Jinma Grand Hotel

Jinma Grand Hotel (金马大酒店) is a moderately priced hotel in the Jinma Biji Square area at the southern end of Kunming's old city, Yunnan, China. The Jinma and Biji archways, a pair of ornate gateways that once stood on either side of a street in the old city, give the district its name and remain one of Kunming's best-known sights; at certain times of day, the shadows of the two arches are said to meet and form a famous photographic moment. The square is surrounded by pedestrian streets, shops and restaurants, and is a short distance from Xiangyun Street and the commercial centre. Staying here puts visitors in a busy, convenient part of town where buses, taxis and the metro all converge, and where Green Lake, Dongfeng Square and the Flower and Bird Market are within a short ride. The listing gives few property details, simply identifying it as a hotel in the Jinma Biji Square area, so the architecture, room categories, restaurant and facilities are not confirmed and should be checked when booking. Mid-priced hotels in Kunming usually provide standard and superior rooms with private bathrooms and air conditioning, a modest restaurant or breakfast room serving Chinese dishes and some Western items, and a front desk that can help with tickets and taxis. The price range here is lower than the upscale towers in the same district, so it appeals to value-minded travellers who still want a central position. Evenings in the surrounding streets are active, with local snack stalls, noodle restaurants and tea houses. Kunming's elevation of roughly 1,900 metres means mild weather for most of the year, although nights can be cool in winter. The hotel works as a base for exploring the old city on foot, then venturing out to Dianchi Lake, the Western Hills and the Stone Forest on organised tours or public transport.