2025 Jianshui Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

Jianshui Lin’an Ancient City (建水古城) was first built during the Tang Dynasty, so it’s been around for more than 1,200 years! About 220 km south of Kunming, this ancient town is full of charm, with over 50 beautifully preserved buildings that blend Han and local ethnic styles. Walking up to Chaoyang Tower (朝阳楼) is a real highlight—it looks especially stunning at night. Once you step into the old town, you get that amazing feeling of being in an ancient city but with the fun mix of modern shops and tasty food stalls all around. There’s so much to see here, like the Jianshui Confucius Temple (建水文庙), the Zhu Family Garden (朱家花园), Zhu De’s Former Residence (朱德旧居陈列室), and the Ancient Chinese Enlightenment Education Museum (中国古代蒙学教育展馆). The little tourist train (建水古城小火车) near the South Gate, and there’s also the famous Dabanjing Well (大板井) near the West Gate. I loved finding a cute coffee shop with a whole wall of books—you can just sit back, sip coffee, and read for hours. The mix of old architecture and modern vibes makes the place so cozy that you kind of lose track of time. Definitely one of my favorite finds in Jianshui Lin’an Ancient City (建水古城) was first built during the Tang Dynasty, so it’s been around for more than 1,200 years! About 220 km south of Kunming, this ancient town is full of charm, with over 50 beautifully preserved buildings that blend Han and local ethnic styles. Walking up to Chaoyang Tower (朝阳楼) is a real highlight—it looks especially stunning at night. Once you step into the old town, you get that amazing feeling of being in an ancient city but with the fun mix of modern shops and tasty food stalls all around. There’s so much to see here, like the Jianshui Confucius Temple (建水文庙), the Zhu Family Garden (朱家花园), Zhu De’s Former Residence (朱德旧居陈列室), and the Ancient Chinese Enlightenment Education Museum (中国古代蒙学教育展馆). The little tourist train (建水古城小火车) near the South Gate, and there’s also the famous Dabanjing Well (大板井) near the West Gate. I loved finding a cute coffee shop with a whole wall of books—you can just sit back, sip coffee, and read for hours. The mix of old architecture and modern vibes makes the place so cozy that you kind of lose track of time. Definitely one of my favorite finds in Jianshui!. And of course, you have to try the local specialty, Jianshui rice rolls (建水卷粉)—super delicious. Even with four days and three nights, I still didn’t manage to see everything. I missed Zhu De’s Former Residence and the Education Museum, so I guess that’s a reason to go back again!Jianshui!. And of course, you have to try the local specialty, Jianshui rice rolls (建水卷粉)—super delicious. Even with four days and three nights, I still didn’t manage to see everything. I missed Zhu De’s Former Residence and the Education Museum, so I guess that’s a reason to go back again!

Yunnan is often called China’s “Kingdom of Wild Mushrooms,” with all kinds of delicious varieties like the famous Matsutake, Ganba, and Chanterelles. But be careful—some wild mushrooms, like Jian Shou Qing (a type of bolete), can be unsafe if they’re not cooked properly, sometimes causing poisoning or even hallucinations. Don’t worry though—restaurants here always make sure the mushrooms are well-cooked when served in hot pot. Locals actually love stir-frying each type of mushroom on its own instead of mixing them together, so they can really enjoy the special flavor of each one.

Jianshui Old City Small Train (建水古城小火车) The “Jianshui Old City Small Train” runs between Lin’an Station (临安站), Shuanglong Bridge Station (双龙桥站), and Tuanshan Station (团山站). The train connects Jianshui Old Town with the historic Tuanshan Village, a well-preserved fortified village. (Current ticket price: CNY 120 per person for a seat ticket) The train departs twice daily from Lin’an Station (临安站) in Jianshui Old Town at 9:00 AM and 2:30 PM. The round-trip journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Lin’an Station (临安站) — Starting Point Located at 141 Yinghui Road in Jianshui Old Town, this century-old station has preserved its original appearance. With a Republic-era waiting hall and nostalgic platform, it offers excellent photo opportunities. Shuanglong Bridge Station (双龙桥站) — 30-minute Stop Here you can visit the spectacular Seventeen-Arch Bridge, built during the reign of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty. It is the largest multi-arched stone bridge in Yunnan, harmoniously blending architecture with the surrounding rural landscape. Xianghuiqiao Station (乡会桥站) — 20–30-minute Stop This station is noted for its French colonial-style architecture, featuring weathered yellow walls and traditional Chinese rooftops. It provides an atmospheric backdrop, perfect for vintage-style photography. Tuanshan Station (团山站) — Final Stop (1.5–2.5-hour Stay) Explore Tuanshan Ancient Village (团山古民居), a 600-year-old Han Chinese settlement renowned for its well-preserved southern Yunnan folk mansions, including the famous Zhang Family Courtyard. Show your train ticket at the entrance for a ¥30 discount on the admission fee.

