Thought this would be a good topic. Kunming (and arguably most Chinese cities) are quickly losing their real character filled areas in their desire to modernise (whatever that means!). As such the places to go to see "old China" are dwindling. So I thought a great thread would be to list the local streets which are like old China, architecturally, small old style communities, old style markets, old style eats or whatever reminds you of old China that hasn't been converted to a tourist spot or knocked down and "rebuilt with modern aesthetics".

To kick off, one place that still operates like an old style Chinese community and has a real community feel to it with old 5 story housing is located between Dan Xia Lu and Renmin Zhong Lu, West of the West Ring road. Walk down Cuiyu Lu and head West to get the old community feel of Kunming, albeit with a lot more cars, on alleys designed for bikes!

Yesterday I went with my wife to her brother's hi-rise apartment(near Laosiwan) but before getting there, we walk through these old narrow, dirty streets with old buildings. I was telling my wife that I like the feeling I get walking through these street because it feels like 'old China' as you said. When I first came here in 2006, the atmosphere was different. I hate all these hi-rises coming up. They are cold and so much like the West. I should've taken some pictures. Soon they will all be gone for the sake of the mighty 'yuan'.

Its a good topic.

The Kunming News wrote recently that they will build some new old streets. Something in the style of what e.g. Chengdu and Beijing has got. There have been panels too on this very recently too.

Its like someone all of a sudden realized plenty of the heritage is gone. (Im trying not to be too negative and cynical now.)

Personally Im not sure Chinese people can switch to this new modern scene easily. It alienates - and it feels tragic to witness. These people are at their best in the crowded, noisy and busy streets - just look at Bangkok. The most crowded and bustlig area is the Chinatown. Like a nest of ants.

So anyway, the point was there will be some cultural alleys built. Probably with the tourism prospect though.

Its also actually a very Asian thing now. Saigon is Sai-gone already, and Yangon will be Yan-gone soon, etc. (Hanoi still resisting). Some cities have city heritage councils, but they are marginalized in the Big run. Forests are dissappearing too and wild animals. And so on.

Without being any emotional on it - too little is talked about it.

Instead of all these ugly hi-rises, the government should built more parks. A lot of those building are empty. There should be some kind of ratio.

Yep, we all are aware of the problems, but the intention here is to list where people can go and see the "old China" before it all disappears. No need to beat a dead horse with what we all can see is happening!

What was the address/location of the old area near Luosiwan liumingke?

Quit the bitching - the point was that they are building old streets now, and it fills in just fine.

Whether you like it or not.

EDIT: Actually planning to build is probably more acccurate. Im sure you have something to bitch on that too, tho...

I don't know the address. I will take pictures next and post them.

Amazing! 7 posts into a new forum and posters are already attacking each other.

Ah, Alien. Dont be too sensitive on it, in some threads it just adds a bit spice. Like throwing in some Indian curry, in a lame soup.

Sorry for the OP for _now_ going off topic, but will quit it it here. (Time to sleep.)