While most people can name a couple of cities they know in China– usually Beijing, Shanghai, Nanking, and Harbin, China has hundreds of large cities that most people in the West have never heard of. One such city is Kunming. With a population of approximately 6.2 million, it is a substantial city with a great deal of industry and some major significance. It is the capital of Yunnan Province and is the gateway to come of the most picturesque places in China. It has a population of about 20% ethnic minorities. China has 55 ethnic minority groups. Some of them have a large number of smaller groups within them, some of which feel that they have been miscategorized. In all, these groups make for a fascinating and colorful experience as they have their own dress, customs, languages, religions, and histories as well as a claim on specific areas of land.
Kunming is called the “Spring City” or the “City of Eternal Spring” because of its wonderful mild weather. Foreign students flock here to study Chinese language and traditional Chinese medicine.
Here is a view of part of the city center.
Gate, City Center, Kunming, China
Although most Chinese people are not devoutly religious, they do have beliefs in higher powers and many think of themselves as Buddhist or Taoist. Many also have adopted the Confucian philosophy. Many Chinese see no contradiction among these three and are adherents to all three. Here is a very beautiful Buddhist Temple. It differs from most because one actually enters and then descends toward the main complex. The picture was taken looking back toward the entrance gate.
Gate, Yuantong Temple, Kunming, China
The temple was built late in the 8th century, but, of course, preserved through the years. Here is some detail of one of the buildings as it was being refurbished recently. It is made of wood with lacquered paint to decorate it. All of the painting is hand done.
Detail of building in Yuantong Temple, Kunming, China
What could be more relaxing after a day of looking at all of this beauty than sitting with a cup of tea. We were treated to both the tea and an explanation of the significance of this particular type, Puer tea, which is formed into large wheels of tea (about the size of a frisbee) and sold to parents when their daughter is a baby and preserved until she is betrothed as a gift for her husband. Puer tea can heal just about everything and we were told that if we were to have a steady diet of it, our skin would look as young as that of this lovely lady who served us tea in her ethnic dress.
Tea tasting, Kunming, China
I would love to see this in real life…so different to anything here.
The pagoda style is colorful, and enhanced in red. The substantial yet delicate details look fine in bits of many colors but we enjoy the rubies that are within all. The tea lady is lovely in red, and she is serious about the service in her serving of tea. Traveling and the differences in cultures are a special treat, and the ideal way to learn about the differences…all nice captures!
Beautiful architecture! That’s a lot of painting to be all hand done.
I love the second shot with all the greenery.
Wonderful info to go with your post.
I love the last photo!
Here is my Ruby Tuesday entry.
Beautiful shots!
It’s fascinating that we in the West know so little about China. It’s great that the Buddhist temples have survived all this time. To see them up close must be exciting! (Well, I would be excited.)
Incredible architecture. Love the vibrancy and details of your third shot.
Your photos of China are wonderful. They make me want to go back to Hong Kong.
China is really very interesting! I would love to visit the place someday. 🙂
my RT entry is here.
What beautiful and fascinating buildings and culture. I’d love to see China someday.
This is interesting.
looks like Kunming is an intersting place.. i always dream of going to China one of these days.. thanks for sharing!
u may view mine if u have time
Nice views, Lots of red.
I love the Chinese architecture, especially when it comes to their temples and palaces. One day I want to see the Forbidden City. These pictures are amazing
reg
I get excited every time. They take my breath away.
I really loved your pictures and thanks for giving us the information behind them. A beautiful piece of work. I can only imagine what a gift would be to one. Very nice I would enjoy visiting.
Please stop by.
That looks absolutely beautiful – what a nice place that must be to visit!
At the temple gate
we pause to pray, then plod on
to the holy place.
My Ruby Tuesday
Rona, Thank you for sharing your beautiful RED photos of China. And your info about the Chinese and their religious views. Happy Ruby Tuesday! 🙂
I came here first from Ruby Tuesday-this would have worked there. But it’s fascinating! I will not follow the link to your other post!
I mean, I will NOW follow the link…! :-)))
I’ve always love the Chinese pagoda especially as ornate as the ones on the pictures you captured. They are intricately designed and quite colorfully beautiful!
Beautiful!
How about an ornery little fella for Ruby Tuesday?
It all looks so beautiful, great photos.
lovely photos.. The 1st one is so cool with the red flowers at the front.. But I love more the tea tasting picture..
So wonderful to see, and this place is fascinating!
Wonderful cliche! Great photos!