The Jianshui Confucius Temple (建水文庙) is a must-see in Jianshui, Yunnan. It’s the second-largest Confucian temple in China, built way back in 1285 during the Yuan Dynasty. The place has that classic Chinese layout with a long central axis, plus a man-made lake called the Pan Chi Pool.You can easily spend half a day there in August, when the lotus flowers are in full bloom and koi fish swim gracefully in the pool. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing in the morning,but don’t go at noon—it gets way too hot.

If I had to find reasons to love a city🌃, I could list countless reasons for Jianshui... I adore the vibrant, smoky Jianshui barbecue, cherish the last narrow-gauge train on the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway, and love Shuanglong Bridge under the sunset🌇... - The daily water-fetching at Dabajing Well, the square dancing under Chaoyang Tower, and the Jianshui tofu eaten from morning till night, all make me feel this ancient city⛩️ is truly alive... - 🚗Transportation: ▶Kunming⇨Jianshui: 2-hour high-speed rail🚅; ▶Cars🚙 are restricted in the ancient town, mainly walking; taxis available for surrounding attractions; - 📈Suggested Itinerary: [Two Days One Night] D1 Beishan Pottery Village⇨Ancient Town Citywalk (White Sparrow Temple/Jade Emperor Pavilion☞Chaoyang Tower⛩️☞Zhujia Garden☞Jianshui Confucian Temple☞Qingyuan Gate☞Dabajing Well)⇨Shuanglong Bridge sunset🌇 D2 Take narrow-gauge train🚞 from Lin'an Station⇨Tuanshan Folk Houses⇨Ant Workshop⇨Wulong Lake Park - 🌃Attractions: ①🕌Beishan Pottery Village: 30¥, recommended for photography📸 lovers; ②🏡Zhujia Garden: 35¥, large Qing dynasty private garden/dubbed "Grand View Garden of Southern Yunnan"/closes at 19:00; ③⛩️Jianshui Confucian Temple: 40¥, Ming dynasty architecture/second only to Qufu and Beijing Confucian Temples; ④🏯Jade Emperor Pavilion/White Sparrow Temple: Free, Ming-Qing architecture/features intangible cultural heritage exhibitions/includes Yuan dynasty Chongwen Pagoda; ⑤Dabajing Well: Free, 600-year-old well featured in "A Bite of China"/used by locals/nearby tofu shop offers 5¥ all-you-can-eat; ⑥🌉Shuanglong Bridge: Free, 17-arch Qing dynasty bridge/stunning sunset/stop on narrow-gauge train route; ⑦🛖Tuanshan Folk Houses: 35¥, "Folk House Museum"/terminus of Jianshui narrow-gauge train/listed as World Monumental Architectural Heritage; ⑧🕋Ant Workshop: 20¥, dopamine-colored pottery workshop/great for photos📸; ⑨Wulong Lake Park: Free, colorful geological park+unique multicolored earth mounds/features islands🏝️ and coconut palm beaches; ⑩🚞Narrow-Gauge Train: ▶Lin'an Station☞Tuanshan Folk Houses, round trip 4-5 hours; ▶Lin'an Station➡️Shuanglong Bridge (30min stop)➡️Xianghui Bridge (20min stop)➡️Tuanshan Village (90-130min stop) ➡️Return (non-stop) ▶🎫Hard seat round trip: 120¥/two daily departures (9:00/14:30) - 🥗Food: I believe Jianshui is a city🏙️ worth visiting repeatedly for food alone; ✔Jianshui Barbecue🍢: In town: Amao Halal BBQ and Xiaobo BBQ; outside town: Western BBQ; ✔Lihua Jian Snack Shop: local delicacies, closes at 18:00; ✔Tuwa Fang: high value, extremely crowded during mealtimes; ✔Papaya Old Shop: time-honored sweet drink spot, affordable and delicious; ✔🌿Grass Shoot Rice Noodles: Jianshui specialty, worth trying; - 🏨Accommodation: Jianshui is small; staying inside or near the ancient town is convenient. Note: vehicles are restricted in town, requiring luggage🧳 hauling on stone roads. Converted ancient house homestays offer unique experiences - highly recommended;

