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

Night fishing squid group The yacht is beautiful and has a karaoke 0K, no need to ride with others. Very spacious and spacious, the top floor can sleep and watch the stars and moon, unfortunately can not catch much cuttlefish Before boarding the boat, visit the Nan Lin Yuen Pond, then enjoy a table dinner for 4 in Sai Kung City—at Sai Kung Pier

Kunming-Jianshui-Yuanyang, a five-day tour with unique experiences every day! This super detailed guide will help you explore these three places. Come and discover the unique charm of Yunnan! -- 🚩Itinerary: DAY1️⃣：Shiping Ancient Town Stroll through the ancient town and experience its rich history and culture. DAY2️⃣：Shiping Ancient Town—Yilong Lake—Jianshui Ancient Town—Jianshui Confucian Temple—Jianshui Seventeen-Arch Bridge Travel between the ancient town and the lake to appreciate the ancient charm of Jianshui and its harmony with nature. DAY3️⃣：Azeke Ancient Village—Yuanyang Rice Terraces—Bada Scenic Area Visit ancient villages, admire the magnificent rice terraces, and experience the wonders of nature. DAY4️⃣：Yuanyang Rice Terraces—Fuxian Lake—Sun Mountain Town Square—Fuxian Lake Enjoy the tranquility of nature and the comfort of the town with the interplay of rice terraces and the lake. DAY5️⃣：Chengjiang Fossil Land Natural History Museum—Dounan Flower Market Trace the origins of life, explore the mysteries of fossils, and experience the sea of flowers at the flower market. -- Recommended Attractions: 🌟 Yuanyang Rice Terraces 🌟🌟 Address: Qingkou, Xinjie Town, Yuanyang County, Honghe Prefecture Opening hours: Open all day Duration: 1–2 days The magnificent sunrise and sunset, and the terraced scenery against the backdrop of golden clouds, will definitely make you linger! 🏯 Jianshui Ancient Town 🏯 Address: Nanzhuang Section, Lin'an Town, Jianshui County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture Opening hours: Open all day Duration: 2–4 hours The ancient buildings here are exquisitely carved. Strolling through the ancient town is like traveling back in time to enjoy the beauty of ancient customs. 🌊 Fuxian Lake 🌊 Address: Chenghua Road, Chengjiang City, Yuxi City, Yunnan Province Opening hours: Open all day Duration: 1 day As the third largest lake in Yunnan, the lake is as clear as a mirror and has a depth of 155 m. It is a good place to relax. 🌸 Dounan Flower Market 🌸 Address: Building 11, Main Venue, Huahua World, Ruixiang West Street, Chenggong District, Kunming City Opening hours: 09:00–21:00 Duration: 1–2 hours This is the largest fresh flower trading market in Asia. It has a complete variety of fresh flowers and is a great place to take photos! 📚 Jianshui Confucian Temple 📚 Address: 268 Lin'an Road, Jianshui County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province Opening hours: 09:00–18:00 Duration: 2 hours Built in the style of the Confucius Temple in Qufu, it has a rigorous layout and magnificent momentum. It is a good place to experience Confucian culture. -- 👜 Packing List: 👕 Clothing: Short-sleeved T-shirts and light jackets to cope with the warm days and cool nights. 👟 Shoes: A pair of comfortable sneakers for sightseeing and long walks. 🎩 Accessories: Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses for sun protection and style, as well as to protect your eyes and skin. 🆔 Documents: ID card, student ID, etc., are necessary for travel, and there are many special offers. 💊 Medicine: Common cold medicine and stomach medicine, just in case. 📷 Other: Camera and power bank to record beautiful moments and keep your devices charged. -- Don't hesitate. Pack this Kunming-Jianshui-Yuanyang travel guide, start your Yunnan journey, and enjoy the blend of beautiful scenery and culture!

The ancient city of Shiping, located in the northwest of Honghe Prefecture, is a renowned cultural city in southern Yunnan with a history spanning over a millennium. Here's a guide to the best ways to experience it: 【Must-See Ancient Architecture】 1. **Yuan Jiagu's Former Residence**: Visit the Qing Dynasty residence of Yuan Jiagu, the only Zhuangyuan (top scholar in the imperial examination) in Yunnan's history. Explore the architectural layout of the four-sided courtyard with five sunken wells and immerse yourself in the culture of the imperial examination system. 2. **Temple of Literature Complex**: Stroll through Shiping's Temple of Literature and Yuping Academy, admiring the largest Ming and Qing Dynasty Confucian architectural complex in southern Yunnan. The carved ceiling of the Dacheng Hall is particularly exquisite. 3. **Ancient Prefecture Yamen Area**: Visit the ruins of the Ming Dynasty Shiping Prefecture Yamen and capture the essence of ancient times in the well-preserved bluestone streets and alleys. 【Local Experiences】 - **Tofu Feast**: Tofu workshops are scattered throughout the ancient city. We recommend trying the charcoal-grilled tofu with a special dipping sauce. In the evening, head to the tofu barbecue night market outside the west gate to experience the lively atmosphere. - **Intangible Cultural Heritage Exploration**: Visit the Wutong Zouyin (copper inlaid with silver) workshop to observe this national-level intangible cultural heritage craft. You can even customize your own silver pieces. 【Nearby Extensions】 - **Yilong Lake Cycling**: Located 3 km from the city, a 36-km cycling path around the lake takes you through wetlands. In winter, observe tens of thousands of rare migratory birds, and in summer, admire the vast lotus fields. - **Baoxiu Ancient Town**: A 20-minute drive away, the wood carvings in the Chen Family Ancestral Hall in Zhengying Ancient Village are considered one of the finest examples in southern Yunnan. The best time to visit is from September to November, when the weather is cool and the Tofu Culture Festival takes place.

