Nuodeng Ancient Town, a hidden culinary paradise in Yunnan

🚩Nuodeng Ancient Town: Hidden culinary delights and scenic beauty In Yunlong County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan, lies a charming and less-traveled destination—Nuodeng Ancient Town. This town, featured in the popular TV show *A Bite of China*, has attracted numerous visitors eager to experience its unique charm. Built on a mountainside, Nuodeng Ancient Village boasts a clever and well-proportioned layout. It preserves a large number of buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, blending the architectural styles of the Bai, Han, and other ethnic groups, showcasing a unique historical charm. Strolling along the village's stone-paved roads is like stepping back in time, with every brick and stone whispering tales of the past. Nuodeng's prosperity was built on salt, with the Nuodeng salt well serving as a vital economic pillar throughout its history. This salt well has witnessed the rise and fall of Nuodeng, carrying countless memories and legends. The Jade Emperor Pavilion stands as one of Nuodeng Village's landmarks. As one of the best-preserved Taoist architectural complexes in western Yunnan, it exudes an aura of solemnity and mystery. Its exquisite craftsmanship and unique layout evoke admiration for the wisdom and creativity of the ancients. A visit to Nuodeng wouldn't be complete without indulging in its culinary offerings. First and foremost is the renowned Nuodeng ham. Made from the hind legs of local black pigs, it undergoes a meticulous process of curing, air-drying, and fermentation. The ham, with its tender texture and rich aroma, is a culinary gem featured on *A Bite of China*. One bite is all it takes to unleash its intense flavor, leaving a lasting impression on the palate. Nuodeng Braised Chicken is another must-try dish. Prepared with local free-range chicken, Nuodeng ham, green and red peppers, and braised to perfection, the chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy, complemented by the savory ham and rich sauce. It's a perfect dish to enjoy with rice. 🏠For accommodation, Nuodeng Gujing Inn is an excellent choice. With its pleasant ambiance, it's the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a leisurely day. The inn's cuisine is also worth mentioning, featuring dishes like their unique take on scrambled eggs with tomatoes, delicious Nuodeng ham fried rice, and steamed ham. The soon-to-open Gujing Jianshan Inn, part of the Gujing Inn, promises an exciting new addition with its anticipated decor. 🚖External Transportation: If you choose to drive, you can take the Hangrui Expressway from Dali. However, please note that private cars can only park outside the visitor center. From there, you'll need to take a shuttle bus to the village entrance. There is a parking lot at the entrance with limited spaces. After 6pm, outside vehicles are allowed to park inside. Charging stations are available outside the visitor center, with an electricity fee of CNY 1 per kilowatt-hour. If you prefer long-distance buses, you can take a direct bus to Yunlong County from the Xiaguan Xingsheng Road Bus Station in Dali. Buses depart every half hour from 7:10am, with the last bus at 4:30pm. The fare is approx. CNY 42, and the journey takes a little over 3 hrs. Upon arrival in Yunlong County, you can take a minivan or electric tricycle to Nuodeng. 🚎Internal Transportation: Visitors need to walk into the village, following the ancient stone paths and steps that wind through its various corners. This journey allows for a deeper immersion in the village's tranquility and rustic charm. If you have a lot of luggage, you can hire a mule to carry it up the mountain for a fee of CNY 20 per trip. You can ask the inn to help you contact a mule driver. Additionally, for the convenience of visitors, Nuodeng Scenic Area provides shuttle buses between the new visitor center, the rest pavilion, and the Nuodeng Ancient Village parking lot. The one-way route is approx. 2 km long. Visitors need to park their vehicles in the scenic area parking lot and take the shuttle bus to enter and exit the scenic area. The shuttle bus fare is CNY 5 per person for a one-way trip and CNY 8 per person for a round trip. In conclusion, basking in the winter sun in Nuodeng Ancient Town, enjoying the tranquility and escaping the hustle and bustle of city life, is an incredibly pleasant experience. Here, you'll find respite amidst ancient architecture, delicious food, and warm sunshine.