It is said that if you haven’t been to the Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Memorial Arch, then you have not been to Kunming yet. The Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Memorial Arch is the symbol of Kunming, one of the most remarkable buildings of the city.
Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Memorial Arch was built during the reign of Xuande of Ming Dynasty, it measures 12 miles in height and 18 miles in width. As a typical representative of traditional Yunnan features, the main body of the arch is painted with exquisite traditional ornament.
Another reason why the Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Memorial Arch is special rests is that it could reflect a colorful sightseeing of sun at a specific time. Once upon a time, when the sun was going down and the golden sunset illuminated the Jade Rooster Memorial Arch to a color like shining red from west, the scene was reflected on the eastern street. At the same time, the moon just rose from east, and the silver light softly lay on the Golden Horse Memorial Arch, the scene was projected on the western street. These two shadows crossover together, forming a marvelous spectacle. It is said that the phenomenon is caused by the special angle among earth, moon and sun. This awesome wonder only appears once for each 60 years.
Nowadays, the area around the Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Memorial Arch is becoming a food street as well as souvenir market. You could find all kinds of Kunming snacks and ethnic food over there, and you could also buy some ethnic product and souvenir if you are interested.