Johnping

Tuesday, 17 December 2013 15:01

Western Hills, Western Hills Guide, Western Hills Travel Tips, Western Hills Travel Information.

The Western Hills on the West Bank of the Dianchi Lake consist 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 is ' Sleeping Beauty'.

Kunming Western Hills Travel Tips

Admission Fee: CNY20 for the main entrance; Additional CNY30 for Dragon Gate.

Opening Hours: 08:30-18:00

Published in Kunming Attractions Guide

Be the first to comment!

Tuesday, 17 December 2013 14:59

Jiuxiang Cave, Jiuxiang Cave Guide, Jiuxiang Cave Travel Tips, Jiuxiang Cave Travel Information.

Jiuxiang Cave Scenic Region: General Introduction

Jiuxiang Cave Scenic Region is located in Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Autonomous Township of Yiliang County 90 km. away from Kunming. It is famous for its caves, mountains, rivers, deep valleys, minority customs and cultures. It has a mild climate all the year round. Its temperature is similar to that of Kunming and the average temperature throughout the year is 15℃.

Jiuxiang Cave Scenic Region includes six major scenic spots: the Green Shady Valley, the White Elephant Cave, theGoddess Cave, the Lying Dragon, the Bat Cave and the Tourist Cableway. The whole journey is about four kilometers long and the time needed is three hours.

The Green Shady Valley: it is named after its dense plants on each side of the shady river course. It is one kilometer long. Old trees reaching towards the sky and jagged rocks are everywhere on both sides of the valley, and it sends forth a kind of ancient, original, innocent and natural atmosphere. The Green Shady Valley is also called "Lovers' Valley" by the local ethnic Yi people.

The White Elephant Cave: it is named after the white-elephant-shaped cave gate. This large cave contains small caves, gorges, rivers, bridges and one ten-thousand-square meter-large underground hall. So it is also called "Hall-Styled Cave" by some cave experts .With a smooth cave roof and two steep sides, the canyon in the cave is the deepest one in China and its longest drop reaches a hundred meters.

The Goddess Cave: it is said to be the home of immortals and its original name is “Immortals Cave", typical of underground caves. Inside the cave are a good few well-developed, exquisite and beautiful stalactites, which look like pretty fairies welcoming guests. Various names are given to them such as "Fairies Welcoming Guests", "Woman Weaver", "The Fairy Coming out of Bathing", etc. It is a place with various concentrated sights.

The Sleeping Dragon Cave: it is a cave named after a dragon-shaped underground river, the Maitian River, passing through the whole cave. There are two wonderful sights in it: "Lovers' Waterfalls" and " Mysterious Field". The two waterfalls from the high rock of about 30 meters high and then meet in a deep pool of more than 10 meters deep. They look just like two loyal and faithful lovers coming from a distance hand in hand and jumping from the cliff together to die for love. That is also why the waterfall is named "Lovers, Waterfalls". The waterfalls, flowing down and sprinkling water on your face, are quite splendid. In the flood season, the two waterfalls will became one, which looks like a huge yellow dragon coming down from the cliff and produces roaring, deafening sounds. The maximum flow of the waterfall reaches more than 320 cubic meters per second, which ranks first among the cave-waterfalls inChina. "Mysterious Land" is located on a gentle slope on one side in the cave, displaying a picture of ridge after ridge, field after field, and tier after tier. Such a large-scale terraced field seems to vet created by the Omnipotent God. That is the reason why it is named "Mysterious Land". This is the only Karst field in Yunnan Province and it is extremely rare in China.

Jiuxiang Cave Scenic Region Travel Tips

Admission Fee: CNY90

Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00

Published in Kunming Attractions Guide

Be the first to comment!

Tuesday, 17 December 2013 14:58

Stone Forest, Stone Forest Guide, Stone Forest Travel Tips, Stone Forest Travel Information.

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 '

Kunming Stone Forest Travel Tips

Admission Fee: CNY 140

Opening Hours: 08:30-18:00

Published in Kunming Attractions Guide

Be the first to comment!

Tuesday, 17 December 2013 12:37

Kunming Travel Tips, Kunming Travel Advice, Kunming Tour Tips, Kunming Tour Advice.

Kunming is the hometown of the most famous Chinese Muslim voyager Zhenghe who used to lead the largest fleet traveling from China to the current Africa. During his last voyage, Zhenghe performed Hajj. In history, there have been a large Muslim population in Kunming and there are many mosques located in the Muslim communities of Kunming. IslamiChina has summarized the following Kunming Muslim travel tips to our Muslim brothers and sisters to travel Kunming during a short period of time.