Tired of crowded tourist spots? Head to Honghe Prefecture in Yunnan to explore Jianshui and Mile, where time flows gently like a soft whisper～✨ 📍 **Jianshui Ancient Town** 🏮 **Timeless Charm, Lively Atmosphere** Jianshui, an ancient town forgotten by time, with its bluestone-paved streets, vermilion gates, and gray-tiled roofs, feels like stepping back into the Ming and Qing dynasties. - **Chaoyang Tower**: The town’s landmark. Climb to the top for a panoramic view and a sense of history. - **Zhu Family Garden**: The "Grand View Garden" of southern Yunnan, adorned with intricate carvings and picturesque scenes—perfect for photos! - **Shuanglong Bridge**: A 17-arch bridge stretching across the water, resembling an ink-wash painting at sunset. - **Jianshui Tofu**: A must-try! Charcoal-grilled, crispy outside and tender inside, dipped in special sauce—absolutely delicious! 📍 **Mile** 🍇 **Wine & Art Paradise** Mile, a small town brimming with artistic vibes, vineyards, hot springs, and red-brick architecture—every shot is Instagram-worthy! - **Dongfengyun Art Town**: Red-brick buildings reminiscent of "Morocco of the East," an artsy hotspot for photos! - **Huquan Ecological Park**: Crystal-clear lake, lush greenery—ideal for cycling, strolling, or just lazing around. - **Mile Hot Springs**: Soak in natural hot springs to wash away fatigue—pure bliss! - **Vineyards**: Mile is Yunnan’s wine country. Tour a winery and sip local red wine—a perfect tipsy moment～ 🚗 **Travel Tips** - High-speed train from Kunming to Jianshui takes ~2 hours; drive from Jianshui to Mile is ~1.5 hours—super convenient! - Rent a car for scenic road trips—views so stunning you won’t blink! 🏡 **Stay Recommendations** - **Jianshui**: Stay in ancient-style B&Bs within the town (e.g., *Jianshui Tingziyun Resort*, *Jianshui Ancient Town Guo Family Courtyard Homestay*, *Xibian Alley Homestay*). - **Mile**: Book a hot spring hotel for stargazing while soaking—romantic perfection! (e.g., *Mile Dongfengyun MGallery*, *Mile Huquan Shui Xiang Hot Spring Huiyu Hotel*). 📸 **Photo Tips** - Wear Hanfu or cheongsam in Jianshui for vintage-style shots. - Opt for solid-colored outfits in Dongfengyun—red-brick backdrops are ultra-photogenic! 🌟 **Jianshui & Mile—one ancient, one artsy, two flavors in one trip!** Start your slow-travel adventure now～💕

For a perfect summer family trip, I highly recommend Mile with its pleasant 22°C climate! This hidden gem offers an ideal "reverse tourism" experience. I used to think Dali was the pinnacle of beauty—until I discovered Mile in southeastern Yunnan. This underrated destination, often called China's Morocco, boasts a consistently comfortable 22°C temperature year-round! **Unique Southeastern Yunnan Experience** Here, you can leisurely ride horse-drawn carriages, enjoy water fights for summer refreshment, savor lotus-themed feasts, light up fireworks at night, and stroll through lavender fields. It feels like stepping back into a simpler time—when life moved slower, letters traveled far, and love was cherished deeply. **Southeastern Yunnan Itinerary** **DAY1: Kunming → Mile** After being greeted by our guide at the airport, we headed to Mile’s Dongfengyun Farm, also known as the "Oriental Kaleidoscope." This magical red-brick castle, built over 8 years, showcases extraordinary architectural artistry. **DAY2: Mile → Jianshui** Morning: Explore the colorful, whimsical Jianshui Ant Workshop and immerse in purple clay culture. Afternoon: Visit Jianshui Ancient Town to admire the ethnic-style Chaoyang Tower and the "Grand View Garden of Southern Yunnan"—the Zhu Family Garden. Don’t miss local delicacies like Jianshui tofu, steamed pot chicken, cross-bridge rice noodles with jelly, and pomegranate juice. **DAY3: Jianshui → Honghe/Yuanyang** Morning: Ride the unique Yunnan-Vietnam sightseeing railway to Tuanshan Village, discovering ancient Hani and Yi ethnic settlements. Afternoon: Head to Honghe Valley’s Tent Camp. **DAY4: Yuanyang → Fuxian Lake** Morning: Enjoy a leisurely private camp retreat, with a guided light hike through Yuanyang’s terraced fields. Afternoon: Arrive at Stone Village, then unwind by serene Fuxian Lake for a breathtaking sunset. **DAY5: Fuxian Lake → Kunming → Departure** Kunming and Fuxian Lake are also fantastic for relaxation—offering both ocean-like vistas and tranquil downtime. **Travel Tips** • This route is far less crowded than Yunnan’s tourist hotspots—perfect for peak-season escapes. • Yunnan’s UV rays are strong year-round; pack hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. • Large temperature swings between day and night—bring extra layers.