Guess where I went recently? Shiping, Yunnan! This place is as beautiful as a painting, but there's one thing that drove me crazy… Shiping isn't exactly big, but it's not small either, with a population of only two to three hundred thousand, much quieter than those popular tourist spots. It's not as famous as Dali or Lijiang, but it has its own unique charm. I spent three days there and felt it wasn't enough! There's one attraction after another: the quaint Zhengying Village, the vast Yilong Lake, the ancient city of Shiping with its rich history, the retro meter-gauge railway—each place has its own unique charm. Yilong Lake is a real treasure; such a large lake is truly unique in a small county town! The lush green grass by the lake is filled with flowers and plants, and many people relax there. It's truly enviable. The environment in Shiping is also amazing! At an altitude of 1,400-1,500 meters, it's neither too hot in the summer nor too cold in the winter, and the air is incredibly fresh, without any industrial pollution. Walking down the street, it's so quiet, unlike the constant hustle and bustle back home. The people of Shiping are also very refined, speaking softly, unlike the loud, flamboyantly dressed aunties in some places. This is probably related to Shiping's rich cultural heritage; after all, it's known as the "Hometown of Scholars" in Yunnan, having produced so many successful imperial examination candidates! But here's the problem: why is it so difficult to find a meal in this heavenly town? First of all, breakfast. Trying to find a place that sells soy milk, youtiao (fried dough sticks), baozi (steamed buns), eggs, or tofu pudding is harder than climbing a mountain! It's all rice noodles everywhere, which I really can't get used to! Even more frustrating is lunch! That day, we went to Yilong Lake and didn't come out to look for food until 1:30 pm. We searched up and down the streets and alleys for a long time, but couldn't find many restaurants! We finally found one, but the chef had already clocked off! We found another, but the door was locked tight, with a sign saying "Open from 11 am to 2 pm," but it was already 2 pm! Finally, we managed to find one that was open, but the waiter said the chef had gone home and told us to wait! We waited and waited, and finally ate lunch at 3:30 pm! I've been traveling for so long, and I've never encountered restaurants that close for lunch! It's so bizarre! Isn't it infuriating? This beautiful little town is let down by its lunchtime situation. Isn't it ironic?

During the New Year, visit the only fossil village in China, Laoxudian Village in Shiping, Yunnan, for a unique experience! Laoxudian is called "Luosuo Da" in the Yi language, which means a place with "Luosuo trees." This village is particularly magical, with houses, walls, and roads almost entirely built with fossils, so people jokingly call it the "most luxurious village." Upon arrival, it feels like entering a large maze made of fossils. The stone-paved road beneath your feet seems to be quietly telling stories from ancient times. The fossil-built walls have particularly clear textures, like traces left by time itself. Each wall resembles a rare fossil exhibition, with each fossil containing a piece of the past, making one marvel at the wonders of nature and how it can create such amazing things. Entering Laoxudian Village feels like stepping into an open-air fossil site. The village stretches from east to west, along the mountain, layer by layer, creating a beautiful and staggered view. The houses here are Yi-style earth houses, paired with ancient and clear fossil textures, giving a sense of solidity and solemnity. The aroma of wine and cooking smoke wafting from narrow doors and low windows adds a sense of wonder, as if stepping into a prehistoric civilization. Three hundred million years ago, this place was a dense forest. Later, a flood occurred, washing away various plants to nearby shoals. After the flood receded, piles of plant remains formed small hills on the shoals. Over time, these remains turned into fossils, and villagers used these fossils to build houses, creating the current "fossil village." If you plan to visit this village, take note. It is relatively remote, suitable for self-driving, with many curves on the road, so drive carefully. Use navigation to get there, and the attractions are free to visit, with convenient dining and accommodation options. The local cuisine is also distinctive, such as Shiping tofu, which is tender and smooth, and tastes great whether fried, stir-fried, boiled, or served cold. There are also various Yi-style grilled meats, marinated with unique spices, grilled to a sizzling perfection, and incredibly fragrant. Be sure to try them! There are also many fun places nearby, such as Shiping Ancient City, worth a visit for its ancient streets and rich historical and cultural atmosphere.

