One of the sights near Kunming is the Dianchi Lake and the Western Hill that sprouts from its side. Stretching along steep cliffs, there are giant pines and many ancient temples on the Western Hill. Old narrow pathways, all built along rising slopes, twist around to places surrounded by ancient trees and shrubs. The whole place reflects a combination of Buddhism and Taoism. From 1782 to 1854, it took 72 years for stonecutters and artisans to build this hillside combination of grottoes, walkways, pavilions and mansions. On the summit of the Western Hill, you will have a spectacular view of lake and Kunming in the background. Then go down the hill by taking a cable which will directly lead you to the next spot- the Village of Ethnics Culture that is a window to display the social culture and custom of 26 nationalities in Yunnan . It is beside the Dianchi Lake and faces the Western Hill Forest Park across the lake. According to the plan, 13 Ethnic Minorities villages have been built inside including Dai, Bai, Yi, Naxi , Tibet , De'ang and so on. You will enjoy the traditional ethnic building, the marriage custom show of different ethnic groups and the ethnic music and song performance.

Situated on the Yu'an Mountain to the northwest of Kunming , the Qiongzhu Temple is amid wooded peaks, clouds, mist and a sea of flowers. What make this temple famous are the colorful clay sculptures of the 500 Buddhist arhats. With the religious subjects and use of exaggeration, the ancient artists created lively images. The local artist took over seven years in preparing and carving so that every arhat has an individual expression and gesture.

Guoqiao Rice-noodle is the most popular local style of cooked noodles. Guoqiao literally means crossing a bridge in Chinese. Why it got its name has relevant to a legend. A young scholar shut himself away in a remote place to prepare for the imperial ex amina tion. Everyday, his wife had to walk a long distance and cross a bridge to bring him his meals. Usually, his meals went cold by the time it reached him. One day, quite by chance, his wife discovered a bowl of chicken soup could be kept warm by putting a layer of oil on top. From then on, she served the noodles and meat slices with the oil-layered soup and the young scholar could enjoy a warm meal every day. When the scholar did well in the ex amina tion, he credited his success to his wife's noodles and the noodle dish gained in popularity. Guoqiao Rice-noodle as diner is given a plate of thinly sliced raw chicken, pork, fish, bean sprouts, chives and bean curd. Waitresses soon serve you a piping hot bowl of soup which is where the fun starts. Simply put in all the raw meat slices. Cook the meat first, then the raw vegetables, and lastly the noodles. Keep stirring the soup until the meat changes color and is cooked. Your bowl of delicious noodles is now ready.