Kunming is a prefecture-level city and capital of Yunnan province, in southwestern China. Because of its year-round temperate climate, Kunming is
often called the "Spring City" or "City of Eternal Spring" .
Kunming is the political, economic, communications and cultural center of Yunnan, and is the seat of the provincial government. It is
also home to several universities, museums, galleries and other important
economic, cultural, and educational institutions. The headquarters of many of
Yunnan's large businesses are in Kunming as well. It was important during World
War II as a Chinese military center, American air base, and transport terminus
for the Burma Road. Located in the middle of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, Kunming
is located at an altitude of 1,900 m above sea level and at a latitude just
north of the Tropic of Cancer. It covers an area of 21,501 km² and its urban
area covers 6,200 km². Kunming has an estimated population of 5,740,000
including 3,055,000 in the urban area and is located at the northern edge of the
large Lake Dian, surrounded by temples and lake-and-limestone hill
landscapes.
