Yunnan hides a real-life "colorful maze"! Jianshui Ant Workshop is so beautiful it leaves you speechless

When I first saw photos of the Ant Workshop taken by others, I thought it was a filter effect! Until I stood in front of this macaron-colored building complex myself, my camera just wouldn’t stop—the red looks like spilled strawberry jam, the blue like crushed sky, even the wind feels artistic✨ This firsthand guide is for those who want to check it out—just copy it directly! 🌈 It’s really not a photo trick! Every corner is a feast for the eyes Right after entering the gate, I was stunned by the "Ant Queen Palace": a pink spiral staircase winding around a cylindrical building, sunlight filtering through the hollow walls casting light spots, walking up feels like playing a real-life "hopscotch." I bumped into a girl in a white dress casually leaning against a blue wall, and even photos taken with a regular camera looked like magazine covers. The most photogenic spot is the "Ant Cave" exhibition area! In the semi-underground space, colorful arches layer upon layer, standing at the end of the corridor walking toward the camera, using light and shadow to create a sense of depth. I was asked for the address 8 times after posting photos on social media. The light at 5 p.m. is the best—the sunset dyes the yellow walls honey-colored, even the shadows become gentle. When I reached the cultural and creative area, I couldn’t move my feet! Handmade ceramic cups printed with ant patterns cost only about 30 yuan each, buying two as souvenirs is super cost-effective. There are also small ornaments made from local clay, with cute and distinctive shapes, much more thoughtful than the usual souvenirs found in tourist spots~ 📸 3 hidden photo spots! Avoid crowds and shoot amazing photos 1. Ant Queen Palace rooftop: Take the pink spiral staircase to the top floor, turn around and shoot the colorful building complex behind you, framing the sky and the geometric lines of the roof for an instantly sophisticated composition. 2. Blue arch corridor: Stand in the middle of the corridor at 4 p.m., have a companion shoot from the side, using the arches to create a "picture within a picture" effect, placing the person in the lower right corner for a lively look. 3. Pottery experience area by the window: Sit in front of the pottery wheel pretending to make pottery, sunlight streaming through the window onto your hands, capture hand movements for a full artistic vibe. 🚗 Practical guide! Avoid pitfalls + save money all sorted 💰 Cost details (tested to avoid wasting money) - Admission ticket 30 yuan/person, students get half price with student ID (15 yuan to explore the whole place, great value) - Pottery experience 88 yuan/hour, including firing and shipping, a great try for those who want to get hands-on, the finished product is very meaningful as a souvenir - Coffee shop in the park averages 25 yuan per person, order a latte with freshly baked flower cake, sitting on the terrace enjoying the view is super relaxing 📝 Itinerary (cover the highlights in 2 hours) 1. Enter through the main gate → Ant Queen Palace (shoot the pink spiral staircase) → Ant Cave (shoot the colorful arches) 2. Pottery experience area (try or take photos) → Cultural and creative shop (buy souvenirs) 3. Rooftop terrace (shoot panoramic views + wait for sunset) → Coffee shop break (snack and enjoy the scenery) ⚠️ Avoid these pitfalls! - Don’t wear overly patterned clothes! The park’s colors are already rich, wearing white, beige, or other solid colors makes photos stand out more. - Avoid noon 12-2 p.m.! The sunlight is too harsh, photos easily get backlit, making eyes squint and skin look darker. - Don’t get the navigation wrong when driving! Search for "Jianshui Ant Workshop," don’t confuse it with "Ant Workshop Homestay," or you’ll take a detour. - There are many mosquitoes! Remember to bring mosquito repellent. I wore shorts and got bitten 5 times in half an hour😤 😋 Nearby food! Locals’ secret list - Xiaobo BBQ: 10 minutes by car from Ant Workshop, grilled chicken feet are tender and fall off the bone, grilled enoki mushrooms are so fresh you’ll lick the plate, about 50 yuan per person to eat until full. - Yang Family Garden Tofu Shop: freshly grilled Jianshui tofu, crispy outside and tender inside, dipping in dry sauce is super fragrant, 10 yuan for a big plate. - Papaya Old Shop: handmade papaya juice with ice jelly, sweet and refreshing, perfect for a break after walking. - West Gate Market Rice Cake: freshly steamed rice cakes with osmanthus fragrance, soft and not sticky, 3 for 10 yuan, very affordable. ✨ Random thoughts moment I originally just planned to check in at the Ant Workshop, but as I wandered around, I was deeply moved by the Jianshui Ant Workshop scenic area—its colors are not deliberately piled up for internet fame, but the designer used clay and light and shadow to blend art into everyday life. Sitting on the terrace watching the sunset, the scent of clay drifts in the wind, suddenly I understood why some people come here to stay all afternoon. If you come to Jianshui, don’t just rush around the ancient town, save 2 hours for the Ant Queen Workshop~ After all, encountering such a "colorful dream" in real life is truly rare❤️