I'd check Yieryi Dajie (一二一大街) just east of the Yunnan University north gate. If you walk east from the gate you'll have two major computer markets and several smaller stores on your right over the next two blocks.
After two blocks if you turn right you'll find a whole street of computer-related stores on Yuantong Bei Lu, all the way to the zoo. Hope that helps.
You might want to stop by Mandarin Bookstore on Wenhua Xiang near Yunnan University's west gate. One of the owners wrote a book about Chinese chess, I think it was in English. Good luck.
What about late-night grub? All I know is the Halfway House kitchen is usually open til twoish and the Jinbi Lu McDonald's is 24 hours... anywhere else for the post-midnight munchies?
In terms of clothes, you and your wife might find it difficult to find what you're looking for in Kunming, but finding clothes for the kids shouldn't be a problem. Men's shoe sizes usually don't go beyond 9ish (US size) and most of my female friends have trouble finding shoes they like, so you might want to consider that. I'd probably bring plenty of socks too.
In terms of appliances, I'd say you can buy most of that here, even computers.
If you plan on buying bicycles here in Kunming, you may want to consider bringing some quality bike locks with you as they are difficult to find.
Other than these things, you may want to bring some things from where you're from in the states to give as gifts. You will likely make some local friends... it's always nice to give people something they don't normally have access to. I hope that helps, good luck with the move.
I imagine there should be an English school in Jinghong, don't know of any personally. You might want to try contacting Sarah at Forest Cafe (www.forest-cafe.org), she is very knowledgable about the city.
@Danmairen: Thanks for the kind words. Regarding CQ's population, you are correct. I leave out terms such as "municipality" or "prefecture-level city" when I feel their omission will not confuse readers.
@Ocean: More cars on the road is fine for me, as long as the sidewalks aren't full of electric bikes. Definitely not trying to "hang a goat's head and sell dog meat" but I did genuinely enjoy the Chongqingness of Chongqing. That said, I was certainly pleased to be back in Kunming afterward.
Congratulations to GoKunming reader Michael Holmes, who is the winner of the Pullman Lijiang getaway.
Michael is studying bees at Yunnan Agricultural University, his harrowing tales of bee attacks and his dedication to scientific pursuits warmed our cold, cold hearts.
Of the more than 80 entries we received, there were several that would have won - had they sent their phone numbers as instructed in the giveaway rules.
Thanks to everyone who entered, we wish we had more vouchers to give away this time, but we're planning on more giveaways in the future, so watch this space.
My favorite Tengchong-style restaurant in Kunming. Their ersi and erkuai are trucked over from Tengchong and are the real deal — Kunming ersi and erkuai do not compare.
The restaurant itself is a bit jumbled, but there are a couple of tables outside in the courtyard that are nice to sit at when the weather's pleasant.
Don't believe them when they say they don't have lufu.
Getting Away: Chongqing
发布者@Danmairen: Thanks for the kind words. Regarding CQ's population, you are correct. I leave out terms such as "municipality" or "prefecture-level city" when I feel their omission will not confuse readers.
@Ocean: More cars on the road is fine for me, as long as the sidewalks aren't full of electric bikes. Definitely not trying to "hang a goat's head and sell dog meat" but I did genuinely enjoy the Chongqingness of Chongqing. That said, I was certainly pleased to be back in Kunming afterward.
Getting Away: Shuanglang
发布者This is an interesting look at the recent changes in Shuanglang:
www.christaylorwriter.com/blog/item/7/changes_lakeside
Giveaway: Two nights at the Pullman Lijiang Resort & Spa
发布者Congratulations to GoKunming reader Michael Holmes, who is the winner of the Pullman Lijiang getaway.
Michael is studying bees at Yunnan Agricultural University, his harrowing tales of bee attacks and his dedication to scientific pursuits warmed our cold, cold hearts.
Of the more than 80 entries we received, there were several that would have won - had they sent their phone numbers as instructed in the giveaway rules.
Thanks to everyone who entered, we wish we had more vouchers to give away this time, but we're planning on more giveaways in the future, so watch this space.
Kunming in 1944: The photos of Dr Clinton Millett
发布者@RyanChris: please send links if you have them... many of our readers can read Chinese
Kunming in 1944: The photos of Dr Clinton Millett
发布者@Chicanohek: Here are some interesting photos of WWII-era Chongqing:
www.china-underground.com/[...]