| Yunnan is world-renowned for its archaeological sites. Remains of the
Yuanmou Man, the earliest ancestor of the Chinese people, dating back 1.7 million years,
were discovered here. Yunnan witnessed the development of the Chinese cultural evolution.
Since the Warring States, Yunnan had boomed in southern China. Until 1274, Kublai Khan,
who later became the emperor of the Yuan Dynasty, used Kunming City as the capital of his
kingdom. Geographic status
Kunming is located in the center of the Yunnann province. It is surrounded by mountains
on three sides, and faces the Dianchi Lake to the south. Of these mountains, Juaozi
Mountain in Luquan County has the highest peak (4,247 meters) and the Gongwang range and
the Liangwang range surround Kunming City itself.
Climate
Kunming is situated in a low latitude and high altitude region. Wumeng Mountain
provides a natural barrier against the cold air from the north, but the humid air flowing
up from the Bay of Bengal meets no resistance. These factors, plus the effects of
temperature and humidity from the nearby Dianchi and Yangzoghai lakes have created a
comfortable climate in Kunming. It is neither too cold in the winter nor too hot in the
summer. The temperature does not vary much throughout the year, and averages 15 C in urban
areas. There are 2,400 hours of sunshine here and 230 days of fog. It is therefore called
the "Spring City".
Minority nationalities
What makes Yunnan different is the multi-cultural ethnicity of its local inhabitants.
It is home to 25 minority groups, each with their unique traditions. |
