Stone Forest
The Stone Forest of Shilin is a
breathtaking and eerie landscape. The limestone pillars and
stalagmites poking out of the green hillsides look like petrified
trees, with rock formations believed to be over 270 million years
old and formed by the slow erosion of time. The Shilin National
Scenic Area includes seven areas: the Greater and Lesser Stone
Forests (also called Lizijing Stone Forest), Naigu Stone Forest,
Zhiyun Cave, Lake Chang, Lake Yue, Dadie Waterfall and Qifeng Cave.
The Naigu Stone Forest and Suogeyi Village, also within the scenic
area, are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visitors can avoid the
masses by going in the morning or early evening, and avoiding
weekends and Chinese public holidays. They might even catch one of
the few guides who can speak English.
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Jiuxiang Scenic Area
The Jiuxiang Scenic Area near Kunming is a
breathtaking cave complex and the largest in China. Stone forests
of karst limestone are littered throughout, with lush forests and
underground waterfalls common in this subterranean world. Jiuxiang
is also the home of the aboriginal Yi people and the excavated Yi
cliff paintings of the Qin (221 BC - 206 BC) and Han (206 BC - 220
AD) dynasties. Yi customs and culture are still evident today in
the many legends and folk stories. These are brought to life in the
magical underground universe of Jiuxiang, which includes more than
a hundred caves, as well as bridges, valleys and rivers.
Address:
Yiliang County
Jiuxiang Scenic Area
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Yuantong Temple
The ancient Yuantong Temple is easily one
of the most popular tourist attractions in Kunming. The 8th-century
temple is situated in a natural depression at the foot of Yuantong
Hill, showcasing an interesting mixture of architectural styles
from the Yuan and Ming dynasties. It should be remembered that it's
still an active temple, where visitors can hear chanting and
classes being conducted as they explore beside the monks and
pilgrims.
For a remarkable, panoramic view of the
temple complex, travellers can climb Yuantong Hill by taking one of
the stone staircases carved into the mountain on either side of the
main hall. These stairways boast the most ancient inscriptions in
Kunming, carved into the stone wall and still readable after
centuries of exposure to the weather. There are also some
impressive statues and carvings within the temple, such as the two
ferocious dragons carved into the pillars, while the lovely scenic
area of Green Lake is a 10-minute walk away.
Address:
Juantong Jie, Kunming.
Opening time:
Daily from 9am-5pm
Yuantong Temple
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Kunming's subtropical highland climate causes dry winters and
warm summers. The city's position on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau
makes its conditions moderate by Chinese standards.
The warmest part of the year lasts from early April to the
middle of September, with average high temperatures sitting between
68°F (20°C) and 77°F (25°). Light to moderate rains and
thunderstorms are frequent during this period, especially in July.
Summer can have humidity levels of over 90 percent.
The cold season lasts between the end of November and early
February. Winter temperatures tend to average between 39°F (4°C)
and 63°F (17°C), with occasional showers and little chance of
snow.
Even though conditions suit travel for most of the year, the
period between March and October is popular with both locals and
tourists.
Kunming Changshui International Airport
Location: The airport is located 24 miles (39km) from Kunming city
centre.
Time: GMT +8
Getting to the city:
Several bus routes connect the airport to the city.
Airport Taxis:
Taxis are available at the airport.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include shops, restaurants, snack bars,
coffee shops, banks, a first-aid room, lounges, and a children's
play area.
Parking
Parking is available at the airport.
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Most people use buses and taxis to get around Kunming, while
inter-city travel is usually done in trains. The Kunming Railway
Station is the most useful for travel to other parts of China. Long
distance buses can also be used for travel between cities, with the
South Bus Station providing access to most regional
destinations.
For local transport, the partially completed Kunming Metro has
several operational lines in the city. In addition, Kunming has a
highly developed bus system that is affordable and runs until
around 10:30pm. Taxis are widely available except at peak traffic
times, but travellers should have their destination written down in
Chinese as very few drivers speak English. Travellers also have the
option of hiring a bicycle from a hostel or hotel in the city.
Although parts of Kunming are industrial and unattractive, its
dramatic setting among limestone hills makes it special. Its
tourist attractions are varied and impressive.
Jiuxiang Scenic Area tops many travel itineraries, given that
it's packed with natural phenomena that it could easily occupy
visitors for a day or more. Jiuxiang has a magical subterranean
world made up of more than 100 caves, as well as cliff paintings
that date back to the Qin and Han dynasties. It also has several
waterfalls and 'stone forests': striking limestone formations
eroded over centuries to look like frozen trees. The Stone Forest
of Shilin has the most impressive examples of these rather eerie
formations.
Travellers who want to venture off the beaten track should head
to the Dongchuan Red Land in Huashitou Country. Although the area's
lack of infrastructure can make travel less comfortable, the
landscapes are unspoiled, colourful and startlingly beautiful.
Yuantong Temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions
in Kunming. This active, beautiful Buddhist temple's history spans
over 1 000 years. Green Lake is a popular park and lakeside area
for relaxation, exercise and leisurely strolls.
Otherwise, Kunming has many malls, cinemas, shopping streets and
entertainment complexes.
Stone Forest
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Jiuxiang Scenic Area
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Yuantong Temple
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