Tour Itinerary Planning

For Muslim Business Travelers

If you are in Kunming for a business trip and you have one day free to travel around Kunming, it is recommended that you visit one of the Stone Forest. Then back to the city in the afternoon, you visit the Western Hill where you can have birds-eye-view of the Dianchi Lake. Once tour is over, you may join local Muslims at Shunchengjie Mosque for Salat prayers.

For Muslim Leisure Travelers

3 Days and 2 Nights Kunming Muslim Tour is the best choice for Muslim leisure travelers because this tour itinerary allows you to have enough time to know both Kunming’s culture heritages as well as Muslim heritages. You are not in a hurry to get around Kunming from one place to another. Please check IslamiChina’s Kunming Muslim Tour 3 Days for details.

Accommodations in Kunming

There is no Muslim hotel in Kunming, you may choose to stay at international brand name hotels such as Sheraton, Hilton, Holiday Inns and dine at local Halal restaurants in Kunming.

Halal Restaurants in Kunming

The easiest way to find a Halal restaurant in China is to look for local mosque. Mosque is always located in the center of a Muslim community, no doubt, Halal restaurants can be found around Mosque serving local Halal food. In Kunming, Halal restaurants are also located in other part of the city serving Southeast Asian Cuisine, local Kunming Halal cuisine and Xinjiang Uyghur Cuisine.

Mosques in Kunming

The earliest mosque in Yunnan province is the Nancheng Mosque located at Zhengyi Road in Kunming which was built between 1274 and 1677) in the Yuan Dynasty. It was burnt down and restored twice in the Qing Dynasty. The current mosque, covering an area of 5000 square meters was restored in 1996. The most important collection of this mosque is the woodcut engraving of Koran with 30 volumes and 1946 wood slips which were printed in 1895. Kunming Nancheng Mosque is where Kunming Islamic Association located. Kunming Yongning Mosque was also built in the Yuan Dynasty at the same time when Nancheng Mosque was constructed. Yongning Mosque was last restored in 1898 and it is famous for imam’s education in Yunnan province. Most of imams in Yunnan province are graduates of Yongning Mosque.

Money Exchange

You can exchange traveler's checks or cash at most banks, and most 5-star and 4-star hotels always have a money exchange counter. You can also get a cash advance on your credit card on ATM machine. The exchange rate all over China are the same fixed by Bank of China. To change money, you have to have your passport at hand. If you want to change money in a hotel, you usually have to be a guest there. Sometimes if you are not a guest in a hotel but need to change money there, you can just say a random room number, but this doesn't always work. Remember to keep the exchange slip well because you need this slip to change the Chinese Yuan back to your currency if you do have this need at the end of the tour. At present, the RMB is not exchangeable on the International market, so it is only usable within the country. So when you are changing money, don't change too much, because it is difficult to change back into other currencies. To change RMB back into your home currency, you must retain the exchange slips that are given to you at the bank or money exchange counter.

Published in Kunming Travel Information & Guide

Be the first to comment!

Tuesday, 17 December 2013 12:35

Kunming Buddhist Temples, Kunming Catholic & Christian Church, Kunming Taoist Temples, Kunming Mosques.

Kunming is one of the first historical and cultural cities designated by the State Council. The ancestors of Yunan residents had lived a primitive life here tens of thousands of years ago. Later, agriculture and hunting had been developed by the primitive group here. What’s more, the residents even could spin and weave.

In Bronze Age, this place was the habitat of some Diqiang tribes, and among them Sou Tribe was the major group. Diqiang tribes were ancient nomad groups which scattered in Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai,Sichuan and North Yunnan. The local Daitong groups mixed with the Diqiang groups, which advanced the development of Dianchi region.

During the third century BC, General Zhuang from Chu State built alliance with Sou Tribe and established DianKingdom. Thus, the advanced culture and technology in central plain area were introduced into Dianchi region, which played a positive role in the local development.

In West Han dynasty, the region was subordinated to Yizhou County. Then in Jin and Sui dynasties, it belonged to Ningzhou County. During this period, Dianchi region had become a rich place in the Southwest.

Later in the mid Tang dynasty, Nanzhao State was established in Erhai area. Tuodong City was built on the current Kunming region. The city had become the second important political, economic as well as culture center in Nanzhao State.

Then in Song dynasty, Dali State overthrew Nanzhao State and unifiedYunnan. Tuodong City was improved to Shanchan Prefecture, one of the eight prefectures in Dali. The royal families always lived in Shanchan and built various palaces as well as gardens here. In the late period of Dali State, Shanchan County had become a quite prosperous city in Dianzhong region.

It was in Yuan dynasty that Kunming replaced Dali as the political, economic and cultural center in Yunnan.

