Kunming is the capital of Yunnan Province in China. Known in China as the City of Eternal Spring, Kunming is at an almost-tropical latitude but with a 2000 m altitude, which gives it a very temperate climate. However, in winter it has been known to snow, so if visiting in December–February, pack warm. Also, when it rains - it's cold.

The air is also quite clean compared to cities. The population of the prefecture of Kunming was close to 8.5 million in 2020, and the city is expanding rapidly, with numerous highways and modern buildings. Largely because of the fine climate, flower-growing is a major industry; tourist attractions include flower exhibits and auctions and a huge botanical garden.

In addition to its own charms, Kunming serves as a base from which to explore Yunnan province. Some routes to or from Kunming are described in Hong Kong to Kunming overland. The most popular route within Yunnan runs north and west from Kunming and is described in the Yunnan tourist trail. Kunming is also the jumping-off point for trips to the tropical paradise area Xishuangbanna down in southern Yunnan near the Laotian border.

Kunming is one of the most important transport hubs of Southwest China. It is well connected to the rest of China by road, rail, and air and also has good air links to Southeast Asia and a few outsides of the region, such as flights to Kolkata.

Some historic routes no longer exist. The old French-built railway to Vietnam is no longer in service, but a new railway along a similar route (Kuning to Hekou North), with regular passenger service, has been opened to replace it. There are also buses along that route, and a new bullet train link all the way to Singapore via Vientiane is perennially under discussion. The Burma Road, which terminated in Kunming, no longer exists but there are newer and better roads over much of that route and rail over some of it.

The area is known for the Yi people, an ethnic minority prevalent in and around Kunming. Especially at popular tourist sites, you may see people dressed in traditional Yi garb and selling handicrafts or showing off local dances.

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Reference: Wiki Voyage

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