The Old Street in Kunming starts at Zhengyi Road in the east and ends at Wuyi Road in the west. It is the only historic district left in the city. The layout of the old street as it stands today was first put in place during the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty. Residential buildings from the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China have been preserved here with the oldest among them approaching 900 years old. The mottled stone road, red brick walls, and black tiles hold the stories and childhood memories of generations. Old-time Kunming residents hold these streets dear and have attached very special emotions to each of them.

Old streets include Wenming Street, Jingxing Street, Confucian Temple Street, Guanghua Street, Qianwang Street and many other old streets.

There are many famous historical houses located in this area, such as the Ma Family Courtyard, the Fu Family House, the Oriental Bookstore, Nie Er’s Former Residence, and the Anti-Japanese War Victory Hall, which lay testament to Kunming’s drastic many changes.

In addition to taking a taste of the area’s local history, it is here that you will have the chance to try a vast variety of local Yunnan delicacies. Nanqiang Street Night Market is a well-known night market for local eats in Kunming. Rice noodles cooked in small clay pots, Dai style salads, and grilled cheese, just to name a few.

There are also many ethnic handicraft shops in the area, so you can buy unique ethnic jewelry without needing to leave Kunming. If you want to have a relaxing day, the old streets that connect Kunming’s future and its past are a perfect destination.