KUNMING _ Kunming offers a number of sightseeing spots such as the Stone Forest and Dianchi Lake, but what makes it attractive and different from many other cities are the old parts of the town.
The southern areas of  Kunming present a cultural atmosphere where customs and traditions can be appreciated while visitors stroll through the narrow old streets away from the noisy, wide avenues of the city.
However, these old streets are fading away quickly behind the city's modernization drive.
In recent years, the old houses are being replaced by soaring skyscrapers.
These moves are making the old Kunming City even rarer.
However, visitors need not despair. A replica of the old city has been built to give them an idea of what life used to be like.
Located 20 kilometres west of downtown Kunming, the old Kunming City is a cluster of traditional buildings contained within thick, conspicuous walls.
As you approach the town, you begin to get a sense of the history it offers.
A green river isolates it from other hills and the only way to access it is by a bridge made of rattan.
Within the thick grey city walls, young women in ethnic costumes greet tourists at the city gate.
The old town is also unique in that you feel as if you are going to another country. One of the first things you need to do when you arrive is to change money because modern money is not allowed.
In the old days, Kunming was known as a small settlement trading in salt, silver, gold, silk and lumber.
Marco Polo, who travelled through the area, wrote about the fascinating city of Kunming in the late 13th century: "At the end of the journey you arrive at the capital city, which is named Yachi, and it is very great and noble.
"In it live merchants and artisans... The land is fertile in rice and wheat... "
Such a noble city is reappearing. The streets are crowded with stores, restaurants and tailors shops.
All the brick-and-tile buildings reflect the architectural style of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.
Exquisite carvings on every piece of tile and stone are works of art.
Do not be surprised to see a line of black pedicabs, the only means of transportation in old Kunming City.
The rear part of the city houses a grand courtyard, where the municipal government office is located.
Antiques and paintings are exhibited in the buildings throughout the town, allowing visitors to understand more about old Kunming.

(Photos: top: The suspended rattan bridge is the only way to access the old town; next to top: Replicas of the ancient gateways are landmark structures inside the old towns. By Yang Shizhong)
 
 
 
 
 
 

Thick, grey walls surround the old town of Kunming