The Top Attractions of Kunming
Kunming, located on the Yunnan Plateau and the northern end of Dian Lake, is known as "The City of Spring" thanks to its temperate climate. It enjoys a protected location thanks to the mountains that surround it on three sides and the lake, located south of the metropolis. In this article we introduce the iconic places of Kunming, such as Stone Forest, West Hill and Dragon Gate, Daguanlou Park, Jingxing Street Flower and Bird Market, etc.
The Stone Forest is a notable set of limestone formations located in Shilin County in Yunnan Province, approximately 86 km from Kunming. The tall rocks seem to rise from the ground like stalagmites and many look like petrified trees that together create the illusion of a forest made of stone. Since 2007 two parts of the site, Naigu Stone Forest and Suogeyi Village, have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the South China Karst. Here tourists have the opportunity to find animals, plants and even human figures. Some are imposing, others are magnificent and each one is realistic with their own distinctive characteristics. Without a doubt, the stone forest is the emblematic place of Kunming.
West Hill, located on the west bank of Kunming's Dianchi Lake, is nestled in mountains well covered with forests and full of sweet songs of lovely birds. With more than 2,500 meters above sea level, also known as Pico Verde Mountain, refers to a range of five straight mountains more than 40 kilometers. Seen from afar, its undulating horizon resembles a graceful young woman sleeping on her back, hence the name “sleeping beauty.” Lush trees and bamboos establish Huating Temple, Taihua Temple, Sanqing Monastery and Dragon Gate. It is said that once you ascend to the Dragon Gate, you will receive great success in your prestige. If the carp can jump over the prey, they will turn into dragons.
In 1696, Wang Jiwen, governor of Yunnan, carried out a large -scale construction of a two -story pavilion. Ponds were excavated, embankments were built and trees and flowers were planted. With a good view of the waters and hills in the distance, and of the sailboats and trees in the mist, the pavilion was named Daguan Pavilion, meaning Great View. In recent years, the Daguan pavilion was twice reduced to ruins by wars and floods. In 1883, Chen Yuying, governor of Yunnan and Guizhou provinces, ordered the monk Xingtian to undertake the renovation of the pavilion, which has remained intact since then. Since the Daguan pavilion was built, men of letters come from afar and near the country have often gathered here, composing and reciting poems. During the last two hundred or three hundred years, many excellent works and poems have been created. Entre ellos, la Larga Copla escrita por Sun Rangweng ha gozado durante muchos años de la más alta reputación en todo el mundo. El Parque Daguan se ha hecho famoso gracias a la Larga Copla de Sun Rangweng.
The Birds and Flowers Market on Jingxing Street, located on Yongdao Street in the city center, is undoubtedly the best presentation card that can show the charm in Kunming. El mercado destaca por su deslumbrante variedad de flores, pájaros, peces, insectos, antigüedades, joyas y artesanías. Since the birdxing birds and flowers market opened more than 30 years ago, it has become a mature visiting place with a huge number of flowers. Muchos tipos de orquídeas, diversas camelias, narcisos, azaleas, rosas, begonias, etc. decoran este mercado hasta convertirlo en un paraíso muy luminoso y colorido con refrescante fragancia. In addition, in the street you can see different species of birds, such as parrots, capuchin, torders and other types that have never been seen, which provides a specially pleasant sound for the ears during the visit to Kunming.
