Page 9 - YunnanTourismCultureTimes (108)

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FOCUS | 焦点

Unique streets teeming with surprises

街区，有花样

By Zhu Hai □ 朱海 / 文

In recent years, the unique cultural streets across distinctive bookstores has attracted many young visi-
Yunnan have become increasingly popular destina- tors who come to enjoy leisurely strolls and immerse
tions for strolling, shopping, and dining. Many cities themselves in Kunming’s vibrant cultural and artistic
are actively working to develop these distinctive atmosphere.
blocks, and the emerging trending projects are offer- As the stars begin to twinkle and the night deep-
ing a wealth of enriching experiences for tourists. ens, each unique city in Yunnan offers an enchanting
The Nanping Pedestrian Area in Kunming includes experience. The night economy thrives with vibrant
Nanping Street, Zhengyi Road, Kunming Old Street, energy, becoming a new driving force for consump-
and Nanqiang Street. Historically, it has been a lively tion growth.
financial, commercial, and entertainment center, func- As one of the largest and most vibrant night
tioning as the city’s reception hall. In recent years, the markets in Southeast Asia, the Starlight Night
area has skillfully combined tradition with modernity Market in the Gaozhuang Xishuangjing Scenic
and culture with fashion, creating a vibrant desti- Area of Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna Dai Auton-
nation that highlights cultural and artistic elements, omous Prefecture, has transformed from a modest
trendy fashion, aesthetic living, local customs, and a street night market into a bustling hub of activity.
variety of leisure and entertainment options. It features a business model that combines “street
“The street markets evoke a strong sense of nostal- stalls + waterfront,” offering a diverse array of
gia, reminiscent of childhood experiences. They offer goods and experiences. This market has developed
a diverse array of goods and provide opportunities to into a cultural and creative space that seamlessly
learn traditional crafts, such as paper-cutting window integrates industry, city, people, and culture. By
flowers.” On the 15 day of the first lunar month, providing comprehensive services such as tourism
th
tourists, flocked to three main markets—the Jingxing shopping, immersive folk experiences, and unique
Flower and Bird Fair in Kunming Old Street, the dining options, the market ensures safety and conven-
Spring City New Year Taste Fair on Zhengyi Road, ience for visitors through measures like separating
and the Snake Year Grand Fair on Sanshi Street—to pedestrian and vehicle traffic, as well as establishing
fully immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere of parking lots, tourist service centers, and merchant
the Spring Festival. These new consumer experiences management centers. “With approximately 3,000
have injected fresh vitality into the festival economy. stalls and over 300 shops in the pedestrian area, the
According to statistics, during the Spring Festival market creates more than 6,000 entrepreneurial and
holiday, the total visitor count at Nanping Pedestrian employment opportunities, attracting around 10 mil-
Area surpassed 3.5 million, while the business turno- lion visitors each year. The Starlight Night Market
ver reached 280 million yuan. has achieved significant scale and unique character,”
In Kunming, a travel style centered around city- said an official from the Culture and Tourism Bureau
walks is gaining popularity, with more people opting of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture.
for it over the “travel special forces” approach. Yang Today, Yunnan is rapidly advancing the devel-
Fan, the owner of a coffee shop on Xunjin Street— opment of its night economy, invigorating various
often compared to Shanghai’s Wukang Road— consumption formats such as night shopping, dining,
pointed out that, thanks to government protection and entertainment, tours, fitness, and performances. The
revitalization efforts, Xunjin Street has evolved into province is also cultivating 20 influential provin-
a trendy tourist destination. The seamless blend of cial-level night economy hubs. In Yunnan, the nights
historic buildings, coffee shops, creative murals, and are becoming increasingly vibrant and beautiful!