I was thinking of gokm sanctioned roving reporters, edited by the gokm editor(s) before being released, and paid bounties (cash or barter) for published articles.
On that note - as opposed to one-off articles - I was also thinking about "theme"-based article/blogs with pilots (like movies) to test user and just as importantly, advertiser interest.
It was just a thought...
Since news media requires government permission - perhaps blog reporting on life/living in kunming would be an interesting alternative?
Example - life around the subway station exits (culture, food, entertainment, sports, tourism, etc ad infinitum).
@tiger. Thank you for the info.
If a foreigner works for a Chinese company until retirement (60 years old), is that foreigner eligible for retirement benefits similar to Chinese retirees?
Suggest you ask the guys at Salvadors or other expat restaurants for a referral. Salvadors' water - always fresh and clean - which makes for really good coffee, tea, juice drinks etc.
Plus their system is industrial grade - so they can also provide advice on changing the filters (regularly scheduled maintenance)...
No results found.
DATE
2022.01.17
SUMMARY
Just popped in for the annual to biennial visa health check. Cost was CNY 487 - don't forget to bring at least THREE (3) visa pictures and your mask.
As usual, there are TWO health codes to display - the usual kunming/yunnan green QR code and the green "Arrow" code.
ARRIVAL
I went late in the morning, but still managed to shuttle through all the departments and get out before lunch.
I used didi to get there and the map now correctly shows the rear parking entrance as the destination drop-off point. You can also take the subway to a nearby station, and walk walk walk walk walk - it's actually not too far but it will elevate your blood pressure and pulse (BPP) - so make sure to rest 5-10 minutes to allow your BPP to drop back to resting state.
Upon arrival at the main gate, you'll do the usual check-in procedure - mask, sign-in, green QR code, temperature check.
Once inside - Present your passport, green QR code, and green (hopefully) arrow code. Scan the QR codes on your left as you walk in if you don't have these prepared already. The staff will then pass you an application form. Walk over to the wall of stand-up desks to your right, fill out the forms, then stroll over to the clerks to present the form. They'll print out a sheet of bar coded labels for your tests, take your digital picture, attach everything together with a paper clip, then direct you to the cashier to pay CNY 487 (WeChat, alipay, bank card, etc) Don't know if they still accept cash.
HEALTH CHECKS
Hike up the the 2nd or 3rd floor to start the battery of tests:
3rd floor
Chest X-ray
Physical (height, weight, BMI/body mass index)
2nd floor
ECG
Sonogram
Urine test
Blood Test
Eye test (color blindness and eye chart)
Dental
Heart (pulse, blood pressure)
I may have missed a few like the OB GYN...
It seems they also have a COVID/NAT (nucleic acid test) center in a shipping container lab outside the health center - but I didn't bother jogging over to check if it was still operational. In retrospect, should've checked, as the hospitals are jam packed with Chinese New Year travelers.
RESULTS PICKUP
The test results are ready the afternoon of the second day. The facility seems sparsely busy even though they service both foreigners and nationals. There were rarely lines or noticeable waits beyond a few minutes, with at most 1-2 people ahead of you.
Staff are always nice, polite, professional and tirelessly patient for those of us with limited to no communications abilities.
Standard, clean, well-furnished and appointed mall with the usual fare:
Starbucks
MacDonalds
Bread stores, Drink stores, a mid-end Radisson business hotel
The usual mall stores, movie theaters, and a host of after school training schools (robotics, language, dance, art etc).
Evenings are the usual mini-carnival activities for small children - carnival rides, the ubiquitous electric cars, an illuminated water fountain, a host of kiddie games etc etc etc.
Across the street - a scaled down Aegean Mall (also named Aegean Mall).
I occasionally visit the Kai Wah Plaza International Hotel to attend Kunming Rotary Club events. Although I've never stayed in the hotel or viewed its rooms (now on my bucket list) - the food has always been excellent both in presentation, aroma, taste, flavor, etc from appetizers to desserts - with a well-stocked and diverse wine selection - typical of international 5-star hotels. Kudos.
Met a friend after dinner for drinks and chat up on the rooftop patio/bar. Music was a little loud for us - but was surprised at this jewel of a bar. What a nice comfortable place.
I was told the hostel only charges cny40 a night for a shared room bunk bed - can't beat that.
Truly a gem for travelers on a budget and the rooftop bar has a beautiful and memorable sunset view (see the pictures).
Stopped by last night for dinner on the small patio and to pick up a couple of their apple pies. Always attentive and courteous staff and good solid food. Don't forget to check out their freezers for frozen foods like chicken and beef pot pies, pizzas, quiches, cakes etc.
COVID-19 vaccinations for expats in Kunming available until July 18
Posted byYereth & gokm
Thanks much for timely and potentially important information.
Yunnan's capital scrambles as 'Civilized Kunming' audit looms
Posted byIt's been a long haul - but seems Kunming finally made it to the list of "civilized cities".
Congrats!
REFERENCE
www.kunming.cn/en/c/2020-11-10/13086919.shtml
Kunming Metro Line 4 and Line 6 (phase 2) officially in operation
Posted byYereth
I was thinking that gokm could maybe get the Kunming Tourism Dept and the KM Metro et al to pay for a professionally illustrated bilingual PDF map and maybe start a series of web articles and videos on things to do and see (and eat) at each station - aside from the major tourism venues.
NHK (Japan) did this about 20 years ago - very popular and interesting series - inspires people to get out, socialize (when it's safe) and support local businesses...or not.
Kunming Metro Line 4 and Line 6 (phase 2) officially in operation
Posted byGrace
The referenced map was an ANCIENT planning map...hence the hint hint hint hint to the gokm staff - when they have budget and absolutely nothing better to do with their time...
Yereth's map is great as a geographic index - but most high density subway maps (Beijing, Tokyo) go for the symbolic stations shown in the ancient picture I referenced. These things are great as either screensavers, desktop wallpapers, or mobile phone pictures (screensavers, wallpapers) for those who commute within the bellies of these steel dragons.
I used to carry around subway maps on small plastic cards (doubled as my prepaid card) when exploring these cities. Each station had uniquely popular venues for both tourists and long-term locals alike (popular eateries, shopping boutiques, etc).
Kunming Metro Line 4 and Line 6 (phase 2) officially in operation
Posted byFor those of you who'd prefer an actual visual and bilingual map of the Kunming Metro - please look here (is it ok to post a link to another website?).
www.travelchinaguide.com/images/map/yunnan/kunming-metro.jpg
I think this picture actually/obviously came from on of Kunming's prolific gov offices - but I'm too lazy and stupid to track it down (hint hint hint hint to gokm staff).