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 Journey with us on A Mystical Odyssey in Bhutan (12 - 18 March '23).

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Kunming

Nice and easy is how it goes in the capital of Yunnan. Long regarded as one of China’s most liveable cities, Kunming is also known as the “Spring City” for its pleasant, mild climate. It has a history that dates back more than 30,000 years — the name came from the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) — and is a focal point of Yunnan minority culture. As such, it’s a popular tourist destination for curious travellers who want a taste of how life and culture are like for the 26 ethnic minorities who inhabit this region. Visitors can easily spend a few days here as there are plenty of attractions like the legendary Stone Forest and several temples worth seeing. Sat beside Lake Dian, this southwestern city is also a springboard for the wilder country beyond like Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La.

Key Activities: 
Hiking, Cave Walks, Cultural Sights, Temple Visits, Nightlife

Key Highlights

Golden Temple

Perched on Mingfeng Hill, this landmark — also known as Tongwa Temple — is the largest copper temple in China and one of the most well-known Taoist shrines in Yunnan. However, it got its name because of how its burnished material shimmers and shines in the light. Look out for the three “Heavenly Gates” when you arrive, as well as a Bell Tower behind the temple.

Green Lake Park

Formerly a water reservoir, this venerable urban park is where people come to hang out, practice taichi and sword routines, or go for their evening walks. It’s made up of a group of four sub-lakes that are linked by bridges. In the winter months, red-beaked gulls from Siberia migrate to Green Lake and it’s an amusing sight to see people flocking to the park when the first one shows up.

Shilin Stone Forest

Approximately 90km from Kunming lies a forest unlike any other. Named Shilin, which means “stone forest” in Mandarin, karst formations over 270 million years old replace trees here, covering an impressive 300-sq-km. Two smaller forests within the area are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites while Shilin also features caves, waterfalls, ponds, a lake with an island, and even an underground river.

Jiuxiang Cave

As China’s largest cave system, this “museum of karst caves” is also where rivers, waterfalls and aged rock bridges can be found. Some of the main scenic spots include Bat Cave where hundreds of stalactites hang upside down; Diehong Bridge, a subterranean natural arch; and Jinhun Gorge, the largest cave gorge in China.

Dynamic Yunnan show

Directed by one of China’s most famous dancers, Yang Liping, this massive production has been performed some 4,000 times in more than 42 cities around the world — and every day in Kunming. Regarded as a living museum showcasing traditional folk song and dance, this must-watch spectacle encapsulates Yunnan’s rich legends and cultural traditions of the lives of ethnic minorities. Featuring aboriginal dancers handpicked from the various ethnic tribes and trained to perform with the troupe, the vigour, enthusiasm and passion emanating from the performers will hook you in from start to finish.

Yuantong Temple

As the largest Buddhist complex in Kunming, the Buddhist Association of Yunnan Province is based in this temple and Buddhists from all over the world visit the site on pilgrimages to pay homage. Though located at the foot of Yuantong Hill, visitors must enter from above and descend along a gently sloping path. Those who have a love for temples can look forward to admiring ancient inscriptions here while taking in the glorious architecture.

Bamboo Temple

Only 12km from Kunming on Yu'an Mountain sits the famous Buddhist Bamboo Temple (Qiongzhu Temple). Photo-taking is not permitted inside this historical landmark, which was built during the Yuan Dynasty as the first shrine dedicated to Zen Buddhism in Yunnan. The temple is renowned for the 500 Buddhist Arhats (Luohans, or ‘enlightened ones’) that amazingly resemble real people as if they were frozen in time.

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