Colours of Yunnan: A Traveler’s Tale

The Starting Point of a Dream: Kunming Changshui Airport

Last September, I embarked on a long-awaited journey to the land of colourful clouds—Yunnan. As the plane landed smoothly at Kunming Changshui International Airport, night had quietly fallen, yet the airport was brightly lit, as if welcoming every traveler from afar.

First Glimpse of Kunming: Awe in the Night
Stepping out of the cabin, I was immediately captivated by the airport’s unique design. The vast wavy wooden roof and the interwoven wooden beams resembled an abstract work of art, or perhaps a gentle sea of clouds enveloping the entire terminal. This design was not only aesthetically pleasing but also conveyed a sense of fluidity and natural beauty. Inside the terminal, I saw a massive Mid-Autumn Festival decoration featuring the moon, mooncakes, and flowers, filling the space with a festive atmosphere. It reminded me that my arrival coincided with this special occasion, adding a sense of reunion and warmth to my journey.

Throughout the airport, plant-based decorations were everywhere, with the most striking being elephant sculptures made of moss and flowers. These lifelike elephants evoked images of Yunnan’s unique Asian elephants, infusing this modern airport with vitality and a touch of wilderness.

Leaving the terminal, I stepped outdoors. Under the night sky, the airport appeared magnificent against the backdrop of lights. The streamlined architectural design outlined elegant silhouettes against the dark expanse. Standing outside, I gazed at the city and distant mountains shrouded in night, while a plane streaked across the deep blue sky, leaving a silver trail—a farewell gesture that also heralded the beginning of an exciting adventure.

Prologue to a Twelve-Day Journey
Outside the airport, a large black sloping wall greeted visitors with golden words: “Colourful Yunnan Welcomes You.” These words glittered in the night, as if whispering tales of the land’s mystery and beauty. More than just a welcome slogan, it felt like a promise—a promise that over the next twelve days, I would immerse myself in Yunnan’s diverse natural landscapes and rich cultural tapestry.

As the starting point of my Yunnan journey, Kunming Changshui Airport unveiled my adventure with its unique charm and enchanting nightscape. It was not merely a transit point but the place where I first connected intimately with this land, filling me with boundless anticipation for the twelve days to come.
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Post by Yongzhe | Sep 1, 2025