Cheap Flights To Kunming

Also known as the City of Eternal Spring, Kunming is the capital of the Yunnan Province of China and is renowned for its beautiful mild climate and ever-blooming flowers. With a rich heritage that extends back for more than 2,400 years, Kunming acted as the gateway to the iconic Silk Road that allowed trade with India, Myanmar, Sichuan and Tibet.

Today, the city is the cultural centre of Yunnan as well as its main point for finance and tourism. The city centre is an attraction in its own right, with two city squares, Dongfeng and Jinma Biji Square. There are five intersecting roads in the centre, of which Jinma Biji Square has the most beautiful architecture and a series of awe-inspiring archways. The city has a truly stellar roll call of attractions and places of interest, including the Stone Forest (Shilin in Chinese), which is regarded as the 'First Wonder of the World'. The forest covers 400 square kilometres and has both small and large stone forests, with numerous intricate natural stone formations to explore. Another top attraction is the Golden Temple at the top of Mingfeng Hill, home to the Taoist Taihe Palace, the biggest copper temple in China.

Things To Do

With a history spanning more than 2,400 years, the City of Perpetual Spring has a year-round mild spring climate that is ideal for sightseeing its magnificent temples, historic sites and places of natural beauty.

• Yuantong Mountain

Situated in the city's northeastern corner, this popular city park draws in crowds of tourists each and every year with its striking cherry blossom displays and varied wildlife. Interestingly, the cherry trees here bloom earlier than in the rest of Japan, putting on staggering exhibitions or 'seas of flowers' for the ultimate romantic experience.

• Green Lake Park

Situated to the west of Wuhua Hill opposite the main gate of Yunnan University is Green Lake Park, otherwise known as Cuihu Park. This is the city's most popular urban park and features islands, pavilions, bridges, ponds and lakes. If you visit in winter, be sure to try and spot the red-pecked seagulls that flock here to escape the cold Siberian weather.

• Xishan Forest Park

For a more rural natural experience, head to the Xishan Forest Park, located to the side of Dianchi Lake. This sprawling forest park has gently flowing streams, impressive grottos and lush green hills, and boasts stunningly beautiful scenery that inspired the Ming Dynasty Poet Yang Shen.

Calendar Of Events

Kunming boasts an impressive line-up of annual festival and events including cultural celebrations, fairs and expos which are all enhanced by the city's wonderful natural beauty.

• Temple Fairs: The traditional Gold Temple Fair is held between the 8th and 10th day of the Chinese Lunar month of January. This fair involves pilgrims making their way up and over the Mingfeng Mountain, a range of entertainment attractions and live folk performances.

• International Cultural Tourism Festival: Held each year around May Day for five days in total, this cultural celebration involves song and dance performances, snack banquets and group activities. The whole city comes alive with the Carnival (lasting three days), which is held as part of the wider celebrations.

• Landscape Painting Society Festival: Each year between May and June the city puts on a Landscape Painting Society Festival, inviting artists from across the province to sketch the exquisite landscapes.