Page 12 - YunnanTourismCultureTimes (115)

11 FOCUS | 焦点

Fresh concepts drawing crowds to wet markets

菜市新意足

By Guo Yao, Chen Chen,Han Chengyuan, and Zeng Xiangying □ 郭瑶 陈晨 韩成圆 曾香颖 / 文

Stepping out of Bailong Road Metro Sta- daily, hailing from all over the country. I guide of which grow from everyday life,” remarked market provides complimentary photo spots,
tion, visitors to the Kunming Donghua Xiny- them through the market, introducing Yun- Wu Yihua. He added that such initiatives also with photographers offering free shooting and
ing Wet Market are greeted by a playful sight: nan’s unique fruits, vegetables, and snacks, represent a form of dialogue between the tra- editing services on weekends and holidays.
three plump, vividly colored wild mushroom and occasionally help them purchase local ditional market and the evolving city. Alongside, the introduction of flower stalls,
sculptures, accompanied by an oversized veg- specialties,” explained a market volunteer sur- Meanwhile, in the early morning light handicrafts, and fresh juice stands has turned
etable basket—a special photo installation set named Wu. at the Focheng Shangdu Market in Mile’s the routine of grocery shopping into a blend
up by the market for its ongoing Mushroom The Mushroom Festival isn’t Donghua old town, travelers carrying bamboo baskets of “exhibition-style exploration and casual
Festival. Market’s first themed event. In May 2024, pause at flower stalls, young bloggers focus leisure.”
The Mushroom Festival is a collaborative C&F Bookstore collaborated with the market their lenses on vibrantly colored fruit stands, “Around 3,000 to 5,000 visitors from out-
initiative launched by Donghua Market and to host a May Day Book and Vegetable Mar- and restaurant owners push carts through the side the city come to the market every day,
the Douyin platform. During the peak season ket event, where fresh produce stalls stood lanes, beginning their daily rounds of sourcing many of whom are ‘new residents’ living in
for wild mushroom consumption, the market alongside over 40 bookstore booths, creating ingredients… This lively, layered scene has Mile for medium- to long-term stays,” noted
has set up a dedicated mushroom zone, fea- a novel blend of everyday hustle and literary become part of the market’s daily rhythm. Zhu. They purchase daily essentials here,
turing select vendors who showcase and sell charm. In October, the Kunming Reading Originally built in the 1970s and renovat- while content creators and bloggers often cap-
their freshest products. The online “#Mush- Lifestyle Festival showcased over 50 books ed in 2014, this market has transformed into ture the market’s distinctive atmosphere and
roomFestival” hashtag has further amplified on Yunnan-related themes, allowing shoppers more than just Mile’s largest comprehensive share it with wider audiences online.
its reach, with related content generating over to explore the region’s cultural beauty and bi- wet market. Through its constantly evolving Shoppers can now visit the market in
100 million views to date. odiversity during their market visits. shopping environments and renewed identity, person or explore it online. Daily “virtual
Steeped in history and brimming with These activities have infused the market it has gained popularity online as a “dopa- market tour” livestreams allow hosts to
local character, Donghua Market is uniquely with vitality. “Through these events, vendors mine-fueled wet market” and a social media guide online viewers through the stalls and
defined by the century-old Yunnan-Vietnam broaden their perspectives, and consumers sensation, reshaping how the public perceives introduce fresh ingredients in real time. An-
Railway that runs directly through it. As the enjoy a richer experience. The market’s efforts the traditional market experience. other dedicated account regularly publishes
largest wet market in downtown Kunming, and experiments are worthwhile,” said Wu “Grocery shopping here can feel like visit- updates on vegetable prices, making the cost
it houses nearly 800 vendors offering over Yihua, the market’s manager. ing an exhibition,” said Zhu Kai, Deputy Gen- of greens, meat, and other items transparent
a thousand kinds of goods. Within its clean Today, Donghua Market is actively en- eral Manager of Mile Jisheng Commercial at a glance. Additionally, the market has part-
and orderly aisles, intersecting pathways lead couraging its vendors to take their goods Management Co., Ltd. Acknowledging that nered with online fresh produce platforms
visitors to a tea‑market coffee stall where you beyond the market. This April, it collaborated young consumers are drawn to aesthetically such as Meituan and JD.com to offer home
can hold “coffee in one hand, tea in the other,” with Kunming’s Tongde Plaza to launch the pleasing environments, the market has spe- delivery. To further improve accessibility, a
a barbecued pork shop livestreaming its roast- Whimsical Wonder Market event, where ven- cially designed an attractive and interactive dedicated shuttle bus runs between residential
ing process, a pea jelly store run by a painter, dors set up pop-up stalls in the bustling com- “foodie zone” on the ground floor. areas and the market, making round trips more
and more. It has become a beloved destination mercial district. “A wet market should carry To further enrich the visitor experience, the convenient for shoppers.
for those wanting to immerse themselves in cultural depth and artistic sensibility—both
the authentic, vibrant life of Kunming.
The tourist service center at the market
entrance provides luggage storage and guided
tours. “I assist four to five groups of tourists