Church (Catholic & Christian) in Kunming

St John Gospel Church

Across the road from Starbucks Coffee, behind the bus stop at Nanping Square, along a street called "Auspicious Alley", where shops sell jade, jewelry and anime, there is a white stone Anglican cathedral. Known as the Saint John Gospel Church, this building stands hidden from shoppers, vendors, and moviegoers in a spot it has occupied for nearly one hundred years.

The St John Church holds four services a week, on Saturdays and Sundays, and its pews can seat 1,400 people. Today, it is officially a Protestant church, although the building's history has deep ties to the Church of England.

In 1913, an Englishman named Dr Gordon Thompson arrived in Kunming with a small group of Anglican missionaries, aiming to set up a small hospital. The group took up residence in a courtyard at 96 Dongfeng Xi Lu. Two years later, the courtyard was torn down to construct a one-room church, seating 100 people, that Dr Thompson christened 'St John's'.

So reads the bronze placard entitled "Saint John Gospel Church", which summarizes the church's past for all passersby — that is, those who can read to the bottom, where the words are blocked by a large potted plant.

The placard continues: "In 1948, the mud and wood structure was replaced by a larger brick structure." In fact, according to the book Anglicans in China, St John's was destroyed in World War II and rebuilt to commemorate Allied soldiers who died in the war. An online source claims that the ashes of seventeen Flying Tigers pilots — two Britons, one Swede, and 14 Americans — once hung in packets on the walls of the church as a monument.

The ashes are long gone, but another bronze placard notes in Chinese and English, "For the Worship of God. In Memory of Allied Soldiers who Died in China. 1939-1945." This placard might be easily missed, since it is also blocked by a potted plant.

Buddhist Temples in Kunming

Yuantong Temple

With a history of more than 1200 years, Yuantong Temple is the grandest and most important Buddhist temple in Yunnan Province. King Yimouxun of the Nanzhao Kingdom built the temple in late eighth century. The restorations from the Qing Dynasty onward has not changed the unique mixed architectural style of the Yuan and Ming Dynasties.

Unlike all other Buddhist temples, you enter Yuantong Temple from above and descend along a gently sloping garden path. A memorial archway with four Chinese characters is standing halfway. The temple complex is built around Yuantong Hall, which is surrounded by a very large pond. A delicate stone bridge which has an elegant octagonal pavilion stands in the center and connects the hall and the temple entrance. The pavilion is connected to the rest of the complex by various bridges and walkways.

Sakyamuni, Amitabha and the Medicine Buddha, all Yuan Dynasty statues, are found in the main hall. The surrounding 500 Buddhist Arhats which are carved in the walls are noted for their perfect proportions and lively appearances. Also in this temple hall are two ten meter high pillars from the Ming Dynasty that are each engraved with a dragon trying to extend their bodies and claws into the air. Outside, on each side of the main hall, there are stone staircases carved out of the mountainside and wind their way to the top of the hill. There are ancient inscriptions along the way and various stone artworks considered the most important historical relics in Kunming. From the top of the stairs, you are presented with a terrific panoramic view of the entire complex. In 1982, Thai Buddhists sent a 3.5-meter-high copper statue of Sakyamuni, which is now placed in the Copper Buddha Hall combining Chinese and Thai styles.

Surrounding the temple pond are a series of halls where you will find old women praying, people sitting and chatting, ongoing classes in Buddhist scriptures, a magnificent calligraphy studio, an exhibit of temple photographs, a temple shop, a restaurant, and more.

Yuantong Temple is a real working temple. Buddhists from many different countries come here on pilgrimages to pay homage. There are special Buddhist services two times each month, and the Buddhist Association of Yunnan Province is also located here, making it a center of Buddhism in Yunnan.

Tanhua Temple

Built in 1634. According to historical records, before the temple was erected, there had been a thatched shack where Shi Shiqiao, a scholar of the Ming Dynasty, buried himself in books. Shi Tai, grandson of Shi Shiqiao, donated the estate for the shack whereon the temple was built.

In the backyard there was an epiphyllum tree, which is called tanhua in Chinese, hence the name. The temple went through many renovations during the Qing Dynasty. It is well-known for its flowers and plants. It has been a scenic spot for more than three hundred years, and an epitome of Kunming, the Flower City of the Southern Frontier. The epiphyllum tree was planted in the side court of the depository of Buddhist Scriptures. There is a stone tablet on which four characters are carved The Epiphyllum Brings Luck. After the erection of the temple, the original epiphyllum withered and died. The epiphyllum now standing taller than the eaves of the temple sprang from the root of the original one at the beginning of the Qing Dynasty, and is about three hundred years old. It bursts into flowers in mid-summer. The big loquat tree in the backyard is said to have been planted in the early Ming Dynasty.

