Qianwang Street in Kunming

Chinese Name: 昆明钱王街

English Name: Qianwang Street in Kunming

Overview

In Chengdu, you might visit Kuanzhai Alley; in Shanghai, you’ll enjoy Xintiandi; and in Kunming, a must-see is the old street of Kunming—Qianwang Street. Qianwang Street is one of the central areas of Kunming’s old town and a perfect spot for photos and memories.

Historical Background

The name “Qianwang Street” was officially adopted on November 20, 2007. Before that, it was known as “Nanzheng Street,” “Qiu Family Alley,” or “Little Silver Cabinet Alley.” It is located between Zhengyi Road and Wenmiao Straight Street, stretching about 240 meters from Jingxing Street in the south to People’s Middle Road in the north.

Street Features

Qianwang Street runs from People’s Middle Road in the north to Jingxing Street in the south, with a length of over 400 meters. The street has preserved historical relics and listed buildings such as the Ma Family Courtyard and the Fu Family Residence. Today, the street features a blend of high-end restaurants, coffee shops, book bars, lounges, artisanal stores, and celebrity former residences for tourism. As one of the earlier streets in Kunming’s old town area, Qianwang Street is flanked by modern buildings like “Zhengyi Fang” on the east and historical buildings with a Republican-era style on the west. The modern architectural style and the elegant, antique historical buildings intermingle, showcasing the diversity of Kunming’s culture, commerce, street life, and civic sentiments.

Fusion of Modern and Historical

East Side “Zhengyi Fang”: After renovation, the east side “Zhengyi Fang” includes a range of shops such as Chinese and Western restaurants, tea bars, and book bars. The second floor is dedicated to trendy fashion stores, while the third and fourth floors are for dining establishments. You can take the elevator directly to the fourth-floor dining area and enjoy a view of the old Kunming historical building protection area.

West Side Historical Sites: The west side features the “Tongqingfeng” ticket office, “Tengyue General’s Mansion,” and other historical buildings such as the “Ma Family Courtyard,” “Little Silver Cabinet Alley No. 8,” and “Fu Family Residence,” preserving the traditional charm of Kunming. This area also hosts many unique businesses like Silver Cabinet Boutique Hotel and Pin Yuan Tea Ceremony, offering a rich experience of Kunming’s distinctive character.

Cultural Impact of Qianwang Street

Qianwang Street was named to honor “Qianwang” Wang Zhi (1836-1903), a prominent late Qing Dynasty merchant known as the “Red-Topped Merchant.” Wang Zhi’s ticket office, “Tongqingfeng,” is located in the Qianwang Street area. In the late Qing Dynasty and Republican era, Qianwang Street was a hub of commercial and financial prosperity in Kunming.

Modernization and Historical Revival

Through the urbanization process, Kunming’s municipal government has rebuilt Qianwang Street while preserving its historical value, demonstrating respect for cultural history. Qianwang Street not only symbolizes Kunming’s culture but is also a source of pride for Yunnan and China. It stands as a testament to Kunming’s transition from history to modernity, providing citizens and tourists with a window to explore the city’s past and present.

Related Attraction

The Jinma Biji Archway

• The Jinma Biji Archway stands prominently at the crossroads of Sanshi Street and Jinbi Road in the heart of Kunming. With a height of 12 meters and a width of 18 meters, it is renowned for its intricate carvings and decorative artwork, making it a remarkable piece of architecture.
• The archway consists of two distinct sections: the eastern arch, which faces Jinma Mountain, is referred to as Jinma Archway, while the western arch, adjacent to Biji Mountain, is known as Biji Archway. Together, they symbolize the city of Kunming.
• Dating back to the Xuande period of the Ming Dynasty, the Jinma Biji Archway boasts a history of nearly 400 years. At sunset, the archway’s beauty is enhanced as the sun’s rays illuminate the Biji Archway from the west, creating a reflection on the street to the east. Simultaneously, the moon rises in the east, casting a silvery glow on the Jinma Archway and its reflection onto the street to the west.
• As the shadows of the two arches draw closer, they eventually merge, producing a rare visual effect known as “Golden and Green Overlapping,” a phenomenon that occurs only once every 60 years. Legend has it that this event was observed during the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty, with the alignment of the earth, moon, and sun making it a rare occurrence.
• The design of the Jinma Biji Archway reflects the advanced knowledge of mathematics, astronomy, and architecture achieved by the ancient Yunnan people. In 1997, the archway underwent restoration and reconstruction and was officially reopened to the public in April 1999.

The Former Residence of Nie Er

• The former residence of Nie Er, situated at 73 and 74 Yongdao Street in Kunming’s Wuhua District, Yunnan Province, was initially constructed in 1884 during the 10th year of the Guangxu era as a two-story storehouse. In July 1986, the Panlong District People’s Government officially recognized it as “Nie Er’s Former Residence” and designated it as a cultural heritage protection site.
• By 2003, it had been upgraded to a provincial-level cultural heritage protection unit. Restoration work was carried out in 2010. Following the administrative reorganization in 2004, the area became part of Wuhua District, and the Kunming Nie Er Memorial Museum was inaugurated in 2011.

The Yunnan Tea Culture

• The Yunnan Tea Culture Museum is a provincial-level museum dedicated to showcasing the tea culture of Yunnan. It serves as a public venue for promoting the region’s tea heritage. The museum primarily features collections of Yunnan Pu’er tea and tea utensils, and offers visitors opportunities to experience tea ceremonies, learn about tea culture, and engage in interactive exhibits.
• It includes public displays of historic Yunnan tea, traditional tea utensils, and the history of tea. The museum’s mission is to promote Yunnan tea culture by providing free tastings of Yunnan Pu’er tea, tea performances, and opportunities for educational exchanges. It is a key cultural attraction for tourists visiting Yunnan, catering to those interested in tea tasting, gift shopping, and seeking authentic Yunnan Pu’er tea.