Shilin is a hidden gem in Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It enjoys a spring-like climate all year round and is rarely disturbed by tourists. The city is home to a century-old iron train, a thousand-year-old ancient city, and the beautiful Yilong Lake Wetland Park. Shilin 1-Day Tour Guide First Stop Shilin Ancient City: This historical and cultural city is shaped like a turtle shell and has a well-connected road network. It is known as the hometown of the top scorer in the imperial examination and has a history of more than 2,000 years. The ancient city retains the layout of the Ming Dynasty and is home to many ancient buildings, such as the Shilin Confucian Temple, Shilin Academy, and the county government office. Second Stop The Shilin Station of the narrow-gauge railway was built in 1936. The station has been renovated and the narrow-gauge sightseeing train has been reopened. The Shilin Station retains the original ticket hall and platform, and the line to Baxin, Tuanshan, and Jianshui has been reopened. The lowest ticket price is CNY 40 for a hard seat from Shilin to Baxin, and CNY 120 for a round-trip hard seat from Shilin to Jianshui. Third Stop Yilong Lake Yilong Lake is a plateau lake connecting Shilin County and Baxin Town in Yunnan Province. Its history can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. Attractions: Lake embankment, water pavilion, wooden arch bridge, and plank road. You can ride a bike or take a walk along the lake. Fourth Stop Haishan Pavilion Ruicheng Haishan Pavilion consists of Laicrane Pavilion, Wenchang Pavilion, and Kuixing Pavilion. It was built in the Ming Dynasty. You can enjoy a panoramic view of Yilong Lake from the top. Admission is free.

Shiping Ancient City is a living history museum. Entering the city gate is like opening a heavy book, and the streets and alleys are full of humanistic customs. "Five steps, three scholars, two Hanlin scholars across the door", this small city is full of talents, and its cultural heritage is as deep as the land under its feet. On the street, the inheritors of intangible cultural heritage are concentrating on their skills; in the courtyard, the elderly are basking in the sun and chatting. Find this pure land in the noisy world and feel the peace of time.

Shiping is low-key, luxurious and meaningful. Shiping is really a small, low-key treasure town. Here you can find Yilóng Lake, one of the nine plateau lakes in Yunnan, a nostalgic small railway station like Jianshui Mengzi, red-billed gulls as greedy as the Haigeng Dam, luxurious houses in Zhengying Ancient Village, delicious Shiping tofu and the living Shiping Ancient City, which is clean, quiet, comfortable and leisurely. The key is that none of the above will follow the crowd, you can appreciate and taste them quietly, which feels quite suitable for long-term residence.

I have lived in Yunnan for half a year. I found a small town that is super good for lying down. It is the place where the first top scholar in Yunnan was born. There are many exquisite ancient buildings. Route arrangement: Kunming/Jianshui-Shiping Ancient City-Confucian Temple, Museum-Yuan Jiagu Memorial Hall-Qihe Tower-Yilong Lake-Shiping Small Train-Baxin Town-Huilan Bridge Pavilion-One return trip. Must-visit: Shiping Ancient City. The turtle-shaped ancient city with a history of more than 600 years has a super lively atmosphere. Sit in a street-side grilled tofu shop, find a coffee shop and sit down. It feels like time has slowed down.

| A cultural treasure hidden in time. Shiping is like a low-key gem, exuding a simple and tranquil cultural light. Compared to the hustle and bustle of Lijiang and Dali Ancient Town, there are few tourists here, and the slow pace of life makes it an ideal choice for a leisurely stroll. Transportation Guide There are many ways to get to Shiping from Kunming. You can take a bullet train to Jianshui and then transfer to a bus, which takes only 1 hour, and enjoy the idyllic scenery of southern Yunnan along the way. You can also take a direct bus from Kunming South Bus Station, with 6 buses per day, costing CNY 69 per person, and taking about 3.5 hours. If you choose to drive, it takes about 2.5 hours to reach this quiet town, and you can stop and enjoy the scenery at any time. Travel Guide If you choose to transfer in Jianshui, it is recommended to arrange a 2-day, 1-night trip. On the first day, immerse yourself in the ancient charm of Shiping Ancient Town. - Shiping Confucian Temple: Located on Beizheng Street, Yilong Town, the stone carvings of the Pan Pond are exquisitely carved, and the ancient architecture is full of charm. It is now a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit, open to the public for free, where you can deeply feel the profound cultural heritage of Shiping. - Shiping Museum: Adjacent to the Confucian Temple and Yuping Academy. The words "Longmen" at the entrance are eye-catching, and the museum has a rich collection of exhibits that vividly showcase the past of Shiping. It is also open to the public for free and is a great place to learn about local history. - Shiping Narrow-Gauge Train: Built in 1936, it is the terminus of the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway branch line. The waiting room is a two-story French-style building with yellow tiles, green eaves, and yellow walls, full of exotic charm. It is a great place to take photos and does not require a ticket, as if you can travel back in time. In addition, Qihe Tower, Zunjing Pavilion, and Yuan Jiagu's Former Residence are also worth a visit. The next day, head to Yilong Lake, one of the nine major plateau lakes in the province, with a beautiful cycling greenway around the lake. Rent a bicycle and ride along with the breeze and the beautiful scenery. The daily rental fee is about CNY 40, and you can enjoy the tranquility and beauty. Food and Accommodation Recommendations You can stay near Shiping Ancient Town, where there are many hotels with an average price of over CNY 100, making it convenient for travel and dining. As for food, grilled tofu is a must-try. Mali Snacks, Auntie Erniang BBQ, and Bai Laosan are a few small shops with unique flavors that will immerse your taste buds in the local atmosphere of Shiping. Travel Tips - Sun Protection: The sun in Shiping is strong, so be sure to take sun protection measures when cycling or strolling through the ancient town to prevent sunburn. - Travel Tips: There are few shared bikes in the county, and travel mainly relies on taxis or walking. However, the town is not large, and walking is a better way to experience the local customs and culture. - Cultural Relics Protection: There are many cultural relics in the ancient town, so be sure to follow the rules when taking photos and protect these precious historical relics to safeguard the cultural treasures of Shiping. Shiping, this low-key "cultural treasure," is quietly waiting for visitors to explore its unique charm and embark on an unforgettable cultural journey.

