Kunming Old Street: Embark on a Literary Journey Inspired by Lin Huiyin!

A visit to Kunming is incomplete without exploring Kunming Old Street. Although it’s not as expansive as Lijiang Ancient Town, the old street is packed with numerous restaurants and historic shops offering delicious food at affordable prices. You can also take a side trip to "Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Archway" and "Nanqiang Street Market," ensuring a fun-filled afternoon of eating, drinking, and sightseeing. 🚃 Transportation: Take Metro Line 3 or Line 5 to "Wuyi Road" station, then walk about 10 minutes to reach the destination. 🚶🏼➡️ Must-Visit Attractions: (1) Fulin Hall: Established in the seventh year of Emperor Xianfeng’s reign during the Qing Dynasty, this is the oldest pharmacy in Yunnan Province and still operates as a traditional Chinese medicine shop. (2) Former Site of Fuchunheng Trading Company: Built in 1924, the main branch of Fuchunheng was located in Xiaguan, Yunnan, while Kunming served as a sub-branch. During the Qing Dynasty, it specialized in silk, jewelry, medicinal materials, and local specialties, with a side business in banking. The main branch moved here in 1928 but closed down in 1937. (3) Ruoan Duoyuelou Hotel: This spot is not for staying overnight but for photographing its yellow semi-circular building, reminiscent of Shanghai’s "Wukang Mansion." It exudes a charming early 20th-century vibe and is a must-visit photo spot in the old street. Use Baidu or Gaode Maps to locate "Duoyuelou Hotel." Above Duoyuelou Square is the "Victory Memorial Hall," which history enthusiasts can also explore. (4) Dongfang Bookstore: Beyond food and drinks, Kunming Old Street is famous for "Dongfang Bookstore." The store is small and nestled between two restaurants, so you’ll need to look carefully to find it. Founded in 1926 by Mr. Wang Sishun, a student of Hu Shi, this bookstore was a gathering place for students during the Southwest Associated University’s time in Yunnan. Although the current site was rebuilt in 2018, its decor retains the charm of the early Republic of China era. The bookstore even preserves the study room where Lin Huiyin and Wang Zengqi once read. This room is available for hourly rental, starting at RMB 100, making it a pricey but worthwhile experience. Other areas of the bookstore are free to explore. Climb the spiral staircase to the second floor, grab a book, and sit by the window to read—you’ll feel an instant connection to Lin Huiyin’s literary spirit. The bookstore also sells exclusive "Dongfang Bookstore" cultural items worth collecting. (5) Ma Family Courtyard (Free Admission): Originally the residence of Kunming’s first mayor, Ma Zhen, this is the most well-preserved Bai-style residence in the city. It features a classic courtyard layout with "four halls and five wells" and "horse-riding corner towers." The courtyard occasionally hosts performances, and tickets can be purchased for entry. (6) Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Archway: Located a short walk from Kunming Old Street, these two archways were built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The eastern archway is called Golden Horse Archway, while the western one is Jade Rooster Archway, separated by only a few dozen meters. Legend has it that under the right conditions, you can witness the "Golden and Jade Radiance" phenomenon. As the sun sets, golden rays from the west illuminate Jade Rooster Archway, casting its shadow on the eastern street. Simultaneously, the moon rises in the east, its silver light shining on Golden Horse Archway, projecting its shadow onto the western street. The overlapping shadows create a stunning scene. Together with the "Zhong’ai Archway" to the north, these three archways form the "Three Arches of Kunming." (7) Nanqiang Alley: Located near Kunming Old Street, this area is essentially a local night market filled with antique stalls, snack vendors, and restaurants. Although it’s called a night market, many shops are open all day, making it lively even in the afternoon. However, the food and snack prices here are slightly higher compared to the restaurants within Kunming Old Street. 😋 Must-Try Food "Liuhuan": This hidden gem was discovered by chance and turned out to be a local favorite. I tried their "Pea Jelly" and "Papaya Water" for RMB 17 (including packaging fees). The prices are affordable, and the flavors are unforgettable, especially the Papaya Water, which has a refreshing taste with a hint of rose fragrance. This shop is now on my list for a definite second visit!