Even a quick street snap turns out great.

Falling ginkgo leaves add a touch of romance to Wenlin Street. (Photo by reporter Huang Xiaosong)

The “Plane Tree Girl” mural on Xunjin Street remains vibrant and youthful even in winter.

Visitors and locals sit along the street, savoring moments of easy leisure.  

A relaxed afternoon inside a milk tea shop.  

Tourists snapping photos at hot spots on Kunming’s streets.  

Kunming’s bright winter sunshine is wonderfully comforting.  

When the north is locked in bitter cold, Kunming’s streets and lanes are washed in warm colors, like an oil painting. Golden ginkgo leaves blanket the stone-paved roads; when the wind stirs, flecks of light rise and shimmer. As one netizen put it, “A winter like this is sheer delight.”

In the afternoon, slanting sunlight spills into Tiepi Alley, bringing warmth to the old streets. Inside cafés, the rich aroma of freshly ground beans drifts through the hum of grinders and steam wands. Friends gather in small groups, basking in the sun, sipping pour‑over coffee, chatting unhurriedly—as if time itself has slowed.

Jingde Alley is a haven of artsy romance. Red and yellow brick walls intertwine with plane tree leaves in shades of yellow and green, forming a corridor of light and shadow where every shot looks cinematic. Quaint, character‑filled shops beneath the trees lend the old lane a creative charm, drawing in people who enjoy life and love to explore.

The giant “Plane Tree Girl” mural on Xunjin Street is a favorite photo spot for young people and is often called “Kunming’s Wukang Road.” Sunlight filters through the plane trees, scattering lively patches of light, while a languid, aromatic air lingers among café seats. Young people stroll in pairs or pause to capture the interplay of light and shadow, as time is gently turned into a slower, softer rhythm…

In Kunming's winter streets, where golden hues meet the aromas of coffee and tea, everyday life blends softly with poetry. Every street holds the city’s stories and warmth; every play of light and shadow reveals the secret of a truly livable place.

Click here to view the Chinese report

(Editors: Rachel, Evan)