Dianchi Lake, formerly known as Diannanze and also known as Kunming Lake, is crescent-shaped and sits at an altitude of 1,886 meters. Its waters flow through the Pudu River into the Jinsha River, making it China's sixth-largest inland freshwater lake. Dozens of peaks, large and small, surround the lake, framing it with the sun and clouds. Throughout the day, the scenery changes endlessly, creating a vibrant and beautiful scene.
Haigeng, meaning "Ridge Across the Sea," stretches 5 kilometers from Haigeng Village in the east to the foot of Xishan Mountain in the west, dividing Dianchi Lake into two. To the south lies the vast Dianchi Lake, while to the north lies Caohai Lake. To the east lies the National Sports Winter Training Base, in the middle lies a beach, and to the west lies a park where visitors can enjoy the waterscape and Xishan Mountain or go fishing. The marshes to the north serve as a sanatorium and tourist center. The entire Haigeng area is shaded by green willows, shimmering blue waters, and fishing boats sailing. The gardens blend seamlessly with the lakeside fishing villages, creating a captivating scene. Haigeng Park is a perfect place to admire Dianchi Lake.
Yunnan Ethnic Village features natural village-style residential architecture, integrated with garden landscapes, beautiful waterways, and lush greenery. The park boasts numerous ethnic minority villages, including those of the Dai, Bai, Yi, and Jingpo peoples. Other attractions include a dance hall, camping and entertainment areas, a yacht marina, and a circular tour bus system. The park also features periodic performances of ethnic songs and dances, as well as elephant shows; interested visitors should check the show times.
Daguan Park includes scenic areas such as Jinhuapu, Daguan Tower, Louwailou, flower gardens, and Cypress Garden. The park boasts lush flowers and trees, rockery, pavilions, bridges, and flowing water, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene. Upon entering the park, visitors can explore the Yongyue Pavilion, Ningbi Hall, Lansheng Pavilion, and Guanjia Hall, among other pavilions. The Daguan Tower, built during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, is situated on the waterfront, overlooking Dianchi Lake and overlooking the Western Hills, earning its name from its panoramic views of the lake and mountains. The tower boasts numerous exquisite plaques and couplets, the most famous of which is the long couplet. The South Garden (Yu Garden) of Daguan Tower, accessible by boat, features ancient buildings and gardens, offering a tranquil and picturesque setting. It also serves as the former residence of Harlem Yu's grandfather. During festive occasions, the park hosts garden parties and traditional lantern festivals, attracting a constant stream of visitors and creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Kunming's Western Hills, formerly known as Biji Mountain, stretch from Biji Pass in the north to Haikou in the south. It collectively encompasses Bishuang Mountain, Huating Mountain, Taihua Mountain, and Luohan Mountain. The rolling hills of Western Hills, facing Jinma Mountain across Dianchi Lake, resemble a reclining Buddha, earning them the nickname "Wofo Mountain." From afar, Western Hills resembles a woman reclining on the shores of Dianchi Lake, earning them the nickname "Sleeping Beauty of Western Hills."
Cuihu Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the city. It was originally a bay in Dianchi Lake, but later became a clear lake due to the drop in water level. It is famous for the "Cui Dike Spring Dawn". Since 1985, a large number of red-billed gulls have flown from Siberia to Kunming every winter to spend the winter. These little elves live in Cuihu Lake, attracting countless tourists to watch.
Yuantong Mountain, shaped like a willow leaf, stretches from east to west and narrows from north to south. The mountain boasts pavilions, terraces, towers, gardens, enclosures, an aquarium, and amusement parks. Its primary focus is on exhibiting animals, while also showcasing a variety of flowers. It is the most diverse and popular park in Kunming. The flowers and trees planted on Yuantong Mountain include cherry blossoms, crabapple, plum blossoms, camellia, osmanthus, peach, apricot, orchids, as well as pine, cypress, and bamboo. These renowned blossoms bloom in succession throughout the year, vying for splendor. The peak season is particularly striking in March, when the crabapple blossoms reach peak bloom, creating a dazzling display of vibrant colors and attracting crowds of tourists. Cherry blossom viewing is a major pleasure for Kunming residents, and the "Yuantong Flower Tide" is one of Kunming's most scenic sights.
