We arrived in Kunming on Tuesday 21st October. We found Kunming something of an anti-climax after Beijing but we could at least breathe more easily in the better air quality. The guide book tells us that Kunming is the City of Eternal Spring but alas for us it was not and we have had a few days of heavy rain. Close to the hotel (unbelievably comfortable mattress) we have found another lake to run around. Early in the morning it is full of badminton players, Tai Chi groups, opera singers, town criers and people doing all manner of other interesting exercises. We didn't feel out of place running a few laps amongst them.

We have had some nice days out, also in sunshine.

We went on Thursday to Dianchi, a large lake just south of Kunming, where we climbed the Western Hills, past various highly-decorated temples and up to Grand Dragon Gate. There were some beautiful views over the lake.

On Sunday we went to the Stone Forest, an hour and a half bus ride from Kunming. The Stone forest is a strange (karst)landscape of rocks and cliffs rising up from the ground, one of the major attractions in the  We found it quite spectacular.

Unlike most of China, Yunan Province is known for its local goats cheese (although not as tasty as the geitenkaas from Holland). Also, the China hotel booking in Kunming is much easier than other places.