I recently discovered a super treasure travel destination - JianShui, Yunnan! There are no crowds of people at popular attractions. Only a slow pace of life and a strong sense of everyday life. It's simply a breath of fresh air in the tourism industry! - 🚗 Transportation: You can first go to Kunming, then take a bullet train to JianShui, or you can drive yourself. 📝 Travel Guide: 🏯 JianShui Ancient City As soon as you step into JianShui Ancient City, it's like traveling back to ancient times in an instant. The ancient city hides the most authentic atmosphere of JianShui, with bluestone roads connecting the streets and alleys. 🚂 JianShui Train You must take the JianShui Train! This is one of the few meter-gauge trains in the country, slowly traveling through picturesque scenery, as if time has slowed down. Lin'an Station 🚂: The train starts here. The station is a retro Republic of China-style building. The wooden structure is matched with old photos, full of ritual, and the photos are super beautiful. Remember to take more photos 📸 🌉 Shuanglong Bridge Also known as the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, this is a landmark landscape of JianShui. Spanning the intersection of the Lujiang River and the Tachong River, it looks magnificent from a distance. There are three bridge corridors on the bridge, the middle one is large and the two sides are small, with a unique design. At dusk, the setting sun shines on the bridge, and the water is sparkling, so beautiful that you can't speak, and the photos are super beautiful! 🚉 Xianghuiqiao Station Xianghuiqiao Station is full of French style. French architecture and Chinese retro style are perfectly integrated, which is very photogenic! The roof of the station is a Chinese-style roof ridge with black tiles, but the exterior wall is a French-style stone castle. Although it is a bit old, it has a more historical flavor. 🚉 Tuanshan Station Tuanshan Station is the last stop of the train. The station building combines Chinese and Western styles and is very distinctive. From here, you can visit Tuanshan residential buildings. Most of the Tuanshan residential buildings were built in the late Qing Dynasty, with typical "three courtyards and one screen wall" and "four courtyards and five patios" forms, with white walls and black tiles, exquisite and beautiful.

#chinatravelitinerary #china #yunnan #kunming #jianshui #daytrip #hiddengems Jianshui’s caves, bridges, and ancient architecture make it a perfect day trip from Kunming! 🚄 Getting There: Take the high-speed train from Kunming South Station—just under 2 hours. 🕊️ Morning: Swallow Cave Explore this natural wonder with stalactites, swallows, and a serene boat ride. 📍 Swallow Cave Scenic Area. 🌉 Midday: Seventeen-Arch Bridge (Double Dragon Bridge) On your way back from Swallow Cave to Jianshui town, stop at this iconic 18th-century bridge. With its 17 arches and stunning reflections on the water, it’s a must-see! 📍 Located about halfway between Swallow Cave and Jianshui’s old town, it’s a convenient and spellbinding stop. 🏯 Afternoon: Jianshui Old Town Wander through Jianshui’s historic streets. See the iconic red Chaoyang Gate and the Zhu Family Mansion’s serene courtyards. Along the way, you may also encounter a touching local memorial with photos to lost loved ones. 📍 Zhu Family Garden, Hanlin Street. 🍢 Don’t Miss: Jianshui’s famous stinky tofu—a bold and unforgettable local flavor, sold all over the city!

Step into the dopamine castle and feel like you're in a fantasy world. The castle is covered in dopamine colors, bright and dazzling, and every corner can light up your mood. Take photos with your friends and record the unique beauty. 🎉📸 Jianshui Dopamine Castle is the perfect summer look. Bright yellow, vibrant orange, romantic pink... The colors are intertwined, like the love and longing for life. Every step is a scenery, every moment is happiness. 🌞💕 This castle is not only a visual enjoyment but also a spiritual touch. Walk in it, feel the vitality and passion of color, and your troubles seem to be thrown away. It is a great place to release yourself. 🚀✨ Dopamine Castle is not just a castle, it is a place full of magic. Colorful walls, wonderful decorations, and details are amazing. You can play and laugh, release dopamine, and experience unprecedented happiness and freedom. 🎉🎊 Come here with like-minded friends and start a journey of color together. Leave laughter, good memories, and love for life. 🌿💕 The castle adds color to life. The sun shines on it, reflecting dazzling light, and your mood brightens instantly. You can let go of your restraints and enjoy pure happiness. 🌞🌅 The dopamine castle in Yunnan is intoxicating. The colors are like a beautiful picture, and you can't take your eyes off it. You can feel the charm of color and the beauty of life. 📸💕 This castle is full of surprises every moment. Maybe a bright color around the corner, maybe cheerful music, maybe a friend's smiling face... It is a place that makes people happy and addicted. Jianshui Dopamine Castle in Yunnan is a must-visit place in summer. You can release yourself and feel the power and passion of color. Let's swim in the ocean of dopamine together! 🌊💙