In Yunnan Playing with seagulls at Yilong Lake outside Shilin Ancient Town Yilong Lake has a large water surface and is not far from the ancient town. The wooden plank road on the water is more than 1,000 meters long. The red-billed gulls here are very close to tourists. Sometimes they play with tourists, and sometimes they rest on the railing. They are not afraid of people. After visiting the Shilin Small Train Ancient Station, I went to Yilong Lake on my way back to Jianshui. It was a pleasant experience.

Chen's Ancestral Hall is located in Zhengying Village, Baoxiu Town, Shiping County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It was built in 1925 and covers an area of 2,577 square meters.

Shiping Confucian Temple is located on Beizheng Street, Yilong Town, Shiping County. It was first built during the Zhizheng period of the Yuan dynasty, rebuilt in the 22nd year of the Hongwu period of the Ming dynasty, renovated and expanded in the 2nd year of the Jiajing period and the 5th year of the Tianqi period of the Ming dynasty, and renovated again during the Shunzhi and Qianlong periods of the Qing dynasty. The temple is 33.75 meters wide and 96.33 meters deep, covering an area of 4,257 square meters, and faces south. The existing buildings include Lingxing Gate, Pan Pond, Dacheng Hall, Xianshi Hall, and Zunjing Pavilion. The stone carvings on the railings of Pan Pond are exquisite. It is now a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit.

We discovered Shilin Confucius Temple while enjoying grilled tofu in Shilin. The owner told us that it is a genuine ancient building with a history of hundreds of years. After our meal, we visited the temple, which is free to enter. Upon entering, we were greeted by the Lingxing Gate, which is lavishly decorated with flying eaves and dougong brackets. Compared to similar buildings in the Central Plains, it is more ornate. It seems that ancient buildings in Yunnan are all very particular about this, though I don't know why. The Pan Pond behind the Lingxing Gate is quite large, with a long bridge lying across it, leading directly to the Dacheng Gate and Dacheng Hall. As a temple dedicated to Confucius, the Confucius Temple has always been one of the most important ritual buildings in every city, representing the highest level of architectural art at the time. Shilin Confucius Temple has preserved the Ming Dynasty style well, allowing visitors to feel a touch of the distant Ming Dynasty.

The first ancient relic in Shiping Ancient City is Shiping County Yamen, which was the location of Shiping County Yamen in the Ming and Qing Dynasties and has a history of hundreds of years. Upon entering the gate, this is one of the more unique ones we have seen. After all, we have seen many county yamen gates, but this is the first time we have seen a stone gate tower. It looks like a stone castle, which looks quite majestic and refreshing. The shocking part is when you enter the gate. The yamen courtyard is full of vehicles. At first, we were wondering why this scenic spot would allow people to park their cars in. When we got closer, we found out that they were all official vehicles of the county government. This is probably the most surprising place for us. The ancient Shiping County Yamen is still the location of today's Shiping County Government. Looking at the antique buildings and windows and the modern office equipment and uniformed staff behind the doors, it really gives people a strong sense of time travel. However, this is also a good protection and utilization of ancient buildings. Houses are the kind of things that can be preserved for a long time only if there are people. Houses without people will collapse in a few years. The architecture of Shiping County Yamen is quite simple. There is only one courtyard when you enter the gate. Of course, it may also be because only this part is retained. The two big trees in front of the main building are lush and green, forming a sharp contrast with the yellow walls and red windows of the county yamen building behind, which is very beautiful. The stone pillar bases of the two wooden pillars of the main gate are directly made into two stone lions, which is also an amazing idea.

Some say that Yunnan is where dreams begin, and Zhengying Ancient Village is the softest heart of this dream. 🌄🏡 Here, time seems to be frozen, and every brick and tile whispers the past glory. In the early morning of Zhengying, the mist is light, and the fishing boat sings in the evening on the surface of Chirui Lake. 🌫🛶 When you walk into this ancient village in the morning glow, it seems to travel through time and space, back to the era when the carriages were slow and the letters were far away. Walking on the bluestone road, on both sides are ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, wooden houses, courtyard layout, every corner, every window lattice, are carved with traces of time. 🏡🪟 Chen's Ancestral Hall, this late Qing Dynasty building, with its majestic posture and exquisite wood carving art, tells the pride of Zhengying people. 🕍🏰 Here, you can see those ancient ancestral halls and feel the heavy family honor. Don't forget to go to Zheng's Ancestral Hall and Wu's Ancestral Hall, where the carvings and calligraphy and paintings will also make you feel worthwhile. 🖌🖼 If you are tired, find a small shop to sit down and taste the local Shiping tofu. The unique taste will make you memorable. 🍲😋 If it happens to be the season, the hairy crabs in Chirui Lake are not to be missed. Here, you can slow down and experience a real slow life. 🚶🌳 Shuttle in the alleys of the ancient village, daze by the Chirui Lake, or in the classroom of Zhengying Primary School, listen to the wind telling ancient stories. When night falls, the lights of the ancient village gradually light up, and Zhengying under the starry sky has a different flavor. 🌃🏮 Here, you will find that life can be so simple, but so beautiful. So, if you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city and want to find a trace of tranquility and history, Zhengying Ancient Village is definitely your best choice. 🌟 Put on your most comfortable shoes, bring a heart willing to travel, come to Zhengying Ancient Village, and experience a different time travel! 👣🧳

