Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province in southwestern China, rightly bears the nickname “City of Eternal Spring.” With its pleasant location at an altitude of 1,800 meters and an almost tropical climate, this fascinating metropolis offers blooming flowers and mild temperatures all year round.
A city between tradition and modernity
With a history spanning almost 2,400 years, Kunming has developed from an important trading hub on the historic Silk Road into a modern economic and cultural center. The city once served as a gateway to Tibet, Sichuan, Myanmar, and India, and today it retains its strategic importance as a transportation hub to Southeast Asia.
Its transformation into a modern metropolis began in 1910 with the construction of the railway line to Hanoi. Today, around 6 million people live in this dynamic metropolis, which is notable for its remarkably clean air compared to other major Chinese cities.
During our visit to the SGAVE partner school, I gave a presentation on the future of vocational education in the context of rapid technological and social change. Unfortunately, there was no time to visit the beautiful city and its surroundings this time either. There will certainly be other opportunities.