I strongly recommend you to visit Mile in winter, which is definitely the best choice for reverse tourism! I used to think Dali was a beautiful place, but when I stepped into Mile, I realized what a truly charming niche place is. This place is called the Morocco of China by many people, with a comfortable temperature of 21°C all year round! There are many excellent attractions here, such as Dongfengyun in Mile, and Puzhehei, the filming location of the TV series Eternal Love. You can take photos and get countless likes on WeChat Moments. ❇ Unique niche experience: Enjoy the world cultural heritage Samaba Rice Terraces/Yuanyang Rice Terraces, look for food in Jianshui Ancient Town, take a meter-gauge train, and make pottery in Ant Workshop. 🚄 My Southeast Yunnan vacation itinerary: 🔹D1: Kunming - Mile The tour guide picked us up at the airport and then went to Dongfengyun Farm in Mile, also known as the "Oriental Kaleidoscope". It took the owner of this building 8 years to build it. Enjoy the architectural art of the master in the magical red brick castle! 🔹D2: Mile - Jianshui Morning: Go to Ant Workshop in Jianshui to experience the purple pottery culture. The buildings here are colorful and full of imagination, with a strong visual impact! Afternoon: Go to Jianshui Ancient Town to visit the Chaoyang Tower with ethnic characteristics, and the Zhu Family Garden, known as the "Grand View Garden in Southern Yunnan"! 🔹D3: Jianshui - Honghe/Yuanyang Morning: Go to Tuanshan Village to explore the ancient villages of the Hani and Yi people. Afternoon: Go to Red River Valley Glamping. 🔹D4: Yuanyang - Fuxian Lake Morning: This itinerary gives people a wonderful feeling of a leisurely vacation, which is great! Enjoy the rural scenery in the private camp, explore the Yuanyang Rice Terraces, and take a light hike with a tour guide. Afternoon: Arrive at Shitouzhai Village, and finally stroll along the quiet Fuxian Lake to enjoy the sunset. 🔹D5: Fuxian Lake - Kunming - Return Kunming and Fuxian Lake are also great vacation destinations, where you can experience the sea and relax... 🏷 𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐬 🎈 Compared with popular cities in Yunnan, there are fewer tourists on this route, so you can choose it to avoid the crowds in peak season. 🎈 The ultraviolet rays in Yunnan are strong all year round, so remember to bring a hat 🧢 and sunglasses. 🎈 The temperature difference between day and night is large.

🍜Jianshui is a frequent guest on food shows and is often picked up by programs such as "A Bite of China". It is said that the sweet well water💦 in the ancient city is the secret of Jianshui's delicious food. The dense tofu and sweet grass sprout rice noodle soup probably all come from this 🍜The Dabanjing in the west of the ancient city has the famous ancient well Pubo Spring, which has supplied drinking water to the people in the city for hundreds of years. In the evening, people still throw buckets of water into the well in an endless stream, which is a corner of the daily life of the people. The popular Banjing Tofu Shop is right opposite the door. The well water makes the tofu pudding dense and unforgettable. 🍜Southeast Yunnan loves tofu and also loves barbecue. Waiting for the tofu to expand around the stall, and then having a bowl of papaya water to relieve the greasiness, or sitting around the barbecue stall with a few friends at night, chewing on roasted beef jerky, perfect❤️ As a foodie, searching for local delicacies in the streets and alleys is the first step in traveling. Come to Jianshui and enjoy simple delicacies at a low price, which is the daily life of ordinary people. 🎯Banjing Tofu Shop: No. 26, Xizheng Street, Jianshui County. There are great well water tofu pudding and fried tofu 🎯Golden Old Flavor: No. 77, Yinghui Road, Jianshui County. A small street shop selling grilled tofu, dried bean curd, noodles, and papaya juice. 🎯Lihuajian snacks: No. 40, Mashi Street, Lin'an Town. Yunnan rice noodles and barbecue are very popular #A Bite of China #Where to go on weekends

