Big name supermarkets continue to pop up across Kunming, but traditional produce markets remain special places of daily pilgrimage for many locals. On any given morning, if you are up early enough in the city centre, the throngs of elderly people boarding buses often have a common destination — Zhuanxin Wet Market . The place maintains a reputation as not only the largest but also the best destination for buying fresh meat, produce and nearly any other regional edible in the Spring City. For years, it also has a few secrets up its sleeves we knew absolutely nothing about. Built 20 years ago, the market has become a Kunming institution. Everyday items like onions, bell and spicy peppers, ginger, coriander and garlic are of course available in enormous quantities. But what sets Zhuanxin apart is its profusion of other, shall we say, rarer or surprising choices.

Yuantong Temple is at the foot of Yuantong Hill in the northern part of Kunming. With a history of more than 1,200 years, it is one of the grandest as well as the most important Buddhist temple in Yunnan Province. King Yimouxun of the Nanzhao Kingdom built it during the late eighth century as a continuation of Putuoluo Temple, and the restorations performed from the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911) onward had not changed its unique mixed architectural style of the Yuan (1271 - 1368) and Ming (1644 - 1911) Dynasties.

Green Lake Park was established in the 17th century on the west side of the Wuhua Mountain and is sometimes described as a "Jade in Kunming". Two long banks divide Green Lake into four parts. The banks are covered with an abundance of willow trees and dotted with a variety of vibrant lotuses. This contrast between the pale green of the willows and the array of colours in the lotuses makes the park a popular destination for nature lovers. One can almost feel the freshness from the air. The serenity and beauty make it an excellent place for a picnic, a morning stroll, or a simple a time to sit and reflect. Kunming Green Lake Park Cuihu Park is Kunming's most magical place. Located in one of the busiest parts of the city, it does just what an urban park should do: offer a break from crowded streets and honking cars, and give people a place to meet and talk, sing, dance, drink tea or just watch the ducks swim by.

Yunnan Military Academy was founded in 1909 in Kunming. This academy is among the first batch of military schools in China. In total, the academy had different 22 classes and more than 9000 trainees until 1935, the year it ceased operating due to the Second Sino-Japanese War. World-wide famous military leaders, such as Zhu De, Ye Jianying graduated from Yunnan Military Academy. The residence of Zhude now is a museum just besides the academy, on the other side of Green Lake Park. Students from Korea, Vietnam and other countries were trained here as well. Yunnan Military Academy was the most influential school before the Huangpu Military School’s establishment. It made great contributions to a series of conflicts in China's modern history.

The Kunming Old Street area still retains a large number of historical buildings and cultural relics from the late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China. The oldest one holds nearly 900 years of memories and stories of the city. The old houses in Kunming Old Street are mainly composed of courtyard houses, while also combining the characteristics of folk houses of the Bai and Yi ethnic groups. These old houses represent the type of Kunming dwelling architecture during that period, exemplifying the integration of the Central Plains culture and Yunnan ethnic culture. They also represent the unique characteristics of Kunming that distinguish it from other cities.

There are many bird and flower markets in Kunming city, but Jingxing Bird and Flower Market in city centre is a top popular bird and flower market in this city and also the label of the daily life of Kunming people. This market became into shape in 1980s and has around 700 stores selling abundant types of things. Walking along this market, you will not only be glad with the countless flowers in various colours with pleasing aroma, but also enjoy the crispy chirm of many species of birds. It is really a new try to feel the local life while hear Kunming people chatting in their special dialect and select your favourites among those nice antiques, jewellery ornaments, handicrafts, and so forth.

Nanping Business Street attracts not only local people, but more and more visitors all over the world. Having become the emerging landmark of Kunming, Nanping Business Street is absolutely a must see containing historically commercial culture and modern shopping surroundings. Nanping Business Street was heavily reproduced to make the scenes of this old walking street beautiful. Combining some folk art statues to promote the historical and cultural charm of Kunming, the street is a combination of tradition and modern. While the old Nanping Street was known as the “Wall Street” in Kunming, today’s Nanping Shopping Street was praised a fame of “Southwest First Street”. Having a walk in this street, visitors will have a feel of the mixture of the Kunming’s history, culture and innovation.