Honghe Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Apr)

YUNNAN road-trips always surprise!

On our way around Yunnan we ran into this unique place. It’s unlike anything else. It is a large area with different activities to do. Most obvious one - strolling around and take pictures. The architecture of buildings is so unique and beautiful, that you’ll enjoy the moments looking around. There’s area with with restaurants and cafés, where you can recharge. There are also some hotels within the area where you can spend night. We were told that groups of artists often gather there and hold concerts/performances, however we weren’t lucky enough. This place is 100% worth visit. Bring comfy shoes and be ready for some walk. #roadtrip #sunnyday #yunnan

Dongfengyun Scenic Area, 📍Mile

The Art Museum located at Dongfengyun Scenic Area is a must see attraction while you are traveling to Kunming and is worth spending your afternoon exploring the area. The museum expounds on the interpretation of earth, space and architecture by “Luo Xu”, the architecture is made of bricks laid in a geometry manner giving an illusion of wine bottles or red flames giving a unique art form full of postmodernist’s elements, as the real inspiration came from kaleidoscope Luo Xu used to play in his childhood.. Looking inside the dome, each window gives a certain shadow at different angels such as a kaleidoscope. 🔥🔥🔥 The scenic area is 1 hour away by train, taking it from Kunming Railway Station to Mile, but trains are every 2 hours so book a day in advance. As soon as you arrive at Mile Railway Station, you can easily get a taxi from outside costing 20th and a 10 minutes drive. The ticket price is 60 rmb, it’s better to add on the transportation which is 20 rmb round trip, as the walk is quite long but then the scenery alongside is quite breathtaking.. 🔥🔥🔥 📍Dongfengyun Secenic Area / 1 hour train 🕰10:00 - 18:00 💰60 rmb adult, 20 rmb add transportation. #staycation #mile #kunmingtravel #yunnan #urbanexplorer #touristattractions #architecturalphotos Photos

Yunnan Travel Guide 6｜Mile Day Tour Nanny Level Outing Guide

The last stop of our trip to Yunnan Our family of three came to "Mile", a city named after Buddha. We drove from Kunming for 2h and arrived here for a day trip. Posted on WeChat Moments, everyone thought we went abroad‼ ▪Mile Day Tour Itinerary: Dongfeng Yun Scenic Area➡ Liangsheng Original Snacks➡ Lake Spring Ecological Park➡ Buddha City Shangdu➡ Taiping Lake Forest Park➡ Return 🛕8:30-9:00📍Kunming South—Mile Station (High Speed Rail) 30min 🛕9:00-12:00📍Honghe Dongfeng Yun Small Town The most photogenic place in Mile! The small castles built with red bricks one by one are as cute as clay pots, like a fairy tale world. Friends circle was asked to explode, very exotic, everyone thought I went abroad. Personally, I think the small houses in the silver series at the gate are more photogenic than the main scenic area, don't miss it!! 🛕12:00-13:00📍Liangsheng Original Snacks It is a Mile specialty snack, recommended fried potatoes, rose ice water and ice floating glutinous rice, it is said to be a 23-year-old shop, recommended by locals! 🛕13:00-15:00📍Lake Spring Ecological Park It's a park like Sanya's seaside, right next to Liangsheng, surrounded by a circle of palm trees🌴 The lake is super blue, and there is a large golden beach, it's really beautiful~ 🛕15:00-16:00📍Buddha City Shangdu It is mainly a market for buying local agricultural and sideline foods in Mile. There is a super large fruit stand on the first floor, and there are some rare Mile specialty agricultural products on the fourth floor. 🛕16:00-18:00📍Taiping Lake Forest Park It is recommended to go directly to the Desertification Park, where there is a large forest of different types of cacti🌵 in the stone desert, as if in "Morocco". - Mile is highly recommended for everyone to arrange in the Yunnan travel itinerary, especially for sisters who come to Kunming, it is very convenient to take the high-speed rail for half an hour. You can take different "exotic" photos, taste Mile food, it is a super fulfilling and interesting day~

