I have seen pictures of people getting a pedicure by fish here in China and I am wondering if there is anywhere in Kunming where they have these fish pedicures? I have heard that they make your feet SOOO soft!

Those must be some very skilled fish.

Well this fish pedicures are the latest fashion. Meanwhile in Europe a whole debate is started about this because there are quite some issues. They range from the point that they are not good for people and not good for the fish as well.

These fish apparently are algae eaters. To make them eat human skin they are first nearly starved to death because normally they would not do this.

In order to be comfortable the water is at about 27 degrees. This is ideal for all kind of bacteria and other pathogens. You stick your feet in what basically is a rich mix of diseases fed by previous users.

Good luck with it !

but if you're still down to try, i don't know a place in kunming that does it though i've seen places in dali and yangshuo and other touristy towns. also, many hot springs resorts have a fish pool, where you can get in with your whole body, including the japanese hot springs in anning reviewed here on gokunming. i'm sure it is horribly unsanitary and it probably does hurt the fishes' feelings or whatnot, but it's also a novel, fun experience, which kind of feels like being licked by a bunch of cats.

oh, and i don't think there are any health or cosmetic benefits, they won't make your feet soft (SOOO or otherwise), pretty sure it's just a novelty

ditto what ksmcqueen said.

Many countries have banned this activity because of the disease and sanitary problems it causes. I wouldn't do this on a bet.

Imagine how many dirty, nasty feet soak in this water and promote all kinds of bacteria, fungus, and germs to grow.

It would be healthier to soak them in an outhouse pit and thus soften them via the "mud pack" method.

There is some waterfalls about 20 k from luang prabang in Laos. Its really nice for a swim and the fish are naturally there! Cool place, Do some small jumps in to water pools and get the fish to eat your dead skin.