Overview
Fenghuangshan Popular Science Ecological Park (昆明凤凰山科普生态公园) is located in the Shili Community (十里社区) and Yangfang’ao Community (羊方凹社区) within the Guandu District (官渡区) of Kunming (昆明). To the east, it borders the East Ring Expressway (东绕城高速公路) and overlooks Niutoushan Scenic Forest (牛头山风景林) across the road, creating a scenic view. The park is bounded by Yangfang’ao to the west, extends north to connect the Jinma Interchange Bridge (金马立交桥) to the Liangmian Temple Interchange Bridge (两面寺立交桥), and is adjacent to the Gui-Kun Railway (贵昆铁路) to the south.
Time Required
1-3 hours
Transportation
You can take bus routes C137, D27, 28, or A13 to reach the park.
Admission Fee
Please consult the scenic area for specific details.
Opening Hours
08:00 – 18:00 (January 1 – December 31, Monday – Sunday)
Location
Fenghuangshan (凤凰山), Guandu District (官渡区), Kunming (昆明), Yunnan Province (云南省)
Visitor Information
Before you set off to Fenghuangshan Popular Science Ecological Park, here’s a helpful travel guide:
- Opening Hours: 08:00 – 18:00
- Driving Directions:
- There is a temporary parking area located south of Observatory Road (天文台路).
- Note: This is a stop-and-go parking lot, approximately 390 meters from the park entrance, which can be reached in about a 5-minute walk.
- Taxi Services:
- You can take a taxi directly to the park entrance without walking. Remember to check maps for coupons before your trip to enjoy additional discounts.
- Public Transportation:
- There are two nearby bus stops that you can choose from:
- Tianwentai (天文台) Station (Shilipulu Road): Bus route Z159
- Tianwentai (天文台) Station (Jinma Road): Bus routes 28, 257, Z133
- There are two nearby bus stops that you can choose from:
After getting off the bus, it’s just a short walk to reach the entrance of Fenghuangshan Popular Science Ecological Park.
Overview
Originally named “Trinity Church” (三一圣堂), the Kunming Trinity International Protestant Church was established in 1903. In 1963, the Yunnan Provincial Committee of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement of Christianity (云南省基督教三自爱国运动委员会) was founded, with its office located within the church. The original church was restored in December 1984 and became the office location for the Yunnan Christian “Two Associations” (云南省基督教“两会”) in 1986. However, in February 1997, the original Trinity Church was demolished to make way for urban development in Kunming.
On June 22, 2003, the groundbreaking ceremony for the new church complex took place, and the name was changed to “Trinity International Protestant Church” (三一国际礼拜堂). The church was completed in December 2004, and the opening service was held on December 12.
Architectural Features
The church complex features Gothic architectural style and covers a total area of 4,018 square meters. The new church is situated on the first to third floors of the complex, occupying 2,000 square meters. The fourth to seventh floors serve as the ministry center for the Yunnan Christian “Two Associations.” The total investment for the church complex was 15 million yuan.
Key Information
- Type: Architecture
- Completion Date: December 2004
- Building Area: 2,000 m²
- Established: 1903
Historical Context
The original Trinity Church was located at 218 Wucheng Road (原武成路218号) in Kunming. After its completion, it became the center for the activities of the “Inland Mission” (内地会) in Yunnan Province. The church featured a worship hall facing the street, with living quarters for clergy in the backyard. The building had three stories, with the first floor serving as a corridor, the second floor housing two offices and a meeting space accommodating thirty to forty people, and the third floor designated as additional office space. The main worship hall had a capacity of four to five hundred people.
In 1963, the Yunnan Provincial Committee of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement of Christianity was established within the Trinity Church. The church resumed services in December 1984. By 1986, it had become the office for the Yunnan Christian “Two Associations.” However, in February 1997, the church was demolished to facilitate road expansion as part of urban construction in Kunming.
After the demolition, the congregation faced nearly eight years of challenges, temporarily holding services in various venues, including the Wuyi Cinema, Yuantong Cinema, Daguan Cinema, Gordon Building, and outdoors at the church site. During this difficult period, many believers prayed in tears, eagerly anticipating the construction of a new church.