Kunming, Jianshui, Mengzi, Mile, a train spring tour guide to four lesser-known cities in Yunnan

"Yunnan's eighteen oddities, do trains run slower than cars?" nono, now train travel in Yunnan is as convenient as it gets! Join me, Yaya, this spring on a train journey through the beautiful Yunnan, checking in at four cities in four days. Day one Kunming city walk Touch the historical and warm buildings of Yunnan In the morning, encounter the beauty of early spring at Cuihu (Green Lake) with birds singing and seagulls flying overhead, then visit the Yunnan Military Academy across the street to feel the charm of a century-old military school, and explore the mysterious mansion of Lu Han, who once initiated the Yunnan uprising. In the afternoon, head to Kunming's old street to check in at Fuzhao Tower, and don't miss the most beautiful corner, the Moon-Embracing Tower. tips It is recommended to experience authentic Yunnan cuisine at the Southwest United University themed restaurant next to Fuzhao Tower, and consider staying at the Moon-Embracing Tower Hotel, which is very sentimental. Day two Jianshui Kunming-Jianshui by train 2 hours A city with picturesque landscapes, Jianshui with a thousand years of culture Jianshui Ancient Town: Visit the Chaoyang Tower that has witnessed 600 years of time, walk through the Li Men Yi Lu (Ceremonial Gate and Righteous Path) in the Jianshui Confucian Temple, which is second only to the Confucian Temple in Shandong, stroll through the exquisite Zhu Family Garden, known as the Grand View Garden of the Southwest frontier, and search for ancient wells hidden in the alleys of the old town... Each one bears witness to the living ancient city of Jianshui Jianshui Ancient Town Mini Train: There is also one of the only remaining French-style meter-gauge mini trains in the country, with wooden carriages, the temperature and sentiment of an old era, slowly taking you to unknown sceneries station by station. Jianshui Cuisine: Said to be the pinnacle of the Yunnan food pyramid, such as Jianshui tofu made with well water from Dabanjing, the must-try steam pot chicken feast, and the casual strolling and eating on Jianshui Purple Pottery Street, with freshly baked food that is full of the taste of life. tips The mini train takes 4 hours for the whole journey, with a round-trip ticket costing 100, passing by Shuanglong Bridge, Xianghui Bridge, and Tuanshan folk residences, all worth getting off to visit. Day three Mengzi Jianshui-Mengzi by train 1 hour In the morning in Mengzi, you must have a bowl of cross-bridge rice noodles from its place of origin, recommended at the Fire Burning House. In the morning, visit the Bise Village Station, a filming location for the movie 'Youth', a small Paris brought by train, full of French charm. Be sure to dress up in Republic of China school uniforms or cheongsams for photos (renting a set for 10 yuan is too cheap). In the afternoon, wander around the old site of the Southwest Associated University in Mengzi, as well as the nearby Nanhu Park and the most beautiful Yunnan bookstore, the Southwest Associated University Pioneer Bookstore. After dinner, take a night boat tour on Nanhu Lake in a covered boat, which is very comfortable. Day four Mile Mengzi-Mile by train 1 hour "This is a city whose name is full of temptation." Mile Dongfengyun Art Town: A magical city in the East is built with red bricks, with castles from an ancient mystery appearing like a kaleidoscope inside, the illusion as if from the future, and the design lines of hotels and art centers are very beautiful, making for great photo opportunities. Mile Taiping Lake Forest Park: It's like falling into another dream. The flower sea here is so vast, it connects into a piece like a secret garden out of a Monet painting, and the Cactus Park is like traveling to Morocco. The four-day train journey is wonderfully comfortable, and perhaps only by experiencing it yourself will you understand the affection Yunnan people have for these small towns, wanting to privately own the feelings of each.

