Kunming: Discover Yunnan's Unexpected Charm

China's TERRIBLY Underrated City

Destination:ChinaProvince:YunnanCity:Kunming
China's TERRIBLY Underrated City
Lewis Crampton2024-11-0718 min

Kunming is ace fun. Don't listen to anyone telling you otherwise.

--- Lewis Crampton
November 7, 2024, Autumn in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00Kunming introduction
  2. 0:44Animal market visit
  3. 2:47Budget breakfast
  4. 4:31People's Heroes Monument
  5. 6:09Green Lake exploration
  6. 7:207-Eleven street food
  7. 9:21Yanong Temple visit
  8. 13:27Night market exploration

Lewis Crampton discovers Kunming, China's underrated gem. He explores vibrant markets, enjoys delicious local food, and experiences the city's unique charm on a budget. A truly unforgettable adventure!

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1To experience Kunming on a budget, stick to public transport, local food, and track your expenses. This approach allows for a rich cultural immersion without breaking the bank. (2:31)
  2. Tip 27-Elevens in China offer a surprising variety of affordable and delicious Chinese street food, perfect for a quick and cheap meal. (7:20)
  3. Tip 3When exploring a large Chinese city in a limited time, remember that distances can be greater than expected. Plan your itinerary accordingly, allowing extra time for travel between locations. (8:47)
  4. Tip 4China is largely cashless. Familiarize yourself with mobile payment apps before your trip for a seamless experience. Credit cards may not be widely accepted. (11:38)
  5. Tip 5Unlimited beer deals are common in China, often with different pricing for men and women. Be aware of these variations when exploring local drinking establishments. (15:47)

Lewis Crampton's exploration of Kunming, China, reveals a vibrant, underrated city brimming with unique experiences. From a bustling animal market to a tranquil Green Lake, Lewis showcases Kunming's diverse offerings. He savors delicious and affordable local cuisine, interacts with locals, and explores historical sites. This journey is a testament to Kunming's hidden charm and its surprisingly low cost of living, challenging preconceived notions about Chinese cities.

More about the current video:( 5 / 12 )

China's TERRIBLY Underrated City

This video follows Lewis Crampton's 12-hour exploration of Kunming, a city in Southwest China often overlooked as a mere transport hub. The journey begins with a visit to a surprising animal market, showcasing a unique blend of the expected and unexpected.

Lewis then embarks on a culinary adventure, starting with a budget-friendly buffet breakfast offering a variety of local dishes, followed by a delightful exploration of local bakeries and pastries. He emphasizes the affordability of food, mentioning the cost of his breakfast and other snacks throughout the day.

The exploration continues with a visit to the Monument to the People's Heroes, where Lewis utilizes Google Translate to decipher the inscription, highlighting a clever workaround for the restrictions on Google in China. This showcases both the historical significance of the monument and the resourcefulness of the traveler.

Next, he explores Green Lake, a picturesque spot offering a peaceful respite and a chance to observe local life, including children feeding squirrels. This segment emphasizes the city's green spaces and pleasant climate, contrasting it with the common perception of busy, polluted Chinese cities.

The afternoon includes a stop at a 7-Eleven, where Lewis discovers a variety of affordable Chinese street food. He highlights the cashless nature of transactions in China, emphasizing the convenience of QR code payments. The exploration also includes a visit to Yanong Temple, a historically significant site with a low entry fee, further emphasizing Kunming's affordability and rich cultural heritage.

The day concludes with an attempt to hike a mountain for sunset views, which, though unsuccessful in reaching the intended viewpoint, still provides opportunities for unique discoveries along the way. Lewis's experience highlights the unexpected challenges and rewards of exploring a large city within a limited timeframe.

The video ends with an exploration of the city's night market, offering a final glimpse into Kunming's vibrant culture and affordable food scene. Lewis summarizes his experience, highlighting the overall affordability of his 12-hour exploration, covering transport, activities, food, and drinks, for under £12. He concludes by expressing his surprise at the city's charm and recommending it to others, contrasting it with his previous experience in Shanghai. His positive experience challenges the common perception of Kunming as just a transport hub, emphasizing its hidden potential as a fascinating travel destination.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: How much did Lewis Crampton spend in Kunming?
A: Less than 12 English quid for everything: transport, activities, food, and drinks!
Q: What was the most surprising thing Lewis Crampton found in Kunming?
A: Probably the $1 haircut and the fact that I didn't need a ticket to enter the Zhu-long cave!

Kunming: Discover Yunnan's Unexpected Charm

Kunming is ace fun. Don't listen to anyone telling you otherwise.

Kunming Exploration: A 12-Hour Journey Through Yunnan's Underrated City

Explore Kunming, a city often overlooked but brimming with unexpected delights. Lewis Crampton's journey reveals a vibrant and captivating destination, challenging preconceived notions and inviting viewers to discover its unique charm. Prepare to be surprised!

Attractions in this video: Green Lake, Yanong Temple, Peoples Heroes Monument