The alternative name for Kunming is spring city, and what could be more aptly named for a flower and bird market? Built in 1980, Kunming has pretty much been functioning the same way ever since. The only thing that’s changed is the growing number of regulars and tourists that it has accumulated over the years, earning their favour through its distinct local flavour.

Imagine a 200 metre long, 15 metre wide road, each side crammed with shops and stores that stretch into the distance. One step behind these stalls are historically preserved houses that ooze the charm of ancient culture, keeping the scene almost identical to what would have been 40 years ago, with bundhnu clad women selecting blooms and local market sellers bargaining back and forth with stubborn customers.

The flowers that this city yields are bigger, brighter, more bountiful, more beautiful. They crane their necks out from the stalls, magnetizing your gaze with their loud colours and quiet grace. Orchids, camellias, roses, azaleas, begonias, all begging to be picked up and admired, luring passer-bys with their heavenly scent. Hanging from stall eaves are gilded, ornamental bird cages holding thrushes, parakeets, parrots, red-billed leiothrix birds and crested myna birds, exquisite in their form. The chorus of chirping and twittering is the background music as you stroll the street, adding to the buzzing clamour. In contrast, silent sea creatures of all shapes and sizes - goldfish, red carp, turtles, crab - add their own charm as they go about their peaceful existence. A treasure trove of antiques, collect little wooden figures carved from Bonsai trees, jade objects, precious jewels, ancient coins, porcelain, calligraphy and more, anything pertaining to Chinese culture.