In the South Garden there are flowers and rockeries with winding paths among the flowers and the zigzagging corridor surround the Lotus Pond, where you can watch fish. The East Garden is shaded by tall cedars and cypresses and include seven smaller gardens and a Children's Playground.

In recent years, the old temple has resumed its original grandeur. It has become one of the most famous scenic spots in Kunming.

Qiongzhu Temple

An amazing work of art hidden in a temple several kilometers up in the mountains encircling Kunming. For the most part, it is a normal temple, but in one room, there is a series of sculptures that is an incredible work of art. A mixture of life-like figures in totally fantastical positions (man whose eyebrows grow down to the floor, monks riding giant fish), this is some trippy artwork that is worth the trip.

Mosques (Masjid) in Kunming

Kunming Nancheng Mosque

Nancheng Mosque in the largest mosque in the city. The Nancheng Mosque was first built in Tang Dynasty(618-907) and was rebuilt for many times in Qing Dynasty(1644-1911). The appearance of the mosque was affected by the Buddhist culture, showing the architectural style of Chinese temples.

The existing temple was rebuilt in 1996, which covers an area of 2,557 square meters. The major constructions are the Chaozhen hall, Xuanli tower and Muslim Building. The Chaozhen hall is a three-floor building, covering an area of 1,200 square meters. In front of the hall is the courtyard. Both south and north side of the courtyard are the wing-rooms. The east of the courtyard is a nine-floor Muslim building, which covers an area of 5,800 square meters. The Xuanli tower is 9 meters high. The temple has keeping a large number of Islamic classics and books.

Address: 18 Zhengyi Road, Wuhua District, Kunming, Yunnan

Kunming Chongde Mosque

Kunming Chongde Mosque is a five-floor Arabic-style building, which covers an area of 2,500 square meters. The first and the second floors are lent out for business use. The kitchen, water house and living room are set up in the third floor. The female hall and guest house are in the fourth floor. The male hall is in the fifth floor. Besides, there is a garden in the top floor.

Chongde Mosque is a new type masque in design and has become a scenic spot in Jinbi District.

Address: crossing of Dongsi Steet and Jinbi Road, Kunming, Yunnan

Kunming Shuncheng Street Mosque

The Kunming Shuncheng Street Mosque is one of the most famous masques in China. It was first built in the first year (1425) of Hongxi, Ming Dynasty(1368-1644) and was rebuilt and enlarged for many times in Qing Dynasty(1644-1911). The existing temple covers an area of 10,000 square meters. The major constructions are the prayer hall, pair halls, wing-rooms, guest house, dining hall and other facilities. In the yard, the pine sand cypress are planted around the building.

The Mosque is the headquarter of Islamic Association in Yunnan Province.

Address: Dunren Lane, Shuncheng Street, Kunming, Yunnan

Kunming Yongning Mosque

The Yongning Mosque was first built in Yuan Dynasty(1271-1368). The existing temple was rebuilt in the 24th year (1898) of Guangxu, Qing Dynasty(1644-1911).

The layout of the temple is a quadrangle courtyard. Entering the gate is a spacious yard. The prayer hall covers an area of 200 square meters. In front of the hall is the Juanpeng-style porch. Opposite the hall are the wing-rooms, which service as the rest room for the praying Muslim people. In the sides of the hall are the meeting room and teaching room. The temple is small in scale, but it attracts many Muslim people to do prayer here. Many imams from other masques in Yunnan come here for learning.

Address: West Section of Jinbi Road, Kunming, Yunnan

Kunming Jinniu Street Mosque

The Jinniu Street Mosque was first built by Hui people in Yuan Dynasty(1271-1368). It was rebuilt and enlarged for many times. The existing temple is the only one well-preserved Chinese architectural-style mosques in Yunan Province. The prayer hall is a combination of wooden and concrete building, which can hold 200 people to do prayer. The Masque has become one of the most popular masques in China and attracts many none-Muslim visitors every year. It is a good window to know Islamic religion, culture, history,customs and civilized life.

Address: 41 Jinniu Street, Panlong District, Kunming

Kunming Yixigong Mosque

The Yixigong Mosque was first built in 1898 and has gone through winds and storms. It is one of the places for Muslim people to hold religious activities. The temple is standing in the center of Kunming. It attracts a great number of home and abroad Muslim people coming here to take part in the religious activities.

Address: 4 Nanchang Street, Wuhua District, Kunming, Yunnan

Published in Kunming Travel Information & Guide

Be the first to comment!

Tuesday, 17 December 2013 12:32

Night Life in Kunming, Entertainment in Kunming, Kunming Night Activities, Kunming Night Life Guide.

