As time goes by, the season of collapse comes again in the hearts of our friends in the north. The flying poplar catkins shocked the southerners and made the northerners burst into tears.
However, a comment from a Kunming netizen stung the nerves of friends from the north: “I really envy you in the north. There is still snow to enjoy at the turn of spring and summer.”
Friends from northern China helplessly laughed at themselves: “Yeah, those are floating flowers for you, but cotton is floating here.” As a traveler from the north, I have to admit that this time, Kunming did win.
When it comes to Kunming, there is always a poem that lingers in my heart: “Spring City is full of flying flowers.” In this city, flower viewing is a visual feast no matter when and where.
Especially the purple sea represented by jacaranda is the most beautiful scenery on the streets of Kunming.
In Kunming, the “sea” is colorful.
When the spring breeze and drizzle blow gently, Kunming ushered in the most “dazzling” time.
Jiaochang Middle Road, Hongjin Road, Beijing Road, Dianchi Road, Nanping Street, Panlong River…everywhere is decorated with blue and purple flowers like a dream.
And this sea of flowers is not limited to purple. It can also be pink, filled with the fragrance of cherry blossoms and crabapples;
It can also be yellow, and the sea of sunflowers makes people indulge in the memory of summer;
It can also be colorful, with hydrangeas in full bloom and exuding a lovely atmosphere.
These “sea” have never had a blank period in Kunming. In autumn, delicate but not dry chrysanthemums bloom;
In the cold winter, the lonely and beautiful plum blossoms stand proudly on the branches.
No matter what season it is, Kunming’s sea of flowers tells different stories.
Because of this, Kunming is known as “the most suitable provincial capital city for retirement”.
As the only “megacity” in Yunnan, Kunming still maintains a high quality of life while developing economically.
It has topped the list of “China’s top ten livable cities” many times, surpassing Sanya, Xiamen and other places.
Coupled with the pleasant climate here, which is neither hot in summer nor cold in winter, Kunming not only attracts many elderly people, but also attracts a steady stream of young people.
In the streets of Kunming, every step is a painting and every moment is a poem. How can Kunming like this not make people excited?
01
Spirited by water
Although Erhai Lake in Yunnan is famous all over the world, Dianchi Lake in Kunming is equally eye-catching and equally famous.
Known as the “Pearl of Yunnan”, this lake is made up of twelve water systems. It is clear and transparent and is the largest lake in Southwest China.
Stepping into this place feels like you are at a transit station in life, making you forget the hustle and bustle of the world.
There is no need to rush around, just stare at the sky quietly and let the clouds dance with the wind. The calm yet unpredictable dance is as beautiful as a dream.
If you visit in winter, a feast of nature and birds awaits you.
Every year at the end of November, thousands of red-billed gulls fly from distant Siberia, adding a touch of life to this land.
Couples take wedding photos here, and tourists compete to feed these cute elves, forming a harmonious picture.
Daguan Park, located in the north of Dianchi Lake, is a pure land in the hearts of Kunming people.
The park is built along the water, with lake embankments, lotus ponds, pavilions and pavilions arranged in an orderly manner, taking elegance to the extreme.
The early morning sun shines through the gaps in the leaves, casting mottled light and shadow. Occasionally, a few lake birds fly across the water and fly quietly into the distance, as if telling ancient stories.
Daguan Tower, this historic building was built during the Kangxi period and was once one of the ten famous buildings in ancient times.
Standing upstairs, overlooking the Xishan Mountains and Dianchi Lake, it feels like going back in time and immersing yourself in the weight of history.
Green Lake, once a bay of Dianchi Lake, has now become an independent clear lake. It is like an emerald embedded in the city of Kunming, exuding charming light.
Walking into the park, the summer lotuses beside the east pond are in full bloom. Lotus leaves hold up the gorgeous lotus flowers floating on the lake. They contrast with the blue sky and sparkling waves, making people forget to leave.
In Kunming, if you want to find a good place to enjoy the sunset, Haiyan Village is undoubtedly the best choice. This ancient fishing village with a long history shows a different kind of charm under the setting sun.
