KUNMING - CHINA |
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Kunming
(Hanyu
Pinyin:
Kunmíng,
Wade-Giles:
K'un-ming)
is
the
capital
of
Yunnan
province,
China.
It
is
located
at
the
northern
edge
of
the
massive
Lake
Dian
and
has
a
population
of
over
four
million.
Geography
Kunming
is
situated
atop
a
plateau
in
Yunnan
Province.
It
enjoys
a
protected
location
with
mountains
surrounding
the
city
on
three
sides,
and
a
lake
to
the
south. |
|
History
Early townships in the southern edge of Dianchi (outside the comtemporary
city parameter) could be dated backed to 279 BC. These were long lost cities.
In 765 AD, Tuodong city was founded. It was renamed Kunming under the Mongol
ruler (1276).
Marco Polo is thought to have traveled to this area in the 13th century and
wrote about his fascination.
In the 14th century, Kunming was taken over by the Ming. The Ming had built
a wall surrounding the city that is the present Kunming.
In the 19th century, Kunming suffered at the hands of the Sultan of Dali.
Decades later Kunming had begun to be influenced by the West.
Economy
The GDP per capita in 2003 was ¥6655 (ca. US$800), ranked no. 427 among 659
Chinese cities.
Colleges and Universities
Public
Yunnan University (founded 1922)
Kunming University of Science and Technology
Yunnan Agricultural University
Yunnan Normal University
Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Yunnan University of Finance and Economics |
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