As a famous tour city, Kunming does not only provide charming attractions, it also prepares rich and colorful nightlife for its honored visitors. During the evening, visitors here can wander along the Kunming Night Market to enjoy those extraordinary local tea houses or buy some local boutiques. Or visitors can go to lively bars & pubs for enjoying ethnic performance and famous modern music.

Dynamic Yunnan

Dynamic Yunnan, a grand song and dance performance of southwestern ethnic style choreographed and performed by Yangliping, the central performer and director. This performance is split into seven scenes, each with a different theme; namely moon, forests, clouds, sun, feathers, mountains and fire.

The most special feature of Dynamic Yunnan is that: 75 percent of the performers are local peasant farmers Yang discovered in outlying villages of Yunnan, and what's more, most of them are from ethnic groups including Yi, Miao, Tibetan, Dai, and Bai. This performance has been reputed as an outstanding innovation on the Chinese stage in recent years. Sitting in the wonderful theatre, you can enjoy rich performances about Yunnan’s ethnic culture, which will bring you come to a higher cultural level.

Appendix: Visitor can enjoy the performance in some theaters in Kunming.

Kunming Bars & Pubs

After finishing a whole day's of visiting sights, the most exciting thing to do is immerse oneself into the vibrant night life of Kunming: when darkness falls, a whole new world of entertainment appears on the streets; various night-time venues , especially bars & pubs start actively from this moment on. Take Face to Face Coffee House as a typical example, this is a very famous bars run by a famous local painter and full of cultural atmosphere.

Sitting quiet and sipping a cup of coffee here, you'll also have the chance to talk with artists, view and admire the host's work. If lucky enough, you will have chance to enjoy art exhibits and discussion on Friday. Here’re other famous bars & pubs for your night entertainment, like West Street Bar (on Wenlin Road) and Yihuchun Tea House (on Cuihu South Road).

Kundu Night Market

Located right beside the Yunnan University, Kundu Night Market is simply the biggest night spots of Kunming. For those people resident in Kunming who is enthusiastic about nightlife, Kundu night market will be the most familiar to them. The area consists of a few streets, full of bars, discos, night clubs, and live music place. It is a place that concentrates on dinning, tourism, shopping as well as culture. Walking on this street, visitors can find many distinctive teahouses, special coffee houses, Internet bar, and colorfully local snacks for every taste, etc. aiming at different kinds of people. It is a place that concentrates on dinning, tourism, shopping as well as culture. It is said that Kundu Night Market is the best place for buying high quality and inexpensive boutiques.

The Hump Pub

With a full bar and posters of American pop and movie stars, the Hump attracts highly budget-conscious backpackers rather than regular independent travelers. For more sophisticated venues, try some of the bars around Green Lake. The place provides an ideal holiday resort for our foreign friends.

Add: Jinbi Road, Kunming

Tel: 0871/364-4197

Hours: open noon-2am or till last customer

Speakeasy

Speakeasy, one of the most popular bars in Kunming, attracts large crowds every night. Speakeasy locates in a basement below an internet cafe. It has been one of the only places to go in Kunming for years, especially for live music and parties and it is still hard to find a more genuine bar feel anywhere in China.The special features are pool tables, a stage for live music and a dance floor which is often full at weekends. Besides, there're DJs playing various kinds of music throughout the week. Such vigorous and interesting environment is the ideal place for people keen on jollification, especially young people.

Add: 445 Dongfeng Xi Lu Kunming, Yunnan

Tel: (0871)5327047

Dynamic Yunnan

If you don't want to bars and clubs, there is a good advice for you to visit Yunnan Dianju Theater for enjoying Dynamic Yunnan. Or you can go to Yunnan Provincial Arts Performance Hall, where Chinese and foreign movies are shown. Sometimes there are Yunnan Opera being performed, but you must call ahead for performances and dates. Besides, you can go to the best theater in Kunming-- Yunnan Modern Drama Theater. Sitting in these wonderful places, you can enjoy rich performances about Yunnan's ethnic culture, which will bring you come to a higher cultural level.

Yunnan Dianju Theater

Add: No.276 Dongsi Road, Kunming (Hours: Sundays)

Yunnan Provincial Arts Performance Hall

Add: No.81 West Dongfeng Road, Kunming

Yunnan Modern Drama Theater

Add: No.27 Yanhe Road, Kunming (Hours: 8:00pm-11:00pm)

Published in Kunming Travel Information & Guide

Be the first to comment!

Tuesday, 17 December 2013 12:31

Kunming Shopping, Shopping in Kunming, Kunming Shopping Guide, Things to Buy in Kunming.

