Kunming Old Street is like that one uncle who got a facelift in his 50s, some parts are charmingly ancient, others suspiciously botoxed. Officially, this area dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, so we’re talking about streets that have been around longer than most countries’ constitutions. In reality, the paving stones look like they’ve been “renovated” more times than a reality TV star’s jawline.
The street traces its origins to the 14th century Ming dynasty, but what you’re actually walking on was heavily rebuilt in 2014, when the city figured out that heritage also sells. Covering around 200,000 square meters with roughly 1 km of stone-paved lanes, it was once the commercial spine of Kunming, where Southern Silk Road caravans hauled tea and salt. Today those caravans have been replaced by selfie-stick pilgrims and people who think haggling over a fridge magnet counts as cultural immersion.
You’ll still find teahouses, snack stalls, and vendors selling everything from Yunnan coffee to trinkets you never knew you didn’t need. The local snacks..rice noodles, grilled goat skewers, flower cakes, do their best to keep the place from becoming a wax museum of itself.
So is it worth a visit? Yes, in the same way it’s worth meeting that facelifted uncle: half nostalgia, half performance art, and entirely unforgettable whether you love...
Read moreThe street brims with shops, eateries, and stalls, making it a playground for anyone looking to dive into local culture. It's a fascinating blend of old and new, where stories unfold at every corner. The area is packed with unique snacks, upscale vintage hotels, and so much more. A highlight was the Xiongqi Yingxiang Hotpot restaurant. The mix of historic and modern vibes gives you a sense of both comfort and excitement. It’s a must-visit spot in Kunming for an authentic taste of the city’s rich heritage and...
Read moreThis is not just a street but quite a big area with several historical architectures so easy to capture quality photos from any corners of alley.
Also it has a lot of interesting shops, high rate of restaurants and shopping malls around. Can easily get all fashion/ creative stuff, souvenirs as u need.
Recommend to arrange a day here n enjoy a bigggg bowl of rice noodles to...
Read more