Hello!

As the title says, I'm on a gluten-free diet (celiac disease). It is very easy to find healthy food in my country, we've got such shops on every corner, but I'm worried about the situation in China as I heard Chinese people tend to have no idea that celiac disease exists. Are there many healthy food shops in Kunming? Is gluten-free diet common in China?

I sympathise. I was dating a girl years ago who was both gluten and lactose intolerant, as was her son.
There are no 'health food' shops that I have ever seen. However, some of the expat shops can help you a lot. There are also expat bakers, I think at least one does gluten free.
The local markets also sell a lot of basic ingredients, many dry, including corn meal in different grades which is really easy to find.
Rice, is everywhere, and as long as you avoid thickened sauces you should have few problems.
You will find rice noodles everywhere in Kunming (mi xian)

If you don't expect anyone to know what gluten free is, you won't be disappointed. It is hard enough (but possible) to find places that don't use, or will leave out, MSG.
Nutritional knowledge is still low on the radar for many Chinese. Because most people mostly eat rice (generalisation) gluten intolerance has been less of a problem in China.

Do you think if I eat out and ask to be given rice noodles they will do it? or will I be ignored? :).

And thanks, your reply made me feel relieved. I was worried I would have to run around the city and be left with nothing.

Do be aware that all soy sauce in China contains gluten and is used frequently in cooking.

Wicker Basket can do gluten-free baking if you place orders in advance: www.gokunming.com/[...]

lots of potatoes snack for sale on the streets, lots of barbecued meat and veg. still risks of food bacteria but that is not same issue. there are rice pancakes too made from rice flour. potatoe flour also used in some dishes. if you learn the chinese for asking about wheat, and words for allergie that will help.

my sister is coliac and came to china, she managed okay ish, but probably did get gluten poisoning

What is gluten poisoning? My guess is that I don't have it, but how would I know if I did?

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coeliac_disease

I never knew about this disease

Its a trendy disease that they people don't seem to have in China or back home. It's being made fashionable by Hollywood celebrities looking for the latest fad.

You must catch it at fashionable coffee shops, Greenpeace demonstrations and yoga classes, it seems to be that way by the people who seem to have it.

I'm not a fully trained doctor though so could be wrong.