Dating back to 279 BC, today Kunming it is a prefecture-level city and the political, economic, communications and cultural centre of the province as well as the seat of the provincial government. The city is also home to several universities, museums, galleries and other important economic, cultural, and educational institutions.

Kunming has a population of almost 6.5 million people, including 3.5 million in the built-up area made up of 4 urban and 1 suburban districts. The city is located at the northern edge of the large Lake Dian, titled as "the Pearl of the Plateau" which forms the sixth largest fresh water lake in China, and the largest lake in Yunnan. Surrounded by temples and lake-and-limestone hill landscapes, Kunming consists of an old, previously walled city, a modern commercial district, residential and university areas. On the outskirts is a famed bronze temple, dating from the Ming dynasty.

In addition to the core business elements of Routes Asia our Host, Kunming Changshui International Airport, has kindly arranged a two complimentary tours and we recommend all delegates take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to explore the city and surrounding area.

The Tour programme includes:

Shilin (Stone Forest) National Scenic Area Tour

Known since the Ming Dynasty as the “First Wonder of the World” the Shilin (Stone Forest) National Scenic Area is a World Natural Heritage site and is classified as an AAAAA-class tourist site, the highest possible level for a tourist attraction within China.

The tall rock formations seem to make the stones look like petrified tress, hence the name the “Stone Forest”, with some of the limestone formations believed to be over 270 million years old.

The magnificent, strange and steep landscape creates countless labyrinthine vistas, and whilst walking through the site visitors are able to marvel at the natural stone masterpieces and the intricate formations.

Yunnan Ethnic Village Tour

The Yunnan Ethnic Village is designed to showcase Chinese ethnic minorities’ culture of architecture, costume, exquisite ethnic handicrafts and folk custom. The experience provides a fantastic opportunity for visitors to learn and understand exactly what the daily life of Chinese ethnic minorities involves.

With the various ethnic villages distributed along spathways, zigzagging galleries and exquisite arched bridges visitors will be able to view the colourful customs and architecture of 25 minorities which are within the Yunnan Province.

Places on these tours are limited and bookings will be taken on a first come first served basis. Click here for more information and to book your place on any of the tours available.