Hell, I'm glad it's not first-hand experience.
My wife said there's a lot of information in the Chinese press with some serious cases (in the past) of children getting injured (maybe even death).
I don't want to see the images or articles, thanks.
That's why you do see vendors occasionally, but don't see a lot of balloons and children with balloons.
For those (parents) who don't know this yes:
A lot, if not most children / figure / party balloons using gas to keep it floating, use hydrogen gas. A single cigaret can make them explode into a giant ball of fire.
Because hydrogen is very dangerous it is illegal, but easier to make / get. So please beware if you decide to hire a party caterer or buy gas for your children's parties.
Tricks: A) Get in first. Then tell your destination. Taxi drivers are lazy.
B) Or use the taxi app. On your phone. Then they are required to pick you up.
* note: they try to get it, but there is no "return fee" on late night trips to the outskirts of town. The meter should already have a "night-time" price.
But it is a little courtesy to a taxi driver to make him stop at a crowded place like a busy KTV or club and just walk the last minute / block. I saw some divers' faces really light up when they saw they had potential for business after driving halfway to Chenggong in the middle of the night. They will notice when you make them stop there instead of somewhere else. They ask if it is the right place and I just say: "Don't worry. It's no problem."
Of course, there are a lot of asses (too many in my opinion). Try getting rejected by 30 taxis on a normal day going to a shopping center. That's why the police don't heras the illegal drivers and scooter drivers too much yet. They know there are no way near enough taxis and that most taxis don't do their job.
Taxis in China are not taxis. They are cars driving anything and everything to earn a little on the side. Family, friends, uncles, aunties, neighbors' kids, groceries, lunch boxes, kid's homework they forgot to bring to school, etc.
All my sources always said you cannot own a property as a foreigner in China. I am surprised to learn you can buy an apartment.
I assume the same rule applies still that the property can only be used for living for yourself. Thus no renting out to other people?
Is there a list available of animals the government sees as endangered or forbidden? Not that I'd ever eat anything like those, but I want to know how far their list reaches in regards to foreign animals and if Yao Ming's efforts paid off. Thanks!
Hmm, sounds like every day driving in KM. Risking your life in an attempt to get to where you have to be.
It feels and looks just like a Demolition Derby here.
(Today a guy threatened to ram our car twice! because he was jealous that we were driving 5 Kph faster than him and using our "indicator light" to offend him...)
It becomes really sad when drivers here don't care about making life hard for people who are ill, pregnant or disabled. Or cause injury or death to others because it is of no concern to them or is simply beneficial to them. I've seen it happen. No deaths yet, but close enough...
Golden rule:
"What you don't know won't hurt you."
Expensive, but probably one of the best places in this whole province to find genuine top brands (Prada, Gucci, etc.) for outlet prices.
Their jewelry sections in the basement is also very large but I would never touch any jewelry in China.
Unbeatable priced. Seriously!
Prices start from 25 yuan p/p when you have a member card (deposit money on it).
The theaters are very good and they also show movies in 3D.
They always have the latest movies. Actually, they show most foreign movies in their native language which is awesome as I don't understand much Chinese yet.
Chinese movies are frequently shown with English subtitles.
Just make always sure and ask before attending a show what the language and subtitles are, but I guess that's a given in China :)
Personally this is one of my favorite halal restaurants in Kunming. ^_^
Known well among the upper class of Kunming, it is very classy and is very good for quality business lunches and dinners. Having been here many times, this restaurant truly never lets you down. It's a little more pricey (-or a lot more pricey than your average noodle and rice restaurant), but the staff is very well trained and the food is exquisite and above all safe (they don't serve pork). (this is an absolute pre- when having business dinners as you don't want your guests to become sick).
My favorite dishes:
Steamed whole fish (predator type) in light soy-sauce.
Ground beef and ground peanuts over baked eggplant.
The seafood ice platter (salmon, scallop and snail) is very delicate and good for making a quality impression.
This is one of South Kunming's largest farmers markets. Originally named "seafood market" for its focus on fish, shellfish and other seafood, it now contains a large vegetable, fruit, meat, bakery and dried food selection.
New Asia Athletics Park (Guandu District) is one of the most well thought-out developments of the city. As part of the de-urbanization plan, it accommodates the new government and trade districts of the city.
It is also one of the most child-friendly districts of Kunming.
Located next to the Guandu Ancient Town, New Asia Athletics Park boasts a hospital, dozens of playgrounds in car-free zones and parks, a quality hotel, a stadium with various sport facilities including badminton, ping-pong, basketball and football (there are more facilities).
In addition it has one of Kunming's top Halal restaurants with truly exquisite food and many other options for fine dining, a very good value cinema (who offers a card system allowing you to get tickets for about half price). They always have the latest movies (also available in English or with English subtitles).
It is next to the new Metro line (which already runs here), with easy access to the flower market and Chenggong University town. Carrefour Supermarket, Luosiwan International Trade City and the lake.
There is also a direct freeway to Kunming airport making it a very convenient location.
Planned for opening in 2014 / 2015 there is also the New Kunming Theater and a new Kunming / Yunnan museum.
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Mapping Yunnan's surprisingly hectic airspace
发布者I remember the mention of Paris too as the first intercontinental flight directly connecting Europe.
Chinese consumers of rare animals now face prison
发布者Is there a list available of animals the government sees as endangered or forbidden? Not that I'd ever eat anything like those, but I want to know how far their list reaches in regards to foreign animals and if Yao Ming's efforts paid off. Thanks!
Great Britain in Kunming schedule of events
发布者UK Brands at the Green Lake Hotel was already wrapped and gone Thursday even though it's advertised to continue till Sunday.
Great Britain in Kunming schedule of events
发布者Don't bother going. It was already closed, done and over on 3 days earlier (Thursday). Even though they advertised it would be till Sunday.
Kunming's illegal street racing scene
发布者Hmm, sounds like every day driving in KM. Risking your life in an attempt to get to where you have to be.
It feels and looks just like a Demolition Derby here.
(Today a guy threatened to ram our car twice! because he was jealous that we were driving 5 Kph faster than him and using our "indicator light" to offend him...)
It becomes really sad when drivers here don't care about making life hard for people who are ill, pregnant or disabled. Or cause injury or death to others because it is of no concern to them or is simply beneficial to them. I've seen it happen. No deaths yet, but close enough...
Golden rule:
"What you don't know won't hurt you."