Kunming

The stretch of Guanxing Road is most active June through September, when local restaurants take full advantage of the high wild mushroom season. Establishments that specialise exclusively in mushroom hot pot only open during those months, but some remain in operation through the year.

This popular local chain serves one of Yunnan's most iconic dishes: the so-called "crossing-the-bridge noodles" (guòqiáo mĭxiàn). True origins of the name are lost in time; legend has it, there was once a lady who discovered a way to keep noodles from getting soggy and broth from cooling down while she carried them across the bridge to her husband – the liquid was kept separate from noodles and insulated with chicken fat to stay hot longer. Today, mixian remains one of the much-loved local specialities. Order at the counter, then proceed to the second floor to find a seat and hand your receipt over to a waiter. Your broth and noodles will arrive shortly, accompanied by a wide variety of add-ins you can mix into the soup. Everything gets cooked right then and there, and is ready to eat within a couple of minutes.

A wonderful find in busy Wenlin Street, Hongdouyuan is a traditional Chinese restaurant heralded as a local must-visit. Their speciality are the fried red beans, but the menu extends to include countless Yunnan and Northern Chinese dishes. Four menu items will make a feast for two.

Head here for a feast of Yunnan specialities – it's an upper-range establishment so expect prices higher than average, but the experience is worth it. It helps to have a Chinese speaker on your team, but use the menu illustrations in lieu of one.

Heavenly Manna is a well-known local restaurant set steps away from Cuihu Lake. It's a tiny space, but the atmosphere is convivial, and the environment not at all intimidating even to those not yet entirely accustomed to eating out in China. The menu is clearly illustrated with photos and features a plethora of Yunnan specialities.

Whether it's the beautiful historic building the restaurant is housed in or the selection of mouthwatering Yunnan cuisine that are more of a draw, Shiping Huiguan is a great address for upscale dining in Kunming. You order through an iPad, where each dish is illustrated with the respective photo. Seating is available in the atmospheric courtyard.

The bustling Culture Alley in Kunming is a narrow street packed with bars and cafes. Eateries here serve a wide variety of Asian and international cuisines; its proximity to Yunnan University means local students frequent the area and keep it buzzing even after sundown.