Kunming Shopping

Wood carving

Kunming offers many local products. The interaction of different cultures, religions and colorful lifestyles offers visitors so much to see and buy! It is an ideal place to find local products and souvenirs of your trip to Yunnan!

Kunming is famous for local handiwork including ivory and woodcarving, Dai Jin (brocade made by Dai artisans), and Dai Zhu Bian (Dai bamboo basketry).

Ivory carving with a more than 40-year history is an exquisite handiwork offering plane and three-dimensional carving. Carved ivory birds, flowers and images are valuable and popular as collections and precious souvenirs.

Note: As a rule, ivory and ivory articles are forbidden to be taken out of China. In China, bring out ivory articles or ivory carving needs strict checkup. The testimonial issued by relative governmental department is required.

Wood carving in Kunming is exhibited mainly in wood furniture including chairs, benches and tea tables. Furniture with enchased marble is classical and elegant.

Dai people are also clever at making articles of bamboo. Dai families live in bamboo houses in which everything is made of bamboo including cabinets and hats.

Most Dai women can weave Dai Jin, a kind of drapery with colorful and unique designs used to make bags, curtains, bedclothes, cushions, etc., making excellent gifts for relatives and friends.
 

Dai Jin (Brocade of Dai Ethnic Group)

Also available are excellent local products such as dried mushrooms, tropical fruits and batik. We suggest you go to a Wal Mart supermarket to avoid false special products; prices are reasonable.

Da Guan Branch of Wal Mart
Address: E1 and E2, Daguan Shangye Cheng
Guomao Zhongxin Branch of Wal Mart
Address: 289, Chuncheng Lu
Ji Da Branch of Wal Mart
Address: 188, Huan Cheng Dong Lu

Nan Yao Market, the largest open market dealing primarily with local specialties and handicrafts, ideally located beside the railway station and long-distance bus station, is closest to downtown.

The four-storey traditional Yunnan Curio Building located in Nanping Lu houses old Yunnan artwork. The Jinma Biji Archway is itself an attraction in Jinbi Lu. Here many stores offer handcrafts of various nationalities. Both are ideal souvenir venues.

Tip: you can bargain with the storekeeper in the above markets.
 

handmade bamboo baskets

Kunming Department Store is conveniently located in Dongfeng Xi Lu, the center area of the city. You can buy all kinds of daily commodities there. Qian Cun Department Store, located in Renmin Zhong Lu, is a new and modern store popular with tourists.

If it is not convenient to find an Internet bar to contact friends and relatives, posting a letter or card is still the usual way. Yuanan General Post Office (Address: 229, Beijing Lu) is the largest post office in Kunming. Here you can find various kinds of postcards as well as stamps.

Situated in Jing Xing Jie, the Bird and Flower Market is a glimpse into local life. The market has become a must-visit destination offering pets, curios, artwork, handcraft, etc.