Kunming is known as the 'city of eternal spring' due to its pleasant climate and attractive setting among limestone hills and large lakes. It is the capital of Yunnan Province in southern China, and encompasses an ancient city, and a modern commercial district. It's also an important hub for trade and transportation, and is linked to Vietnam by rail, and to Laos and Burma by road.
Kunming has been rapidly modernised in the last few decades, perhaps to the detriment of traditional sights and interesting cultural locations. Nonetheless, it has many sights and cultural attractions worth visiting, including temples, museums, parks and gardens, and the fascinating Stone Forest. Jiuxiang Scenic Area also has a number of popular caves and waterfalls. All in all, the city and wider region offer a good cross-section of both modern and ancient China, plus beautiful scenery.
By Chinese standards Kunming is quite laid-back, despite its importance as a trade and transportation hub. It's known to offer high living standards. Although a popular resort city in its own right, its status as a provincial capital and crossroads between countries also makes it very useful to tourists exploring the region.
Travel Guide powered by Word Travels, copyright © 2023 Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Neither Globe Media Ltd nor Travel Vogue can accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.
