GanLanBa is about 45 mins from JingHong by bus. It's three working Dai villages which you can wander around. You now have to pay an entry fee into the area, and there are evening dance shows at a central building (plus fake "water splashing" every day, a sad elephant/camel etc), but it's easy enough to avoid the tour-guided crowds, especially during the daytime. You can also sleep in some of the traditional Dai family houses which is fun, if basic. I haven't been for about 5 years, and it might have changed (for the worst), but I enjoyed it when I went and it's interesting enough to keep the children busy (temples, trees to climb, etc). There are also a lot of hotels with nice swimming pools in JingHong, if that's your thing.
It's a limited time (45 mins? I forget how long exactly), but plenty. You only get one question at a time, though there is the chance to go back to earlier questions at the end (if you can remember their number). No paper or pen allowed.
They eventually managed to get the computers to return to the question where they crashed with scores/answers intact when I was there. It happened 2-3 times though and was disconcerting at first! Maybe they'll have sorted this by now - I took the test 3-4 months ago.
...no questions about trucks, buses etc.
...about 60% of questions are "A, B, C, D", the others are "right or wrong"
...you don't see what questions you got wrong
...about 3-4 questions about mechanics
...about 50-60 people take the exam at the same time (on seperate computers, which regularly crash!)
I don't know how long you have to wait if you fail twice. Thankfully I passed second time!
I'd also be interested to know if such a travel agency can also arrange visas for other countries eg Mongolia, Bangladesh.
Also, does anyone know why all the rich Chinese folk in Kunming are suddenly holidaying in the Maldives these days? Is there a new direct flight? Some all-in deal? No need for a visa there??
The best part of a visit to the Golden Temple is the alpine slide which can drag you half way UP the hill and later let you zig-zag DOWN at the end of your visit, Buy the ticket for this at the same time as buy your entrance ticket or you pay extra for it later..
Last time I asked about donating blood I was told they didn't accept blood from foreigners. That was a few years ago, though., Seems that's changed, and about time too. Well done to the donators in the article.
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.
Around Town: Kunming's secluded Lianhua Temple
Posted byForest is shut again now until June 2019.
Getting Away: Golden Temple
Posted byThe best part of a visit to the Golden Temple is the alpine slide which can drag you half way UP the hill and later let you zig-zag DOWN at the end of your visit, Buy the ticket for this at the same time as buy your entrance ticket or you pay extra for it later..
Indian community in Kunming celebrates Diwali with blood drive
Posted byLast time I asked about donating blood I was told they didn't accept blood from foreigners. That was a few years ago, though., Seems that's changed, and about time too. Well done to the donators in the article.
Beijing approves massive Changshui International Airport expansion
Posted byI hope this means direct flights to Europe (well, UK!).
Fishing season and Dianchi Lake's slow battle with algae
Posted bySome good news.