Day 4: Experiencing Abit of History at Old Street (昆明老街)

Urban development has destroyed many traditional cultures, historial buildings & streets in Kunming. We took some time to travel back in time, in one of the very few old street left in this city. :)

Kunming's old street is characterized by very low two-storey buildings with tiled roofs, wooden windows & doors and stoned courtyard.

As we walked down the street, I can't help but wonder about the many stories behind each of these houses.

The curved 'Sister Buildings (姊妹楼)' is one of the few older landmarks remaining in Kunming old street.

The birth place of Nie Er, also on old street, is now a museum showcasing his work & life. He was the composer of China's national anthem, March of the Volunteers (义勇军进行曲).

The government is trying to preserve whatever is left of the old street. At the very least, the old & new generation has a piece of their history to cling onto.

Old street is filled with souvenir & tea shops. :)

There are stalls selling antiques,

fresh & artificial flowers,

and puppies. We were uncomfortable at the sight of many puppies being squeezed into one cage. :(

These little furry ones running about in the street might be in a better shape.

We spotted a cat all snuggled up in its comfy basket... :)

and these creepy crawlies... *.*

Local fare is easily available at old street. :)

The shops are often so tiny, people just sit randomly to savour their lunch. :)

A game of chess during lunch. :)

We packed some goodies for our roadtrip to Dali. These eggy cakes were so cheap & so good! :D RMB10 for 8 eggy cakes! Mm...

And we love these steamed red peanuts! :) We should have gotten the corns too...duh. Anyway we had quite alot of stuff to munch on our 4 hour journey. ;)