Latest Comments

• • May 23, 2012
  • Around Town: China's last narrow gauge passenger train
    

    OK, it seems the 4.20pm train to ShiZui (and back) is no more. The other scheduled trains (as above) still operate.

• • May 22, 2012
  • Around Town: China's last narrow gauge passenger train
    

    I went to the station the other day to try the train to Shizui, but it was cancelled. Disappointing. I'll try again another day.

• • May 7, 2012
  • Snapshot: Kunming Carnival's Grand Parade
    

    The only previous mention of this annual event on GoKunming that I can find was back in 2009, but that article did highlight it 5 weeks before it took place.

• • May 4, 2012
  • Safety concerns plague national school lunch program
    

    In my experience, having taught in Zhaotong prefecture, the Education Department would have plenty of money for refrigerators if they spent a little less on banquets...

• • May 3, 2012
  • Getting Away: Tengchong
    

    I spent a few days in TengChong this May Day holiday, partly inspired by this article. I enjoyed the city and there was plenty to see. Sadly, prices have risen even in the last month. For example, the BeiHai Wetlands are no longer 40 + 20 RMB, but a staggering 100 + 40RMB. Shame. I'm surpised the article didn't feature the volcanoes at all - a major draw for most tourists (...though largley disappointing in my experience; small, dormant, pricey and thoroughly "paved"!). If you can afford 200RMB, the Fairyland Hotel is worth recommending. Converted "villa-style" houses set in pretty grounds, with full shared use of living room, modern kitchen, balconies, etc. Breakfast included.

Latest Forum Posts

• • May 26, 2012
    
  • Forums > Living in Kunming > sound familiar?
    

    A very interesting read, and I agree with nnoble. Chinese people will often ask foreigners the same set of questions, but these are usually the same sorts of questions they ask each other (any Chinese with an odd accent is asked "Where are you from?"), or of genuine curiosity ("Do you like Chinese food?") or just questions that they think are simple enough for you to understand ("How long have you lived in China?"). So many Chinese people have an, understandably, limited understanding of foreign affairs and real western culture, I think it's unfair to expect more subtle or incisive questioning most of the time. Even Yang Rui struggles with this!

• • May 23, 2012
    
  • Forums > Living in Kunming > Watching Eurovision Contest
    

    I'll be watching it, but not live. I'm having it sent out on DVD. If you completely fail to see it live, I can help you in about a month's time!!

• • May 22, 2012
    
  • Forums > Living in Kunming > My brand new electric scooter was stolen today
    

    Was it being "guarded" by a "guard"? Does that actually make any difference, does anyone know? So much thieving goes on in Kunming. Pickpockets at every busy bus stop...

• • May 20, 2012
    
  • Forums > Living in Kunming > some suggested forum guidelines
    

    On the Search Function, it would be really helpful for results to be listed in date order (most recent first). To have results from 2007 or earlier pop up near the top is annoying and confusing. I've mentioned this to the GoKunming team before, but no progress. Shouldn't be too hard, right?

• • May 17, 2012
    
  • Forums > Living in Kunming > Shane English School - Is it a good place to work?
    

    I'm going to put in a good word for Robert's School. I've worked there for 6 years alongside an excellent team of foreign teachers, most of whom have been at school for many years and some of whom joined us from Shane School. Great atmosphere, legit visas, competitive salaries and flexible working conditions.

Latest Reviews

• • Ocean
    May 8, 2012
    
  • Kunming > The Box
    老夫子

    I ate at The Box for the first time today. We did have a problem with the food but, to her credit, the manager heard our complaint, agreed and gave us a full refund. You can't ask for better customer service than that. I'll give the food another try another day.

• • Ocean
    April 17, 2012
    
  • Kunming > O'Reilly's Irish Pub
    O'Reilly's爱尔兰酒吧

    Went here for the first time a few days ago, having read a lot about it. Very friendly staff and, indeed, customers. Felt very "not-China" in a refreshing way. Great fish and chips. Nice decor and, of course, live sports. Loses one star for the odd "range" of ice-cream on offer (strawberry and/or walnut!).

• • Ocean
    April 9, 2012
    
  • Kunming > Aoma Meili Pub
    敖玛梅里餐厅

    Had a meal (ribs) here for the first time yesterday with friends. The food was great, the service was attentive (waitresses spoke some English too) and the atmosphere was very pleasant. If it wasn't for a nearby smoker, it would have been near perfect.

• • Ocean
    January 8, 2012
    
  • Kunming > Kunming Mei's Mandarin School
    昆明梅子中文学校

    I'm an English teacher at the affiliated Robert's School, so this is not a totally unbiased review. However, I do attend Chinese classes at Mei's Mandarin each week as a student and I think there are three main advantages to Mei's:

    First, it is still quite small (though growing). Everyone at the school is genuinely keen to attract and keep students. That means students get a lot of individual attention and help. Visas get processed fast, class sizes are usually 5 or less and the school is quick to help students with any day to day problems - medical, accomodation, travel etc.

    Secondly it's a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Classes are always fun and that helps learning a lot.

    Thirdly, the location is very convenient. Close to restaurants and a lot of foreigner accomodation. Two minutes walk from WenLinJie, ten minutes from Green Lake.

    I'd say it's definitely worth consideration if you are checking out language schools in Kunming.

• • Ocean
    November 16, 2011
    
  • Kunming > Huiying Dental Clinic
    辉应口腔连锁

    I emailed and sent off on online form, but no reply. However, I got an appointment over the phone and the dentist who saw me repaired my broken filling without fuss and for a reasonable price. I'd go again.

• The Old Theatre Inn
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• Huiying Dental Clinic