Kunming and Lijiang are both located in China’s Yunnan Province, Kunming in fact is the capital of Yunnan Province while Lijiang is a city located in the northwest part of the province. They might both be from the same province but they sure do offer very different experience should you choose to visit them. 

Known in China as the "City of Eternal Spring", Kunming lies at an almost-tropical latitude but its 2000 m (6600 ft) altitude gives it a very temperate climate. It may snow in winter and locals says the recent winters have become colder and colder, so pack warm if visiting from December to February. Rainy days are also usually cold. The air is also quite clean compared to many Chinese cities, but the population of the prefecture is closing on 10 million and the city is expanding rapidly, with modern buildings and numerous highways emitting their fair share of air pollution. In addition to its own charms, Kunming also serves as a hub from which to explore Yunnan Province.

Lijiang, a city in the northwest part of China's Yunnan province, is home to the Naxi and several other ethnic minority groups. A commercial center in the 1300s, its old town encompasses cobblestone streets, canals and Central Market Square with shops and restaurants. Black Dragon Pool has famed views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain range, fronted by the Moon Embracing Pavilion.

The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (also known as Mount Yulong), with glaciers and 13 peaks, is traversed by cable cars, including a ride ascending to 4,500 meters. On the other side, the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge trail runs along the Upper Yangtze River. In town, the 33m-high Wangulou wooden pavilion stands atop Lion Hill and features Dongba designs. The Mu Mansion, the reconstructed home of the Naxi ruling family, showcases traditional halls and courtyards. Traditional music is performed on original instruments at the Naxi Concert Hall. Baisha, a tiny village to the north, is known for its 55 Naxi murals

Here are more pictures of Lijiang and Kunming.

Interested in visiting these places? Check out affordable Kunming and Lijiang travel tour packages here! Private or Shared, fret not as most of them excludes compulsory shopping stops!

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