Yunnan Province is situated on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau in China’s south-western frontier region, with complex- geographical conditions. The province covers an area of over 390,000 square kilometers, with a population of 40.5 million (2006). Yunnan has more minority nationality groups than any other province, including nationalities of Han, Bai, Hani, Zhuang, Dai, Miao, Lisu Hui, Lahu, Va, Naxi, Yao, Tibetan, Jingpo, Blang, Pumi, Nu, Achang, Benglong, Mongo lian, Drung, Jinuo, etc. Kunming is the capital of Yunnan.
 

Kunming: The city of Kunming is situated in the centre of Yunnan to the north of the Dianchi Basin. It is known as “a city of spring” because of its mild climate all the year round. The ever-blooming flowers, particularly the luxuriant camellia, earn the city the name “flower city”. Scenic spots scatter around Kunming, the most famous of which are the Western Hills, Lake Dianchi, Daguan Pavilion, the Black Dragon Pool, the Golden Temple, the Qiongzhu (Bamboo) Temple and Anning Hot Spring.. (More about Kunming)

The Western Hills: The Western Hills stands on the west bank of Lake Dianchi, stretching over forty kilometres and with an altitude of 2,500 meters above sea level. According to legend, a phoenix was spotted on the Hills in ancient time. Not knowing what it was, people mistakenly called it green cock, hence, the Western Hills also came to be known as the Green Cock Hills. It is also called the Sleeping Buddha Hills because of its shape. With numerous undulating peaks and dense woods, the Western Hills is a must for tourists visiting Kunming. Standing on the Hills, one can have a magnificent overview of Lake Dianchi. On the Hills are several grand temples and pavilions, such uo Huating Temple, Taihua Temple, Sanqing Pavilion,etc. The stairways leading to the Dragon Gate are carved out of the cliffs, which attract many tourists.

Lake Dianchi: Also known as Lake Kunming, Kunming Pool or Lake Diannan, Lake Dianchi which lies south of the City of Kunming, covering an area of 340 square kilometres. The lake is formed by a fault in the crust. The Lake is surrounded by the hills whose reflections are mirrored in the water. Boating on the Lake and looking after over the rippling waves, one is enchanted by the picturesque scenery. The magnificence of the Lake has won it the name “sea”, as called by local inhabitants.

Daguan Pavilion: It is situated on the bank of Lake Dianchi, in a picturesque setting, facing the crystal clear water and standing against the verdant woods. Built in 1696, the Pavilion has been frequented by many literary figures, who have written numerous inscriptions on the wall of the Pavilion. The most famous one is an antithetical couplet with 180 Chinese characters written by a poet in the Qing Dynasty, which has the fame of being “the longest and best-written antithetical couplet in China.”

The Black Dragon Pool: It is situated at the foot of the Dragon Pool Hill on the north outskirts of Kunming. The Black Dragon Pool is a spring and its water is dark. The Pool is surrounded by green pines and bamboo and is reined by tranquility. The scenery is beautiful and picturesque. In Black Dragon Temple near the Pool one will see the three famous trees- the Tang Dynasty Plum, the Song Dynasty Cypress and Ming Dynasty Camellia.

The Golden Temple: It is situated on the Mingfeng Hill. The Temple was constructed in the Ming Dynasty. Going up along the steps, one passed through the First Heavenly Gate, the Second Heavenly Gate, the Third Heavenly Gate, and the Taihe Hall and finally comes to the magnificent Zhen Wu (Taoist God) Palace. The Palace is made of bronze, hence also known as the Golden Temple. On both sides of the Temple are grown camellia trees of the Ming Dynasty and crape myrtle. The “Butterfly Wing” which is the oldest camellia tree in Kunming is also found here.

The Qiongzhu (Bamboo) Temple: The Temple is situated on the Yu’an Hill northwest of Kunming. According to the legend, two hunters in the Tang Dynasty, Gao Guang and Gao Zhi, chased a rhinoceros to this spot, only to find it missing. Instead, they saw several monks in the clouds. When they went nearer to take a close look, the monks also disappeared. All they saw were several bamboo sticks on the ground. Lake on, the sticks turned into bamboo trees and a temple was built here. The Temple is surrounded by dense forests and air here is refreshing. Inside the Temple are famous clay statues- Five Hundred Arhats, which have been famed as a pearl in the oriental treasure house. Inscription and antithetical couplets from the Yuan and Ming dynasties are also found in the main hall of the Temple.

Anning Hot Spring: It is situated at the foot of Yuquan Hill in Anning County southwest of Kunming, being one of most renowned hot springs In Yunnan. The temperature of the spring water is above 40C. Since the water is green in colour, the spring is also called “Green Jade Spring”. The spring is free from odour of sulphur, has good purifying effects and is effective in curing ailments such as arthritis and skin disease. Around the spring there are scenic spots such as Caoxi Temple, Pearl Spring as well as the Hot Spring Guesthouse.

The Stone Forest: Situated in Lunan Yi Nationality Autonomous County about 120 kilometres southeast of Kunming, the Stone Forest is also known as the Lunan Stone Forest. It covers an area 27,000 hectares, of which the scenic area occupies over 80 hectares. Here thousands of stone peaks thrusting into the sky present a magnificent view, which has been famed as the “most spectacular view in China” rarely found elsewhere. The stone peaks in various shapes call to mind vivid imagination. Some are in the shape of bamboo shoots, swords or pagoda. Others are in the shape of Human figures, such as warriors, mother and baby as well as girls and boys. There are still many others that look like kind of animals and birds in movement. Following a narrow and winding path through various rock formations, one will have a close view of the Stone Forest that is incredibly grand and magnificent. And one can not help feel that he has entered a fairy world. Outstanding in their scenic splendor are such places as Sword Peak Pond, Lotus Peak, the Pavilion Overlooking the Peaks, the Jade Lake in the Stone Forest, the Great Folding Waterfall, etc.