Departing from Mojiang and heading north along the expressway, we headed east towards Mengzi after passing Yuanjiang. After all, we came to Yunnan, so how could we not visit Honghe Prefecture? The first stop in Honghe, we came to Shiping. We originally planned to have lunch here and taste the famous Shiping tofu, but we found a hidden treasure tourist town. First of all, Shiping is an ancient city full of historical heritage. The ancient city of Shiping is well preserved and is a living ancient city. Various buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Republic of China, and the 1960s and 1970s are gathered in one city. Walking in the city, you can see the historical context of hundreds of years. The Shiping wind that Shiping is named after is in the ancient city of Shiping. This is a large white stone eroded by running water with countless holes, which is called Shiping wind, which is quite interesting. The Confucian Temple in the ancient city of Shiping has been transformed into the Shiping Museum. The original Shiping County Yamen is now the office of the Shiping County Government. The protection and utilization of ancient buildings are quite good. Shiping also has an important architectural relic, that is, the railway. The end of the Ge Bi Shi Railway was in Shiping. This railway full of French style was a railway built entirely by Chinese people. It has important historical significance. The current Shiping Railway Station has been transformed into a museum to record this history. Outside the city of Shiping, there is another charming attraction-Yilong Lake. There are several large lakes on the land of Yunnan. Yilong Lake is one of them. The lake and mountains are integrated, the scenery is beautiful, and people are intoxicated. It adds a beautiful natural scenery to the ancient city of Shiping. In general, Shiping is an unexpected journey in our journey. It was originally a transit station to Jianshui Mengzi, but it made us stay for a day and quietly appreciate the natural and cultural style of this ancient city.

Shi Ping Mini Train is a meter-gauge train located at Yilong Town Railway Station. The entire line is 29.1 km long. It departs from Shi Ping Station and passes through Renshou Village Station, Longjing Station, and Baxin Station before arriving at Jianshui Tuanshan Station. The mini train has 7 carriages, divided into lake view soft seats, soft seats, and hard seats. It can accommodate 240 people when full. It departs from Shi Ping Station at 8:30 every morning, stays at each station for 40 minutes, and the entire journey is nearly 3 hours. Shi Ping Mini Train is not only a sightseeing route, but also carries rich historical and cultural significance. It is the only meter-gauge railway in China (part of the Bishi Railway). The entire line was opened to traffic in 1936, with a total length of 72.6 km. It has created several records in the history of railway construction, including the narrowest gauge, the smallest train, the longest construction time, and the slowest speed. This railway is also one of the earliest private railways in China, reflecting the development history of China's railways. In addition, the journey of Shi Ping Mini Train also passes through lakes and mountains, rural villages, allowing passengers to enjoy the beautiful scenery while also feeling the historical vicissitudes of the Bishi Railway. Each station passed during the journey is full of exploration value. From Shi Ping Station to Jianshui Tuanshan Station, each station has its unique scenery and historical and cultural background.

The history of the ShiPing MiGui Mini Train can be traced back to the early 20th century. Its predecessor was the GeBiShi Railway (GeJiu-MengZi-JianShui-ShiPing Railway), which is a railway line of great historical significance. The GeBiShi Railway began construction in 1915 and was fully operational in 1936. It is 177 kilometers long and is one of the earliest private railways in China's history. The construction of this railway ended the long-term dependence on human transportation in the ShiPing area. The railway starts at MengZi BiSe Village, passes through GeJiu and LinAn (JianShui), and finally arrives at ShiPing. The whole journey is 177 kilometers. It uses a unique inch-track layout with a track gauge of only 60 centimeters. From the start of construction in 1915 to the arrival of the train in ShiPing Ancient City in 1936, this railway witnessed the vicissitudes of the two ancient cities in HongHe Prefecture.

Shi Ping Ancient City, a historical and cultural city located in Shi Ping County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, attracts many tourists with its long history, unique culture, and rich natural landscape. Shi Ping Ancient City has preserved a large number of ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, which are not only historical witnesses but also cultural treasures. Speaking of Shi Ping Ancient City, we have to mention Shi Ping Tofu. Shi Ping Tofu is famous for its unique production process and delicious taste. It does not use traditional gypsum or brine, but is directly made with natural well water in Shi Ping Ancient City. This tofu is rich in protein, delicate and tender, and is a gourmet card of Shi Ping Ancient City. Tourists who come to Shi Ping Ancient City must taste this authentic Shi Ping Tofu.

