Kunming is one of the best cities in China to live in. The major reason of that is its climate: Kunming has a temperate climate year-round. It’s also a central point for the tourists wishing to visit western regions of Yunnan and Tibet. In the foothills of the Himalayas, it’s called ‘Spring City’ .
Kunming people are nice, unlike local people in the big cities, they’re more friendly towards foreigners. Although the city center has become a jungle of skyscrapers, like in every big city in China, about one hundred kilometers beyond the city center, I had a chance to visit one of the most astonishing natural beauties of the world: Stone Forest (石林, Shi Lin)and Jiuxiang Karts Caves (九乡风景区; Jiu Xian Feng Jingo Qu).
Both places are around 80km. from Kunming center. There are some buses going there but I rented a car with a driver and I think that it was worth to do that. It’s a huge area, try to go there early in the morning. You would spend all your day in these two places.
Stone Forest is like a Flintstone World….
But beware, it’s very crowded….
I like more Jiu Xiang Caves area , what you see above the earth, you witness them underground, you feel the surreal of the place…
When you return to Kunming, awe-inspiring feelings will probably preside you… you can finish your Kunming day with the specialty of this region; with a delicious mushroom plate…
Note: Bangkok is a perfect hub to fly to Kunming, the flight is around 2 and a half hour, more comfortable to fly from any other big city in China…
Shabby In My Bag 