With the support and care of the provincial government, relevant departments, and various communities, the groundbreaking ceremony for the new church complex was finally held on June 22, 2003. It was announced that, with approval from the Provincial Religious Affairs Bureau, the church was renamed “Trinity International Protestant Church.” After one and a half years of hard work, the new church was completed in December 2004, and an opening thanksgiving service was held on December 12.
Community Impact
From 1984 to the end of 2006, over 10,000 believers were baptized at the Kunming Trinity International Protestant Church. Currently, more than 4,000 participants attend Sunday services regularly. In 2005, 500 individuals were baptized, followed by another 400 in 2006. The church has eight full-time staff members, including three pastors, four preachers, and one accountant. The number of congregants continues to grow as the church develops.
The new Trinity International Protestant Church is blessed with abundant grace from the Lord, welcoming new missions in the 21st century. The congregation strives to unite in love and work together to revive the holy work of the Lord. May this sanctuary be wholly dedicated to Jehovah as holy; may each person entering the temple be like living stones, built into a spiritual house, serving as a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (提摩太前书2:50). May the Lord’s grace, peace, and blessings be abundant for us.
Contact Information
- Address: 188 Renmin Middle Road (人民中路188号), Kunming (昆明), Yunnan Province (云南省)
Overview
The Kunming YMCA (昆明基督教青年会旧址) is a designated cultural heritage site in Yunnan Province (云南省). The YMCA was established on September 15, 1931, and completed in October 1933. Initially located on Wanzhong Street (万钟街), it moved to No. 4 Dingxin Street (鼎新街) in 1935. The facility consists of three buildings, with a central tower flanked by U-shaped structures.
The architectural style is a blend of Chinese and Western elements. The doors and windows exhibit traditional Chinese design, topped with European-style stone window and door frames. The roofs are tiled, and the interior features a mix of traditional Chinese wooden partition walls and European-style plastered wooden divisions.
Historical Significance
During the 1930s and 1940s, the Kunming YMCA was renowned for its tutorial school, which was led by Ye Chongji (叶崇基), a local from Kunming. The school employed teachers from various high schools and colleges in Kunming, offering high-quality education at reasonable fees with convenient accommodations. It provided assistance and tuition reductions to the underprivileged, attracting many students from diverse backgrounds, including those who were unemployed, out of school, or working.
This tutorial school was the largest and most comprehensive in Kunming from the 1930s to the late 1940s. It specialized in subjects like English and commercial accounting and gained a reputation both locally and beyond due to the involvement of teachers from Southwest Associated University (西南联大) and students who worked part-time or sought additional English training at the school.
In late 1958, following the merger of the city’s Christian associations, the YMCA site on Dingxin Street was handed over to the Municipal Housing Management Bureau, transforming it into the Kunming Youth Palace (昆明市少年宫). After the relocation of the Youth Palace, the site was converted into residential housing.
Cultural Heritage Status
Due to its unique architectural style and historical significance in the spread of Christianity in Kunming, the building was designated as a district-level cultural heritage site in 2002. It was upgraded to a municipal cultural heritage site in 2011 and further recognized as a provincial cultural heritage site in 2012.
Contact Information
- Address: Old YMCA Building, No. 4 Dingxin Jie (鼎新街4号), Kunming (昆明)
- Phone: (0871) 65181933
Overview
Beijing Road Catholic Church (昆明市北京路天主教堂) is located on Beijing Road (北京路) in Kunming (昆明市). The reconstruction site of the church is situated at the intersection of Beijing Road and Jinbi Road (金碧路). The original church, known as “Teresa Church” (德肋撒堂), was built in 1935. In 1980, it was renamed “Sacred Heart of Jesus Church” (耶稣圣心堂). Due to years of disrepair, the church had become a dangerous structure. In 2007, the Yunnan Provincial Catholic “Two Associations” (云南省天主教“两会” ) obtained approval from the Yunnan Provincial Party Committee and the provincial government for reconstruction.
Location
- Chinese Name: 昆明市北京路天主教堂
- Location: 北京路, 昆明市 (Beijing Road, Kunming)
Investment and Construction Details
The total investment for the new Beijing Road Catholic Church is expected to exceed 150 million yuan (15000万元). It will cover an area of 25,000 square meters (25000 m²). As of February 24, the foundation pile work at the construction site has been completed. Comprehensive construction of the main structure is expected to begin after the rainy season in 2011, aiming for completion of the main project by the end of 2012.
