Kunming Old Street (昆明老街), often compared to Chengdu’s Wide and Narrow Alleys and Shanghai’s Xintiandi, boasts a rich history dating back to the era of the Dali Kingdom and has witnessed the transitions through the Yuan, Ming, Qing, Republic of China, and New China periods. The existing layout of Kunming Old Street largely began to take shape during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty when the Yun-Gui Governor’s Office was established here. The buildings along the old street carry numerous memories and stories of the city, as well as the childhood joys and contemporary lifestyle of its residents.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Kunming Old Street
- Vlog about Kunming Old Street
- Attractions near Kunming Old Street
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0871-68378663 0086-0871-68378557 |
Location and Transportation
Located at the intersection of Renmin Middle Road and Zhengyi Road in Wuhua District, Kunming Old Street comprises six streets and ten alleys. It is adorned with a plethora of well-preserved Qing Dynasty and Republic of China-era traditional residential buildings, old businesses, and other historical landmarks. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
Bus: Take bus 56, 133, or 189 and get off at Weiyuan Street Stop (威远街站).
Metro: The closest metro station to Kunming Old Street is Wuyi Road (五一路) on line 3 and line 5. After getting out of the station from Exit C, walk about 300 meters to the east to reach the south end of the block.
Highlights of Kunming Old Street
Guanghua Street
One prominent area within Kunming Old Street is Guanghua Street, stretching from Zhengyi Road in the east to Wuyi Road in the west, spanning a length of 435 meters. It stands as one of the few streets in Kunming that retains its ancient charm. Here, one can indulge in authentic small-pot rice noodles, browse through a variety of antique shops offering unique treasures, and explore century-old pharmacies. Guanghua Street embraces the past and present of Kunming with its weathered yet charming demeanor.
Yongdao Street
Yongdao Street, another segment of Kunming Old Street, housed Kunming’s earliest flower and bird market in 1983. Over time, the vendors who initially set up makeshift stalls selling flowers, birds, fish, and insects expanded their businesses, eventually forming the Jinxing Jewelry Flower and Bird Market. These quaint local trades extended to Guanghua Street and Wenming Street, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the area.
Jingxing Street
Jingxing Street, a bustling thoroughfare within Kunming Old Street, attracts crowds every day. Visitors can find all sorts of curious and unique items here, serving as a treasure trove for childhood memories of Kunming locals and offering endless surprises to tourists from afar.
Qianwang Street
Qianwang Street, situated within Kunming Old Street, serves as a collision point between modern trends and historical elements. Here, one can find a Starbucks nestled in an old mansion, professional British-style electronic music bars, and numerous boutique shops showcasing the craftsmanship of local artisans. The street is a favorite spot for street photography enthusiasts, attracting a constant stream of fashionable individuals.
