As China's gateway hub to Southeast and South Asia, Kunming Changshui International Airport handles a huge volume of passenger traffic and also serves as a vital showcase for the local specialty economy with its distinctive "Yunnan flavor." Recently, reporters learned from the airport's commercial operations department that among the plethora of retail goods available, flower pastry has firmly secured the top "sales champion" position for 2025, making them the airport's most popular take-home gift.

The airport offers a wide range of commercial services, from luxury brands to everyday food and beverage options. As of now, the top three retail categories by sales are flower pastry, international luxury items, and tobacco products.

"When selecting souvenirs at the airport, flower pastry is the 'must-buy' for the vast majority of travelers," an insider familiar with the airport's commercial operations told reporters. Underlying this phenomenon is travelers' recognition of Yunnan's regional specialty products, coupled with flower pastry's affordable pricing, distinct Yunnan taste, and easy portability—attributes that precisely meet the essential demand to "take home a piece of Yunnan's heart." Furthermore, Kunming Changshui Airport's passenger throughput has approached 50 million in 2025—a robust traffic base that provides substantial market potential for high-volume specialty items like flower pastry.

Compared to the dominant status of flower pastry, the sale of fresh cut flowers—another quintessential Yunnan specialty—has also performed remarkably well. By arranging over 16 self-service and staffed sales points in both departure and arrival halls, Kunming Changshui International Airport enables travelers to conveniently purchase reasonably priced bouquets. "The flowers brighten the travel experience and make the airport stand out as one of the few provincial capital airports nationwide to bring fresh flowers directly into the terminal," a staff member responsible for commercial operations noted.

At the airport's departure level, reporters observed numerous travelers browsing shops for suitable souvenirs. Other Yunnan specialties, including nuts, jade, and tea, also demonstrated strong sales performance. As the peak travel season approaches, the "taste of Yunnan" is poised to reach its sales zenith.

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(Editors: Jennifer, Rachel)