The Name of Spring City–Kunming

Historical Origins

  • Name Evolution: Kunming has had many names throughout history. During the late Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, General Zhuang Qiao of the Chu State entered the Dianchi Lake area and established the Dian Kingdom. In 109 BC, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty conquered the southwestern regions, and Dian’s king surrendered. The Han court established Yizhou Prefecture, centered around Dianchi Lake, and the name “Kunming” first appeared as an ethnic group’s name. It wasn’t until the Yuan Dynasty in 1254, after the Yuan army conquered the Dali Kingdom, that Kunming was officially designated as a county and later became the provincial capital of Yunnan, retaining the name to this day.
  • Cultural Heritage: Kunming has a long history with over 3,000 years of civilization and 2,300 years as a city. It has always been a political, economic, and cultural hub in the region. Its unique local culture and ethnic traditions have enriched the cultural connotations of the name “Spring City.”

Climate Factors

  • Four Seasons Like Spring: Kunming has a subtropical highland monsoon climate, surrounded by mountains on three sides and Dianchi Lake to the south. This unique geography creates a year-round spring-like climate, with mild winters, cool summers, and minimal temperature fluctuations. The long sunshine duration and short frost period make it an ideal “Spring City.”
  • Flowers in Bloom All Year: Due to the pleasant climate, flowers bloom almost all year round, and vegetation remains green. This scenic beauty of blooming flowers aligns perfectly with the imagery of a “Spring City.”

Cultural and Human Factors

  • Literary Influence: The Ming Dynasty scholar Yang Shen, while exiled to Yunnan, wrote the lines, “The weather is always like February or March, with flowers blooming continuously all year round,” which first gave Kunming the nickname “Spring City.” These poetic words vividly captured Kunming’s climate and natural beauty, cementing the name in people’s minds.
  • Ethnic Diversity: Kunming is home to 26 ethnic groups, each preserving unique cultural traditions such as the Yi people’s Torch Festival and the Dai people’s Water-Splashing Festival. This rich cultural tapestry enhances the charm of “Spring City.”
  • Urban Development: Kunming’s urban planning emphasizes green spaces and environmental protection, with parks, green areas, and natural landscapes like Dianchi Lake and Cuihu Lake. These features make Kunming a livable and attractive city, further elevating its reputation as the “Spring City.”