This construction is significant for promoting the development of the Catholic Church in China and fostering harmonious development between religion and society in Yunnan Province (云南省).
Chinese Name:大理苍山桃溪谷莫催茶室
English Name: Mocui Tea House of Taoxigu Valley in Dali
Mocui Tea House and Tea Plantation is located in Taoxigu Valley of Cangshan Mountain. Tourists can pick tea in Taoxigu Valley Tea Plantation and learn how to cook tea in the workshop. Taoxigu Valley is located in the halfway of Cangshan Mountain, you can have a panoramic view of Erhai Lake from a far.
Dali Cangshan Peach Creek Valley Moxui Tea Room (大理苍山桃溪谷莫催茶室) is a charming tea house located in the scenic Peach Creek Valley at the foot of Cangshan Mountain. Known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, it offers visitors a unique experience to enjoy traditional Chinese tea in a tranquil setting.
Highlights
- Scenic Location: Nestled in the picturesque Peach Creek Valley, the tea room provides breathtaking views of Cangshan Mountain and the lush, natural landscape.
- Traditional Tea Experience: The tea room specializes in serving high-quality Pu’er tea, along with a selection of other traditional Chinese teas. Guests can experience tea ceremonies and learn about the art of tea making.
- Elegant Ambiance: The interior of the tea room is designed with a blend of traditional Chinese and contemporary aesthetics, creating a relaxing environment for tea lovers.
- Cultural Atmosphere: The tea room often hosts cultural events and tea tasting sessions, providing insights into the rich tea culture of the region.
- Local Delicacies: Besides tea, visitors can enjoy a variety of local snacks and delicacies that complement the tea experience.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The tea room is ideal for a visit during the day when you can fully appreciate the scenic beauty of the valley. The weather is generally pleasant year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly beautiful.
- Dress Comfortably: Since the tea room is located in a natural setting, it’s a good idea to wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking.
- Reservation: It’s advisable to make a reservation in advance, especially if you are visiting during peak tourist seasons or wish to participate in a tea ceremony.
- Local Transportation: The tea room is accessible by car or taxi from Dali’s city center. Public transportation options may be limited, so arranging private transportation might be more convenient.
- Cash and Payments: Check if the tea room accepts credit cards or if you need to bring cash. It’s always good to have some local currency on hand.
Day Trip Itinerary
- Morning: Depart from Dali city center and head towards Cangshan Peach Creek Valley.
- Midday: Arrive at Moxui Tea Room, enjoy a tea ceremony and explore the tea varieties offered.
- Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll around the Peach Creek Valley, enjoy local snacks, and take in the views.
- Evening: Return to Dali city center or continue your exploration of the region.
Visiting Dali Cangshan Peach Creek Valley Moxui Tea Room offers a serene retreat and an authentic tea experience in one of the most picturesque settings in Dali.
Chinese Name: 晋宁区双河彝族乡
English Name: Shuanghe Yi Ethnic Town of Jinning District in Kunming
Overview
Wenquan Cliff Inscriptions, located in Anning City (安宁市), Yunnan Province (云南省), are a significant group of stone carvings from the Ming Dynasty (明朝) to the Republic of China (民国时期). These inscriptions are situated on Yiqing Road (一清路) in the Wenquan community (温泉社区) of Wenquan Street (温泉街道). They were designated as a key national cultural relic protection unit by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China in October 2019.
Historical Background
The Wenquan area is situated along the Tanglang River (螳螂川), about 7 kilometers north of Anning City. It lies between Longshan (龙山) and Fengshan (凤山) mountains, known for its natural hot springs. The hot spring’s historical significance dates back to the Eastern Han Dynasty (东汉), specifically to the year 56 AD when it was discovered by the famous general Su Wenda (苏文达). Historical texts, such as the “Yuan Hunyi Fang Yulansheng” (元混一方舆览胜), have documented that Anning had the most hot springs among various districts in Yunnan.
From the Han Dynasty (汉代) to the Ming and Qing Dynasties (明清), visitors to the Wenquan area left behind a wealth of historical and cultural information on the surrounding cliffs. Over the years, the landscape has changed, and the cliff inscriptions have risen closer to the ground due to road construction during the Republic of China period.