With as many as 26 ethnic minorities inhabiting in Yunnan province, Kunming, the capital city is a melting pot of different cultures, religions and colorful lifestyles. Consequently, the local products in Kunming all have rich cultural features, such as Tongpa, Dai Brocade, and Wax Dyeing etc. When shopping in Kunming, you can understand different lifestyles of these various ethnic groups. Among various kinds of Chinese tea, Pu'er Tea which is produced in Yunnan is famous for its fragrance. As a historically famous tea, it can warm the stomach, reduce fat and uplift spirits. Yunnan is the original place of the famous tea. If you are interest in ethnic customs, the local products should not be missed on your shopping route.

Dai Nationality Brocade

Dai Nationality Brocade is an ancient traditional textile handicraft popular among the Dai people. Every Dai woman is good at weaving it. It is fa-mous for its exquisite weaving, elegant pattern, bright color, beautiful presentation, durability and strong ethnic styles.

Handicrafts Woven Out of Bamboo Strips

The Dai people have been tightly bound to bamboo ever since an-cient times. Therefore, they are very good at weaving handicrafts out of bamboo strips. The Dai people live in a world of bamboo. Most of their houses are built among green bamboo trees. They live in bamboo hous-es and use self-made bamboo products.

Jianshui Violet Pottery

Jianshui Violet Pottery has a long history. According to textual re-search, there was black pottery in the Song Dynasty, blue flower pot-tery in the Yan Dynasty, rough pottery in the Ming Dynasty and violet pottery in the Qing Dynasty. Jianshui Violet Pottery has a manufacturing history of at least 900 years.

Yunnan Pu’er Tea

Pu'er Tea refers to loose tea and compact tea made of primary big-leaf tea of Yunnan Province by pile fermentation or long-term natural seasoning. Among various kinds of tea, Pu'er Tea is famous for its fragrance. As a historically famous tea, it can warm the stomach, reduce fat and uplift spirits. Yunnan is the original place of the famous tea. The special processing technique endows the tea with the characteristic of storage.

Published in Kunming Travel Information & Guide

Be the first to comment!

Tuesday, 17 December 2013 12:30

Dining in Kunming, Kunming Cuisine, Restaurants in Kunming, Kunming Dining Guide.

The variety of Kunming cuisine never fails to satisfy hungry travelers. It really is a "crossroads" featuring dishes from all over Yunnan. The feature of Kunming cuisine is a perfect blend of sour and spicy flavors, made from the minority 's century-old traditional recipes. With the high humidity and mild temperatures, there is an abundance of fruits and vegetables all year round easily available throughout the city and often used as the staple for local delicacies. The several hundred types of edible mushrooms are used as side dishes, seasonings, main ingredients, and meat substitutes. Lotus root, peas, bamboo shoots, garlic, onion, and other light greens are also commonly used.

Local Specialties:

Steaming-Pot Chicken

The secret of this famous local dish is the unique design of Kunming 's clay pot: the pot has a shape of water chestnut with a hollow central tube that is the same height of the pot. After chopped chicken, ginger, salt, and other ingredients are added in; this pot is placed in a larger pot filled with boiling water. Then the steam will come out from the central tube to warm the soup in the first pot. In this way, the chicken will be very tender and cooked without damaging its original flavor.

Braised Jizong in Soy Sauce

One of the most prized mushrooms in Kunming, jizong is popular because of its chicken-like taste. The following steps are used to make it: Wash it thoroughly; dry by airing; cut it into pieces. Next chop chili and tenderloin pieces. Marinate the tenderloin and Jizong pieces in egg white, starch and salt mixture; then fry in hot oil. Finally, braise the Jizong and tenderloin pieces with garlic, ginger and shallot. Drizzle sesame oil on a plate, place braised pieces on oil.

Kunming Bittern Duck

This is a top choice among tourists. Fresh duck from Dianshi Lake is served in a thick golden sauce. Besides its great taste, it is said to be very healthy.

Guo Qiao Rice Noodles

The most famous of all Yunnan food is Guo Qiao rice noodles (literally "Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles "). Rice noodles are made by soaking, steaming and grinding. The process for cooking and eating these rice noodles is quite special. First, make soup with chicken, ham, and bones; ladle the soup in a big bowl, and put some chick fat on the surface. Then heat the fresh meat slices, chicken slices, hams, pig liver slices, fish slices, bean curd, and pea sprouts. Finally, scald the rice noodles prepared in the hot soup and they are ready to eat. Most tables will have plenty of sauces available from which you can pick your favorite kind to add for even more flavor.

