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?
You make it sound a great place to visit, and you certainly found some interesting sights. But having been there myself twice in the last month, I just found it really noisy and dirty - one huge building site / traffic jam. The absence of electric bikes just means more cars on the road. Personally, I was glad to get back to the relative peace and clean air of Kunming!
I have less sympathy for the companies. It would take a native speaker a couple of seconds to spot these mistakes and correct them - the sign-writers clearly can't be bothered to get it right by simply asking someone. I quizzed a company leader about why this was once and he said he added English to make the sign "look cool" - he didn't expect anyone to actually read it! Makes it all the more fun for us to read, I guess.
In my experience in Kunming younger people often give up their seat for the elderly or mothers carrrying babies, and this is nearly always appreciated with a smile or word of thanks. An old man who looked about 80 stood up to offer me his seat today and I'm in my forties. (I wasn't sure whether to be grateful or offended!) Fortunately my stop was due, so I had a ready excuse to decline with a smile.
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.
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Getting Away: Chongqing
发布者You make it sound a great place to visit, and you certainly found some interesting sights. But having been there myself twice in the last month, I just found it really noisy and dirty - one huge building site / traffic jam. The absence of electric bikes just means more cars on the road. Personally, I was glad to get back to the relative peace and clean air of Kunming!
Video: Kunming driver crosses pedestrian bridge
发布者I'm mostly amazed he didn't have an Army. Police or VIP licence plate - those drivers simply don't give a damn.
Kunming orders English added to outdoor signs
发布者I have less sympathy for the companies. It would take a native speaker a couple of seconds to spot these mistakes and correct them - the sign-writers clearly can't be bothered to get it right by simply asking someone. I quizzed a company leader about why this was once and he said he added English to make the sign "look cool" - he didn't expect anyone to actually read it! Makes it all the more fun for us to read, I guess.
Interview: Yang Yang
发布者I really like the art too but, c'mon Yang Yang, give us a title or two!! ;-)
Kunming facing age crunch
发布者In my experience in Kunming younger people often give up their seat for the elderly or mothers carrrying babies, and this is nearly always appreciated with a smile or word of thanks. An old man who looked about 80 stood up to offer me his seat today and I'm in my forties. (I wasn't sure whether to be grateful or offended!) Fortunately my stop was due, so I had a ready excuse to decline with a smile.