It may surprise you to know that Kunming is that it is located at approximately the same point on the globe as Mexico, just on the other side. Kunming enjoys a protected location with mountains to the north, east and west of the city. The total area of Kunming is 3,844 square miles.
In the middle of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, Kunming is popularly known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ and sits 1,891 meters (6,240 feet) above sea level. The total population of Kunming is about 3.3 million with approximately 12 nationalities which include the Han, Yi, Miao, Bai, Hui and Hani clans. This city is said to be one of the economic, political, cultural and scientific centers of China.
The main shopping area of Kunming is the Kunming Department Store area in the southwest part of the city. Another landmark of the city is the Zhengyi Department Store in the northwest part of town. Traveling towards the north and northeast will bring you to a maze of alleys where you can find the city’s major attractions.
These include the Yuantong Temple and Cuihu Park which are visible after crossing Fengjian Road. The best city sights can be viewed from Western Hill Park in the western part of the city.
The districts of Wuhua and Panlong make up the center of the city. Near the Maiterya Temple area you will find offices of the provincial and municipal governments. Nanping Road, Zhengyi and Beijing Road make up the city's financial street. There are many hotels and restaurants in Kunming which offer a wide variety of local delicacies and other cuisines. Some of the popular places are located along DongFeng Street, Beijing Road and Huangcheng Road.
The city’s academic area is in the north and includes scientific research institutes, colleges, schools and universities. One of Kunming’s largest parks is West Park. Southwest of this park is Daguan Street, where the free markets sell goods and produce. Many merchants also come here to sell their wares. A rare glimpse of the disappearing traditional wooden architecture can be seen in shops on Daguan Street.
Close to the shores of the Dianchi Lake is the Yunnan Ethnic Village. This is a theme park that displays the culture of the 26 tribal minorities that live in Kunming. This exhibit is one of the most colorful in the world. You can also find a botanical garden which is filled with Azaleas Orchids. The garden includes around 4,000 different species of tropical and subtropical flora as well.