Description of the Inscriptions
The Wenquan Cliff Inscriptions comprise more than 170 pieces of text and pictorial engravings spanning over 320 years, mainly from the Ming and Qing Dynasties to the Republic of China. These inscriptions are located on a 600-meter-long, 20-meter-high cliff wall. The area is divided into three sections: the first two are separated by the Kunming Cadres Sanatorium, and the third is within the Long family villa (龙氏别墅).
The inscriptions include six from the Ming Dynasty and over 160 from the Qing and Republican periods. The earliest inscription is the phrase “Ting Quan” (听泉), written by He Mengchun (何孟春), a Vice Minister of the Right who governed Yunnan in 1521 during the Ming Zhengde period. Another notable inscription is “Bu Ke Bu Yin” (不可不饮) by Yang Shen (杨慎), a famous scholar.
Artistic Features
The Wenquan Cliff Inscriptions are notable for their diversity in content, which includes scenic names, couplets, poetry, and Buddhist phrases. The majority are calligraphic works, with a few exceptions being pictorial carvings such as the “Water Moon Guanyin” (水月观音图) and “Tiger Howling Wind” (虎啸生风图). The longest inscription, “Nine Curves Dragon Nest” (九曲龙窝), measures 4 meters long, while the shortest, “Bu Ke Bu Yin” (不可不饮), is merely 27 centimeters.
Cultural Significance
The Wenquan Cliff Inscriptions are among the best-preserved and most abundant cliff carvings in Yunnan. They reflect the region’s natural beauty and cultural richness, intertwined with the prevailing social customs, economic conditions, aesthetic standards, and the policies of different ruling powers over the centuries. Some inscriptions are linked to significant historical events, providing valuable documentation for studying Yunnan’s political, economic, and cultural history.
Honors and Recognition
On July 14, 2023, the “Bu Ke Bu Yin” (不可不饮) and “Shizong” (石淙) inscriptions were included in the first batch of ancient famous stone inscriptions published by the National Cultural Heritage Administration.
Preservation Measures
In October 2019, the Wenquan Cliff Inscriptions were officially recognized as a key national cultural relic protection unit by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.
Travel Information
Location
The Wenquan Cliff Inscriptions are located in Anning City (安宁市), Yunnan Province (云南省), specifically on Yiqing Road (一清路) in the Wenquan community (温泉社区).
Transportation
Driving: The Wenquan Cliff Inscriptions are approximately 8.9 kilometers from the center of Anning City (安宁市), with a driving time of about 16 minutes.
Overview
Zhuantang Park (昆明篆塘公园) covers an area of approximately ten acres and is situated at the intersection of Xichang Road (西昌路) and Daguan Road (大观路) in Kunming (昆明市). Originally a parking lot for the Kunming Public Bus Company, the site was transformed into a park in 1987. In July 2002, the Kunming Municipal Government invested 800,000 yuan to renovate the park over an eight-month period.
Attractions
After the renovation, Zhuantang Park removed its surrounding walls and all buildings facing the street, introducing new greenery and creating a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city. The park is free to enter and has become a popular recreational space for the general public, especially for middle-aged and elderly citizens. It serves as a hub for activities such as lantern singing (唱花灯) and mountain song (山歌) performances.
Benefits for the Elderly
Since the majority of modern families are now single-child households, traditional methods of elder care have become less suitable for contemporary society. Zhuantang Park provides activity spaces for elderly individuals, enhancing their quality of life.
Morning Activities
In the mornings, many elderly people can be seen exercising in the park. The facilities are comprehensive and the environment is clean, making it a favored spot for both the elderly and children.
Recreational Activities
The park offers various activities such as playing cards (打牌) and chess (下棋), enriching the lives of senior citizens.
Connection with Nature
For people working in modern high-rise buildings, there is a strong desire to return to nature. The tranquility, leisure, and vibrancy of the natural world are invaluable to urban dwellers. The construction of Zhuantang Park meets this need for a return to an ecological paradise, providing a suitable public space for citizens to relax and relieve stress.
Urban residents can be seen walking, playing games, or lounging in the park, where they enjoy the beauty and ease of urban life. The park has become an important part of enhancing urban civilization, environment, and image.
