The internet is abuzz with the recent trend: "If X is basic, then Y is not." In Kunming, ticking off tourist spots is the basic approach, but sojourning is truly "not basic"!

Today, people are no longer satisfied with superficially sightseeing; instead, they pursue immersive, deeply integrated "sojourning" that offers both physical and mental nourishment. Kunming, through its vibrant practices, is actively redefining what "not basic" truly means.

Visiting Landmarks is Basic, Enjoying Dianchi Lake Privately is Not.

Tourists chase landmarks, while sojourning residents possess the scenery. Kunming was ranked among the top ten most popular tourist cities nationwide this summer, but unlike fleeting visitors, an increasing number of sojourners are choosing to settle here.

From her room in a guesthouse by Dianchi Lake, Ms. Guo from Guangzhou remarked with emotion, "Opening the door and window reveals the beautiful scenery of Dianchi Lake; there are black-headed gulls in the morning and absolutely stunning sunsets in the evening.” The popular docks and beaches here have become the everyday landscape for those who are sojourning here.

Rushing Through Itineraries is Basic, Mastering Your Time is Not.

Tourism is a race against time, while sojourning is about befriending time. "Slow" is the keyword for sojourning in Kunming. Mr. Zhang Jianmin, a retired worker from Fujian, is practicing Tai Chi under the shade of a tree – this is his third summer in Kunming.

Ms. Xu Rui, a graphic designer from Shanghai, initially planned to stay for only a week but changed her flight and rented an apartment the very next day. "The climate here is so comfortable, and the pace of life is just right." More and more people like her are drawn by the Spring City and extend their stays.

Being a Tourist is Basic, Living like a Local is Not.

The transition from tourist to resident is what best embodies the charm of sojourning. Merchants at the Zuanxin Wet Market have noticed a growing number of "regular customers" who visit daily, all expressing a desire to experience local life.

The nighttime economy is also being transformed by the sojourning demographic. The Nanqiang Street alley night market has extended its operating hours by two hours and incorporated hands-on workshops, cultural salons, and other in-depth experiences to cater to long-term residents.

Eating Rice Noodles is Basic, Savoring Every Mushroom is Not.

Tourists eat rice noodles; those who sojourning taste mushrooms. Every rainy season brings forth a feast of wild mushrooms, with varieties like Russula virescens, Macrolepiota albuminosa (Jizong), and Matsutake Mushrooms shining in hot pot.

Mr. Zhou Zhe, a short video blogger from Chengdu, is live-streaming his mushroom purchases. "Many people in my live stream ask why I'm staying in Kunming for so long; they understand after watching this." This blend of lifestyle rhythm and fresh ingredients is increasingly rare in cities today.

Staying in Hotels is Basic, Integrating into the Community is Not.

"Sojourning" means moving from hotels to communities. Sojourning participants who exercise in the parks have formed their own social groups. Ms. Chen Yulan, a retired doctor from Harbin, founded a "Silver Sojourning" group that now has over 300 members.

"We not only exercise together, but we also organize local tours and collectively purchase season passes, which are more cost-effective," Ms. Chen said. "I've found a second career in my retirement here in Kunming."

In the evening, crowds gradually gather at the Haigeng Dam for strolls. The setting sun paints the Dianchi Lake water with gold, carried by a comfortable breeze.

In Kunming, tourism is the foundation, but "sojourning" – a lifestyle that deeply integrates into the rhythms of this city – is truly not basic!