In a related story in this Southwest area of Yunnan, a recent fire in Lincang City's Mengjiao Nationality Township destroyed 101 straw hut cottages within this protected Wending village. Only four huts remain unscathed by the raging fire. Fortunately no fatalities were reported. Reason for fire unclear.

According to the Chinese National Geography magazine, this village of the Wa ethnic minority are the "last tribal village in China."

Video of the fire:

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Funny you should mention though.

Wujiaba Greenland Headquarters at the old Wujiaba Airport is slated to become the tallest skyscraper (428m), at the core of what is touted as the "future smart city" area of Wujiaba.

Patrick Scally previously reported on redevelopment bids for Wujiaba's ten square kilometers of urban renewal project. One of them being the same American architectural, urban planning, and engineering firm in charge of Eye of Spring, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM).

Along with other firms, SOM submitted an urban planning sustainable development bid to city officials for Kunming Wujiaba New City Center to "use its extensive network of waterways and greenspace to reduce runoff and clean water naturally, improving the water quality of Kunming's scenic Dianchi Lake while simultaneously creating a vibrant urban habitat."

So who won the bid? Would be appreciated if Patrick followed up on this massive development project at Wujiaba.

lol, i expect nothing short of schadenfreude from our British friend.

Sustainable landscape architect design team from Finland has been tapped to resurrect the future Dongfeng Square at Kunming's city-center.

Behemoth steel frames of Eye of Spring are rapidly rising across from Kunming's current tallest Hang Lung's Spring 66. Eye of Spring will eventually surpass Spring 66 with a 77-storey skyscraper, along with a smaller 71-storey skyscraper. The Ritz-Carlton will be entering one of the two.

Yesterday morning, developer Junfa held a press conference across the street at Gingko Department Store showcasing the green design features of Eye of Spring. Expect more Chinese publications discussing the project in days to come.

Exciting news for Shangri-la's high speed rail.

At the end of this year, the Shangri-la's HSR station will commence its maiden voyage through the northwestern mountains in the direction of Tibet, setting up for future linkage to the autonomous region down the line.

Destination details can be revealed by Vera & contributors.

This segment of HSR completion will provide a quieter, safer, and faster alternative to the current honking of horns through ever-winding mountain roads via buses.

Rail connection en route to Lijiang (still under construction) won't be operational until next year as previously planned. Hopefully in late 2020, HSR linking Kunming - Dali - Lijiang - Shangri-la will be finally realized.