Overview
The Former Residence and Memorial Hall of Zhu De (昆明朱德旧居纪念馆) is located in the center of Kunming (昆明市) at the original residence of Zhu De (朱德), known as “Jieyuan” (洁园). In 2015, Yunnan Province (云南省) initiated restoration work to transform Zhu De’s former residence into a patriotic education base dedicated to promoting and passing down the excellent traditions of the older generation of proletarian revolutionaries.
Location and Facilities
- Address: No. 4 Honghua Lane (红花巷), Crystal Palace Community (水晶宫社区), Huashan Street Office (华山街道办事处), Wuhua District (五华区), Kunming City (昆明市), Yunnan Province (云南省)
- Area: Over 1,200 square meters, with an exhibition space of 560 square meters
- Exhibitions: Consists of graphic exhibitions and scene restorations, including various rooms like the main hall, reception room, study, and dining room, reflecting Zhu De’s living conditions at that time.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM, closed on Mondays.
- Inauguration Date: December 1, 2016
- Type: Historical Museum
Structure
“Jieyuan” is a traditional Chinese courtyard house located in the center of Kunming at the intersection of Honghua Lane (红花巷) and Xiaomeiyuan Lane (小梅园巷). Zhu De moved here in 1921 and named it “Jieyuan.” This residence witnessed Zhu De’s quest for truth and his path toward communism. A grand opening ceremony was held here on December 1, 2016.
Landscape
The newly renovated Former Residence and Memorial Hall of Zhu De has an exhibition area of over 500 square meters. Through graphic exhibitions and scene restorations, it showcases Zhu De’s significant years in his second hometown, Yunnan.
Historical Background
Zhu De, originally named Zhu Daizhen (朱代珍), was born in 1886 in Sichuan (四川) and became a founding father of the People’s Republic of China (中华人民共和国). Driven by a desire to save the country, he left his family in 1909 and embarked on a 70-day journey from Sichuan to Kunming to enroll in the Yunnan Military Academy (云南陆军讲武堂), marking the beginning of his military career and revolutionary journey.
Significance of Zhu De’s Time in Yunnan
Zhu De’s time in Yunnan was of great significance to him, and he felt a deep pride for Yunnan. During this period, he changed his name to Zhu De and participated in the National Protection War (护国战争), the Constitutional Protection War (护法战争), and the suppression of bandits in southern Yunnan. He rose to the rank of commander of the Yunnan Army Military Police and was honored as a “National Protection General” (护国名将).
In 1921, to accommodate his relatives who arrived in Kunming, Zhu De purchased a residence at the foot of Wuhua Mountain (五华山) and built a home named “Jieyuan.” In 1922, he left this small courtyard for Germany, where he joined the Communist Party of China (中国共产党), embarking on a new revolutionary journey.
Having engaged in learning and revolutionary work in Yunnan for 13 years, Zhu De developed a strong attachment to this land. He recalled, “Yunnan is my second hometown, with a glorious revolutionary tradition that I will never forget.”
Legacy
After the founding of the new China, Zhu De visited Yunnan three times for inspections and donated this residence, the only one he built himself in his lifetime, to the Yunnan provincial government for use as a school and a community office building. In 1983, Zhu De’s former residence was designated as a key cultural relic protection unit by the Wuhua District (五华区) of Kunming City.
Chinese Name: 昆明抗战胜利纪念堂
English Name: Victory Memorial Hall of Anti-Japanese War in Kunming
Overview
Victory Memorial Hall of the War of Resistance Against Japan is located in the Beiguanghua Street of Wuhua District, Kunming City, Yunnan Province. It was completed in the 35th year of the Republic of China (1946).
Originally the site of the Governor-General’s Office of Yunnan and Guizhou during the Qing Dynasty, the Victory Memorial Hall features a palace-style architectural design that combines Chinese and Western elements. The structure is well-organized, with the main hall’s layout resembling an aircraft, and the overall design, along with the circular buildings in Yunrui Park and on both sides of Yunrui East and West Roads, forms a shape that symbolizes joy in the victory of the war. It is a significant historical memorial building in Yunnan.
The Victory Memorial Hall has been approved to serve as a museum, covering an area of approximately 30 acres. It consists of three parts: the main memorial building, the People’s Hero Monument, and the Exhibition Hall of the History of the Yunnan People’s Revolutionary Struggle. The hall embodies the unique spiritual values, ways of thinking, and imagination of the Chinese nation, reflecting its vitality and creativity. It holds significant historical, artistic, and scientific appreciation values, playing a critical role in inheriting and promoting the excellent cultural traditions of the nation, enhancing national unity, maintaining national integrity, strengthening national self-confidence and cohesion, and advancing the construction of socialist spiritual civilization.
