Kunming

Kunming, China

Known as the City of Spring, Kunming, the provincial capital of Yunnan, is blessed with a mild climate especially favourable to plant cultivation, which becomes instantly evident at the city's vibrant flower markets. The pace of life here is slow: hardly anyone is seen in a hurry. The best thing to do is smell the roses, wind down gently while exploring this very pleasing city and the breathtaking nature getaways in the environs.

Population:

6.6 million

Currency:

1 RMB =10 jiao

Emergency Numbers:

Police: 110
Ambulance: 120
Fire: 119

Opening Hours:

Office hours are 08:30-17:30 or 18:00 from Monday to Friday. Banks are open from 09:00-17:00 on weekdays and to 16:00 on weekends. Most malls and supermarkets close at 22:00. Cafes and bars often remain open until 02:00.

Newspapers:

https://www.gokunming.com/en

The City

The Province of Yunnan, which sits right on the Vietnamese border, is not dissimilar from its southern neighbour in its wealth of flora and fauna, as well as its cultural diversity. Kunming, the provincial capital, a great base for exploring the region. The city itself though is unmistakably Chinese. Its main attractions are the vast Dianchi Lake and the famous Horti-Expo Garden.The Jinmabiji Square and the Kundu area have become the centre of the city. For shopping, the Zhengyi Road, Nanping Street, Xiao Ximen and Qingnian Road are the places to go.

Since Kunming sits at a height of 1891 metres, some visitors may experience altitude sickness. Sunscreen is also strongly advisable at these altitudes as well as an umbrella against the ever changing weather, plus an overcoat since it gets chilly when it rains.

Do & See

The best way to experience the charm of Kunming is to simply wander around the constantly evolving city centre. Though modernising the city is an ongoing process, most residences in Kunming still retain the traditional style of architecture, quadrangle courtyards with sun-powered water heaters, and comfortable temperatures even without air conditioning, thanks to the landscape and climate. Flowers are abundant – at roadside stores, along green belts, and across tables of local eateries, giving the city a very pleasant vibe. Most sights outside the city centre are just a quick bus ride away, with enough to occupy the visitor for more than a couple of days.

Dining

Kunming is famous for Yunnan rice noodles (also known as "crossing-the-bridge noodles"), served separate from a piping-hot broth and a variety of add-ins, all of which are mixed together into the soup where they cook before the diners' very eyes.

Wild mushrooms are another local speciality, a delicacy prised by the Chinese (the high season runs June through September).

Cafes

There is no shortage of cafes in Kunming, but something really worth making time for is a visit to a tea house for a sampling of celebrated Yunnan Pu'er.

Most cafés are open from around 09:00 to 02:00.