Kunming Old Town (Kunming Gucheng)
Kunming Old Town (昆明故城) is a replica of ancient architecture located at the east gate of Yunnan Ethnic Village (云南民族村), covering an area of over 50 acres. It features 18 ancient-style buildings constructed in the architectural style of old Kunming, designed to represent a condensed version of the traditional city.
Overview
Kunming Old Town is situated next to the Yunnan Ethnic Village, encompassing over 50 acres and comprising 18 uniquely styled commercial buildings. The total operational area exceeds 20,000 square meters. Unlike the minority villages within the ethnic village, Kunming Old Town showcases the architecture from the Ming (明) and Qing (清) dynasties, fully reflecting the leisurely culture of old Kunming’s marketplaces. This location not only provides business opportunities for various merchants but also serves as an important hub for local residents and the general public of Kunming to engage in commercial activities, leisure, shopping, and experiencing ethnic customs. As a result, it has become a popular stop for numerous tourists.
In addition to the exquisite scenery and the towering Ethnic Pavilion (民族坊), the area features a large sculpture of the “Dianwang Gold Seal Inscription” (滇王金印铭), which represents the distinctive architectural style of old Kunming. It has become a refined exhibition area showcasing Han Chinese culture within the Yunnan Ethnic Village. The streets are lined with charming shops offering a variety of vintage-style specialty products, including beautiful clothing, exquisite tea packages, freshly milled silverware, and elegant hand drums, enticing visitors who come to explore the ethnic village.
Details of Kunming Old Town
- Chinese Name: 昆明故城
- Area: Over 50 acres
- Operational Area: Over 20,000 square meters
- Location: East Gate of Yunnan Ethnic Village (云南民族村东门)
Description
Kunming Old Town is located at the entrance of Yunnan Ethnic Village and spans over 50 acres. It consists of 18 ancient-style buildings built in the architectural style of old Kunming, resembling a miniature version of the traditional city.
Style
Kunming Old Town sits adjacent to the Yunnan Ethnic Village, housing 18 uniquely designed commercial buildings covering approximately 50 acres with an operational area exceeding 20,000 square meters. Unlike the minority villages within the ethnic village, Kunming Old Town displays the architectural style of old Kunming from the Ming and Qing dynasties, thoroughly embodying the leisurely marketplace culture of old Kunming.
Not only does it provide business opportunities for various merchants, but it also serves as a crucial gathering place for local residents and the broader Kunming community to engage in commercial activities, leisure, shopping, and experiencing ethnic customs. According to Yuan Bing (袁兵), the general manager of Yunnan Ethnic Village, “The opening of Kunming Old Town is not only a specific measure to enhance the quality of the Spring City but also one of the important ways to upgrade the business model and expand service functions of Yunnan Ethnic Village.”
