By Robert, an expat and long-time resident in Kunming

 

The promoters of the Howard Johnson Hotel with its distinctive twin semicircular towers have installed a unique garden in a purpose built climate controlled dome between the towers. The centre piece of the garden is a peacock perched on top of a mound above a waterfall with a selection of flowers used to create its tail feathers. Entrance to the flower garden is through a media centre rather like a planetarium with a colourful visual briefing projected on the roof.

Entrance tickets are 100 RMB which reflects the cost of installing and maintaining the floral exhibits in this enchanting and unique space. There is a wide selection of plants and flowers including many beautiful and rare orchid displays. The garden has just been opened to the public but is beautifully presented and is a blaze of coordinated colour in an imaginative setting.

The garden includes a museum with many realistic displays including a recreation of an old French shopping centre, a perfumery and an enchanting recreation of guests at a tea dance!

Visitors also have access to a shopping centre on the two levels above the museum which includes shops selling silverware, flowers and unique small gifts plus a restaurant. This is a pleasant way to spend a morning or afternoon and visitors should take their cameras with them.

I am sure that over time this garden of beautiful flowers will be developed into a must-go tourist attraction. 

 

Tel: 400-871-8833，0871-6503 6999

Add: 8188, Jinwa Rd., Kunming

 

Transport

（1）Public bus No. 22, 29, 60，906, C137, C136, 194, K18, K9, stop at Sannongchang
（2）Metro line No.6, stop at Kunming East Bus Station then 5 minutes' taxi ride