Six Reasons to Live in Kunming, South of the Clouds

Kunming might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about studying or living in China, but it's very likely that will change in the near the future. The city is easily one of the most interesting cities in China, and one of the most underrated places to live. Hopefully after exploring just a few of the reasons why Kunming is the king of choices, you'll realize the aforementioned statements are more than just cheap clichés.
 

1.  Weather
This should be the only point that you need to hear. If you are a warm-blooded, fur-less mammal then you are doing yourself a service by choosing to live here. Kunming is famously known as the “Spring City,” due to the fact that every season is like Spring. Wherever you come from, you'll be able to appreciate the mild climate here. In saying that, it has been known to snow in Kunming (another plus), but it's not unusual for the following week to be back to T-shirt weather. Everybody wins.

2.  Air Quality
Thinking of China unfortunately brings to mind images of masked-faces in thick grey smog. For most people, this rules out the idea of living in China for any extended period of time. Fortunately for Kunming, this is really not an issue. For a capital city, Kunming experiences some of the lowest levels of air pollution in China. Clear blue skies with fluffy white clouds are a rare sight in China. For Kunming, this is not at all unusual – picture warm days with bright, sunny clear skies.

3.  Affordability
While Kunming can't be compared to the Chinese mega-cities, it still manages to hold it's own and offers everything you would need. At the same time it manages to be one of the most affordable cities to live in, covering everything from food to apartments. Plenty of areas suited to foreigners at a fraction of the price you would pay in Beijing/Shanghai, while still allowing you to experience the real China. If you have a tight budget, Kunming is perfect for you.

4. Study Opportunities
If you have scoured the internet forums in preparation for moving to China for Mandarin study, you've probably come across Keats Chinese School in Kunming, which is highly recommended by anyone who has experienced studying Mandarin. The tuition fee for small group Chinese classes is as low as RMB 4,000 per semester (16 weeks). The classes are very focused on giving students good results, unlike the many cash-cow courses that exist in China. Class sizes have a maximum limit of 15 people. This means teachers can hone their material and focus more individually with students, while the students don't need to compete to participate. Low prices, smooth visa process and relaxed class environment make for an unbeatable combination. If you want to learn Chinese in China, check out Keats.

5. Unique Culture
Despite China's massive expanse, the culture is more or less uniform throughout. Of course there are exceptions to this generalization – Kunming being one of them. Spend a day exploring Kunming and you'll encounter things which just seem to be "not-China." Underground break-dancing battles, psych-trance parties, tattoo parlors, skateboards and hacky-sacks. These are very "not-China," but they are totally Kunming. Despite these quite modern cultural traits, Kunming manages to retain the traditional Chinese culture making a very interesting and fun blend. Yunnan is host to almost half of the Chinese ethnic minorities, meaning there is an endless diversity of culture with a rich history – good news for food lovers.

6. Travel
Being situated in Yunnan Province, which contains not only some excellent local travel locations such as Dali, Shangri-la, Lijiang and Xishuangbanna, but also forms the border of Southeast Asia. Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam, Thailand, Kunming is also famous for its amazing natural wonderlands. Surrounded by a great number of beautiful destinations, Kunming, as a tourist city, stands out from other cities in China.

Friendly and laid back local people, study opportunities, health and budget are all catered for if Kunming is your choice. If you have not made up your mind where to live in China, Kunming should come up to the top of your list. Come to Kunming and find out first hand why it is really unlike any other cities in China. See you soon!

Photos courtesy of Keats Chinese