Kūnmíng

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Taoist pavilion, Kunmíng

Introducing Kūnmíng

Kūnmíng has become a thoroughly modern Chinese city with wide, palm-lined roads and sky-scraping modern buildings. What was left of the quaint back alleyways and wooden buildings have been replaced by shopping malls and modern apartment blocks. However, as far as Chinese cities go, Kūnmíng is very laid-back and an enjoyable place to spend a few days.

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At an elevation of 1890m, Kūnmíng has a milder climate than most other Chinese cities, and can be visited at any time of the year. Light clothes will usually be adequate, but it’s wise to bring some woollies during the winter months when temperatures can suddenly drop. However, snow is still rare and afternoon daytime temperatures from December to January are often downright springlike. Winters are short, sunny and dry. In summer (June to August) Kūnmíng offers cool respite, though rain is more prevalent.

Last updated: Sep 24, 2008

Tips & articles

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    6 November 2009

    From Yunnan’s capital city, Kunming, it’s a 600km bus ride west to Liuku, the main town in the Nujiang Valley....

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Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. westwood avatar
    RE: Going to Tibet via Kunming, possible to get train ticket & permit w/o tour?

    by westwood 14 September 2011

    OP if you knew all about organized tours, then you must also have known the conditions for travellers to Tibet!!
  2. drumbrake avatar
    RE: Going to Tibet via Kunming, possible to get train ticket & permit w/o tour?

    by drumbrake 14 September 2011

    You won't even be able to get on the train to Lhasa without a copy of the Tibet permit, and you can't fly there without the original.…
  3. drumbrake avatar
    RE: Help with Yunnan itinerary

    by drumbrake 14 September 2011

    Looks generally ok to me. are you sure that there are direct flights from Shenzhen to Lijiang, or do you need to go via Kunming? Unless…

See all Thorn Tree forum discussions for Kūnmíng

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