Vincent Aguesse (right) and several foreign guests visit a local farmers market in Kunming, Yunnan province, on Jan 20. CHINA DAILY
Drawn by good weather, dramatic landscapes and a mix of cultures, foreigners from across the globe are building their lives in this idyllic corner of China, Yan Yujie and Li Yingqing report in Kunming.
On a sunny winter morning, Vincent Aguesse, a Frenchman, walked into a local farmers market in Kunming, Yunnan province, selecting local delicacies such as sweet rice wine and goat's milk cheese to entertain some foreign guests.
The 37-year-old man has been living in Kunming since 2015, drawn by the weather, scenery, cuisine, culture, pace of life, and a sense of belonging that convinced him to stay.
"Yunnan boasts many breathtaking landscapes. If you enjoy hiking, consider exploring Tiger Leaping Gorge or the northern slope of Meili Snow Mountain, where you can take in the stunning scenery," he says.
Aguesse notes that Yunnan's rich cultural tapestry, featuring 26 distinct ethnic groups including the Han, each with its own unique traditions and history, makes it a destination truly worth visiting.
Therefore, it came as no surprise to him that The New York Times named Yunnan one of the 52 places to visit in 2026.
In the past decade, he has traveled to many places in Yunnan, including Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture, Dali Bai autonomous prefecture, and Lijiang and Zhaotong cities. Xishuangbanna made a lasting impression on him, particularly due to his enjoyment of the Dai-style grilled pork belly and tilapia, and his eagerness to experience the Water-Splashing Festival.
"I married a girl from Kunming and have really become part of the community. Even though I'm a foreigner, I can communicate well with the locals and have a good grasp of their culture," he adds.
On Jan 20, Aguesse hosted four foreign guests at his French restaurant located near Green Lake in Kunming, where he prepared beef burgers and desserts for them using local ingredients, giving the young visitors a deeper appreciation of Yunnan's culture through its cuisine.
Michael Mubaiwa, who is from Zimbabwe and a graduate student at Kunming Medical University, was one of Aguesse's guests.
During his year in Yunnan, he was captivated by the Ancient Tea Horse Road, which was historically used to transport tea from production areas to the Xizang autonomous region and has been described by The New York Times as having been revitalized with modern guesthouses and amenities.
Mubaiwa chose to study in Yunnan because he loves the pleasant climate, the laid-back lifestyle, the friendly locals, and the cuisine, especially the rice noodles.
At Fuwai Yunnan Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, in Kunming, he gained expertise in performing percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction patients. With this new expertise, he hopes to treat more patients in Zimbabwe, where few doctors are proficient in this procedure.
On Jan 23, Mubaiwa attended the 2026 Chinese Bridge Gala, where he met many foreigners who spoke fluent Chinese. Among them was 12-year-old Eve Solovey from the United States.
She started learning Chinese seven years ago, and back then, she didn't know much about it. Now, she really enjoys it and finds it fascinating.
Her mother, Alexandra Solovey, says that Chinese culture imparts important values like patience, mindfulness, perseverance, and the significance of family and community, all of which are beneficial for a child.
Jesse Millett (third from right) hosts several American guests at his home in Kunming, Yunnan province, on Jan 20. CHINA DAILY
This was the mother's first visit to Kunming, and she was impressed by the weather, food, people, and safety. She describes these factors as making Yunnan a fantastic destination, just as The New York Times had recommended.
Her family received a warm welcome on the evening of Jan 20 from Jesse Millett, grandson of Clinton Millett, a medic with the Flying Tigers, the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force who fought for China during the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45).
The 41-year-old has been living in Kunming since 2012. He has formed many friendships in the city and loves the people there, describing them as generous, heartwarming and straightforward.
Yunnan is an exceptional destination, not only for living but also for traveling. From the high-altitude mountains all the way down to the tropical rainforest, every landscape offers a truly exceptional experience as you journey through the province, according to Millett.
Yunnan boasts remarkable cultural diversity, which is also reflected in its cuisine, he adds.
Ekaterina Kaligaeva, a Belarusian vlogger who studied in China, echoes a similar sentiment, stating that she loves Yunnan for its rich cultural diversity, which also serves as a major draw for international tourists.
Having visited Yunnan four times, she describes it as a place that captivates you, making it hard to leave.
"Yunnan is highly regarded by international tourists, including those from Western countries. Its remarkable cultural and natural environment often makes it a top choice for those considering travel to China," Kaligaeva says.
China's visa-free policy for over 70 countries is expected to attract more visitors to Yunnan, which will help promote the region's cultural and tourism development, boost local incomes, and enhance GDP growth, she adds.
At the 2026 Chinese Bridge Gala, Kaligaeva teamed up with Anastasia Iatchevici, who hails from Moldova and has lived in Kunming for 10 years, to perform a skit.
Of all the cities in Yunnan that Iatchevici has visited, she highly recommends Pu'er, the starting point of the Ancient Tea Horse Road.
"Pu'er offers a comfortable climate and a relaxed pace of life, set amid beautiful natural surroundings where you might spot wildlife. You can unwind in a cafe with a book or simply soak in the scenery — it's a truly delightful experience," Iatchevici says.
During her 10 years living in Kunming, she has fully experienced the warmth of Chinese society and the significance of Chinese culture.
"Compared to foreign cultures, China is a country with a strong sense of unity. People here are more inclined to consider others' feelings, which is highly beneficial for living in a family or society. For everyone to coexist peacefully and happily, mutual consideration is essential," she adds.
Contact the writers at yanyj@chinadaily.com.cn