Yunnan University was founded in 1922 as the private Donglu University. It was renamed Yunnan Provincial University in 1934 and then National Yunnan University in 1938. Yunnan University doesn't have a bell for classes; instead, the bell in the school's bell tower serves as the clarion call for classes. The ancient buildings on campus bear witness to the vicissitudes of history at this century-old prestigious institution. You can often see adorable squirrels at Yunnan University, and you can get up close and personal with these adorable creatures and play with them on campus. The Ginkgo Path at Yunnan University also adds a touch of romance to the campus. Strolling along the path, watching the falling ginkgo leaves and inhaling their sweet fragrance creates a unique and captivating experience.
The Army Military Academy is a renowned military academy in modern China. Originally established during the Qing Dynasty to train a modern army and strengthen border defense, it was considered one of the three major military academies, along with the Tianjin and Fengtian Military Academys. It later shared the same fame as the Whampoa Military Academy and the Baoding Army Officers School. The Academy has trained numerous outstanding military strategists and revolutionaries, including Zhu De, Ye Jianying, and Choi Yong-kun. Precious historical materials from that period are now available for viewing.
Nanping Street, a historic neighborhood in Kunming, was once the city's financial, commercial, and entertainment center. It serves as a showcase for Kunming's history, culture, and charm. The street is paved entirely with square bluestone and other stone materials, and five vibrant sculptures are displayed along the street. A small, symbolic sculpture depicting "making a fortune daily" is interspersed at the west entrance, while a fountain emitting a "straw hat as a pot lid" gushes out from the east. The core area at the intersection of Zhengyi Road and Nanping Street features a relief sculpture depicting the map of Old Kunming and a dry fountain.
The Golden Horse and Biji Archways, collectively known as the "Golden Horse Archway" and the "Biji Archway," are symbols of Kunming. Built during the Ming Dynasty, the two archways stand 12 meters high and 18 meters wide, boasting exquisitely carved beams and painted rafters. The eastern archway, overlooking Jinma Mountain, is known as the Golden Horse Archway, while the western archway, abutting Biji Mountain, is known as the Biji Archway. Together with the "Loyalty Archway" commemorating Sayyid Ajjal's father, the northern archway forms the "Three Archways in a Pinyin Character," a scenic spot in downtown Kunming. The ancient Golden Horse and Biji Archways were demolished during the 10-year uprising, and the current structure was rebuilt in 1999. Today, the area surrounding the Golden Horse and Biji Archways is home to a vibrant commercial district.
The World Horticultural Expo Park, the main venue for the 1999 Kunming World Horticultural Exposition, is a world-class garden and horticultural spectacle, embodying both Chinese and local Yunnan characteristics. The Expo Park comprises five pavilions, six themed gardens, 34 domestic gardens, and 33 international gardens. The central square, amusement park, landmark tower, and Garden Avenue complement the park's diverse attractions, creating a sense of enchantment. Entering the park is like stepping into a world of flowers and a sea of greenery.
Black Dragon Pond, known as the "First Ancient Temple in Central Yunnan," is renowned for its "Four Wonders" (Tang plum blossoms, Song cypresses, Ming tea, and Ming tombs). Today, Black Dragon Pond Park boasts a vast array of plum trees on its back hills, boasting over 6,000 trees in nearly 90 varieties, including red, white, and green plums. It is currently one of the largest plum gardens in China. "Exploring Plum Blossoms at Longquan" has become one of Kunming's Sixteen Scenic Spots.
Golden Temple Park is named for its brass-clad main hall, which shimmers brilliantly in the sunlight, casting a golden glow against the lush green valley and forest. It is also known as the Copper Tile Temple. The renowned Golden Temple, part of the Taoist Taihe Palace, was built in 1602 during the Ming Dynasty and is one of the four largest bronze temples in China and the best preserved. Renovated in 1671 by Wu Sangui, King of Pingxi, it boasts a rich history. The Golden Temple boasts stunning natural scenery, with paths winding through the forest, shaded by lush greenery and occasionally filled with bird calls, embodying the essence of Taoist culture. In early spring, the hundreds of acres of camellias in the scenic area's "Golden Temple Expo Garden" burst into bloom, creating a breathtaking display of crimson.
