[2024 Jianshui Attraction] Travel Guide for Tuan Shan (Updated Sep)

Exploring a Historical Walled Village

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

Royal Titled Zhang’s Mansion

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

Stroll through time in the Tuanshan Village

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.

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

Old Streets and Alleys: Wells and a Cool Summer 🌉

If you love the slow pace of life, skip the crowded Dali and head to the more elegant and clean old streets and lanes of Jianshui. Here, you can buy purple pottery, one of the four famous potteries, and taste local specialties like Jianshui tofu and steam pot feast. Wandering around the ancient city, you'll discover surprises unique to you. You can also take a small train to Lin'an, ending at Tuanshan Village, where the simple, slow life will help you forget the city's noise. 🏺🍲🚂🌳

Travel Notes of Tuanshan Residential Houses in Jianshui

Five kilometers ahead from Xianghui Bridge, you will reach Tuanshan Residential Houses. As the car slowly approaches, the first thing that catches your eye is the extremely spectacular pond at the entrance of the village, filled with lotus flowers gently swaying in the breeze, emitting bursts of fragrance. Many tourists stop their cars excitedly by the pond, eager to capture this beautiful scenery. Next, we drove into the spacious parking lot at the entrance of the village. After parking the car, we walked up the steps and arrived at the gate of Tuanshan Residential Houses. On the right side of the gate is the ticket office. After buying the tickets for 35 yuan per person, we officially started this special tour. Walking into Tuanshan Residential Houses, a strong sense of history hits you. This place once produced many talents, with ancient buildings such as the General's Mansion, the Sima Mansion, and the Scholar's Mansion lined up, witnessing the past glory. There are also solemn ancestral halls, tranquil temples, and the gates of the village in the east, south, west, and north, each seemingly telling ancient stories. As I strolled around, I felt as if I had traveled through time, back to the past. Here, every brick and tile carries the memory of history, and every plant and tree contains the traces of time. Every corner is worth savoring and exploring. I marveled at the wisdom and creativity of the ancients and felt the passage and changes of time. Tuanshan Residential Houses is truly a place with stories. It is not just a collection of ancient buildings but a living history textbook. When leaving, my heart was full of reluctance, but also full of gains and emotions. I know I will always remember this charming place.

The General's Mansion in Tuanshan Village, Jianshui, Yunnan

The General's Mansion in Tuanshan ancient village was built in the 31st year of the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty (1905). The owner, Zhang He, was appointed as the battalion commander and inspector of the Fourth Battalion of the National Revolutionary Army by Cai E, the Yunnan military governor, for his achievements in quelling bandits during the 'Xinhai Lin'an' uprising. He was also awarded the plaque 'General's Mansion'. The residence covers an area of 880 square meters, with a building area of 958 square meters, including 7 courtyards of various sizes and 38 rooms. The interior decorations are exquisite, and most of the calligraphy and paintings were created by Qiu Tingdong, a cultural celebrity of the Republic of China from Jianshui.

The terminal station of the small train is called Tuanshan Village. The winding old bluestone slabs connect the old houses together and string together a period of dusty history. Most of the people in Tuanshan Village are surnamed Zhang. It is said that they migrated from Jiangxi. They started mining here and entered the business community, earning a huge Zhangjia Garden. The glory of Zhang Jiahuang has ceased to exist yesterday, leaving only the embarrassment of the years.

Tuanshan Residence is a residential community located in Tuanshan Village, west of Jianshui Ancient City in Yunnan Province. It is one of the objects of world architectural heritage protection. The Tuanshan residence is not very big, and the time for the train to stay is enough. Come here to experience the characteristic buildings of the Minnan countryside. There are still many locals living in the Tuanshan residences, and the places where commercialization is not very strong are always popular. Tourists only had a train with us except for us, and most of them did not come in. Recommended index: Ticket: 50 yuan.