Yuan Jiagu's Former Residence is located at No. 22, South Zheng Street, Yilong Town, Shiping County. It was built in the ninth year of the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty (1883). It faces east and covers an area of 695 mu, with a building area of 875.9 mu. The former residence consists of the main gate, the second gate, the third gate, the upper and lower rooms in the courtyard, the patio, the study, the kitchen, and the bungalow in the backyard. It is a typical representative of the wooden structure courtyard building in the Qing Dynasty. Yuan Jiagu (1872-1937), also known as Shuwu and Shupu, was a native of Shiping. In 1903, he ranked first in the special economic science examination and was the only top scholar in the history of Yunnan. He was awarded the title of Hanlin Academy by the Qing court and served as the Zhejiang Education Commissioner and Governor, and the Yunnan Salt Transport Envoy. After the 1911 Revolution, he returned to his hometown in Yunnan and served as a professor at Donglu University and Yunnan University. He was committed to academic and local history research, and his achievements were quite fruitful.

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Shiping County is located in the southern part of Yunnan Province, in the northwest of Honghe Prefecture. It is 240 kilometers from Kunming, about a 3-hour drive; and 120 kilometers from the prefecture capital Mengzi. The Jishi and Shiyuan highways run through the entire county, connecting with the Tongjian, Yuyuan, and Kunyu highways. The Yunnan-Vietnam Railway goes directly to the ancient city, taking 30 minutes to Jianshui, 2 hours to Yuanyang Hani Terraces, and 4 hours to Hekou National Port. The ancient city still retains historical relics such as the moat, city gates, stone roads, wooden houses, wells, ancient government offices, Confucian temple, martial temple, academies, and pavilions. All attractions in the ancient city are free of charge, with no entrance fees. Items in the supermarkets are reasonably priced, making it very friendly to tourists. Every snack shop in the ancient city offers local specialty foods, ensuring you won't encounter inauthentic dishes. Attractions in the ancient city: 1. Confucian Temple, Martial Temple 2. County Government Office 3. Yuntai Gate, Tonggong Gate (two city gates) 4. Yuan Jiagu Memorial Hall 5. Yuping Academy 6. Ancient City Branch of the Library 7. Yilong Life Plaza (Farmers' Market) 8. Shiping Railway Station (very close to the ancient city), Shiping Railway Museum 9. National Shiping County No. 1 Middle School (Qi He Building) 10. The small streets and alleys are also worth exploring

Shiping Ancient City should be considered the least ancient-feeling ancient city. Apart from the quaint main gate and the Confucian Temple Academy that you have to search for, everything else lives in the present. Inside the ancient city, there is no deliberate antiquing; barbershops, small shops, vegetable markets, and pavilions where elderly people play chess, men and women chat in the middle of the road, and young parents watch their children play in the corridors—all reflect the daily life of the indigenous residents. But even so, the Confucian Temple complex, which has come from 700 years ago with a scholarly atmosphere, bridges history and modernity with its unique sense of gravity, allowing the cultural heritage to be passed down in this way...

