Kunming Shopping
Kunming is famous for local handiwork including ivory and woodcarving, Dai Jin (brocade made by Dai artisans), and Dai Zhu Bian (Dai bamboo basketry). Also available are excellent local products such as dried mushrooms, tropical fruits and batik. We suggest you go to a Wal Mart supermarket to avoid false special products; prices are reasonable.
Ivory Carving
Ivory carving with a more than 40-year history is an exquisite handiwork offering plane and three-dimensional carving. Carved ivory birds, flowers and images are valuable and popular as collections and precious souvenirs. As a rule, ivory and ivory articles are forbidden to be taken out of China. In China, bring out ivory articles or ivory carving needs strict checkup. The testimonial issued by relative governmental department is required.Wood Carving
Wood carving in Kunming is exhibited mainly in wood furniture including chairs, benches and tea tables. Furniture with enchased marble is classical and elegant.
Wild Marshrooms
Yunnan is a home of wild mushrooms with a wide variety and flavors. Dry goods of wild mushrooms and bamboo rafts can all be taken home.
Handcrafts made by Dai People
Dai people are also clever at making articles of bamboo. Dai families live in bamboo houses in which everything is made of bamboo including cabinets and hats. Most Dai women can weave Dai Jin, a kind of drapery with colorful and unique designs used to make bags, curtains, bedclothes, cushions, etc., making excellent gifts for relatives and friends.
Pu'er Tea
Pu'er Tea( 普洱茶) is a variety of fermented tea produced in Yunnan province. The town of Pu'er is named after the tea that is produced close by. Fermentation in the context of tea production involves microbial fermentation and oxidation of the tea leaves, after they have been dried and rolled. This process is a Chinese specialty and produces tea known as 黑茶 hēichá (literally, "black tea") commonly translated as dark tea. This type of tea is different from what is known as black tea in English, which in Chinese is called 红茶 hóngchá (literally, "red tea"). The best known variety of this category of tea is pu'er from Yunnan Province, named after the trading post for dark tea during imperial China.
Where to buy in Kunming?
Nanyao Market
Nanyao Market is the largest open market dealing primarily with local specialties and handicrafts, ideally located beside the railway station and long-distance bus station, is closest to downtown.
Bird and Flower Market
Situated in Jing Xing Jie, the Bird and Flower Market is a glimpse into local life. The market has become a must-visit destination offering pets, curios, artwork, handcraft, etc.
Yuanan General Post Office
If it is not convenient to find an Internet bar to contact friends and relatives, posting a letter or card is still the usual way. Yuanan General Post Office is the largest post office in Kunming. Here you can find various kinds of postcards as well as stamps.
Address: 229, Beijing Road,Kunming City
Yunnan Curio Building
The four-story traditional Yunnan Curio Building located in Nanping Lu houses old Yunnan artwork. The Jinma Biji Archway is itself an attraction in Jinbi Lu. Here many stores offer handcrafts of various nationalities. Both are ideal souvenir venues.
Tip: you can bargain with the storekeeper in the above markets.
Kunming Department Store
It is conveniently located in Dongfeng Xi Lu, the center area of the city. You can buy all kinds of daily commodities there. Qian Cun Department Store, located in Renmin Zhong Lu, is a new and modern store popular with tourists.
Da Guan Branch of Wal Mart
Address: E1 and E2, Daguan Shangye Cheng
Guomao Zhongxin Branch of Wal Mart
Address: 289, Chuncheng Lu
Ji Da Branch of Wal Mart
Address: 188, Huan Cheng Dong Lu
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