I'm a big fan of GuanDu old town. Why? Well, it's just a one yuan for a 40 minute bus ride there from Kunming's train station, it's pedestrianised, it has a nice park, two old towers (well, one older than the other), a stupa, 2-3 temples and the "world-famous" baba to eat. Best of all, you hardly see any foreigners there and (for now at least) the locals seem kind and curious rather than greedy and jaded. Each time I go there's something new to see - they are aiming to be a tourist attraction long term, I think. Best get there now before it turns "Disney".
I'm not convinced about the "low accident rate". A straw poll of my dozen 12-year old students today revealed that 10 of them had been involved in some sort of car/bike accident. And I see at least one accident every week on average, just in my local walking.
Carrefour has a "press this button if the checkout queue has more than 5 people in it". I delighted in repeatedly pressing the button the other day until I checked around the back and found it had no connections to anything else. Duh!!
I agree with Dan. It's a fun, but inaccurate online test. Even the opening introduction isn't quite right...
"It is somewhat easier for foreigners to obtain their Chinese license in China - they only have to learn a 100 questions".
There are 100 questions, but chosen at random from a list of thousands. Just the same as for Chinese, as I understand it. I also don't recall seeing any "I don't know" options. What would be the point of that?
I remember going to Dragon's Gate after being told by a student that it was 200m tall. I was disappointed to find it was at a height of 200m - and rather smaller than I'd imagined!
My neighbourhood (up a hill, off XueFu Lu) has been without running water for 2 weeks. The water company say they can't pump water up the hill in the drought conditions. Just wondered if anyone else is experiencing rationing or is it just us?
I hear the water supply will be cut off on various days in various parts of the city soon. Apparently there are warnings in local newspapers. Any chance GoKunming could announce these on the website as they are publicised, for those of us who don't read Chinese?
Price is now 100RMB for adults, 70RMB for children.
Some of the animal areas are as far as 10+km from the entrance - you can buy a hop on/off bus ticket for 60RMB per person, but there are also clearly marked walkways for those who are full of energy.
Everything inside is pretty expensive - consider bringing a picnic.
Many of the animals are in large outdoor enclosures. Some are caged. The park calls itself a safari, but this is not a "drive your car amongst the animals" thing. It's more like a decent western zoo.
There are places to handle/be photographed with animals, for a fee. Also, some kids amusements.
The animal show is free, but a waste of time (unless you love watching goats, sheep, pigs, horses etc!!).
Good labelling i English thorughout.
Prague cafe used to be my favourite cafe in Wenlin area but I went for lunch there today after a few months away and it's really gone downhill (new owners?). The menu was a photocopy, the food was lacklustre and much more expensive than before, the decor was dull and the service so-so. I won't be back there anytime soon.
It's open! And it's free. And its terrific for kids.
The museum is surprisingly interactive (although only 2/3 of the attractions are working) and modern (VR, simulators, touchscreens, etc). Sadly, no English on any of the displays but the fun is in trying to work out how the exhibits work and what they are supposed to be showing. Well worth a visit.
Getting Away: Xishan
Posted byI remember going to Dragon's Gate after being told by a student that it was 200m tall. I was disappointed to find it was at a height of 200m - and rather smaller than I'd imagined!
Around Town: Zhangguanying Secondhand Market
Posted byI was there last week and it was a great place to wander round.
Kunming's reservoirs, rivers drying up
Posted byMy neighbourhood (up a hill, off XueFu Lu) has been without running water for 2 weeks. The water company say they can't pump water up the hill in the drought conditions. Just wondered if anyone else is experiencing rationing or is it just us?
Kunming's reservoirs, rivers drying up
Posted byI hear the water supply will be cut off on various days in various parts of the city soon. Apparently there are warnings in local newspapers. Any chance GoKunming could announce these on the website as they are publicised, for those of us who don't read Chinese?
Ode to the countryside
Posted byExcellent. Having lived in the Chinese countryside for many years, this really brings back memories.