2-Hour Trip Around Kunming | The Most Worthwhile Ancient Town in Yunnan

👍🏻Recommendation: Seriously, I highly recommend Chuxiong Heijing Ancient Town, one of the four most famous ancient towns in Yunnan! It boasts a rich history of 2,000 years, starting with salt well production during the Han Dynasty, which brought immense wealth to the region, especially during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Its prosperity declined with the advancement of salt production techniques and the influx of sea salt. However, this decline also meant that the abandoned salt wells and weathered ancient dwellings were perfectly preserved, making the town a living history museum! The town is rich in ancient architectural remains, with numerous well-preserved Qing Dynasty residences, as well as stone pagodas, inscriptions, ancient opera stages, and chastity archways from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. Ancient temples like Feilai Temple and Zhutian Temple still stand. Heijing Ancient Town is less commercialized, less publicized, and less crowded than other ancient towns, without the hustle and bustle of overdevelopment. The combination of lush greenery, ancient buildings, and old residences creates a picturesque setting perfect for photography in various styles. 🗺Attraction Introduction: The entire ancient town is built along the river and against the mountain, with hundreds of houses neatly arranged. Most of the buildings date back to the Qing Dynasty and modern times. The intricate alleyways connect the whole ancient town, creating a strong sense of history. Many locals still live here, some basking in the sun in front of their houses, some relaxing by the river, and others busy shopping and cooking. The lively atmosphere takes visitors back to their childhood. There are many unique attractions here. The Wu Family Courtyard, the former residence of the richest family during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, is built on a hillside with a sophisticated layout. The three-story courtyard rises layer by layer, boasting 99 rooms and 108 doors, a truly impressive sight. The Dalong Temple, a Qing Dynasty structure, houses a plaque with the inscription "Lingyuan Puze," written by Emperor Yongzheng himself. The Heijing Confucian Temple, located halfway up the mountain, features the Dacheng Hall, east and west wing rooms, and the Dacheng Gate, all with simple and unsophisticated archways. Feilai Temple, situated on a mountain next to the town, requires climbing over 3,000 steps, taking about an hour one way. It's suitable for those with good physical strength and offers a panoramic view of the town. 🚗Transportation: For self-driving, navigate directly to Heijing Ancient Town. Rural buses from Lufeng County also go directly to the town. By train, there is a direct slow train from Kunming Station to Heijing every morning at 06:20, arriving in 2.5 hrs. There is also a return slow train from Heijing to Kunming at 16:23, taking 3 hrs. Taking a slow train adds a nostalgic touch to the journey. 🗺Itinerary: A 2-day, 1-night itinerary is recommended. Day 1: Depart from Kunming to Heijing Ancient Town, experiencing the historical charm and lively atmosphere. Day 2: Depart from Heijing Ancient Town, visit Xingxiu Park and Jinshan Ancient Town, and then return. This arrangement allows ample time for a comprehensive experience. 🍱Food Recommendations: Be sure to visit Huiyoutang Restaurant, known for its unique decor and great value. The Jasmine Flower Omelet and Salt-braised Chicken are highly recommended, offering unforgettable flavors. 💰Expenses: Entry to Heijing Ancient Town is free. The Wu Family Courtyard charges a separate fee of 15 CNY. There is a large parking lot in the town, so parking is not a concern. 📌Other Tips: There are many hotels and guesthouses in the town, making accommodation convenient. Heijing Ancient Town is close to Yuanmou. If time permits, combining the two destinations is highly recommended for a more diverse experience.