular center for tourism 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.
Kunming 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
woodcarvings, minority tie dyings. You will find a variety of stores
to meet your specified requirements.
Yunnan Stone Forest:
The Stone Forest is in Lunan Yi Nationality Autonomous County, which
is about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Kunming and requires only a
three-hour drive. It covers an area of 400 square kilometers (96,000
acres) and includes both large and small stone forests, as well as
many other scenic spots. An old local saying says that 'If you have
visited Kunming without seeing the Stone Forest, you have wasted
your time.' Truly, the Stone Forest is one of the most important
attractions of Yunnan.
Walking through the Stone Forest, visitors marvel at the natural
stone masterpieces and are bewitched by the intricate formations.
The magnificent, strange and steep landscape creates countless
labyrinthine vistas, including:
Major Stone Forest, Minor Stone Forest and Naigu Stone Forest, all
of which feature stones in various formations. Animals, plants, and
even human figures can be found here. Some are elegant, some are
rugged, and each is lifelike with its own distinguishing
characteristics.
Subterranean Stone Forest in Zhiyun Cave, an underground stone
forest distributed among several caves and occupying a total area of
about three square kilometers (720 acres).
The stones are marvelous under the sunshine. Strange Wind Cave,
composed of Penfeng Cave, Hongxi Spring and an underground river.
From August to November, gales lasting two to three minutes sweep
out of the cave every 30 minutes.
Long Lake is a karsts lake that is three kilometers (two miles) long
but only 300 meters (zero point two miles) wide. The lake features
underwater stalagmites and stalactites and a small island in the
center of the water. The source of the Dadie Waterfall, Ba River, is
a branch of Nanpan River. In the rainy season, up to 150 cubic
meters (196 cubic yards) of water per square inch plummet down the
88 meter (288 feet) drop.
Geologists say the Stone Forest is a typical example of karsts
topography. Approximately 270 million years ago - during the
carboniferous period of the Paleozoic era - the region was a vast
expanse of sea. Over time, the movements of the lithosphere
gradually caused a retreat of the waters and the rise of the
limestone landscape. Due to constant erosion by the elements, the
area finally developed into the present-day Stone Forest.
Many beautiful legends originate in this magical place, passed along
by the native people known as Sani, a branch of the Yi ethnic group.
One particular story about the faithful love of Ashima, a beautiful,
clever and warm-hearted Sani girl, is the most popular and has been
told for thousands of years. The Sani people celebrate their
national festival - the Torch Festival - every lunar year on June
24. They take part in traditional performances such as wrestling,
bull fighting, pole-climbing, dragon-playing, lion dancing and the
A-xi Moon Dance. During this time, the Stone Forest is alive with a
particularly joyful, festive atmosphere, making the area even more
attractive than usual. However, the Stone Forest - with its
sculptures engraved by nature, herself - is always a true miracle
for visitors to behold.
Kunming Tourist Attractions:
Dianchi Lake Golden Temple Western Hills Black Dragon Pool Bamei Village
Daguan Park Flowers and
Birds Market Qiongzhu Temple Yuantong Temple |
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