When the sun sets, cities in Yunnan province come alive with the vibrant glow of night markets. In Kunming, Xishuangbanna and Dali, these bustling hubs offer a feast for the senses — sizzling street food, colorful crafts, and the sounds of local music filling the air.
Whether you are chasing flavors, culture, or local vibes, Yunnan’s night markets are the perfect place to experience the province’s charm at night.
In Kunming:
Shuangqiao Night Market Street in Kunming
Location: Night Market Street, Guandu district
Opening Hours: From around 5 pm to 8 am (the following day)
Highlights:
A cultural landmark in Kunming: The Guandu district, where the night market thrives, traces its origin to the ancient ferry on the Dianchi Lake. As one of the cradles of Kunming’s urban development, it carries deep historical and cultural significance and remains a living symbol of the city’s heritage.
A feast of flavors and ethnic fusion: You can sample specialty snacks from across Yunnan while experiencing the fusion of its many ethnic cultures. The tangy and spicy flavors of the Dai people, the smoky barbecue from Zhaotong, and the tofu craftsmanship of Jianshui together form a rich and diverse picture of Yunnan cuisine. This culinary diversity reflects Kunming’s unique charm as the capital of a multi-ethnic province.
A modern nighttime destination: With the Kunming city government’s focus on the nighttime economy, Shuangqiao Night Market has undergone an upgrade. While retaining its original lively atmosphere, it now features cultural exhibition areas and public rest zones, allowing visitors to enjoy delicious food while gaining insight into Yunnan’s culinary culture.
In Xishuangbanna:
Gaozhuang Starlight Night Market
Location: Southeast of the intersection of Xuanwei Avenue and Manle Road, Jinghong, inside the Gaozhuang Xishuangjing Tourist Resort
Opening Hours: From 6 pm to 0:30 am
Highlights:
1. Savor Southeast Asian cuisine: Starlight Night Market is a "food lovers’ paradise," with a food stall every few steps. Must-try dishes include:
Dai-style pounded chicken feet: Tangy and spicy, a local specialty cold snack
Lemongrass grilled fish: Tender fish with a fragrant lemongrass aroma
Laotian iced coffee & pauluda (paoluda): Refreshing and delicious tropical drinks
Thai egg roti: Crispy dessert with popular banana and durian flavors
2. Hunt for unique handicrafts: The left side of the night market street is mainly for shopping, featuring ethnic clothing, handmade jewelry, woven hats, and other special items. Don’t forget to bargain — it’s part of the night market culture!
3. Dress in Dai costumes for photos: Dai and Va costumes are available for rent throughout the market, with shops offering full styling services including hairdos and makeup. Under the glow of colorful night lights, dressing in traditional attire adds to the festive atmosphere and makes for perfect photo moments amid the lively scene.
4. Enjoy cultural performances: There are over 10 performance spots in the night market, offering evening shows, stage performances, and bonfire parties. In the riverside BBQ area, you can eat while watching water shows.
In Dali
Dali Ancient Town — Renmin Lu Night Market
Location: Renmin Lu, one of the main streets within Dali Ancient Town, Dali
Opening Hours: From 7 pm to 11 pm
Highlights:
1. Special experiences: The night market is home to numerous handicraft shops, folk music bars, and creative stalls. You can enjoy interactive activities such as hand-painted postcards and five-in-a-row (Gomoku) challenges, while some stalls offer artistic experiences like poetry exchanges and street performances.
2. Delicious food: Try Bai-style snacks such as grilled milk cheese (even better with rose jam) and Xizhou Baba – a flaky, layered, sourdough bread.
Information updated on Oct 30, 2025