The dust has settled following voting for the Best of Kunming 2014. Now it's time to get down to the business of recognizing the winners, handing out some hardware and throwing an awesome party.

We are happy to announce that on Saturday, January 17 at 8pm, GoKunming will hold its second annual Best of Kunming Awards Ceremony. Last year's affair was a rousing success held at Alei Lounge Club amid sharks, speeches and the rollout of our new-look website. This time we are changing gears, planning a less formal gathering — one with more of an emphasis on fun and on thanking GoKunming's great user base. The event will be hosted at the ACMEC conference center.

The evening will begin with the recognition of each of our ten winners, as selected by GoKunming readers. The businesses will be presented on stage with a commemorative award, and in addition receive a bottle of their choice and a present from Yang Liping, including a photo book and DVD collection.

Entertainment

We will have a cash bar staffed by GoKunming employees and live music will be featured throughout the evening. Following the awards presentation, New Digs will take the stage. The trio of David Tedeshi, Joost Meester and Ian Hassman play harmony infused classic rock songs about about love, sin and death.

They will be followed by Nevada and the Howling Void. The quartet is made up of feisty front-man John Nevada Lundemo, a nine-year veteran of the Kunming music scene, Hassman on guitar, Tedeshi on bass, and James Dopp on percussion. Wrapping up the evening, DJ Xiao Kris will spin only the finest in lounge, hip-hop and funk beats.

This year, the awards show will conclude with a lucky draw. This is our way of thanking all of the people who voted for the Best of Kunming Awards and also everyone who helps make the Kunming community such a unique and special one.

Lucky draw prizes

Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort and Spa

Here we decided quality should beat out quantity. For our grand prize, one lucky winner will receive a weekend stay for two at the Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort and Spa. This prize features two nights in a private 140-square meter villa with dedicated pool. The luxury accommodations are set amidst gorgeous jungle scenery and nearby ancient Pu'er tea plantations. Winners will be attended by 24-hour butler service. Transportation to the resort from Jinghong and complimentary breakfasts are also included. The grand prize package is valued at 8,000 yuan.

Angsana Fuxian Lake

Another fantastic pair of prizes come from the stunning settings surrounding Fuxian Lake. Two lucky draw winners will each receive a two-night stay for two at Angsana Fuxian Lake in the hotel's deluxe lake view suites. These prizes also include ground transportation from and to Kunming, as well as breakfast vouchers. Each package is worth 3,000 yuan.

Yang Liping's Dynamic Yunnan

We will give away free passes to Dynamic Yunnan, the song and dance homage to all things south of the clouds as envisioned by famed artist Yang Liping (杨丽萍). Internationally renowned, the show blends traditional ethnic folk dance and musical traditions with modern choreography and has been performed 4,000 times in more than 42 cities around the globe. Two winners will each receive four VIP tickets to the show. Each group of tickets has a box office value of 1,920 yuan.

Holiday Inn Kunming City Center

Four pairs of vouchers for the dinner buffet at Holiday Inn Kunming City Center will also be given away. Set in the APM Café at the newly refurbished hotel, the buffet features fresh seafood, delicious steaks and culinary delights from across China. Dinner for two is valued at 516 yuan.

Advanced tickets and directions

As with last year, advance tickets to the event cost 30 yuan, this time with all proceeds going to the bands and DJ. Tickets purchased at the door will cost 40 yuan. The price of each ticket includes entry to the event and one lucky draw number. Raffle winners are limited to one prize only. A limited number of advance tickets will go on sale Saturday, January 10, at the following businesses: Cantina, both O'Reilly's Irish Pub locations (Green Lake and Beichen), and Salvador's Coffee House.

This year, the Best of Kunming Awards Ceremony has been organized in partnership with S-MAX Digital Technology Co, Ltd and will be held at the top of Jinding Shan at the ACMEC conference center. The location is a bit tricky to find, so please check the map included below. Rest assured, the day of the awards there will be signs clearly directing attendees where to go.

We would like to thank all of our sponsors, Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort and Spa, Angsana Fuxian Lake, Holiday Inn Kunming City Center, S-MAX Digital Technology Co, and Yang Liping. Without them, this event would not be possible. Also, congratulations once again to all of this year's winners! We hope to see you January 17!

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