When mentioning Yunnan, the first thing that comes to mind is various ancient towns filled with poetry and distant dreams. The Dali visited by the fairy sister in 'Somewhere Only We Know,' the Lijiang that countless people long for, the Shaxi on the Tea Horse Road, and Jianshui, which has been sculpted by time for a thousand years, make people never want to leave once they arrive! In fact, south of Kunming, there is a hidden ancient city recommended by National Geographic, famous for its tofu. It boasts nearly a hundred ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties and is one of the only two 'turtle-shaped' cities in China. Yet, it has remained low-key among the mountains and rivers of southern Yunnan for a thousand years, unknown to the world! It is Shilin Ancient City, located in the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture. With a history of over 1,200 years, it has preserved a large number of Ming and Qing residential buildings, earning the title of 'Museum of Ming and Qing Residential Buildings in Southern Yunnan,' and it doesn't charge any entrance fee. The layout of the ancient city is unique, with two main streets running east-west and north-south intersecting in front of the state office. The winding streets and alleys divide the city into several 'small blocks,' resembling the cracks on a turtle's shell, hence it is also called the 'Ancient City on the Turtle's Back.' Not only is the cultural heritage profound, but the scenery here is also very charming. It boasts the ninth largest plateau lake in Yunnan, with lake and mountain views that rival Erhai, and fewer people. Especially in this season, the lake is full of blooming lotus flowers, with red lotuses and green water reflecting each other, making people feel cooler. Here, there is also a French-style station similar to the one in 'Youth,' with bright yellow walls, dark green doors and windows, and palm trees on the platform, full of retro flavor. However, it is rarely visited by tourists, with no traces of deliberate renovation, and no crowds of people taking photos in costume, making it very primitive and quiet. Here, you can also find the best tofu in the country. The history of making tofu here exceeds 600 years, and locals can make more than 200 kinds of delicacies with tofu, such as grilled tofu, tofu pudding, dried tofu, tofu balls... Eating it three times a day is still not enough. The rice noodles here are also very special, made from locally grown Hani red rice, with a smooth texture that doesn't break, mixed with local sauces, every bite is delicious, and the best part is that it's super cheap, only 6 yuan a bowl! If you want to find a low-key ancient city in Yunnan with cheap prices, delicious food, and good places to visit, come to Shilin. Its spring-like climate all year round will never disappoint you no matter when you come. 1️⃣ Shilin Ancient City/Confucius Temple/Museum A turtle-shaped ancient city with over 600 years of history, with a long cultural heritage. Shilin Confucius Temple and Shilin Museum are full of ancient charm and worth a visit. Yunnan's only top scholar 'Yuan Jiagu' also came from here. The old teahouse on the stone-paved road in Zhutiansi Alley, the bustling life on Beizheng Street, and the ancient city street market on the fifth day of every month are worth a slow stroll and careful taste. · 2️⃣ Shilin Small Train/Qihe Tower Built in 1936, the train station has a full French-style station house, The small train departs for Baxin at 10:30 daily, passing through Yilong Lake for sightseeing; The Qihe Tower hidden in Shilin No. 1 Middle School is a national protected unit, With four eaves and an octagonal pavilion, the campus with a blend of Chinese and Western styles is stunning. · 3️⃣ Yilong Lake/Laihe Pavilion Yilong Lake, one of the nine major plateau freshwater lakes in Yunnan, The scenery changes with the seasons, the sunrise in winter mornings, and the flying seagulls are beautiful; Laihe Pavilion by the lake was built during the Kangxi period, with a great view from the top. · 4️⃣ Zhengying Village/Xiushan Temple Zhengying Village is known as 'the first village in Yunnan,' with many ancient buildings, The Morandi-colored wooden walls of the Zheng Clan Ancestral Hall, the chicken window flowers of the Chen Clan Residence, The Western-style rockery with a history of ninety years, hiding the former prosperity; Not far from Zhengying Village is Xiushan Temple, built in the Tang Dynasty, With Song Dynasty plum trees, Yuan Dynasty cypresses, and Ming Dynasty pines, it is serene and otherworldly. · 5️⃣ Baxin/Huilan Bridge Pavilion Baxin is the middle station of the Shilin small train, where you can transfer to Jianshui. The Wang Clan Residence in the town is a blend of Chinese and Western styles, and you can watch the sunset at the lakeside pier; Huilan Bridge Pavilion has three eaves, three dougong, and three arches, with a history of over a hundred years, Spanning the Lujiang River to control the water of Yilong Lake, the wind chimes on the eaves are melodious. · 🍜 Food Recommendations The slow life in Shilin also brings a big surprise in food: The best tofu in Yunnan, eaten with sweet soy sauce is authentic, There are many varieties of barbecue: glutinous rice lotus root, chicken feet, and sweet meat skewers~ You can try Mali Barbecue on Nanzheng Street and Liling Barbecue on Xizheng Street. Yangmei Pork Ribs at Yanwu Restaurant, Pan-fried Fish at Yongjian Restaurant, Crabs at Zhengying, and Qingyu Restaurant at Baxin are all worth a try.

On Saturday morning, I started my journey to Lüzigou by riding a bicycle provided by Shiping Qinghe Inn. The weather was very kind to me, with almost no rain and overcast skies all the way, making the trip quite enjoyable! Lüzigou Village is located in the mountains, connected to the county town by a cement road. I hadn't ridden a bicycle for at least thirty years, and the rugged road left me breathless and drenched in sweat. After crossing mountains and ridges, I finally saw the sign for Lüzigou, and my spirits lifted instantly, with fatigue vanishing along with my good mood. The gate of the Sun Family Courtyard in Lüzigou Village was tightly closed. The path from the road to the courtyard gate was overgrown with weeds, with few visitors. According to local residents, the well-preserved old courtyard is in Xiaogaotian Village. I immediately rode there. Xiaogaotian Village has five courtyards that can serve as representatives, retaining the ancient architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties. One courtyard is long locked, with the owner rarely returning. Another is inhabited by an 80-year-old Su family elder, and this courtyard is the best preserved. Located at the highest point of the village, wild grass grows in the gaps of the stone steps in front of the courtyard, contrasting with the partially peeled loess wall nearby, giving a sense of age and history! Villagers say that inside the courtyard are exquisite mouse components and beautiful patterns of Jiang Taigong fishing. Unfortunately, the elder had gone to the town market on Saturday, and the gate was closed. I saw pictures of the mouse components in this courtyard from a friend's photos, almost identical to those seen in Fuying. In the other three courtyards, I was fortunate to witness components of oxen with missing horns and legs, birds with broken wings, flying dragons and graceful bats on the eaves, and vivid calligraphy, flowers, birds, fish, insects, landscapes, and figures! These courtyards have been effectively protected, which is truly fortunate! These old courtyards with rich Chinese architectural style are not only a local tourism resource but also a transmission and inheritance of traditional culture; they are a concentrated display of local history, economy, politics, culture, painting, architecture, aesthetics, and lifestyle! After eight or nine hours of cycling, seeing the ancient buildings I had been longing for made the fatigue of the journey disappear with the sense of fulfillment! Address: Lüzigou Village, Baxin Town, Shiping County, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province Transportation: Self-driving is recommended. If you are not very interested in ancient buildings, renting a car is not recommended.

