Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Learn basic Mandarin phrases or use translation apps for easier communication with local vendors. Pointing at what you want is also helpful. (2:07)
- Tip 2Utilize Alipay or WeChat Pay for seamless transactions at even the smallest street food stalls. Most vendors accept these mobile payment methods. (2:54)
- Tip 3Many tea shops offer menus in English via Alipay's QR code scanning feature, simplifying ordering for non-Chinese speakers. (11:17)
- Tip 4Getting to the Yunnan Stone Forest is easy. Take a bus from the city's East Bus Station. The ticket to the forest is around 130 yuan. Consider taking the electric cart (250 yuan) to save walking time. (14:54)
- Tip 5Yunnan province is an underrated tourist destination, even within China, offering a unique blend of cultural experiences and natural beauty. (15:32)
Doug Barnard explores Kunming, Yunnan, calling it one of China's best underrated destinations. He showcases the city's unique blend of modernity and preserved old streets, highlighting the friendly locals and diverse culture. A trip to the stunning Yunnan Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reveals breathtaking natural beauty, easily accessible from the city. Doug's journey is filled with delicious street food encounters and charming local interactions, making Kunming a must-visit on any China itinerary.
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This vlog follows Doug Barnard's exploration of Kunming, Yunnan Province, a city he proclaims as one of China's best-kept secrets. He begins in downtown Kunming, highlighting the city's surprisingly relaxed atmosphere despite its size. Doug emphasizes Kunming's pleasant weather, referring to it as the "City of Eternal Spring." He then delves into the local food scene, showcasing a variety of street food stalls and sampling various dishes. His interactions with vendors are engaging, demonstrating the ease of using mobile payment systems like Alipay and WeChat Pay.
He highlights the unique cultural diversity of Kunming and Yunnan Province, noting the friendliness and patience of the locals, even with a language barrier. His visit to Kunming's Old Street reveals a well-preserved area of traditional architecture, a rarity in rapidly developing China. Doug's exploration continues to a bird and flower market, where he encounters a variety of animals, from hamsters to puppies, and observes the ubiquitous use of barcode payment systems.
The vlog then shifts to Green Lake Park, a beautiful urban park showcasing traditional Chinese aesthetics. Doug captures the sunset and the park's illumination at night, including a giant illuminated dragon. He ends his Kunming adventure with a trip to the Yunnan Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This breathtaking natural wonder showcases stunning limestone formations and offers a dramatic contrast to the city's urban landscape. Doug's journey is marked by his genuine interactions with locals, his appreciation for the diverse food, and his awe at the natural beauty surrounding Kunming, solidifying his belief that Yunnan and Kunming are highly underrated travel destinations in China. He concludes by inviting viewers to join his next group trip to Iraq.
