Wanhong Night Market in Kunming
Introduction
The Wan Hong Night Market (万宏夜市) is a modern recreation of the vibrant food scene that once defined the North Railway Station area in Kunming during the 1990s. Once a bustling hotspot for street food, barbeque, and small snacks, this area brought together crowds of locals and travelers to enjoy a variety of flavorful local delicacies. Though the bustling vibe faded as Kunming grew more modernized, the historic charm has returned with the Wan Hong Night Market.
A Modern Night Market with Historical Roots
Officially opening on January 1, 2020, Wan Hong Night Market (万宏夜市) was established as part of the Panlong District’s (盘龙区) nighttime economy initiative. Located at Qiying Street (旗营街) in the Panlong District, this market has transformed the former Jinhau Plastic Factory (锦豪塑料厂) into a thriving destination for dining and nightlife.
Invested by Yunnan Austide Industrial Co., Ltd (云南奥斯迪实业有限公司), this area has become a hub for culinary delights, nightlife culture, and recreation. Visitors can expect an authentic and modernized marketplace experience with numerous food stalls, trendy dining establishments, and modern decor that retains its local and cultural charm.
Features of Wan Hong Night Market
An Eclectic Selection of Food Stalls
The Wan Hong Night Market (万宏夜市) offers a wide variety of food and snack options. During its initial trial opening period, the market attracted numerous food and snack brands, creating a lively and welcoming ambiance for food enthusiasts. Some of the food stalls featured include:
- Big Finger King Pork Stomach Wrap Chicken (大指王猪肚包鸡)
- Andihe German Cuisine (安迪赫尔)
- Dashang Dining (大尚餐饮)
- Mi Ji Fresh Catch (宓记现捞)
- Zhaotong Small Meat Skewers BBQ (昭通小肉串烧烤)
- Spring Water Pot Chicken (泉水罐罐鸡)
These vendors and more have made their mark on this bustling street market, offering a variety of local and traditional Chinese snacks and dishes.
Austide French-Style Street (奥斯迪法式风情街)
The Austide French-Style Street (奥斯迪法式风情街) is another key feature of the Panlong District’s cultural tourism development. Established through collaboration between Panlong District People’s Government (盘龙区人民政府) and Yunnan Austide Industrial Co., Ltd (云南奥斯迪实业有限公司), this area incorporates the historical culture of the Dian-Yue Railway (滇越铁路) into its design and function.
Goals for the Austide French-Style Street
The area aims to:
- Explore the history of the Dian-Yue Railway (滇越铁路) and incorporate it into cultural tourism experiences.
- Optimize the operating layouts to create distinctive nighttime markets and cultural spaces.
- Improve streetscape design to create a signature visual appeal.
- Create diverse entertainment options that meet visitor needs.
The goal is to create a multipurpose, modern cultural hub blending tourism, shopping, entertainment, and leisure, forming an influential part of the city’s economy.
Recommended Dining at Wan Hong Night Market 🍛
If you’re visiting Wan Hong Night Market (万宏夜市), don’t miss the opportunity to try some of its most popular local dishes:
Spicy Fried Chicken with Wild Seasonings 🌟
Wild Smoked Spicy Chicken (思茅小炒鸡)
This house specialty combines tender and juicy chicken with flavorful, spicy seasoning, creating a mouthwatering experience.
Dai-Style Spicy Beef Tripe 🌟
Dai-Style Spicy Beef Tripe (炝毛肚)
A mix of aromatic chili and Dai-style spices brings out the perfect balance of flavor and crunchiness.
Crab Roe Tofu 🌟
The Crab Roe Tofu (蟹黄豆腐) combines soft tofu with fragrant salted egg yolk and surprise carrot bits, making it a comforting choice.
Dai-Style Yellow Beef Stir Fry 🌟
A fragrant and tender stir-fried yellow beef dish that keeps customers coming back for more.
Wildflower Sticky Rice Balls 🌟
Wildflower Sticky Rice Balls (野花糯米糍) are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, creating a delicious and satisfying snack.
Special Side Dishes 🍽️
- Homestyle Pickled Cabbage Egg Soup (干酸菜土鸡蛋汤)
- Tomato Water Ferns Stir Fry (豆shi番茄炒水蕨菜)
- Colorful Pineapple Fried Rice (菠萝七彩花米饭)
After sampling the variety of food options, visitors can relax and enjoy the lively, warm atmosphere of this modernized night market.
Wan Hong International Night Market’s Specialty: Authentic Guizhou Miao Sour Soup Fish 🐟
If you’re a fan of traditional sour and spicy cuisine, head to the Wan Hong International Night Market (万宏国际火车头夜市) to try:
Miao Sour Soup Fish (苗家酸汤鱼)
- Operating Hours: 11:00 – 22:00
- Location: Inside the Wan Hong International Night Market
This restaurant specializes in authentic Guizhou-style Miao Sour Soup Fish (苗家酸汤鱼) with tangy and spicy flavors that are addictive. The combination of fresh fish, unique sour and spicy broth, and aromatic local seasonings offers a rich and unforgettable culinary experience.
Specialty Dishes to Try
- Bui Rice Cake (布依发糕): A glutinous rice cake imported from Guizhou, featuring chewy and sweet flavors.
- Qingke Pancakes (青稞饼): A hearty barley pancake with sweetened condensed milk—perfect for dipping!
- Woodfire Tofu (柴火豆腐): Large portions of tender tofu are cooked with firewood for that authentic flavor.
Each dish complements the sour and spicy fish, making this a must-visit spot for any foodie.
How to Get There 🚗
- From Kunming Changshui International Airport (昆明长水国际机场):
- Take a taxi or use ride-sharing apps to reach the Panlong District (盘龙区) directly.
- From Kunming South Railway Station (昆明南站):
- Take metro line 1 to North Railway Station (北站), then switch to local taxis to Wan Hong Night Market.
- Metro Options:
- Metro Line 2 connects the key areas of Kunming, with convenient access to Panlong District.
Travel Tips 🏮
- Crowds: Expect busy evenings, especially on weekends and holidays. Visit earlier to find seating.
- Local specialties: Try local snack options at smaller vendors for an authentic taste of Kunming cuisine.
- Cash: While many stalls now accept mobile payment, it’s always wise to carry cash just in case.
- Dress Comfortably: Wear light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes for navigating the busy market.
- Safety: Keep your valuables secure while enjoying the bustling market scene.
Final Thoughts
The Wan Hong Night Market (万宏夜市) is a perfect destination for anyone exploring Kunming’s culinary culture and vibrant atmosphere. With its wide range of food stalls, cultural fusion, and unique dining options, it provides a modern yet traditional experience reflective of Kunming’s history and economic development.
Whether you’re looking to try Dai-style stir fry, unique sour soup fish, or traditional sticky rice snacks, Wan Hong Night Market (万宏夜市) has something for every palate. Don’t miss this bustling gem during your visit to Kunming!
