Kunming

Kunming is surrounded by gorgeous mountain scenery. The city is also intriguing because some of the neighborhoods escaped the ugly 1950s "Chinese modern" architecture that characterizes most cities in the rest of the country. The main attractions are the traditional Chinese teahouses, the Yuantong Temple, the interesting market, some ruined pagodas and stores selling tribal handicrafts. survived. Tucked into side streets, they serve as neighborhood centers where older citizens play games and smoke the afternoon away visitors are welcome.