Kunming
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Southwest China (西南) » Yunnan (云南) » Kunming (昆明)
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[edit] Overview
Known as the "City of Eternal Spring", Kunming lies at the heart of the southwest Yunnan Plateau, 1,895 meters above sea level. Kunming has a population of over 4.5 million and an area of 15,561 sq km.
Kunming is one of the Chinese cities with highest percentage of minority population. About 20% of the city population are ethnic minorities, including Yi, Bai, Miao, Dai, Hani people (ethnic minorities make up about a third of the total population in Yunnan Province). Not surprisingly, in many attractions in Kunming, visitors often find themselves surrounded by minority people in colorful custom dresses, and classical architecture of various Yunnan minorities. The picturesque scenes and minority culture are so enchanting that visitors will linger on and forget about leaving.
[edit] History
Kunming was once the name of an ancient tribe in the area, and became the city name during the Tang Dynasty.
[edit] Video
| Kunming |
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| Known as the City of Eternal Spring, Kunming lies at the heart of the southwest Yunnan Plateau, 1,895 meters above sea level. |
[edit] Weather
Current Conditions (2010-03-15 15:00:00, local time)
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Kunming |
Temp: 72°F (22°C) |
Kunming Weather Forecast
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Known as the "City of Spring", Kunming has neither cold winter nor hot summer. There's never big temperature changes between seasons, although the temperature could have big swings during the day (The temperature difference in a day in spring and winter can be around 12~20℃). The average annual temperature is about 18℃ with highest of 19℃~22℃ and lowest of 6℃~8℃.
The rainy seasons are from May to October. Temperatures usually drops quickly after the rain. So remember to bring sweater or windbreaker in rainy days. You can travel to Kunming around the year, but the best time is any time between March and October, when you can enjoy the large selections of fruits, flowers, and all kinds of festivals by ethnic minorities in Yunnan.
| Weather averages for Kunming | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Avg high °C (°F) | 16 (61) | 18 (64) | 21 (70) | 24 (75) | 24 (75) | 24 (75) | 24 (75) | 24 (75) | 23 (73) | 20 (68) | 18 (64) | 15 (59) | |
| Avg low °C (°F) | 3 (37) | 5 (41) | 8 (46) | 11 (52) | 15 (59) | 17 (63) | 17 (63) | 17 (63) | 15 (59) | 12 (54) | 8 (46) | 4 (39) | |
| Rain cm (inches) | 1.41 (0.6) | 1.12 (0.4) | 1.38 (0.5) | 1.57 (0.6) | 7.07 (2.8) | 13.2 (5.2) | 15.49 (6.1) | 13.36 (5.3) | 8.59 (3.4) | 5.8 (2.3) | 2.38 (0.9) | 1.34 (0.5) | |
| Source: per MSN 2008 | |||||||||||||
[edit] Map
Click here to open Kunming map.
[edit] Getting in & Getting out
Kunming is a transportation hub, and telecommunication center in Yunnan Province. Kunming also serves as a bridge to Southeast Asia.
[edit] By Air
Kunming Airport is one of the five major international airports in China. It has 12 international flights to Osaka, Rangoon, Bangkok, Singapore, 2 flights to China's special districts of Hong Kong and Macao, over 140 domestic flights to other major cities in other parts of China, and 10 flights to other cities inside Yunnan Province.
[edit] By Train
There are 12 existing backbone railways from Kunming, including Kunming to Chengdu, Kunming to Guiyang, Kunming to Shanghai (Shanghai-Kunming Railway), Kunming to Nanning, Kunming to Neijiang, and Kunming to Hekou. Kunming is also served by several Yunnan provincial railways, such as Guangda (Guangtong-Dali, or 广通—大理), Yukun (Yuxi-Kunming, 玉溪-昆明), and Kunda (Kunming-Dali) railways.
[edit] By Bus
Kunming is served by national highway 108, 213, 320, 324, and 326. There are over 5000 km of highways leading to neighboring cities and provinces.
[edit] Getting Around
[edit] By Public Bus
The public bus system in Kunming operates 50 routes with a total of over 1,000 buses. Buses start to run at 6:30 am and stop running at 10:00 pm. There are no air-conditioned buses in the city. Ticket price is 1 RMB. Buses stop at the stations only for a short while, so visitors are advised to stay close to the door when it gets close to your destination.