🌞Yunnan, a major tourist province, has a variety of landforms and landscapes, and it is not too much to spend 30 days there. Jianshui, the starting point of this trip to southeast Yunnan, was built by people from the south of the Yangtze River who migrated south. They built their distant homeland based on the image of their hometown Lin'an, and traces of the ancient Jiangnan can be seen everywhere. 🍜With the power of food, Jianshui has been picked up many times by "A Bite of China". Jianshui grilled tofu, barbecue 🍖, steamed chicken 🐔, Yunnan rice noodles, let you indulge in the fireworks of the world. Even the prices are very touching. It can be called a paradise for foodies❤️ 🚂You can take a small train from Lin'an Station outside the ancient city of Jianshui and slowly pass through the countryside, which is full of French style. You can also walk slowly and take photos on the rails, then cross the Shuanglong Bridge to feel the breath of history. Take a city walk in the evening, walk on the bluestone slabs to experience the daily life of the locals, and then climb up to the ancient city to watch the sunset🌇 Leaving Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, everything seems to be much slower. Why not go to Jianshui to take a break and regain the long-lost sense of relaxation❤️ #A Bite of China

Explore Yunnan's "Little California" 😎✨ Pretend to be on vacation abroad! 🌴🌞 I came to the vicinity of Kunming, Yunnan, and found a niche treasure check-in spot! 📍Located in Wulong Lake City Park County, Jianshui. Tickets? It's totally free! 🆓 Here, you can enjoy the feeling of being on vacation abroad! 🌴✈️ Imagine: the sun shining on your body, the soft sand on the beach, surrounded by lush coconut trees, and the intoxicating aroma of cactus fruit! 🌴🍹 Whether it is spring, summer, autumn or winter, this place is always full of tropical atmosphere, allowing you to immerse yourself in a natural resort! 🌴🌺 Leave beautiful photos here, as stunning as the Buddha reflecting the lotus! 📸💫 Come to Yunnan's "Little California" and experience a dreamlike vacation! 🌴🌞💦

❤️Thanksgiving❤️ is here, is there anyone or anything you want to thank the most this year? Every trip I take, every hotel I stay at is actually very important to us travel bloggers in this high-risk profession. A successful trip cannot be separated from the support of a good hotel! The hotel during the trip is not just a place to stay, but also a home where you can feel warmth. Today I would like to extend this gratitude to all the hotels I have stayed at this year. In picture 8, there are hotel benefits I give to my fan friends, a gift package that everyone can receive, I hope your trips are as smooth as mine. The photo📷 was taken in Jianshui, Yunnan and Jeju Island.

Ting Ziyun, which was renovated from the "Huang Jin Residence" built by Huang Jin, a wealthy businessman in Jianshui Ancient City It has the charm of an old house and is antique Really came here because of its reputation It's so beautiful to take pictures here I specially wore the clothes of a Qing Dynasty Han woman. Come here to feel the charm of this old house From check-in You can feel the care here. Butler service here Whether it's breakfast or afternoon tea Serious and appropriate Sit in the yard and drink a cup of tea It's so pleasant to bask in the sun The hotel location is also very convenient Walking distance to the ancient city attractions It is also suitable for babies who drive themselves. There is a parking lot next to the hotel. Free parking The hotel will also pick you up at the parking lot. Oh, yeah, the famous Xiao Bo BBQ It's right next to the hotel How can you come to Jianshui without barbecue? You can try it when you have time. 🍃 Jianshui Tingziyun Resort Hotel 📍No. 49 Guandi Temple Street, Lin'an Road, Jianshui County, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province

After a full day of exploring the sights, sounds and smells of Jianshui, it was absolutely imperative that we had a good meal to finish of a fulfilling day. While walking through what seemed to be Jianshui’s Main Street of the main tourist area, we stumbled across this cute looking restaurant that we just had to check out. It had a really pretty exterior, and was full of diners ordering their dinner. As Jianshui is known for tofu, of course we ordered tofu (which was delicious!) as well as some beef (that was kinda like jerky, and a bit spicy) alongside some greens fried with garlic. If you manage to get a table overlooking the street, do! It was beautiful. Find it: 香满楼(临安路店), Jianshui. 翰林街63号附6号(朱家花园大门前行 50米） #grouptravel

While exploring Jianshui’s surprising number of intriguing attractions, my guide mentioned that visiting the Jianshui Old City Train would be worth the excursion. Turns out, he was right! While this century old gauge railway no longer actually serves passengers anymore, there is a tourist train that runs through it twice a day. It was fun to spend an hour just wandering the tracks, gaze upon vintage looking items and explore the surroundings of the area. It’s a great little spot for making use of their photo opportunities too. In total, I think I spent an hour here just wandering and taking photos! Would you visit this location? #solotravel

