Kunming is the capital of Yunnan Province, with a development history stretching back over 3,000 years. It is located on the northern shore of Dianchi Lake, on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, at an altitude of 1,900 meters above sea level. The Guandu site for this Masterplan is over 5,370 hectares and provides a rare opportunity for new development to celebrate the best of Kunming’s heritage, together with contemporary development practices. The focus is on three key strategies: developing a commercial center, establishing a cultural hub, and creating a tourism destination. The celebration of that heritage is made possible by returning the city and its people to the Dianchi Lake shoreline. That symbiotic relationship was broken during the last century by extensive filling of the lake, which physically broke Kunming’s connection to the water. The development of Guandu re-establishes that waterfront relationship for the people of Kunming. This is our generation’s opportunity to change the future of Kunming and realize its true potential. The design and development direction provided by the Dianchi North Masterplan will provide the framework for growth and safeguard the vitality of this great city.