Xuanwei Ham

Produced in Xuanwei County in northeast Yunnan, Yunnan Ham is reputed as one of the three most famous types of hams in China. It features small bones, thin skins, rich flesh, tender meat, fragrant aroma, and beautiful color. The preservatives allow it to be kept for a long time without spoiling.

Roasted Bean Curd

Roasted bean curd is a favorite local snack. It can be bought at the night market, but he best is made in Shiping County and Jianshui County. Made from high quality soybeans, the bean curd smell often turns people off, but many consider it to be quite tasty. Roasted on a steel net by a charcoal fire, and seasoned with spiced salt water, hot pepper powder, and Chinese ash oil, the snack is crisp and fresh.

Rice Cake

During the Spring Festival, people in Kunming are accustomed to eating rice cakes. Sliced, and mixed with ham slices, pickled vegetables, and hot peppers, before being fried with pig fat and seasoned with sugar and sauce, the rice cakes are a traditional delicacy. They are soft, and tasty. Rice cakes can be fried, boiled, stewed, or roasted and each way produces its own unique flavor.

Best Dining Areas：

Bei Da Men Food Street

Taste food and beverages from every corner of China as themed provincial restaurants are lined up one after another along this eater 's paradise. Snack vendors dish out bowls full of Guo Qiao Rice Noodles and goat cheese. Relatively few international restaurants grace the area, however, and those looking for some American food or French should check out Cuihu for a wider range of options.

Xingyuan Road Food Street

Xingyuan isn't so much a food street as it is a cluster of famous Dian cuisine restaurants. Ten or so well-known Yunnan and minority eateries serve up all the southern Chinese food you can handle. It 's a perfect for those who want to get as much of Kunming cuisine as they can in a limited stay.

Dianchi Road Food Street

Once known only for its proliferation of high-end seafood joints, Dianchi Road Food Street has now given birth to a couple of ethnic restaurants that have done pretty well and attracted a lot of diners. AiNi Mountain Villa is an American-owned Dai cuisine restaurant offering tangy dishes that will make your mouth water for more.

Guanshang Wild Mushroom Street

Guanshang is features a fabulous variety of restaurants, each one spcializing in dishes made from wild mushrooms and rare fungi. These dishes are considered to have many helpful medicinal properties.

Cuihu (Green Lake) Area

This thriving hotel, dining, and entertainment district is brimming with restaurants from every corner of the globe. Surrounding the aquamarine lake are a number of international eateries serving pizza, salads, burgers, pasta, wine, and coffee. This is definitely the place to go for those who want the familiar taste of home.

Best Recommendation:

Qiao Xiangyuan Restaurant

Delicious Over The Bridge Rice NoodlesOver The Bridge Rice Noodles in Qiao Xiangyuan Restaurant

Qiao Xiangyuan is a large, upmarket restaurant chain with outlets conveniently located all over the city as well as in the surrounding suburbs and villages. The Qiao Xiangyuan restaurant chain specializes in serving local Kunming/ Yunnan dishes, and is renowned for its friendly and attentive service as well as its pleasant dining atmosphere. The restaurant chain has slowly built up a solid reputation among Kunming's gourmet diners as well as among tourists. Two of its popular dishes are Over the Bridge Rice Noodles and Steam Pot Chicken. In addition, local artists regularly perform in the restaurant's main banquet hall, which adds an extra cultural dimension to the dining experience at a Qiao Xiangyuan restaurant.

Jinbichun Restaurant

Jinbichun Restaurant is a very old hotel restaurant with a venerable history stretching back more than a hundred years. Jinbichun Restaurant serves authentic Yunnan dishes in an atmosphere that is quintessentially Chinese. The hotel building is in the form of a Shiheyuan-courtyard (the Shiheyuan-courtyard originated in Beijing, but is found elsewhere in China), with a gray, brick outer wall inside which is a large, cobblestone courtyard. If you are looking for a traditional Chinese dining experience, this is where you will find it.

Address: No. 5 Dahuajiao Alley, Dongshi Street, Kunming

Opening Hours: Daily, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 PM

World Expo Jixing Yuan Restaurant

World Expo Jixing Yuan Restaurant is a large and luxuriously-appointed restaurant that serves local Yunnan cuisine in a more contemporary, informal atmosphere. The food is excellent, the service professional and courteous, and the atmosphere is relaxed. As with many other restaurants in Kunming, local musicians regularly perform in the main dining hall of World Expo Jixing Yuan Restaurant.

Address: No. 431 Bailong Road, Kunming

Opening Hours: Daily, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 PM

Published in Kunming Travel Information & Guide

Be the first to comment!

Tuesday, 17 December 2013 12:29

Getting around in Kunming, Kunming Traffic, Kunming Transportation, Kunming Transport Information.