Hidden within the depths of Yunnan Province, I was in and around the area of Yuanyang to see the rice terraces. Of course, with some extra time to spend exploring other areas, I just had to check out nearby villages. Tuanshan Village is a traditional walled village in Yunnan province. Originally a mining center in days of old, it still features well-preserved residences you can dip into, temples and ancestral halls to admire and friendly locals to meet. This village was also listed on the 2006 World’s Monuments Watch for being a rare surviving example of a traditional walled village in Yunnan province! #solotravel

Covering an area of 1,885 square meters, the Royal Titled Zhang’s Mansion is a two-row residential compound located in Tuanshan Village in Jiansui, Yunnan Province. While touring the village, we were invited inside to look at the incredible architecture of the place. From golden plaques to intricate woodcarved windows, it was a nice place to wander through and explore, imagining the lives of those who lived here for generations. Unfortunately we were not able to learn much about the history of the place while there, even the signage was not very conducive to telling the full story of the mansion. Find it: 54 Jianshui Tuanshan Village #solotravel

You can take the excursion train in Jianshui and this village will be the last station. You will have 1,5/2 hours to stroll around and explore the small streets, traditional buildings and temples and gardens. There are a lot of beautiful woodcarvings to be seen and it’s an interesting cultural experience. It’s a tranquil place with lots of greenery. There are also interesting trees and plants in the village. If you are into photography and history it’s a good place to explore and take photos of the details you see all around. If you take the excursion train, it will take you back to Jianshui after your stroll through Tuanshan.

💚When you come to Jianshui, besides eating and drinking in the ancient city of Jianshui, you must take the Jianshui train. 💚This is the only private railway in Chinese history, and it is a meter-gauge railway that has experienced a century of vicissitudes. 💚There are four stations along the way: Lin'an Station, Shuanglong Bridge Station, Xianghui Bridge Station, and Tuanshan Station. 💚The wooden carriages, elegant wall lamps, and the combination of Chinese and French styles all reveal a strong sense of the old days. #Outing and flower viewing is just in time

Walking through a village is one thing, but being invited to experience someone’s way of life is something we are always grateful for. We love how open a lot of people we meet can be, and this was no different during a visit to Tuanshan Village in Yunnan province. While exploring the small streets, clay-built houses and marvelling at the incredible view of the rice terraces nearby, we witnessed all of the locals coming together to eat outside. It was a special day for them, celebrating the life of one of their own who had recently passed. ⠀ ⠀ A sorrowful day for many, but when gathered together with tables full of food, they still managed to find that silver lining on the grey clouds and find the space within their hearts to welcome us in to see their way of life that little bit closer.⠀ ⠀ 📍Tuanshan Village, Yunnan Province, China #leaveyourmark

Zhu’s Family Garden.⠀ ⠀ An architectural complex that simply oozes elegance. With over 100 years of family history, the Zhu Family Garden is an incredible place to wander through, but can often feel like a bit of a maze. It took 30 years to complete, and the entire garden covers an incredible 20,000 square meters. With 42 different courtyards to explore, you could easily spend half a day here just exploring all the different nooks and crannies, and pretending (or wishing) that you owned a garden as elaborate as this one.⠀ ⠀ 📍Zhu Family Garden, Jianshui, Yunnan Province #leaveyourmark

#tripaway 建水。 Trip to Jianshui Yunnan , China 🇨🇳 #tripaway

#yunnanspots, Jianshui Double Bridge is such a photo spot! 🌉 Skip the mini train though — it only stops for 30 mins, not enough time for all the pics 😅

