■ About Kunming
Kunming is the capital city of Yunnan province, located in southwestern China, an important tourism and commercial city in China. It is situated on a plateau with an elevation of 1,890 meters (6,200 feet) above sea level, and surrounded by mountains and lakes. It has a subtropical highland climate with mild temperatures throughout the year. So it is also known as the “Spring City”.
Kunming is a famous historical and cultural city in China. As early as 30000 years ago, humans lived and multiplied around Dianchi Lake; Kunming is also one of the first batch of outstanding tourist cities in China, with over 200 cultural relics protected by governments at all levels, many national and provincial famous scenic spots, over 100 key scenic spots, and more than 10 national tourism routes. It has formed a tourism system that integrates tourism, sightseeing, vacation, and entertainment, with Kunming as the center, radiating across the province, and connecting Southeast Asia.
■ About Tourism
Dianchi Lake (滇池)
Dianchi Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan province，covering an area of approximately 300 square kilometers (116 square miles), and is located in the south of Kunming about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the city center. Dianchi Lake has a long history, dating back to the Han dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE). It has been an important source of water for the region for centuries and has played a significant role in the development of Kunming. It remains a popular tourist destination in Kunming. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake, hike in the surrounding hills, or visit the nearby Dragon Gate and Haigeng Park. What’s more, Fishing is an important activity on Dianchi Lake, and it is known for its fish varieties, including carp, catfish, and tilapia. Visitors can go fishing in the lake or enjoy fresh fish at one of the local restaurants. In recent years, efforts have been made to restore the wetlands surrounding Dianchi Lake. The wetlands are important for biodiversity and play a crucial role in water filtration and purification.
Guandu Ancient Town (官渡古镇)
Located in the southeast suburb of Kunming, Guandu Town with a long history is the famous historical and cultural ancient towns in Kunming region and one of the birthplaces of Yunnan culture. Four thousand years ago, the water in Dianchi Lake was filled with silver flags and willows. This ancient town is located in the Guandu District of Kunming City, and can be reached by bus. The biggest charm lies in the complete preservation of the culture of old Kunming and the return to the living state of old Kunming. Its slowness, its dialect, and its folk customs are the softest feelings in the hearts of Kunming people. The ancient town of Guandu is a concentration of intangible cultural heritage: the Guandu Bait Block Teaching Hall, the Wutong Walking Silver Teaching Hall, and the Guandu Dianju Lantern Teaching Hall are all concentrated in the ancient town. Many people come here to watch artisans make baits, make Wutong Walking Silver Crafts, or listen to lanterns, which can take a day.
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Yuantong Temple (圆通寺)
Yuantong Temple is the largest and most active temple in Kunming with a history of more than 1,200 years. Located on the south side of Yuantong Hill, it is a destination of pilgrimage for pilgrims worldwide. The ceremonies that held at the tooth relic where received and sent off were important events in the history of Yuantong Temple. The architecture of the temple buildings is rather typical, but the halls of the temple are visited in order on a declining slope, not on an ascending slope as is typical in Chinese Buddhist temples. In the temple are numerous scenic spots, and a pool reserved for setting captive fish free! Yuantong Temple is one of the most important sites in the region for Buddhist ceremonies. On the 1st and 15th of each lunar month, people gather here to take part in all kinds of Buddhist services. There is also a good vegetarian restaurant on the premises serving lunch and dinner.
Yunnan Provincial Museum (云南省博物馆)
Yunnan Provincial Museum is a comprehensive provincial museum located at 6393 Guangfu Road, Kunming City, Yunnan Province. It was founded in August 1951 and has a display area of 2400 square meters. The basic display of the Yunnan Provincial Museum describes the historical development process from ancient civilization to the peaceful liberation of Yunnan. Guided by cultural relics, it comprehensively and systematically displays the profound history and splendid civilization created by the people of all ethnic groups in Yunnan on the red soil plateau for the first time, becoming an important palace for the masses and young students to understand the natural geography, historical culture, and ancient science and technology of Yunnan. From time to time, it has also launched more exciting temporary exhibitions, with a hundred flowers blooming and a hundred schools of thought contending, providing visitors with a different visiting style.
