Kunming's Jinma Biji: A Dance of Dynasties and Modernity

Introduction

The bustling main shopping street of Kunming begins at the historic Jinma Biji, a landmark echoing with four centuries of history since its construction during the Ming Dynasty's Xuande era. Here, amidst the vibrant urban area and modern high-rise buildings, whispers of the past are still present. You can see the intricate Chinese architecture, particularly the detailed roofs and arches, standing as a testament to time. A stroll through the public space might reveal the delicate pink petals of spring flowers, or perhaps a unique ceramic toy, a playful contrast to the ancient brickwork. Overhead, a blue owl, seemingly carved from the very essence of the city, watches over the scene. Even the most ordinary items, like a street name sign, carry a sense of history, guiding pedestrians through a place where advertising meets ancient grandeur and every corner holds a story.

Gears & Settings

Gears & Settings

Figures

Camera

Sony A6700

Lens

Sigma 56mm F1.4 Prime Lens

Creative Style

FL

Date

11 September 2025

Location

Kunming, Yunnan

Photos

Building, Chinese architecture, Urban area.#: 1 | SS: 1/2000s | ISO: 400 | F: 5.6 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 84mm

Chinese architecture, Biji.#: 2 | SS: 1/1000s | ISO: 400 | F: 5.6 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 84mm

Chinese architecture, Jinma.#: 3 | SS: 1/2000s | ISO: 400 | F: 5.6 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 84mm

Logo, Advertising, Toy.#: 4 | SS: 1/2000s | ISO: 400 | F: 5.6 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 84mm

Advertising, High-rise building, Toy.#: 5 | SS: 1/4000s | ISO: 400 | F: 5.6 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 84mm

Daytime, Building, Urban area.#: 6 | SS: 1/3200s | ISO: 400 | F: 5.6 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 84mm

Snout, Toy, Ceramic.#: 7 | SS: 1/320s | ISO: 400 | F: 2.0 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 84mm

Handwriting, Writing.#: 8 | SS: 1/800s | ISO: 400 | F: 2.0 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 84mm

Textile, Dress, Costume design.#: 9 | SS: 1/1600s | ISO: 400 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 84mm

Temple, Luggage & bags, Floristry.#: 10 | SS: 1/2000s | ISO: 400 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 84mm

Street name sign, Sign.#: 11 | SS: 1/3200s | ISO: 400 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 84mm

Arch, Brick, Brickwork.#: 12 | SS: 1/1600s | ISO: 400 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 84mm

Flower, Petal, Pink.#: 13 | SS: 1/2500s | ISO: 400 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 84mm

Public space, Pedestrian, Spring.#: 14 | SS: 1/2000s | ISO: 400 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 84mm

Human body, Furniture, Customer.#: 15 | SS: 1/500s | ISO: 400 | F: 4.0 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 84mm

Spiral, Hardwood, Still life photography.#: 16 | SS: 1/2000s | ISO: 200 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 84mm

Leisure, Spring, Umbrella.#: 17 | SS: 1/640s | ISO: 200 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 84mm

Pink, Purple, Fruit tree.#: 18 | SS: 1/2500s | ISO: 200 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -1.0 | FL35: 84mm

Blue, Owl, Bird.#: 19 | SS: 1/400s | ISO: 200 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 84mm

Rain chain, Natural material.#: 20 | SS: 1/1250s | ISO: 200 | F: 2.8 | +/-: -0.7 | FL35: 84mm

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