[edit] By Tour Bus
[edit] By Taxi & Rental Car
Taxis start at ¥8 and usually require you to turn the meters on and off yourself to make sure not to be scammed. As usual, care should be taken when traveling at night or long distances. Larger taxis cost more than smaller taxis. Also be aware that taxis are zoned and cannot access all areas. Don't be surprised if a taxi driver cannot take you to your destination as it may be outside their zone. Only certain taxis are allowed into the central areas at certain times. This is to allow all taxis a chance at the lucrative business areas.
--from wikitravel.org
[edit] Attractions
[edit] Hotels
[edit] Budget
[edit] Mid Range
[edit] Luxury
[edit] Restaurants
Among many delicious local dishes, Over-the-Bridge Rice Noodle (过桥米线) is the most famous. It's generally regarded as snack food in Yunnan. Many local restaurants or night market serve this famous dish.
Over-the-Bridge Rice Noodle is made of meats, veggies, and rice noodles. The meat (chichen, pork, or seafood) is first boiled in the hot chicken soup. Vegetables are then added and mixed with the meat, and finally the rice noodles are poured in as the last course. This famous dish lives up to its reputation. You won't be disappointed by its taste.
[edit] Shopping
- Outdoor Equipment. As elsewhere in bigger cities close to mountainous regions, you can buy fairly good quality fake and 'overrun' Outdoor and Camping gear in Kunming. Shops can be found in a courtyard at 20 Dongfeng Donglu and on Baoshan Jie close to the central square, as well as in the enormous garment district on the South Ring Road between the moat and Carrefour shopping centre (check basement and top stories, no self-respecting counterfeit vendor would sell on the mainfloor of a building). Bargain hard.
- local minority souvenirs, jade, and Chinese games, Flower and bird market (Refer to 'see' entry, above, for directions.), ☎ n/a. The flower and bird market is undergoing major reconstruction (September 2008) but some stalls remain.
--from wikitravel.org
[edit] Night Life & Entertainment
- Shelter, (Near the back entrance of the Zoo). The bar is unique. The entrance is not far from the zoo's back entrance. Entering through the doors, there is a jazzy scene with plenty of comfortable places to lounge. Sometimes they even have video games set up. But the thing that sets this bar apart from other bars lies through the doors next to the bar. Passing through them, you go down some steps about six feet and enter through three doors, each of them three inches thick. This second bar and dance floor lie about 10-20 feet beneath the Zoo in an old bomb shelter build in the 70's when Mao was frightened by the prospect of nuclear war with the Soviet Union. Try to make your self heard over the blaring music as large, ominous ventilation pipes hang over you. It's is not the best place to hang out, but you have to see it at least once if you're in town.
- Freedom Bar, (Renmin Donglu a few blocks West of Beijing Lu). A club and bar with dance music, a small dance floor, and plenty of alcohol. During happy hours foreigners are allowed three free drinks: either 3 whiskeys or 3 beers.
- Several western-style retro-bars can be found on Tuo Dong Lu east of Bai Long Lu, and catering mostly to a local clientèle afford an opportunity to mingle with locals.
- Chapter One, Wenlin Jie. Always good for a Beerlao, and free Wi-Fi access. You can also borrow books and DVDs from their lending library. This is currently Kunming's English-speaker's hangout. Also serves food, but you might want to go across the street to Prague for edibles. edit
- Two words: Speakeasy Bar. It is as dodgy as it sounds and just as great! THE place to be late on a Friday or Saturday night.
- Aoma Meili Pub, (Right by the Camellia Hotel). This well-known western restaurant is under going some changes to be more of a bar. There are no other bars near the Camellia Hotel, so it is really nice! It is one of the few places with a Western bartender as well. He has lived in Yunnan for a few years, and is really good to get information from. He said he just started here, so as soon as he get all the equipment he promised me some great cocktails! Hopefully that will be ready by the time I come back through! Good food, nice atmosphere.
--from wikitravel.org
[edit] Sports & Recreation
[edit] Excursions & Day Trips
- Visit the hot springs at Anning - 34 kms from Kunming.
- The West Hills (西山 Xi Shan) provide a good view of the city and have a few ancient Daoist (Taoist) caves of sculptures. Take bus #5 West to the end of the route, then Bus #6 or a minibus. In total the trip should take no more than an hour and a half. From the #6 bus stop either take a minibus up to the main gate or walk about 3 hours. There is an entrance fee to the grottos (¥30).
- Travel north to the old towns of Dali (4 hours) or Lijiang (8 hours), both very popular with foreign tourists.
