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.
I can't help but agree with EK Kadiddlehopper. An efficient regional rail network would be good for many of the people in China/SE Asia/South Asia who have yet to see the benefits of their respective countries' recent opening up.
Oddly, this train may be one of Kunming's better places for a picnic. Inspired by Quester, I rode it again this afternoon with a friend, who brought a nice wine and some freshly baked bread. We hung out on the sunny side of the train with the windows open and shot the breeze as the empty Chinese New Year version of Kunming rolled by... good fun.
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.
Starbucks' thirst for Yunnan coffee growing
发布者That would appear to be true. There's also a new one on Dianchi Lu at the massive Nanya Fengqingyuan development.
Giveaway: Massage for two at Canaan Day Spa
发布者Congratulations to Karen Song, the first to reply that Geoffrey Chaucer was the medieval poet credited with linking St Valentine's Day with romance.
Stay on the lookout for more giveaways on GoKunming in the near future!
Yuxi-Mengzi railroad to be operational this year
发布者I can't help but agree with EK Kadiddlehopper. An efficient regional rail network would be good for many of the people in China/SE Asia/South Asia who have yet to see the benefits of their respective countries' recent opening up.
Around Town: China's last narrow gauge passenger train
发布者I suppose Billbob's first comment on this post was also inspirational.
Around Town: China's last narrow gauge passenger train
发布者Oddly, this train may be one of Kunming's better places for a picnic. Inspired by Quester, I rode it again this afternoon with a friend, who brought a nice wine and some freshly baked bread. We hung out on the sunny side of the train with the windows open and shot the breeze as the empty Chinese New Year version of Kunming rolled by... good fun.