The most beautiful travel destinations to set off in January

Picture 1-2 Sailimu Lake In January, Sailimu Lake is more tranquil without the hustle and bustle of the peak tourist season. The movement of ice blocks makes the ice bubbles rise and fall. It is known as the last tear of the Atlantic, with very clear water. When the lake is completely frozen, it will stage a blue ice scene that is no less than Lake Baikal. Picture 3-4 Changbai Mountain In January, Changbai Mountain seems to be in a fairy tale world, covered in silver and beautiful. You can enjoy the excitement and fun brought by snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding; you can also appreciate the magical rime landscape and feel the magic and grandeur of nature. Picture 5-6 Yunnan · Yuanyang Terraces Every year in December, the water is filled, and by January of the following year, it is the most beautiful time. Climbing to the top of the terraces, you can see the changing sea of clouds, the half-mountain villages that are looming, and the majestic view of the terraces. The scenery will change with the ethereal light and fog at any time, forming a beautiful landscape of mountains and fields.

Yuanyang: a photographer’s dream...providing the weather cooperates! From November to early spring, the incredible rice terraces are flooded with water in preparation of the next harvest. Crafted by hand by the Hani people in Yunnan, these rice terraces are an amazing feat of hard work, and are now recognised as a UNESCO heritage site. 📍 Yuanyang, Yunnan Province, China #leaveyourmark

Yuanyang is a photographer’s dream...providing the weather cooperates! From November to early spring, the incredible rice terraces here are flooded with water in preparation for the next harvest. It took around 3-4 hours driving from Kunming to reach these gorgeous rice terraces, but it was definitely worth it if you have the time to spare. Top tip: If travelling as a group, I would recommend hiring a private driver to take you there and back in order to save as much time and energy as possible! The sightseeing platforms for the rice terraces are quite far apart, and there are some gorgeous villages you can visit in the area too, and navigating public buses and time schedules to hit all of the locations you’ll want might be a bit of a pain... 📍Yuanyang, Yunnan #urbanexplorer#qingmingtravel

its very easy to access and you still can enjoy the feeling of being with Hani people. They are still working on their rice fields and living their normal life. Even though can be overcrowded at the view points. we avoid all that crowded place and take a walk on trails along the rice field. It makes so much sense, less people and able to enjoy the whole view on our own.

The ancient charm still lingers in the He Courtyard

Within the thousand-year-old Jianshui Ancient Town, besides the well-known and majestic Wen Temple, the Shuanglong Seventeen-Arch Bridge, Chaoyang Tower, and the exemplary garden - Zhu Family Garden, there is also a free, thickly ancient-styled He Courtyard right by the side of Guangci Lake! Little bridges over flowing water, pavilions and towers, artificial hills and water management, groups of koi fish swimming freely in the green ponds, the quiet and elegant environment, the exquisite patterns and shapes on the doors, windows, and columns, all showcase the cultural charm of Chinese architecture! The He Courtyard, another classic architectural gem in Jianshui Ancient Town with rich cultural connotations, is very much worth visiting!

Jianshui Little Train

🌟 Highlights: The Jianshui Little Train runs on an old-fashioned track, with each station along the way having its own unique scenery. Tickets are divided into return and round-trip, with the round-trip being more economical. The entire journey takes 4 hours, departing at 2:30 pm and ending at 6:30 pm. Due to time constraints with the child, my mother took the child on a one-way trip, and I drove to the final station, Tuanshan Station, to pick them up, arriving at around 4 pm. My mother mentioned that each station was very distinctive, 👍 Most recommended: Definitely buy a soft seat, which is a sofa seat. It doesn't cost much more, but there will be far fewer passengers in the carriage compared to the hard seats.

Kunming, Jianshui, Mengzi, Mile, a train spring tour guide to four lesser-known cities in Yunnan

