Kaili has little to offer beyond the CITS office for travel information, an Internet point, and a large supermarket to stock on snacks and beverages. The Sunday market is absolutely disappointing despite the positive recommendation by Lonely Planet. Were it not for want of physical recovery time and waiting for the CITS office to open on Monday morning, Kaili would have been a good place to transit without stay.

Ethnic minority areas abound north and south of Kaili, making the Kaili bus and train stations natural transfer points. City bus number 2 starts at the train station and passes the long distance bus station before crossing through city center.