"Panjiayuan in the north, Panjiawan in the south"—this long-standing saying holds many Kunming residents' memories of treasure hunting. With the launch of the second phase of the Panjiawan Xiaoxincun Area Redevelopment Project in Wuhua District, this secondhand market, which has thrived for over two decades, is facing its final relocation. On April 1, a visit to the market revealed that half of the shops had already closed. The remaining shopkeepers were sorting through long-stored vintage items while planning their next steps.
Along the alleys of the Panjiawan Secondhand Market on Renmin West Road, once bustling with crowds, half of the storefronts are now shuttered, with many roll-up gates bearing signs for "transfer" or "relocation." "On weekends, it used to be so packed you could barely move. Now, we see only a handful of customers a day," said Mr. Zhang, who has run an old appliance store here for 15 years. His shop remains filled with dusty vintage radios and black-and-white televisions. Pointing to a government acquisition notice on the wall, he added, "My heart sank when I saw the notice the day before yesterday. Although no specific relocation date has been given, everyone feels it's really happening this time."
Near a used bookstall deep in the market, a few regular customers squatted, browsing through piles of books. The owner sorted old magazines while chatting with them. "No one wants these old books anymore. I'm selling them cheap before we move," he shared. He mentioned that shopkeepers have been gradually leaving since last year, and the market's atmosphere has been fading year by year. With the official redevelopment notice, however, many now feel a sense of closure.
Shopkeepers are considering different paths for the future. In a used bookstore tucked in a corner of the market, the owner was listing books for sale online. Sighing about the relocation, he recalled, "There were rumors before about demolition, but no one believed them. This time, with the official documents, we know it's unavoidable." He reflected on his years at the market, witnessing its rise and decline. "At its peak, there were over 200 shops selling antiques, vintage electronics, and all kinds of old items. On weekends, treasure hunters would queue from the alley entrance to the street outside," he said, showing old photos of a crowded market that now stands mostly empty.
Regarding his future plans, he remains uncertain. "I've heard some are moving to the North Station Secondhand Market, others to the 108 Thinktank area. I haven't decided yet. For now, I'm just organizing my books."
A shop owner specializing in vintage currency collections noted that while the North Station market is not far, rents are higher. The 108 Thinktank area, he added, leans more toward cultural and creative businesses, raising questions about whether it can retain their traditional customer base. "Our business relies on regulars. If we move, who knows if they'll find us?"
For many Kunming residents, Panjiawan is more than a marketplace—it's a "time tunnel" filled with youthful memories. "When I was in school, I often came here with classmates to hunt for old records and comics. You could find something you liked for just a few yuan," said Ms. Lin, 30, who visited the market specifically upon hearing the news. Holding a recently acquired old magazine, she remarked, "I heard it's being demolished, so I came quickly, afraid this feeling would be lost forever."
Mr. Zhang, a local resident, visits the market weekly to chat with shop owners. "I know all the vendors here and what each shop has to offer," he said. Whenever his family needed a spare part or a specific vintage item, Panjiawan was their first stop. "After the move, I wonder if we'll find such a comprehensive range of things elsewhere."
Some residents express concern that a new location may lack the original charm. "The North Station market is farther away and not as lively. The 108 Thinktank area caters more to young people—will there still be a market for old items?" wondered Mr. Liu, noting that the unique atmosphere of Panjiawan is irreplaceable.
Looking ahead, the Wuhua District's redevelopment plan for the area signals a comprehensive transformation. For the market's vendors, relocation is not just about moving but represents an opportunity to adapt. Some are already securing stalls at the North Station Secondhand Market, while others plan to shift to online sales, using live streams and short videos to reach customers. "Young people are into retro styles now. A new location might attract a younger crowd," said Mr. Li, an antique dealer, who, despite his attachment to the old market, looks forward to a fresh start.
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