|The 22nd city is Shiping. Traveling through 100 cities in China | No. 22 Shiping Not far from Jianshui, there is a small town called Shiping. Anyone who has been to Jianshui will be amazed by the grandeur of Chaoyang Tower, the magnificence of Jianshui Confucian Temple, and the splendor of Zhu Family Garden. In comparison, the Confucian Temple in Shiping is just an inconspicuous "senior citizen activity center", and the Yuping Academy has become a free museum. Even though the ancient city of Shiping is brightly lit at night, there are only a handful of pedestrians on the streets. Jianshui and Shiping are like two brothers, one is successful and famous, while the other is unknown and little known. However, the low-key Shiping produced the only top scholar in Yunnan: Mr. Yuan Jiagu, which is enough to show the profound historical heritage beneath the inconspicuous appearance of this small city. I believe that many people who travel to Yunnan have heard of Shiping tofu, but unfortunately many people don’t pay more attention to this "unknown child", so I really hope that everyone can spend one more day to visit this low-key and introverted city and share my guide: Shiping Confucian Temple Yuping Academy Yuan Jiagu’s Former Residence Qihe Tower Shiping Station Yilong Lake Wetland Park | Huilan Bridge Pavilion [Tips for Playing] Qihe Tower is located in Shiping No. 1 Middle School, you need to navigate to "Shiping No. 1 Middle School", and the rest of the attractions can be directly navigated in the map app

| Shiping is live and also life~. Stayed in Shiping for two nights, and I liked the local people's rhythm: leisurely and relaxed. The ancient city of Shiping retains many old buildings, and any shop by the street might be a 'protected residence' or have a history of over a hundred years. Moreover, you can still see old public housing from the 1980s and blue or green balcony glass from the 1990s, which we often say brings the post-80s generation back to their childhood in an instant. Hidden behind the street-facing shops are crisscrossing alleys, walking through them feels like going back to the road to elementary school. The ancient city is large, formed by the intersection of several streets, but it is not commercialized. Here, you won't see the 'delicacies' commonly found in ancient towns like roasted pig's feet or grilled squid. Instead, there are clothing stores, sewing shops, and snack shops. When you pass by, the owners won't deliberately invite you to buy anything, everything is left to fate. By 7 PM, every household is ready to close, and so are the snack shops. Everything slows down here, relax your mind, slow your pace, and enjoy life. The Shiping small train, from Shiping to Baxin, is named 'Yilong,' presumably because of Shiping's 'Yilong Lake.' There are about three trips daily, taking three hours round trip with a clattering sound. On the way, the train attendants will perform a segment of Haicai Qiang. Along the way, you can see many cacti and aloes on the country and mountain roads, but the smell of engine oil in the carriage is a bit strong. After arriving at Baxin, there is a 70-minute stop, and there is a food court nearby where the cold rice rolls (P10) and barbecue are good. There is a small courtyard next to it, with bougainvillea blooming brightly (P9). If I had to choose between Jianshui and Shiping, I would choose Shiping. Next, I will share the delicious food of Shiping.

🌈Hello, today I recommend a small city hidden in central Yunnan—Honghe Shiping! This place is known for its historical documents and is the hometown of top scholars.📜🎓 🎈First, a two-day strategy by 🚲🚗, easy to get! 📅D1: Depart from Kunming/Jianshui, stroll through the ancient city of Shiping, and feel the charm of the 600-year-old turtle-shaped ancient city. First, visit the Confucian Temple and the museum to check in, and don't forget to visit the Yuan Jiagu Memorial Hall to feel the charm of Yunnan's only top scholar.🏰📖🏛️ At night, you can go to Qihe Tower to enjoy the night view and experience the beauty of the combination of Chinese and Western styles.🌃 📅D2: In the early morning, go to Yilong Lake to watch the seagulls, and enjoy the beauty of the winter morning sun dancing with the seagulls.🦢🌅 Then, take the niche rice rail train for a different travel experience.🚂 The Hui Lan Bridge Pavilion in Baxin Town and the ancient buildings in Zhengying Village are all worth your careful appreciation.🏯🌉🏞️ 📍📍Must-visit spots: 1️⃣Shiping Ancient City/Confucian Temple/Museum: Feel the charm of the ancient city and understand the history and culture.🏯📖 2️⃣Shiping Train/Qihe Tower: Take the train, travel through the time tunnel, and the night view of Qihe Tower is amazing!🚂🌃 3️⃣Yilong Lake/Laihe Pavilion: Yilong Lake has different sceneries in four seasons, and watching seagulls in winter is a unique experience! From Laihe Pavilion, you can have a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery.🌅🦢 4️⃣Zhengying Village/Xiushan Temple: The number one village in Yunnan, with many ancient buildings, Xiushan Temple is serene and otherworldly.🏡🏯 5️⃣Baxin/Hui Lan Bridge Pavilion: The midway station of the small train, where you can watch the sunset at the lakeside pier, and the wind chimes at the eaves of Hui Lan Bridge Pavilion are pleasant to hear.🌇🌉 🍜🍽️Food recommendations are here! 🔥The Shiping tofu that tops Yunnan, eaten with sweet soy sauce for authenticity! There are also varieties of barbecue such as glutinous rice lotus root, chicken feet, and sweet meat skewers. Mali barbecue and Liling barbecue are both good choices.😋 💗There are also Yangmei ribs at Yanwun Restaurant, eight-sided fried fish at Yongjian Restaurant, large crabs at Zhengying, and green fish at Baxin's Qingyu Village, all of which are a blessing for foodies!🍲🍤🍤