Kunming is an important transport hinge in West China and also a country-level port city linking China with the countries in Southeast Asia. Kunming International Airport offers over a hundred lines, including international lines as well as domestic lines. It connectsKunming with most cities in China, including Hongkong, Macao andTaiwan and some countries in Asia. The highway system in Kunming is quite convenient and practical. There are seven long distance passenger stations which offer regular interprovincial buses toSichuan, Guizhou, Guangxi and so on. As to the railway station, it is only 2 kilometers away from the city proper. There are four major lines, namely, Gui-Kun Railway, Cheng-Kun Railway, Nan-Kun Railway and Kun-He Railway. Besides, this station also offers provincial lines to Shilin, Yuxi, and Dali etc.

Getting to Kunming by Air

Kunming Wujiaba International Airport is located on the south of Kunming City. It is 5 kilometers from Kunming City and 3 kilometers away from the Railway Station. At present, this airport has opened 48 airlines, including 2 regional lines to Hong Kong and Macao as well as 8 lines within Yunnan Province.

Getting to Kunming by Train

Kunming Station plays an important role in Yunnan railway transportation net. Gui-Kun, Cheng-Kun, Nan-Kun and Kun-He railway lines link Kunming with other cities in China as well as Hanoi in Vietnam. Due to the complicated landforms in Yunnan area, it will take visitors much more time by taking a train. However, visitors can appreciate the beautiful sights along the road, which can make your journey more interesting.

Getting to Kunming by Long Distance Bus

At present, the road traffic in Kunming is very convenient. The road system links Kunming with cities in and out of Yunnan Province even with Vietnam and Myanmar. There are many passenger stations in Kunming, which have regular destinations. However, the prime stations are Nanyao Passenger Station, Xiyuan Passenger Station and Dongzhan Passenger. They have more regular destinations and better service.

Getting around Kunming by City Bus

There are over 50 bus lines in Kunming City, which cover almost everywhere in the urban area, including the major streets, scenic spots and so on. Most of the buses are automated collection buses and the price is 1 yuan per person. It is a rule that customers should get on from the front door and off from the back door.

Getting around Kunming by Taxi

Taking a taxi is a fast way to travel around Kunming City. The car models include Santana, Jetta and Red Flag etc. Generally speaking, the transportation conditions within Kunming City are not so busy. The roads here are neat and wide. The traffic jam only happens during the rush hour. The complaint telephone number is 0871-3312533.

Published in Kunming Travel Information & Guide

Be the first to comment!

Tuesday, 17 December 2013 12:28

Weather & Climate in Kunming, Kunming Climate & Weather, Kunming Climate & Weather Guide, Kunming Climate & Weather Information.

Without rigid cold in winter and severe hot in summer, Kunming City is dubbed as “the City of Spring”. Controlled by temperate plateau monsoon climate, the annually average temperature is about 15℃, the average temperature of the hottest month is 19℃～22℃, and the average temperature of the coldest month is 6℃～8℃ in Kunming.

The daily temperature difference is great in Kunming. In the two seasons of spring and winter, the daily temperature difference reaches 12～20℃. So a sweater or coat is a must when you travel toKunming. In rainy days, the temperature falls quickly, so you'd better take a parka with you.

Published in Kunming Travel Information & Guide

Be the first to comment!

Name:	*
User name:	*
Email:	*
Password:	*
Confirm password:	*
Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

Grand China Travel

Western Hills, Western Hills Guide, Western Hills Travel Tips, Western Hills Travel Information.

Jiuxiang Cave, Jiuxiang Cave Guide, Jiuxiang Cave Travel Tips, Jiuxiang Cave Travel Information.

Stone Forest, Stone Forest Guide, Stone Forest Travel Tips, Stone Forest Travel Information.

Kunming Travel Tips, Kunming Travel Advice, Kunming Tour Tips, Kunming Tour Advice.

Kunming Buddhist Temples, Kunming Catholic & Christian Church, Kunming Taoist Temples, Kunming Mosques.

Night Life in Kunming, Entertainment in Kunming, Kunming Night Activities, Kunming Night Life Guide.

Kunming Shopping, Shopping in Kunming, Kunming Shopping Guide, Things to Buy in Kunming.

Dining in Kunming, Kunming Cuisine, Restaurants in Kunming, Kunming Dining Guide.

Getting around in Kunming, Kunming Traffic, Kunming Transportation, Kunming Transport Information.

Weather & Climate in Kunming, Kunming Climate & Weather, Kunming Climate & Weather Guide, Kunming Climate & Weather Information.

China Destinations A-Z

Harbin Travel Information & Guide

Harbin Attractions Guide