Nicknamed the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, basks in its wonderfully mild climate on a fertile plateau. Reputed to be China’s most liveable city, the atmosphere is pleasant and relaxed, the locals easy-going and friendly. Once a stop on the caravan routes to Southeast Asia, India and Tibet, and these trade links remain – both this and its student population keep the city cosmopolitan, with a buzzy nightlife and great restaurants serving Yunnan’s excellent cuisine. As with most of China’s cities, Kunming is rapidly expanding but still has a wealth of heritage to explore, including an excellent museum and a number of temples. Surrounding it are some spectacular national parks, including the mysterious Stone Forest, and of course, the whole of the magnificent Yunnan province. Though if you don’t fancy lots of exploration, this is a great place to simply stroll or sit back and enjoy the relaxed ambience.