Yong’an Old Street in Anning, Kunming

Yong’an Old Street (永安古街) is a historic cultural commercial district located east of Nanyuan (楠园) in Lianran Subdistrict, Anning City (安宁市连然街道), Kunming. Covering a total area of 19 acres, with the main street about 200 meters long, it was rebuilt on the former site of Anning People’s Hospital (安宁市人民医院旧址). The street features traditional Yunnan residential architecture, using blue bricks, gray tiles, and wooden carved doors and windows, recreating the Ming and Qing dynasty ambiance of “Lianran Golden Place, Tangchuan Treasure Land” (连然金方，螳川宝地). The district contains 16 antique-style buildings along with facilities such as a theater stage, pavilion, and archways. It is divided into two main thematic zones: East Market (Guochao cultural creativity) and West Market (traditional cuisine). Local specialty snacks like Bajie cold rolled rice noodles (八街凉卷粉) and traditional grilled rice cakes (古法烤饵块) are featured. At night, thousands of lights illuminate the street, creating a bustling atmosphere reminiscent of the “Tang Dynasty Sleepless City” (大唐不夜城). As a new landmark of Anning’s night economy, the street regularly hosts cultural events such as the Fire Phoenix Flying Show and ethnic bonfire dances, attracting over 30,000 visitors daily and successfully blending historical culture with modern commerce.

Core Features

Historical Significance

Located east of Nanyuan (楠园) in Lianran Subdistrict, it is a key urban cultural landmark in Anning City, carrying the collective memories of longtime Anning residents.
Rebuilt on the former site of Anning People’s Hospital, occupying 19 acres with a main street about 200 meters long, laid out in a “one belt, two gates, three centers, eleven alleys” (一带、两门、三心、十一巷) pattern.

Architectural Style

Modeled on traditional Yunnan residences, featuring 16 antique-style buildings including siheyuan (四合院), sanheyuan (三合院), and courtyard forms.
Exterior walls of blue bricks, gray tiled roofs, wooden carved doors and windows recreate the Ming-Qing style “Lianran Golden Place, Tangchuan Treasure Land.”
Facilities include a theater stage, pavilion, covered corridors, and entrance archways. When lit at night, thousands of lamps illuminate the street resembling the “Tang Dynasty Sleepless City.”

Market and Food

Thematic Zones

East Market: Focus on Guochao (national trendy cultural) creative products and youth culture, including intangible heritage handicrafts and trendy markets.
West Market: Emphasizes traditional local atmosphere with Anning’s historic food brands and ethnic snacks.

Must-Try Local Foods

Cultural Activities and Experiences

Regular Events

Night Shows: Fire Phoenix Flying Show, shadow puppetry, Guochao dance (daily from 19:30).
Festival Highlights:

• Torch Festival (August): Bonfire dances, dragon and lion dances, Highland flowing water banquet.

• Spring Festival: Iron flower show, God of Wealth parade, Han wedding performances.

• Water Splashing Festival (April): Dai ethnic blessing rituals, ethnic long-street feast.

Cultural Fusion

Sports-themed Street: Lantern canopy by Le Xiaoxing, public welfare slogan light boxes, 30th anniversary colorful installations blending tradition and modernity.
Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshops: Demonstrations and weekend experiences of tie-dye, paper cutting, and iron-stone carving.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Open daily free of charge; night market peak hours from 18:00 to 22:00.

Transportation

• By car: Navigate to “Anning Yong’an Old Street,” about 40 minutes from Kunming city center.

• By bus: Take route 17 from Kunming Xiaoximen to “Anfang Collective Station,” then transfer to Anning route 3 to “Lianran Subdistrict Station.”

Best Visiting Time

Photographers are recommended to visit at dusk (18:30–19:30) to capture blue hour and illuminated scenes.
Family visitors are advised to come on weekend afternoons, combined with visits to nearby Nanyuan Garden (a Suzhou-style garden) and Baihua Park (百花公园).

Tips

During the 2025 Spring Festival (late January), a “New Year Goods Market” will showcase Yunnan specialty products and gifts.
The street provides free Hanfu rental (with deposit), ideal for ancient-style photography.

Nearby Recommended Half-Day Itinerary

Nanyuan Garden (garden photography) → Yong’an Bridge (Ming dynasty ancient bridge) → Yong’an Old Street (dinner and night stroll) → Yaochen Tower (climb for night views)