Kunming is the capital of Yunnan Province and is known as the “City of Eternal Spring”, it’s a 850m elevation tempering the strong sub tropical sun in summer and allowing it’s winter warmth to prevent the icy winters of the north.

Yunnan is a province with a high proportion of China’s ethnic minorities and it’s not unusual to meet many of these in Kunming, though most do not where traditional dress as they would in their home town. The city has a great flower and bird market, a 2400 year history, is close to Shi Lin Stone Forest and Dianchi Lake and this, together with its air links to Lijiang and Zhongdian, make it a centre for tourism.

A visit to the Golden Temple is a highlight where you can see something of the origins of Taoism. Famous too is the Buddhist Qiongzhu Temple (Bamboo Temple) with its most outstanding artistic features and surrounding bamboo forest. Other attractions include West Hill, Black Dragon Pool , and Yuantong Temple.

Kunming is also renowned for many delicious local food 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.