Guandu Ancient Town boasts a rich history spanning over 1,000 years. Its rich history encompasses a rich tapestry of cultures spanning five dynasties (Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing) and three religions (Buddhism, Taoism, and Buddhist philosophy), and boasts numerous historical sites. The town boasts numerous scenic spots, including five mountains, six temples, seven pavilions, and eight shrines dating back to the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The Vajra Pagoda is the oldest and best-preserved Vajra-throne-style stone pagoda in my country, built in 1457 AD, making it 546 years old. Erkuai (rice cakes), rice noodles, and peas are known as the "Three Treasures of Guandu." Lijia Wheat Baba, located next to the Tuzhu Temple, and Yanjing Baba, located directly opposite, are renowned Guandu snacks.
Dongchuan's red soil, rich in vibrant, dreamy colors, is a paradise for photographers worldwide. The main scenic spots are Huashitou Village in Xintian Township, Dongchuan District. The best seasons for photography are May to June and September to December, offering a variety of stunning views. In summer, potatoes bloom and wheat ripens. In autumn, some of the red soil is plowed for planting, while others are planted with lush green barley or wheat. Yunnan's unique white rapeseed flowers are also in full bloom, creating a vibrant array of colors.
Known as Anning Hot Spring Town, also known as "Shepherd's Lake," Mantis River boasts a long history of hot spring water extraction for bathing. Yang Sheng'an, the Ming Dynasty champion scholar from Xindu, Sichuan, inscribed a plaque here, "The Best Hot Spring Under Heaven." Today, numerous hot spring sanatoriums dot the banks of Mantis River. Furthermore, the rapeseed and rapeseed blossoms along the banks are also quite extensive. In March, the rapeseed blossoms along Mantis River are in full bloom. Viewing sunflowers, seas of rapeseed blossoms, and soaking in the hot springs are the main attractions of this area.
Jiaozi Snow Mountain is particularly suitable for mountaineering and exploration, with the peak temperatures and scenery occurring between April and May and September and October. Known as the "First Mountain in Central Yunnan," Jiaozi Snow Mountain boasts majestic and precipitous scenery, including a sea of rhododendrons, alpine meadows, and dense bamboo forests.
Jiuxiang Scenic Area, a region of rolling hills, boasts hundreds of karst caves of varying sizes. It boasts the largest, most numerous, and most unique cave system in China, earning it the nickname "Karaoke Museum" and the "Hometown of Karst Caves." The scenic area comprises five major tourist areas: Diehong Bridge, Sanjiao Cave, Dashaba, Alulong, and Mingyue Lake (also known as the Chaishitan Reservoir). The Diehong Bridge area is already open to the public, while the other four are under development.
The Stone Forest, dominated by karst landscapes, is known as "the essence of world karst." Known for its grandeur, uniqueness, precariousness, beauty, seclusion, mystery, and vastness, the Stone Forest scenic area is hailed as "the world's greatest wonder" and a "natural museum of shaped landforms," enjoying a high reputation in the global geological community. Formed 270 million years ago, the Stone Forest encompasses a vast area, each with its own distinct landscapes. Stone ridges, peaks, karst hills, caves, karst lakes, waterfalls, and underground rivers are scattered throughout the scenic area. The entire area is divided into eight tourist areas: Stone Forest, Naigu Stone Forest (Black Pine Rock), Zhiyun Cave, Changhu Lake, Dadieshui (Flying Dragon Waterfall), Guishan National Forest Park, Moon Lake, and Qifeng Cave. The Stone Forest Scenic Area is the most representative, boasting over a hundred scenic spots, including "Ashima," "Stone Forest Scenic Spot," "A Critical Moment," and "Phoenix Spreading Its Wings."