The Western Hills, about 15 km from Kunming city, lie along the western shore of Dianchi Lake. It stretches from north to south for about 40 km. the Western Hills is a forested and lovely park which is perfect for hiking. Some of the major sites include: Huating Temple (Huating Si), an ancient Buddhist temple that was originally a retreat for the local ruler; Taihua Temple (Taihua Si), with its charming orchard courtyard; Sanqing Pavilion (Sanqingge), a Daoist temple dedicated to that religion's three major deities; and Dragon Gate (Longmen), a collection of Daoist caves and sculptures.
We recommend taking at least half a day to climb the Hills and explore the various sites along the way.
The Western Hills Park is located 16km southwest of Kunming city (must-see destination for affordable China tours) on the shores of Dianchi Lake. Bus No. 51 and No.6 both reach the the park. A taxi costs around RMB50 and takes 40 minutes from the city center. There is a cable car linking the Dragon gate and the Yunnan Nationalities Village. Two way tickets cost RMB60 and a one way ticket costs RMB40.
2. The big mushroom rock!
If you intend to spend a long day in the Stone Forest, you can slowly make your way to the 10,000 yr old lingzhi rock. Along the way, you will come across farms and old tracks. It's definitely worth it!
3. Old lost Kunming
There is no place called “old Kunming”, only scattered small streets to discover by yourself. If you walk around, East and South of Green Lake Park, try the narrow paths bordered by small houses used as workshops for craftsmen.
I do not know how long these houses will survive, it does not look like there is any will of preserving this memory of the past history of the city.
Muslim streets:
It has been destroyed but if there are still a few restaurants opened, taste the nice meals there. Maybe it will be too late, this old street is diing. Take the last chance to feel is atmosphere.
4. The old road from Kunming to Beijing (best city included in top 10 China tours packages)
Built in the Yuan dynastry (1300's to 1400's), I was thrilled to see it. The horses trotted on the stone slabs all the way, over many hills and mountains before they get to Beijing. Apparently in the Qing Dynasty, the copper needed to make the coins came from Yunnan. So imagine it being transported on this road all the way to the capital.
This was in the compound of a resort. Kunmingnites love to spend their weekends here. The compound includes a small hill, plenty of fruit trees (yang mei especially), so people can do a little walking and fruit picking (when in season).
The facilities include a swimming pool, pingpong tables, basketball courts etc, two restaurants, and a cafe for the lovers of card games.
Kunmingnites love to play cards. A pot of tea, titbits and cards. That's all they need for the whole afternoon.
This place is about 45 min away from the city. You go through a tunnel and everything changes to the country scenery. This is amazing.
It's called Ming2 Xi1 Yuan1 holiday resort.
5. Visit the local market
Now in June, Chinese peaches (shui jing tao) RMB 2 per KG are in available abundance.
Especially in April.
Mulberries(about RMB 10 per KG), Kunming cherries (RMB 12 per KG) and pineapples (skin peeled, eyes taken out, about RMB 0.50 to RMB 1 each) are in abundance.
And some pancakes they stick to the wall of a big urn. Much like the indian "naan", the urn that is. Very tasty. You can choose between savoury ones or sweet ones. 50C each.
You will also find locals eat all kinds of veges including: the pumpkin flowers, the young leaves of pumpkin, pumpkin flowers (yellow), and some white flowers which I can't figure out.
It's an experience, and offers plenty of insights to the local cuisines for your popular China tour package.
No comments:
Post a Comment