In the 34th year of the Republic of China (1945), plans were initiated to construct the Victory Memorial Hall; it was completed in the 35th year (1946).
In December 1950, the first representatives’ meeting of various sectors of Yunnan Province decided to rename “Victory Hall” to “People’s Victory Hall” and to establish the “People’s Hero Monument.”
In 1951, the foundation for the Yunnan People’s Hero Monument was laid. On February 24, 1995, the Yunnan People’s Hero Monument and the Exhibition Hall of the History of the Yunnan People’s Revolutionary Struggle were completed in the square in front of the Victory Hall and were opened to the public for free.
On May 25, 2006, the State Council approved the Victory Memorial Hall as a national key cultural relic protection unit, and it was renamed again to “Victory Memorial Hall of the War of Resistance Against Japan.” In March 2019, it was approved by the Yunnan Provincial Government as the Victory Memorial Hall Museum of the War of Resistance Against Japan.
Architectural Layout
The Victory Memorial Hall originally served as the site of the Governor-General’s Office during the Qing Dynasty and features a palace-style architecture that harmoniously blends Chinese and Western styles. The design is structured rigorously, and the plan of the main hall takes the shape of a fighter aircraft. In a symmetrical layout, the functional areas consist of a foyer (including a main hall and two side halls) and a large central hall, which is a rare spacious structure for its time, complemented by auxiliary rooms. The façade showcases a combination of Chinese and Western architectural styles, with attractive and elegant designs. Parts of the roof feature traditional Chinese single-eaved hip roofs, with half-arch eaves and upturned corners, while the white marble railings reflect traditional Qing-style craftsmanship.
Main Building
The main building of the Victory Memorial Hall has a construction area of approximately 4,600 square meters, accommodating around 950 people in the main hall and about 60 in the conference room, which can also be used as a classroom. In the southeast corner, there is a reading room named “Victory Reading Room,” with over 60 square meters of space and more than 40 study seats. The reading room features a carefully selected collection of nearly 1,500 books, including red-themed publications, popular science books, classic social sciences, foreign language periodicals, and quality cultural and creative works, providing a place for discussion and exchange during themed activities for party units, while also offering a great learning platform for the general public and party members.
The architecture of the Victory Memorial Hall effectively utilizes the local terrain, with a compact overall layout that presents a plan in the shape of an American fighter jet. It consists of three functional segments: the foyer (main entrance and two side halls), the spacious central hall, and additional ancillary rooms. The design is characterized by a blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles, presenting an aesthetically pleasing and dignified appearance. The hall primarily employs traditional local materials such as wood, brick, stone, and specially designed large tiles, with the base and railings made of white marble.
Yunnan People’s Hero Monument and Exhibition Hall
The Yunnan People’s Hero Monument and Exhibition Hall cover an area of over 2,000 square meters and can accommodate around 200 visitors at a time. The monument stands approximately 27 meters tall and is square-shaped. The exhibition area beneath the monument’s base, covering about 1,300 square meters, features displays on the history of revolutionary struggles in Yunnan, while the monument’s base is adorned with bas-reliefs reflecting the struggle history of the people of Yunnan.
Value and Significance
The Victory Memorial Hall encapsulates the unique spiritual values, thought patterns, and imagination of the Chinese nation, embodying its vitality and creativity. It holds high appreciation values in terms of history, art, and science and plays an essential role in inheriting and promoting excellent cultural traditions, fostering national unity, maintaining national integrity, enhancing national self-confidence and cohesion, and advancing the construction of socialist spiritual civilization, making it of profound significance.
Overview
The Compound of Ma Family (马家大院) is a classic Bai ethnic residence that is the most well-preserved traditional building in Kunming (昆明市). It was awarded the 2001 Cultural Heritage Conservation Award by UNESCO for the Asia-Pacific region.
Located on the serene alley of Silver Cabinet Lane (小银柜巷) in the old streets of Kunming, this residence is also known as “Jinlan Tea Garden” (金兰茶苑). It was originally the home of Ma Jun (马鉁), a prominent general of the Yunnan Army (滇军) and a national defense elder from Eryuan (洱源). Construction began in 1923, and Mr. Ma served as the first mayor of Kunming, moving his family into the new home in 1924.