Stop scrolling through filtered fake landscapes! The Yuanyang Hani Terraces in October are the real visual bombshell 💥 Golden waves of rice flow along thousands of terrace ridges, and the sea of clouds drifting by turns it into a fairyland. Even casual phone shots can blow up your social feed. This humorous guide helps you avoid pitfalls and master this land art! 📍Address & Transportation & Tickets - Address: Ailao Mountain area, Yuanyang County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province; the core scenic area is around Xinjie Town - Transportation: Take the high-speed train to Jianshui Station or Mengzi Station, then charter a car for 2 hours directly (about 200 RMB); drive carefully! Mountain roads are twistier than hair partings, beginners should not attempt - Tickets: General admission 70 RMB, includes core spots like Duoyishu and Bada, valid for 48 hours - Opening Hours: Open all day; best viewing times at observation decks: sunrise 6:30-7:30, sunset 17:30-18:30 🌾 Must-Visit Spots: Memory Overflow Warning ✅ Duoyishu Viewing Platform The top sunrise hotspot! In October, morning mist wraps the golden terraces, sunlight sprinkles like crushed gold. Arrive before 6 AM to grab front-row spots, or it’s all tripods from photographers. Wear red for photos to double your chances of great shots! ✅ Bada Terraces The ultimate sunset spot! Thousands of acres of terraces layer upon layer, the sunset dyes the rice waves orange-red, light and shadow flow beautifully beyond words. Must arrive before 5 PM; later there’s no standing room. Tested: shooting panoramic views from the stone steps beside the observation deck is even better. ✅ Azheke Village The "Mushroom House Tribe" hidden in the terraces, early October you might catch the Hani harvest ceremony. Villagers drying grain and weaving colorful eggs create a lively atmosphere. Remember to politely ask before taking photos; locals are very friendly. ✅ Qingkou Folk Village Want to experience intangible cultural heritage? Head straight here! Learn Hani embroidery and bamboo weaving; during National Day there’s a special long street banquet. A hidden observation deck is a 30-minute hike behind the village, offering panoramic terrace views without tourist crowds. 🍜 Food Recommendations: Hani Flavors on the Tongue - Hani Dipping Chicken: Terrace free-range chicken cooked tender, soul sauce spicy and fragrant, you’ll want to suck the bones clean - Terrace Rice Flower Fish: Freshly caught and cooked from the rice fields, so fresh it’ll make your eyebrows raise, paired with Hani fermented black beans is amazing - Red Rice Noodles: Local red rice noodles are chewy and flavorful, add a spoonful of old cured pork fat for an intoxicating aroma - Purple Rice Baba: Made from new rice in October, crispy outside, soft inside, sweet but not greasy 🏨 Accommodation Guide - For View Lovers: Choose Yuanyang Xindu Hotel at Duoyishu, 3-minute walk to the viewing platform, watch the sunrise from bed - Budget-Friendly: Guesthouses in Xinjie Town start just over 100 RMB, very convenient for dining and shopping - Experience Seekers: Mushroom House guesthouse in Qingkou Village, listen to villagers tell terrace legends at night ✨ Tips to Avoid Pitfalls 1. October’s day-night temperature difference can be 15°C! Wear short sleeves during the day, but bring a down jacket for sunrise viewing—don’t freeze into a meme 2. Must charter cars between spots (about 300 RMB/day); walking will wear your legs out 3. Some areas have no signal; bring cash for snacks 4. The week after National Day is the best time! Fewer people, beautiful scenery, and accommodation costs half as much 5. Don’t step on the terrace ridges! The Hani people work extremely hard to cultivate these terraces; damaging them means paying compensation October in Yuanyang is autumn cultivated by the Hani people over 1,300 years. Standing on the viewing platform watching the rice waves roll, even the wind carries the scent of harvest. Save this guide and make this autumn’s date with the earth!

The attractions in Jianshui are quite spread out, and one day is really not enough to explore slowly. Since there is only one day, I chose to focus on the main route in the ancient town: Xiangxin Academy — Meter-gauge Small Train Theme Park — Zhu Family Garden — Daban Well 🏠 Accommodation: Suqiu Homestay Turn into the alley opposite the west gate of the ancient town to reach the homestay. The significance of a homestay lies in providing a warm lodging experience that allows travelers to feel care and a sense of belonging different from traditional hotels. Suqiu achieves this. At the entrance is a sunken sofa area, with exquisite Jianshui purple pottery containers placed against the wall, and a large movable TV📺; further inside is an open-air courtyard where you can watch movies; going deeper on the first floor, a giant peacock wood branch reaches the second floor, with white fine sand on the floor, simple yet full of natural atmosphere. The public space scene reminds me of this: in the dim light, strangers from all over gather to form a temporary family, with the stories on the screen, the sound of the zither at fingertips, and the fragrance of tea in cups blending into a warm night. The rooms are clean and comfortable, very quiet at night, and the owner thoughtfully provides earplugs for light sleepers. The homestay also offers pick-up service. There is a parking lot🅿️ near the ancient town. 👉🏻👉🏻 The homestay is just 200 meters from Daban Well. I heard it looks even more beautiful under the lights at night, and early in the morning you can enjoy a 5 yuan self-service tofu pudding/soy milk nearby. 👉🏻👉🏻👉🏻 Xiangxin Academy is a place I have been following for nearly half a year. Finally, there was an event for a thousand people to appreciate incense, I love it so much. Spend half a day enjoying incense to please yourself, the focus during grinding, the ingenuity in blending, the enlightenment when savoring — one incense, a thousand flavors. Everyone has a unique perception of incense, and different blending methods reflect different selves. There are also a few lazy apprentice cats 🐱 in the academy. The incense appreciation activity requires advance reservation. Xiangxin Academy is located inside Yuhuang Pavilion, with a parking lot🅿️.