Attraction & Sightseeing In Kunming
Bamboo
Temple -- Dadieshui
Waterfall -- Dian
Lake -- Expo Garden
 Bamboo
Temple (Qiongzhu Si), a Tang Dynasty temple known for its Arhat
statues, is arguably the most famous of Kunming's temples. Arhats
are famous monks and "saints" of Chinese Buddhism,
usually displayed in large groups of 500 or more. The Arhats of the
Bamboo Temple were made over a period of seven years by a famous
craftsman from Sichuan called Li Guangxiu. His masterpieces are
extremely realistic and lifelike, even if some of the statues are a
bit surreal.
The
temple is located on the Yu'an Mountain, about 15 km from the center
of Kunming. On each side of the temple gate stand four ancient Cypress
trees, planted during the Ming Dynasty, more than 400 years ago.
Entering the temple, the first thing visitors notice is the carefully
designed courtyard, spread over four layers, one on top of another.
The Main Hall contains a trinity of enormous gilded Buddha statues
seated on lotus thrones.
Two
hours should be sufficient time to visit the temple.
How
to get there: As minibuses (RMB3) departing from the
railway station do not operate on a fixed schedule, depending on your
budget, the best way to get to the Bamboo Temple may be to take a
taxi. The ride should cost around RMB40.
Opening Hours: 8am-6pm
Cost: RMB10
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 Dadieshui
Waterfall (Dadieshui Pubu), is one of the largest and most famous
waterfalls in China. The water rushes down over a 30 meter wide
section of cliff at 150 cubic meters per second down 88 meters to the
rocks. When the water hits the rocks below, the water splashes into
the sinking mist.
An hour or
two at the waterfall should be enough to enjoy the surrounding
scenery.
How
to get there: It is about 30 km southwest of Lunan
County, where the Stone Forest is located. After visiting the Stone
Forest, many travelers might then visit the waterfall in the
afternoon. In Lunan, there are many minibuses to the Dadieshui
Waterfall for RMB5. (Lunan County is about 95km from Kunming. See the
Stone Forest for more information.)
Opening Hours: 8am-9pm
Cost:
RMB20
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 Dian
Lake (Dianchi), the sixth largest freshwater lake in China,
also known as Kunming Lake or Kunming Pond (Kunmingchi), was
formed by the subsidence of a fault zone.
The lake and
the area around the lake is regarded as the center of Kunming's
attractions. Around the lake are a fair number of interesting
sights©onamely several smaller parks, resorts and the "Yunnan
Nationalities Village".
There are
many leisure boats available for touring the lake. It is located 10 km
from the city and covers a total area of 198 square kilometers. The
Lake covers a vast area in Southwest Kunming, the beauty of the lake
can be appreciated from Daguan
Tower, the Western
Hill Park, or the "Yunnan
Nationalities' Village".
How
to get there: A Taxi ride to the northern section of the
lake near Daguan
Tower lakeside from the city center should cost you a mere RMB15.
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 Although
Expo '99 ended in October 1999, the Expo '99 Garden (Shiboyuan)
now serves as a permanent gardening center in Kunming. The
garden is now divided into the China Hall, the International
Hall, the "Man and Nature" Hall, the Science and Technology
Hall and the Greenhouse. The China Hall is composed of 34 sections
according to China's provinces and regions, while the International
Hall is comprised of 30 sections. As an international botanical garden
incorporating educational and recreational activities in one location,
the Expo '99 has emerged as a significant Kunming landmark. We
recommend you spend at least a half a day in this lovely world class
garden.
How
to get there: The expo garden is 8km from the city
center and can be reached by taxi for RMB20 from most parts of the
city. Also, bus routes 68, 69, 72, 47 all link the garden with various
places in the city.
Opening Hours: 8am to
9pm
Cost: RMB100 and RMB50
(from 2pm to 9pm).
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Sightseeing
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