Hello future neighbors,

I'm planning on moving to Kunming this summer to study at KCELC. I'm currently living and studying in Ji'nan, but last winter was way too cold for me. I've never been to Kunming but I've heard the weather is great. If anyone has any thoughts, I'd like some advice on neighborhoods in Kunming.

A little about what I"m looking for:

I'm not into the whole expat scene, and the Western lifestyle doesn't do much for me. I don't need a Western toilet, cable TV, etc. I would prefer a small place in a Chinese neighborhood - a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom is perfect.

What I'd really like is to live very near a park or other natural area so I can spend lots of time outdoors. I'd also like to live somewhere that is relatively safe.

The distance to the school is less important. I'm hoping to get a bike, but I'm also fine with walking, so something within 3 to 10 kilometers from KCELC would be great. If that's not likely, there's always the bus.

Finally, I'm hoping for something in the RMB700 - 1000 range.

Is this feasible? Any advice, opinions or comments are welcome.

Thanks!
Meilin

Kunming is fairly safe and a place near a park should be possible although there aren't that many of them in this city. Chinese neighbourhood is every place but Wenlin Jie and if you don't demand too much as your post suggests you can easily find a place to live for 5-600 a month. I am not sure what KCELC is but I am sure that you can get an acceptable flat within biking distance to any school in Kunming.

One thing that a lot of people who have never done a Kunming winter don't realise is that although the outside weather in winter in Kunming is a lot better than the north,,in fact the un heated housing in Kunming is very cold (about 12c on average) . In some regards living in the north with heated housing, schools and offices is easier.

I just crank the heat up...

Check out the area around Bai Ma and Chun Yuan Xiao Qu. #62 bus

I second that about the temperature. A winter in the north of China is much easier than in Kunming. Everywhere has central heating including taxis and buildings are well insulated.

There is no insulation, no central heating, every restaurant keeps their doors wide open so you have to wear all your winter clothes while you eat and most apartments have a fusebox that cannot handle a heater and a TV being on at the same time.

My lease is up in 3 months or so and I have been thinking about moving to the northern part of KM. Maybe something like 20-25 mins by bus to Ren Min Zhong Lu where I work. I am looking for a high rise so that I can avoid the bars infront of all windows and something like 2 or 3 bedrooms and a small balcony. Do any of you live in an area that roughly fits that description? What amount of rent are we talking about? What do you think of Northern Kunming? I live in the west right now.

In my opinion the north is definitely the place to live. There are lots of new apartment blocks all the way up Beijing Lu, you can pretty much take your pick. From my place next to the station it's convenient to get to downtown, further north (Metro et al) and being right next to the north ring road you can drive to Green Lake area in 15 mins or less. There's a Carrefour next door with the compulsory KFC, Pizza Hut attached.

Rents range from around 1200 to 2000 plus management fees etc. The further north you go the cheaper the places get.

I'd suggest living somewhere between the 2 ring roads. Most major road construction in this zone has already been finished. North of the second ring road is still a bit of a mess in places and can take some time to get to and from during rush hour.

For those envious of the winter in the north...I live in Jinan (considered north) and all of this

"...There is no insulation, no central heating, every restaurant keeps their doors wide open so you have to wear all your winter clothes while you eat and most apartments have a fusebox that cannot handle a heater and a TV being on at the same time...."

is true, but we also have highs of below zero most winter days. In most parts of town, what heat there is is cut off about a month before winter is actually over. That is a miserable month for sure.

I'll take Kunming.

hello meilin,

when is the exact date that you will be here in kunming? are you a chinese? thanks.