Compared to Dali, I have a deeper affection for this unassuming and lively small town in southern Yunnan

In the middle of Yunnan, there lies a small town that is both delicious and fun, Honghe Shiping—this place is known for its cultural heritage and as the hometown of top scholars, With its niche meter-gauge train and the ancient charm of old houses and deep alleys still present, In winter, you can watch seagulls at Yilong Lake, and there's an endless list of amazing food to recommend. I make it a point to visit Shiping Old Town every year, and here's a two-day itinerary suggestion to keep: · D1🚲: Kunming/Jianshui → Shiping Old Town → Confucian Temple/Museum → Yuan Jiagu Memorial Hall → Qihe Tower D2🚗: Yilong Lake/Laihe Pavilion → Shiping Little Train → Baxin Town/Huilan Bridge Pavilion → Zhengying Village/Xiushan · Shiping Old Town/Confucian Temple/Museum The turtle-shaped ancient town with a history of over six hundred years has a long cultural heritage. The Shiping Confucian Temple and Shiping Museum are full of ancient charm and are worth a visit, Yunnan's only top scholar 'Yuan Jiagu' also hails from here. The stone-paved roads of Zhutian Temple Alley and the market life on Beizheng Street, As well as the bustling market days in the old town streets every five days, are worth taking your time to stroll and savor. · Shiping Little Train/Qihe Tower The train station built in 1936 has a French-style building full of exotic charm, The little train departs daily at 10:30 for Baxin, passing by Yilong Lake for sightseeing; The Qihe Tower hidden in Shiping No.1 Middle School is a national protected site, With its four-tiered, octagonal pavilion and a mix of Chinese and Western architectural beauty. You can try the Ma Li barbecue on Nan Zheng Street, Li Ling barbecue on Xi Zheng Street, Yangmei ribs at Yanwu Restaurant, eight-sided fried fish at Yongjian Restaurant, large crabs at Zhengying, and the green fish manor at Baxin, all worth a taste.