Yunnan Tourism - sightseeing in Kunming

I. Stone Forest : ( A national grade scenic and tourist spot )

Located in Lunan County, The Stone Forest is known as the " First Wonder of the World " for its natural landscape. It is 86 km southeast of Kunming where a high - grade road extends to the park entrance.

" If you have visited Kunming without seeing the stone forest, you have wasted your time " warns a local saying, expressing the deep love of the local people toward this natural wonder. The quintessential karst landscape leaves every tourist lost in wonder.

As you wander though the Stone Forest, you will be surrounded by the rising stone peaks, layer after layer of green hills, and the wide -spread stone peaks of the forest. What a strange stone world this is! The scenery of " Figure of Ashima ", " Shi Ba Xiang Song " ( originated from a Chinese love story " Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai " ) and " Lotus peak " greatly astonish visitors; the scenic spots " One Piece of Thread Sky " , " Close Call ", and " Sword Peak Pond " are all miraculous. You will be astonished by the unique peaks and strange caves, by the Flying-Down Mountain Spring, and by Plateau lake. All these wonders combine to present you with a picture of astounding natural beauty.

In addition, to the parks natural beauty there are also a number of other cultural attractions which will greatly enhance the enjoyment of the trip as well as increasing your knowledge of the regions rich heritage. Some of the main attractions include: the colorful ethnic cultures and ancient folklore of the Stone Forest, the amazing legends of " Ashima ", the " Torchlight Festival " of the Sani people on June 24 of each year, and of course the warm and spirited Yi nationality dance " Axi Dance Under Moonlight "

There are daily tours leaving Kunming sometime between 7 and 8 am. The bus takes about 2 hours each way at a cost of 40 RMB. Admission to the Stone Forest is another CNY 33.

II. Jindian ( Golden Temple ) Park :

The park, covering more than 2,000 mu and located on the Mingfeng Mountain seven kilometers Northeast of Kunming, is a national forest reserve.

The park features breathtaking natural scenery interspersed with sites of historical interest and man-made gardens. The park is frequented by Kunming residents as a beautiful getaway and will also be the site of the ' 99 International Horticultural Exposition.

On Mingfeng Mountain stands the exquisite and serene Golden Temple. 6.7 metres tall and 7.8 metres wide, the temple was cast from 250 tons of solid bronze. It is the largest bronze hall in China.

To go to the Golden Temple, take Bus 10 from the North Railway Station.

III. Yunnan Ethnic Villages :

villages.jpg (14513 bytes) Yunnan Ethnic Villages, situated six kilometers south of Kunming, is a 2,000 mu theme park situated on the south shore of Dianchi Lake and to the west of the famous Western Mountains Scenic Area.

The famous historical and cultural city of Kunming is located to the north of the villages. Each of the 26 recognized ethnic minorities of Yunnan will have a village built on the premises. There will also be a commemorative square built which will symbolize the unity between the ethnic groups, a theatre for the performance of ethnic songs and dances, a folklore museum, and a museum of ethnic waxworks. When completed, the Yunnan Ethnic Villages will serve to represent Yunnan as a culturally rich and ethnically diverse province. The park will also feature an immense garden in the tradition of ancient Chinese horticultural and landscaping.

Haigeng Park, a National Sport Training Base, is only two kilomeyers away from the Minority Nationalities Park.

Bus 44 in the railway station square as well as various minibuses travel to the Yunnan Minority Nationality Park.

IV. Western Mountains Forest Reserve :

The forest reserve on the West Bank of the Dianchi Lake consists of the Huating, Taihua and Luohan mountains, which together extend for more than 40 kilometers at an average altitude of 2,500 meters above sea level. This is a colossal natural forest reserve in the midst of a lofty mountain range crisscrossed by babbling brooks and gurgling streams. Ancient trees are adorned with thick, lush foliage and birds chirp and flutter in the green treetops.

Viewed from the Southeast corner of Kunming, the entire forest reserve looks like a beautiful maiden reclining leisurely by Dianchi Lake, her long hair drifting in the placid water. Hence the nickname of the Western Mountains Forest Reserve, " Sleeping Beauty".

Special tourist buses near the Dianchi Cinema and the Fine Arts Opera House can provide you with convenient transportation to the top of the hills.

V. Qiongzhu Si ( Bamboo Temple ) :

This Tang Dynasty temple is twelve Km Northwest of the city. The current structure is not that old, however, because after burning down in the 15th century it had to be rebuilt in a major renovation stretching between 1833 and 1850. During this process approximately 500 life-size sculptures of Buddhist Arhats were cast and painted.

Admission is CNY 10. At the Dianchi Cinema and at the entrance of the Yunnan Hotel, you can take the tourist bus to the Bamboo Temple.

VI. Dianchi Lake & Daguan Park :

The Dianchi Lake, 370 square kilometers in area, 44 meters deep, and 1,885 meters in elevation, is the eighth largest lake in China and the largest in Yunnan Province. Because of its exceptional charms the lake is nicknamed " Sparkling Pearl Imbedded in a Highland ". Its shores are dotted with scenes of rich scenic beauty and areas of historical significance.

Sailing on the lake proves a most enchanting experience with the boat swaying gently on a vast surface of liquid silver. At night, the moon casts a hazy glow over the lake, and the silence of the scene is broken only by the gentle sigh of a refreshing breeze.

Known for having the longest antithetical couplet in China, the Grand View Park, also called Daguan Park, is found within walking distance from the Western Hills. It shares Dianchi Lake with the Western Hills, which are on the opposite shore. The total area, including both water and land, is approximate 60 Ha.

Sightseeing in Kunming

I. Stone Forest : ( A national grade scenic and tourist spot )

II. Jindian ( Golden Temple ) Park :

III. Yunnan Ethnic Villages :

IV. Western Mountains Forest Reserve :

V. Qiongzhu Si ( Bamboo Temple ) :

VI. Dianchi Lake & Daguan Park :