As Once Upon a Bite once remarked:

"A city tour without exploring the farmers' market 

is like a romantic affair without the intention of marriage."

To truly experience the essence of a city,

the finest approach is to wander through its bustling markets,

In this concealed world behind the towering skyscrapers,

you can acquire profound insights and understanding of the city.

Photo by Yunnan Construction and Investment Holding Group Co., Ltd

In Yunnan, the Zhuanxin Wet Market, 

has accompanied generations of Kunming locals.

The hustle and bustle near the Daguan River

continues to this day,

where calls and sales pitches interweave,

and flavors of sour, sweet, bitter, and spicy abound.

Every day, the market unveils a fresh collection of tales

depicting the myriad of stories found in the streets.

Photo by Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism.

Stepping into this bustling market,

one can witness the most authentic scenes of daily life.

A sea of people stretches as far as the eyes can see,

with shops lining both sides of the market street.

After marveling at the sight of the market,

you can approach each shop to discover their mysteries,

and gain insight into the food worldview of Yunnan locals.

Flowers and vegetables are sold side by side,

and various wild mushrooms are artfully displayed in baskets.

Bee pupae are available,

and melons and leafy greens are pounded and enjoyed together.

In the Zhuanxin Wet Market,

one can also find enchanting flowers,

where it is customary to buy a bouquet while grocery shopping.

With one hand carrying the food,

and the other hand carrying the charm of everyday life,

this is the daily routine of the people of Kunming.

Kunming locals have a deep love for flowers.

Besides fresh-cut flowers,

jasmine, taro blossoms, and chive blossoms

are common sights at both the market and dinner tables.

After "eating" the flowers, thelephora ganbajun, 

russula virescens, porcini hit the market.

Yunnan's seasonal "Food Adventure" of the summer

is calling for your presence.

"Red umbrellas, white poles."

Zhuanxin not only sells fresh wild mushrooms,

but also serves up ready-to-eat delicacies 

that can be eaten with toothpicks directly.

Nuodeng ham, Lijiang preserved spare ribs, 

Xishuangbanna sweet bamboo shoots,

Hani soybean paste, Dali milk fan, Tengchong's fried erkuai...

You may hard to visit these places any time,

but you can taste the local snacks here.

Zhuanxin's stalls bring the rustic flavors to your palate.

Spicy chicken from Zhanyi, Huize black goat, Laodian steamed pork...

An array of renowned delicacies,

portrays the grand feast in the hearts of Kunming locals.

Photo by Yunnan Construction and Investment Holding Group Co., Ltd.

Burma's giant crabs,

tail-swinging small fresh fish,

enthusiastic vendors

outline the lively scene of the streets.

Photo by Yunnan Construction and Investment Holding Group Co., Ltd.

There is nothing but food that we cannot fail to live up to.

You can savor a bowl of spicy bean curd noodles here,

munch on a crispy rice cake,

and grab a bag of potato chips in eight flavors 

while grocery shopping,

so that by the time you return home, you're already satisfied.

Photo by "Daoranran" from Red.

We wander through various stalls of cooked food and snacks,

savoring a cup of popular milk fermented glutinous rice.

Satisfied!

"What is this? And what is that?"

Zhuanxin also sells ingredients unfamiliar to you.

The vendors, in the local Kunming dialect, 

will answer each question,

making this place a living encyclopedia.

Bee pupae, ant eggs, white bamboo worms,

fried lotus petals, tree roots, tree flowers...

Come to Zhuanxin and widen your culinary horizons!

Yunnan's colors may refer to the clouds in the sky,

or the fruits and vegetables on the ground.

Known as the "Province of Fruit",

Yunnan produces fruits all year long, 

out-of-season fruits hit the market year-round.

Oranges, grapes, strawberries, 

and more are available throughout the year,

while peaches, mangoes, and dragon fruits 

have a supply lasting over six months.

Yunnan is also the country's leading blueberry producer,

and Zhuanxin proudly offers bulk sales of fresh blueberries in Kunming.

For those exotic species

that you're hesitant to try,

why not taste Yunnan fruits at Zhuanxin?

You can enjoy different options every day 

of the year without repeating.

Photo by Nikou.

Kunming's seasonal changes are not pronounced,

but the aromas of spring, summer, autumn, and winter

can be found in the infinite array of fresh ingredients here.

The Zhuanxin Wet Market quietly 

awaits enthusiastic individuals

who live life wholeheartedly and cherish every moment.

Click here to view Chinese report

(Editors: Rachel, Christine)