For dancer, 'Spring City' Kunming feels like home

Kunming, the enchanting "Spring City" of China, has become more than just a place on the map for me — it has become my second home. Arriving in Kunming, Yunnan province, for the first time in September 2019, I was struck by its beauty, calmness and warmth. I lived there for four years, a time that holds countless memories and unforgettable moments.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I stayed back in Kunming, which allowed me to experience its peaceful pace, welcoming people, and the diverse cultures that flourish there. Kunming's gentle weather, flavorful cuisine, and close-knit communities have left me with a deep sense of homesickness whenever I'm away from the city, making me long to return.

I come from Imphal, a city in Manipur, a state in northeast India, not far from Kunming in the grand scheme of geography. The historical connections between Manipur and Yunnan have roots that run deep. The ancient Tea and Horse Road, a significant trade route, linked Yunnan to other parts of India through Manipur.

From a young age, I would listen to my father recount stories of trade and the historical ties between the ancient kingdom of Manipur and Yunnan. Admiral Zheng He from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) hailed from Jinning district in Kunming and undertook seven grand voyages. In 1405, he reached Calicut (now Kozhikode) in Kerala, India — a city I had the privilege of visiting this year. Standing on the very shore where Zheng He's fleet had docked brought a profound sense of pride and connection.

Beyond these ties, in 2013, Kunming and Kolkata became sister cities, further highlighting the cultural and historical bonds that unite India and China. For me, as an Indian and a Manipuri, Kunming feels like a place that resonates with a part of my own heritage.

As a Manipuri classical dancer, I am naturally drawn to art and culture, and Yunnan provided endless opportunities to explore these interests. Yunnan is home to 26 of China's 56 ethnic groups, each with its own rich heritage. Yunnan introduced me to the music, dance, clothing and customs of many different cultures, making my time there an incredible educational journey.

Before arriving, I knew little about Yunnan, as it is often overshadowed by China's larger, bustling cities. My first glimpse of Yunnan's allure came through a friend back in India who loved watching rural lifestyle videos of blogger Dianxi Xiaoge on You-Tube, particularly those showcasing the charm and simplicity of Yunnan's countryside.

When I finally arrived, Kunming surprised me with its impressive development and organization. The city has become a hub for transport, technology, trade and tourism, connecting China with Southeast Asia and beyond. Thanks to Kunming's favorable weather and breathtaking landscapes, it attracts thousands of visitors each year, boosting its economy and transforming it into one of China's premier tourist destinations.

Kunming's strategic location, close to the borders of several Southeast Asian countries, has also established it as a major center for education, trade and cultural exchange. The city's universities draw students from all over the world, and with the recent launch of a high-speed rail line to Laos, Kunming's role as a bridge to Southeast Asia is only growing. In prestigious institutions in Kunming, like Yunnan Agricultural University, researchers use cutting-edge technology to develop high-yield crops that contribute to China's agricultural prosperity.

In July 2023, I moved to Shanghai to follow my passion for the arts at the Shanghai Theatre Academy, but my heart still yearns for Kunming. Growing up in the mountains, I always felt a natural connection to Kunming's surrounding hills, which reminded me of my hometown. Here in Shanghai, whenever I meet new people, I eagerly share my stories of Kunming and urge them to experience this "Spring City" (named for its year-round springlike weather) for themselves. And when I meet someone from Yunnan, a feeling of joy and familiarity fills me, as though I've encountered someone from home.

Kunming, my heart remains with you. Until we meet again, I carry your warmth and beauty with me, always.

The author is from India and currently pursuing his second master's degree in Intercultural Communication Studies at the Shanghai Theatre Academy.