nomadsally: II. More Wonders of Kunming

More Kunming

Kunming Student

Photo of Kunming with Pedestrians

More Wonders of Kunming

The population of this city is at least 6 1\2 million! I was shocked, but I can believe it as we move about town with the masses everywhere. In spite of being such a populated city, the Chinese we have come to deal with have been so helpful and kind to us. Many are so curious about us. It's a fairly clean city and graffiti-free. The police are ever-present but helpful and kind.

Living would be difficult in Kunming....the housing options for most is a tiny high rise apartment house. There are many new buildings being constructed, but the old (maybe twenty years) ones look grim. New construction is taking place everywhere. Pile drivers are everywhere. Traffic is always congested. A subway under construction will help. Commercialism seems to be taking over the country....

Bird and Flower Market and Old Kunming

If you need an exotic large iguana, a turtle family, a lotus plant...do visit the ancient bird and flower market, a huge outdoor commercial site located next to the tradition neighborhoods of Kunming. We also found a fabulous textile market on the second floor of one of the main buildings in the market. Jewelry with lots of jade occupies the first floor.

Miao Ethnic Group Couple

The government has torn down most of the old neighborhoods, but is renovating the area seen here.

As you can see there are just a few old style Chinese buildings left. I do wonder what this neighborhood looked like fifteen years ago.

China is changing so fast that nobody can keep track of the roadways, addresses, or find the locations of many places. Taxi drivers seem to be totally confused. Maps just don't seem to serve since nobody can keep up with the rapid changes.