The setting sun with golden light fills the sky, and the clouds are just right in between, adding infinite charm to this picture.
People stand on the shore or on the plank road, intoxicated by the beautiful scenery in front of them, as if they have become a part of the painting.
Finally, let us walk into the Haihong Wetland and feel the picturesque beauty.
The dense and prosperous metasequoia forest here forms a spectacular green tunnel.
Drifting on a bamboo raft, the water ripples and the reflection of the woods sways in the water.
This kind of beauty is a unique beauty that cannot be written in poetry, a beauty of color that cannot be painted, and a beauty of artistic conception that cannot be sung.
02
Soft on the outside and “wild” on the inside
If your impression of Kunming is only as warm as water, that is an oversimplified interpretation of the city.
Kunming hides one of the only beautiful places in the world. Its splendor is said to be comparable only to the red soil of Brazil.
The soil here has experienced thousands of years of precipitation and is rich in iron. The local people worked hard on it, creating a unique and gorgeous place – Dongchuan Red Land.
Standing on a high place and looking far into the distance, the mountains, rivers and wilderness are intertwined into red pictures of different tones.
The clouds change with the wind, and light and shadow shuttle across the fields. Hundreds of miles of mountains are covered with one layer of emerald green, one layer of bright red, and one layer of golden yellow. Even the figures working in the fields seem to be endowed with an artistic atmosphere, and every move is full of poetry.
The Stone Forest is like a museum that brings together all karst geological landforms.
The landscape here covers all karst forms in the world, forming a complete picture of karst geology and landforms.
The Big Stone Forest Scenic Area is famous for its vastness, and Wangfeng Pavilion is the best viewing place, which can have a panoramic view of the beautiful stone forest in the entire scenic area; the Small Stone Forest is more exquisite, among which the most famous Ashima stands in the Beside the clear water, Brother Ahei seemed to be still waiting for her.
“Look at the stone forest on the ground and visit Jiuxiang underground.”
Jiuxiang may be a little low-key due to its reputation as a stone forest, but when you truly set foot in this mysterious land 600 million years ago, your awe will be beyond words.
Strange-shaped rocks, intricate mazes, deep and dark canyons, roaring waterfalls…Everywhere makes people feel awe, and every step makes people cautious.
03
Love to eat and know how to eat
Kunming, the charm of this city lies not only in its intoxicating scenery, but also in its delicious food that awakens your taste buds.
The unique geographical location gives Kunming people discerning tastes.
Whether it’s the fresh spring bamboo shoots, wild vegetables in the mountains, or the wide variety of fungi, the “umami” flavor in this land is always dizzying.
This also gives Kunming people a unique food wisdom, and they are good at transforming various ingredients into delicious dishes.
Among them, rice noodles are undoubtedly the favorite of Kunming people, with many varieties and different tastes.
There are small pot rice noodles, which are very popular among Kunming people; bean curd rice noodles, stinky tofu canned rice noodles, leaf rice noodles, cold rice noodles…each one has its own unique taste and flavor.
In Kunming, there is also a unique staple food – bait cubes.
It is processed from rice and is divided into three types: lumps, shreds and slices. It can be boiled, stir-fried, roasted, braised, fried and steamed. Each cooking method can show its unique taste.
In addition to these, Kunming’s steam pot chicken, fried potatoes and other delicacies are not to be missed.
Although they are commonly found on the streets, their taste should not be underestimated.
When leaving Kunming, you might as well take some flower cakes with you. It is the unique taste of Kunming and wraps up the fragrance of this city.
Someone said: “Kunming people can enjoy their leisure time locally without traveling far.”
Indeed, whether you are enjoying the spring, visiting the lake, or strolling on the bluestone slabs of the ancient town, you can feel the tranquility and beauty of Kunming.
Here, giving yourself a bouquet of flowers is as natural as everyday, and strolling through the streets and alleys makes you feel like you are immersed in a beautiful picture.
Kunming, a city that is very close to the city but far away from the dust, attracts the hearts of countless tourists with its unique charm.
Who can not be moved by it?