Construction Details
- Construction Year: 1923
- Area: 1,146 m²
- Location: No. 36, Jingxing Street (景星街), Kunming City (昆明市), Yunnan Province (云南省)
Architectural Introduction
The Compound of Ma Family is situated at No. 36 Jingxing Street and was constructed in 1923. It faces south and covers a total area of 1,146 square meters. This architectural marvel is designed in the “four courtyards and five patios” style, featuring a brick and wood structure known as “zhuoma zhuanjiao” (走马转角楼).
The compound consists of two stories of wooden buildings interconnected, with a central courtyard measuring 200 square meters, adorned with flowers, plants, and stone water tanks. Four small patios are also present at the corners of the building. The architecture showcases intricate wood carvings and stone sculptures, typical of the Bai ethnic group, embodying the classic structure of “three halls and one screen wall” (三坊一照壁).
From the perspective of the main gate and the layout, the compound exhibits characteristics similar to the “One Seal” (一颗印) houses in Kunming, where the entrance is aligned with the central axis of the opposite structure. The entire building is oriented from north to south, creating a tranquil environment.
Professor Zhao Chen (赵辰) from Nanjing University (南京大学) and Swiss experts have conducted extensive research on this typical residence. They believe that it is not merely an old house but a successful exemplar of Chinese historical and cultural heritage in the eyes of foreigners.
Conservation Measures
In 2003, the Compound of Ma Family was announced as a municipal cultural heritage protection unit, emphasizing its significance in preserving Yunnan’s architectural history.
Compound of Ma Family in Kunming
Location
Daziran Nature Customs Garden also named Jacklion Mores Garden in Kunming (大自然风情园) is located in Haigeng Village (海埂村), Xishan District (西山区), Kunming City (昆明市), Yunnan Province (云南省).
Overview
Daziran Nature Customs Garden offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It serves as an ideal destination for family outings or gatherings with friends and relatives. Situated along the shores of Dianchi Lake (滇池), this garden allows visitors to immerse themselves in lush greenery, unwind their tired bodies and minds, breathe in fresh air, and engage in physical activities, leaving them refreshed and invigorated.
The garden is shaded by verdant trees and adorned with blooming flowers. It features landscapes reminiscent of Beihai Silver Beach (北海银滩) in Guangxi, complete with artificial lakes, pavilions, towers, and ponds that attract numerous visitors seeking leisure and entertainment. Bathed in warm sunlight, children can be seen playing joyfully in the white sands of the beach, while adults gather in pavilions and towers to play cards, Mahjong (打麻将), or chess (下象棋), enjoying their holiday fun.
Scenic Features
Daziran Nature Customs Garden is a scenic garden that integrates natural landscapes, cultural geography, and ecological leisure, serving as a representative landmark of Kunming. It features a rich variety of plant resources and unique geographical landscapes, making it an excellent place to experience the charm of nature.
Floral Displays
The garden boasts a unique geographical location and climate, providing a wide array of floral resources, including roses (玫瑰), peonies (牡丹), and rhododendrons (杜鹃). Especially in spring, various flowers bloom profusely, filling the air with delightful fragrances and attracting countless visitors.
Natural Landscapes
In addition to its diverse vegetation, the garden features magnificent geological landscapes. Visitors can stroll through canyons and forests, experiencing the wonders of nature. The stunning lake and mountain scenery creates an illusion of being in a paradise, bringing a sense of peace and tranquility.
Leisure and Entertainment
Besides enjoying the natural scenery, Daziran Nature Customs Garden offers various recreational facilities, such as a children’s playground and open-air tea houses. Here, visitors can enjoy leisure time and relax while soaking in the beauty of nature.
Ecological Education
The garden also includes an ecological education base, allowing visitors to learn about plants, animals, and other aspects of nature, deepening their understanding and appreciation of the natural world while promoting ecological civilization.
Daziran Nature Customs Garden is a comprehensive scenic garden that combines natural beauty and cultural history. It is not only a leisure and entertainment destination but also an important window showcasing the charm of Kunming City. We invite you to come and experience the allure of nature firsthand.
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