Ah, Kunming

January 2026 · Kunming, China

After first dipping my toes into Chinese waters in 2010, this was the city where something quietly settled into place — the beginning of a relationship that has continued to unfold ever since.

Over the years, I’ve returned again and again, exploring cities and regions across this vast country. What began as curiosity grew into something much deeper — a sustained, evolving relationship.

I kept discovering and learning — not only the language, but also the culture, society, customs, and history that shape everyday life here. My Chinese will always be a work in progress, but it’s good enough to navigate daily life, handle practicalities, and connect with local people everywhere. And that freedom makes all the difference.

China is complex and fascinating. So is every place worth knowing. What I’ve experienced on the ground often feels very different from the version usually presented in the West. I’m not here to debate politics or narratives — I simply share what I see, hear, and experience myself.

This visit was short. Just a few days to walk familiar streets again and observe what fifteen years of change look like up close.

This is the first of several galleries from my Kunming visit — a slow walk through encounters and little curiosities that don’t make headlines but make the city feel alive.

I’ll let the photos speak. May they invite you to keep looking — and to stay curious.

Walking through Kunming, even a short stroll becomes a collection of small surprises. Let's go!

Woman wearing multiple layers of clothing on a sunny but cool day in Kunming.

Sunny, yes — but not Thailand-warm. Welcome to Kunming, China’s “Spring City,” as it’s known. Good thing I packed every layer I brought.

Cargo bike on a sparkling clean pedestrian street in Kunming’s old town in the early morning.

Early enough that even the spotless pedestrian street is still deciding whether to wake up.

Busy Kunming street lined with colorful merchandise under a deep blue sky.

That didn’t last long.

Woman in an elaborate ethnic minority costume looking at her mobile phone near a yellow wet-floor sign.

Look at this — her inner sleeves perfectly color-matched with wet-floor signage. Pure coincidence, I’m sure.

Ancient-style carriage displayed in front of a tea museum in Kunming.

Perhaps she’s waiting for her carriage.

Man replacing charged batteries in rental scooters and bikes from a cart filled with battery packs.

Or maybe calling for the modern equivalent — fully charged and ready to roll.

Old train converted into food stalls at a street market in China.

Not just breakfast — an all-day temptation. Warm, sesame-scented, pulled from the heat and almost impossible for me to walk past without giving in.

Even retired train cars refuse to sit still — they’ve simply changed careers.

Several street vendors quickly pushing their carts away and running from officials in a Chinese city street.

And then, without warning, the whole street shifts into motion.
These vendors — mostly small farmers selling their own produce — aren’t officially registered. When an orderly appears, tickets ready, carts roll fast and corners provide cover. A brief round of cat and mouse. Ten minutes later, they’re back.

Man practicing traditional Chinese water calligraphy on a sidewalk, writing large characters with water.

By the time he finishes the last character, the first has already vanished.

Yellow rental power-bank stations installed along a city street in China.

Where mailboxes once lined the streets, power-bank stations now stand instead — scan, borrow, recharge your phone, return anywhere.

Two women riding electric scooters in a Chinese city, both using large quilted scooter blankets wrapped around the handlebars and their legs to stay warm.

Winter engineering, urban edition — practical, padded, and surprisingly elegant.

Two women riding motorbikes while transporting tall furniture pieces strapped to the back of their bikes.

Who needs a moving truck when balance, rope, and confidence will do?

7-Eleven store beneath a web of overhead utility cables in a Chinese city.

Not only in Thailand — but definitely less of it here.

Dog petting store with the owner inside and two customers outside checking prices and looking at the dogs.

Short on canine affection? Rent an hour. Judging by the hesitation outside, choosing might be the hardest part.

Street market stall covered with hundreds of small wooden “blind boxes,” as shoppers sit around opening them to search for small inexpensive items like jewelry and keychains.

Bargain hunting, upgraded: pay once, open as many “blind boxes” as you like, and keep whatever tiny treasure fate hands you. Shopping meets lottery.

Two women walking along a pedestrian street in China wearing colorful ethnic-style costumes.

Dressing up isn’t reserved for special occasions here — sometimes the street itself is reason enough.

Three young people walking on a sunny Chinese street, two wearing frilly Lolita-style dresses and one in dark alternative streetwear influenced by anime and cosplay culture.

And youth fashion? Somewhere between anime, Lolita, and fearless self-expression — turning an ordinary sidewalk into a casual cosplay parade.

The new gold rush: live streams and ring lights. Some strike it rich, others keep chasing views. I never found out what she was selling — watching the pedestrians who calmly ignored her was far more entertaining.

Male photographer with large professional camera and a woman in an elaborate ancient-style costume photographing a model out of frame.

One of my favorite subjects: photographing photographers.
Everyone focused — just not on each other.

Three large elephant sculptures shaped from trimmed hedges in Kunming.

Elephants in Kunming?
Yes — but that’s a story for another day.

Illuminated traditional Chinese gate at night with two strings of glowing red lanterns.

And that’s a wrap for today.
Good night, Kunming. Good night, my loyal followers.

Ah, Kunming

Walking through Kunming, even a short stroll becomes a collection of small surprises. Let's go!

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