Kunming, Yunnan, China

Kunming is the big metropolis of Yunnan, but don't let that fool you. It is a laid-back city full of people who don't seem like they're in a hurry to get anywhere fast. It is, however, big enough to feel like a decent-sized city and modern enough that you shouldn't have trouble finding the services and conveniences you might be used to. Old world charms still exist in the musicians who hang out in Green Lake Park. Modern sky-scrapers tower over double-decker buses and chic restaurants. Yuantong Temple may make you believe that religion does exist in China, and the night clubs of Kundu Night Market may make you... well, okay they're pretty kitschy, but don't let that stop you. Like any big city, it's hard to grasp what it's all about in a few days or from a few written lines, but if you head to Yunnan you will likely spend at least a couple of days there, so get on your walking shoes and go exploring.