Kunming is a large city and the capital of Yunnan Province, China. The city was originally founded during the Han Dynasty as a military outpost and trading post. Kunming was an important part of an ancient trade route that connected China with Southeast Asia and India. In the 13th century, the city was conquered by the Mongols and became part of the Yuan Dynasty. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Kunming continued to flourish as a trading center.

In the 20th century, Kunming played an important role during World War II as a base for Allied forces and as part of the famous “Burma Road,” which provided supplies to Chinese troops. After the war, the city experienced rapid economic growth and urbanization, leading to its status as a modern metropolis. Today, Kunming is known as the “Spring City” due to its pleasant climate year-round, which is quickly felt when visiting the city.

A trip to Kunming can start with a visit to the city center, where ancient China meets the modern metropolis. This is done at Jinma Biji Gate/金马碧鸡坊, an architectural landmark known for its two historic gates named Jinma Gate/金马坊 and Biji Gate/碧鸡坊. The gates were originally built during the Ming Dynasty during the Xuande period (1426-1435). Jinma to the east is named after Mount Jinma, while Biji to the west is similarly named after Mount Biji. Both gates are known for their exquisite craftsmanship with fine carvings and painted beams. The two gates are Kunming’s landmarks and represent the city’s long history and cultural heritage. A fascinating aspect of the two ancient gates is the phenomenon of Jinbi Jiaohui/金碧交辉, where the shadows from the two gates meet and merge. This happens extremely rarely when the last rays of the sun and the first light of the moon fall on the gates at the same time.

Two other ancient structures are the Eastern and Western Pagodas/东寺塔与西寺塔. These are two historic pagodas located about 200 meters apart in the old part of Kunming. They were originally built in the late 8th century or early 9th century during the Nanzhao Kingdom. The Eastern Pagoda/东寺塔 and the Western Pagoda/西寺塔 were originally built as part of Buddhist temples, and during the Yuan Dynasty, which ruled from 1271-1368, the Eastern Pagoda was destroyed by an earthquake, but later rebuilt. Today, both pagodas are surrounded by small parks where you can enjoy the beautiful and tall pagodas.

There are many other things to see in Kunming, and one of the most popular attractions is Green Lake Park/翠湖公园, located in the heart of the city not far from Jinma Biji Gate. It is a park known for its beautiful lakes, lush gardens and traditional Chinese pavilions. A stroll through the park is a delight and shows why Kunming is the city of spring. In winter, the park attracts thousands of migrating seagulls, creating a beautiful sight for visitors, who can also see many locals practicing tai chi, playing music and enjoying a relaxing day in nature.

Close to Green Lake Park, you can see Yuantong Temple/圆通寺, one of the oldest and most famous Buddhist temples in Kunming. The temple was founded during the Tang Dynasty and has undergone several renovations over the centuries. It is known for its unique architecture, combining elements of both Chinese and Tibetan Buddhism. The temple houses many valuable statues and relics, and it is an important place for both religious ceremonies. At the same time, the temple stands as a very beautifully built complex with many fine facilities that you can enjoy the sight of.

In this part of Kunming you will also find Kunming Zoo/昆明动物园, which is a popular destination for families and animal lovers. The zoo is home to a wide range of animal species, and of course China’s fauna is also represented. For example, you can see pandas, tigers, elephants and many other exotic animals from different parts of the world. Kunming Zoo also has a large botanical garden, where visitors can see rare plants and flowers from all over the world. With several playgrounds and picnic areas, the garden is an ideal place for a day trip with children.

If you would like to learn more about Kunming’s history, a visit to the Yunnan Provincial Museum/云南省博物馆 is a good choice. The museum houses an extensive collection of finds and objects that span Yunnan’s long history from prehistoric times to modern days. In the exhibitions, you can see ancient bronze objects, Buddhist statues, ethnographic artifacts and works of art from various ethnic groups in the region. The museum building opened in 2015 and was designed by Rocco Design Architects. The design combines modern architecture with traditional elements, creating a unique experience.

Kunming is home to Dianchi Lake/滇池, the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan. It naturally constitutes a major recreational asset for the city, and this can be experienced at Daguan Park/昆明市大观公园 at the northern end of the lake. Here you can see the Daguan Pavilion/大观楼, a historic building originally built in the 17th century and known for its long inscription describing the beauty and history of Yunnan. During a visit, you can see the beautiful pavilion and also enjoy a fantastic view of the lake and the surrounding mountains, making Daguan Park a popular place for photography.

Another architectural gem in Kunming is the Guandu Ancient Town/官渡古镇, located a little to the southeast of the city. This historic area is known for its traditional Chinese temples and ancient pagodas, including the famous stone pagoda in Miaozhan Temple. Guandu Ancient Town provides an experience of atmosphere from a bygone era with its narrow streets and old buildings, giving visitors a feeling of stepping back in time, and the neighborhood thus stands as an interesting contrast to modern Kunming.