Kunming

Kunming (ch. 昆明, 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 2 km plateau in Yunnan Province. It enjoys a protected location with mountains surrounding the city on three sides.

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.