Crossing the border into China from Vietnam was definitely one of those last minute & unexpected decision I had made while traveling through Southeast Asia.  I met many locals along the way who, although they didn’t speak English, were very friendly and helpful.  

This is why most of the time I choose public transportation and backpacking on foot over flying into a destination.  Even if you do find affordable ways to fly, you still have to consider parking at the airport.

But once I got into China and made my way to the first major city after crossing the border, I quickly fell into tune with the way of life there.  

I found the Chinese for one, make some damn good pasta.  Secondly, they absolutely LOVE shopping.  There are literally enough stores in a 3 block vicinity to keep you busy for a week…simply because they don’t build them outwards but upwards!

After talking with a few folks at the hostel I was staying at in downtown, I heard about the town’s local Flower & Bird Market so decided to do a little exploring.  It wasn’t anything like the floating markets of Thailand or the markets of Chinatown in New York City.  What I found was a quaint section of the city unlike the hustle and bustle of the “new age” shopping stores and more along the lines of walking down simple alleyways filled with mom & pop restaurants, chattering birds, exotic flowers and a variety of very interesting animals for sale.

Take a walk with me and enjoy one of the many very unique markets in China!

Flowers and birds market of Kunming

Have you ever been to a flowers and birds market like this one in Kunming, China?