Forums > Living in Kunming > Retiring in Kunming or Lijiang

Thanks to all for the advice.

I have never been to Kunming or Lijiang. My understanding of these 2 places was based on what i read online or heard from some people I met, so i fully ageed that i would have to visit both places and stay for a while to experience for myself if this is what i am comfortable with. Frankly speaking, the main consideration initially was really just weather mainly as I had the impression that Kunming and Lijiang are really "Spring all year round" and i generally prefer cool weather than hot weather. So looks like weather aside, there are many other criterias which do not point to a condusive retirement environment in China. I will continue to read more about Kunming and Lijiang and also make a trip there to experience it first hand myself. Nonetheless, such a trip is going to be short as I am still actively employed, so this is not likely to provide a full picture of what it is really like, thus if there is anyone else who is already staying long term or had experienced it all in both places, your comment will still be much appreciated. Thanks once again

Forums > Living in Kunming > Retiring in Kunming or Lijiang

Hi,

I am seriously considering a retirement in Kunming or Lijiang where the weather is always cool and nice (from what i read), the air fresher, the pace slower, etc.

Could anyone who has done that (retired in Kunming or Lijiang) provide some advice? For a start I would like to know the following:

1) Is it possible for a foreigner to retire in Kunming or Lijiang? meaning getting the relevant long term visa to stay in china legally?

2) Is it possible to rent or buy a house or apartment to retire in?

3) My idea of retirement in China is not doing nothing, but living at a slower pace, doing what i wanted to do? For example, if i am good in cooking, would it be possible to run a small cafe in Kunming or Lijiang and make enough money to sustain living there. I'm not trying to get rich here but just doing something I like and keep myself active. I dont imagine myself absolutely not doing anything as retirement.

4) How much money will I need to buy or rent a house, and also to start a small cafe in Kunming or Lijiang?

5) Not sure what else i need to consider as this is an initial idea.

Thanks for any kind advice.

Forums > Travel Yunnan > Kunming-Lijiang Train Ticket Booking

Thanks everyone....I managed to get in touch a number of local tour guides in Kunming who are willing to get the train ticket for me for a fee and to hand the ticket to me when I arrive in Kunming.

Forums > Travel Yunnan > Kunming-Lijiang Train Ticket Booking

Hi atomic,

Thanks for your post.

I am aware that the tickets can be booked 12 days in advance. The problem is not so much that i dont have my passport detail. The real problem is i need to register as a user on the China Railway website to be able to book online and to register i need to enter a valid China mobile phone number which of course i will not have. The other online booking site ChinaTravelGuide.com only deliver the ticket to a fixed address within China but i will not be staying at a hotel in Kunming upon arrival but planning to take the night train on the same day to Lijiang, so i need to find a way whereby somehow i can book in advance and collect the ticket on the day of arrival in Kunming.

Forums > Travel Yunnan > Kunming-Lijiang Train Ticket Booking

Hi,

Does anyone know if there is anyway I can book train tickets in advance and to collect the ticket immediately upon arrival at Kunming? I will be flying into Kunming and is expected to arrive in the late afternoon about 5pm. If the ticket can be delivered to me at the airport is good but if not, I can always collect myself from the person or office in Kunming city, thats not a problem.

I am planning to get 1 VIP cabin but if this VIP cabin cannot be booked in advance, then I am ok to go with the soft-sleeper (upper or lower berth is fine).

The date i am looking at is late November/early December, not sure if this is considered a peak travel period where tickets are tight? I understand China Railway only allow booking 12 days in advance which is fine with me, i just want to know that i can book in advance and collect the ticket upon arrival.

Thanks much in advance for any advice.