Kunming Xunjin New Village｜A cluster of Republic of China-era Western-style buildings, who wouldn’t want to live in the time of old Kunming!

🏡 Kunming Xunjin New Village｜A cluster of Republic of China-era Western-style buildings, who wouldn’t want to live in the time of old Kunming!

Kunming Xunjin New Village and its surroundings hide the "modern past" of old Kunming—this area is packed with Republic of China-era historic buildings and small Western-style villas blending Chinese and Western elements. It is a unique window to understand Kunming’s modern history and an ideal living place many yearn for. A stroll here will reveal why it captivates so many hearts.

✨ Historical Origins + Architectural Highlights: Hiding Kunming’s “Modern Past”

- Origins and the rise of the commercial port: The history of Xunjin Street dates back to the Qing Dynasty, named after the "Yunjin Embankment" (built to prevent flooding from the Panlong River). The "Yunjin Night Market" was once a bustling scene in Kunming. After the opening of the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway in the last century, the area around Yunjin Bridge (now Desheng Bridge) was developed into a commercial port. Xunjin Street naturally became Kunming’s trendiest street, gathering foreign merchants and international business activities.
- Landmark buildings and celebrity marks: Many Republic of China residences remain here, such as the Pei’s Building built in 1940, and several courtyards within Xunjin New Village. In 1938, Lin Huiyin lived in a French-style villa at No. 9 Xunjin Street and wrote "Kunming Impressions · Small Building." Every building holds stories from the past.
- Architectural style: Mostly a blend of Chinese and Western designs, combining the stability of Chinese architecture with Western elements. Despite the passage of time, they retain charm and are living fossils of Kunming’s modern architecture.

🌿 Micro-renovation Rebirth: The “Ancient and Modern Collision” of the Old Neighborhood

In 2019, the Xishan District government launched a "micro-renovation" project, restoring building facades while respecting historical features, adding relief sculptures and paintings, and upgrading public facilities. Today, Xunjin New Village’s old buildings have new vitality—coffee shops, tea houses, bridal stores, and other new businesses have moved in, blending historical depth with modern artistic vibes, making it a pleasant and stylish place to explore.

🗺️ Surrounding Attractions: Connecting the Historical Scenes of Old Kunming

- After visiting the new village, you can head to Jingde Alley: adjacent to the lively Shulin Street, the alley’s stone walls are built from materials salvaged from restored ancient buildings, quiet and photogenic;
- Check in at Dongsi Pagoda: a millennium-old building originally built in the Tang Dynasty, creating a time-space dialogue with the Republic of China style of Xunjin New Village, fully experiencing Kunming’s historical layers.

📌 Practical Tips for Visiting

- Navigation: Search directly for "Xunjin New Village," enter from the Xunjin Street entrance, and stroll along the street to encounter old buildings. It’s perfect for a slow walk and photography;
- Photo tips: Wear vintage-style, light-colored clothes to match perfectly with the Republic of China villas and old streets, easily capturing “timeless shots”;
- Suitable for: history lovers, photography enthusiasts, and those who enjoy niche artistic spots. When tired, you can rest at street-side cafes and experience the slow life of old Kunming.

🏨 Recommended Accommodation for Return Trip

If you need to head to Kunming South High-Speed Railway Station after visiting the old neighborhood, we recommend Vienna International Hotel Kunming South High-Speed Railway Station Municipal Government Branch:

- ✅ Offers free shuttle service to Kunming South High-Speed Railway Station, so you don’t have to carry your camera looking for a ride; drivers will help with your luggage;
- ✅ Thoughtful front desk service and efficient check-in let you rest assured after your time travel through old Kunming before your return journey.

Additionally, some building locations were not recorded during shooting. If you live in Xunjin New Village or recognize any buildings in the photos, please help identify them to facilitate deeper future photography sessions~