"Yunnan's eighteen oddities, do trains run slower than cars?" nono, now train travel in Yunnan is as convenient as it gets! Join me, Yaya, this spring on a train journey through the beautiful Yunnan, checking in at four cities in four days. Day one Kunming city walk Touch the historical and warm buildings of Yunnan In the morning, encounter the beauty of early spring at Cuihu (Green Lake) with birds singing and seagulls flying overhead, then visit the Yunnan Military Academy across the street to feel the charm of a century-old military school, and explore the mysterious mansion of Lu Han, who once initiated the Yunnan uprising. In the afternoon, head to Kunming's old street to check in at Fuzhao Tower, and don't miss the most beautiful corner, the Moon-Embracing Tower. tips It is recommended to experience authentic Yunnan cuisine at the Southwest United University themed restaurant next to Fuzhao Tower, and consider staying at the Moon-Embracing Tower Hotel, which is very sentimental. Day two Jianshui Kunming-Jianshui by train 2 hours A city with picturesque landscapes, Jianshui with a thousand years of culture Jianshui Ancient Town: Visit the Chaoyang Tower that has witnessed 600 years of time, walk through the Li Men Yi Lu (Ceremonial Gate and Righteous Path) in the Jianshui Confucian Temple, which is second only to the Confucian Temple in Shandong, stroll through the exquisite Zhu Family Garden, known as the Grand View Garden of the Southwest frontier, and search for ancient wells hidden in the alleys of the old town... Each one bears witness to the living ancient city of Jianshui Jianshui Ancient Town Mini Train: There is also one of the only remaining French-style meter-gauge mini trains in the country, with wooden carriages, the temperature and sentiment of an old era, slowly taking you to unknown sceneries station by station. Jianshui Cuisine: Said to be the pinnacle of the Yunnan food pyramid, such as Jianshui tofu made with well water from Dabanjing, the must-try steam pot chicken feast, and the casual strolling and eating on Jianshui Purple Pottery Street, with freshly baked food that is full of the taste of life. tips The mini train takes 4 hours for the whole journey, with a round-trip ticket costing 100, passing by Shuanglong Bridge, Xianghui Bridge, and Tuanshan folk residences, all worth getting off to visit. Day three Mengzi Jianshui-Mengzi by train 1 hour In the morning in Mengzi, you must have a bowl of cross-bridge rice noodles from its place of origin, recommended at the Fire Burning House. In the morning, visit the Bise Village Station, a filming location for the movie 'Youth', a small Paris brought by train, full of French charm. Be sure to dress up in Republic of China school uniforms or cheongsams for photos (renting a set for 10 yuan is too cheap). In the afternoon, wander around the old site of the Southwest Associated University in Mengzi, as well as the nearby Nanhu Park and the most beautiful Yunnan bookstore, the Southwest Associated University Pioneer Bookstore. After dinner, take a night boat tour on Nanhu Lake in a covered boat, which is very comfortable. Day four Mile Mengzi-Mile by train 1 hour "This is a city whose name is full of temptation." Mile Dongfengyun Art Town: A magical city in the East is built with red bricks, with castles from an ancient mystery appearing like a kaleidoscope inside, the illusion as if from the future, and the design lines of hotels and art centers are very beautiful, making for great photo opportunities. Mile Taiping Lake Forest Park: It's like falling into another dream. The flower sea here is so vast, it connects into a piece like a secret garden out of a Monet painting, and the Cactus Park is like traveling to Morocco. The four-day train journey is wonderfully comfortable, and perhaps only by experiencing it yourself will you understand the affection Yunnan people have for these small towns, wanting to privately own the feelings of each.

Self-driving tour in Southeast Yunnan, my 2 days and 2 nights itinerary and experience in Jianshui

After leaving Yuanyang, the next stop on my self-driving tour of Southeast Yunnan was Jianshui. I set off from the Yuanyang terraces in the morning, covering a distance of 130 kilometers. As a long stretch of the journey was through mountain roads, it took me 2 and a half hours to reach Jianshui. Since self-driving is convenient, I chose a hotel near the high-speed train station and gave up on the homestays in the ancient city. I settled into the hotel first, then drove to Jianshui Ancient Town. I navigated to Chaoyang Tower and found an underground parking lot nearby to park. Walking on the streets of Jianshui, I felt as if I had traveled back in time, to the slow-paced days of 10 or 20 years ago. Under the blue sky and white clouds, Chaoyang Tower was majestic, and it really gave off a bit of a mini Tiananmen vibe. After passing through the tree-lined Lin'an Road, I chose Lin'an Restaurant for lunch. It still retains memories from decades ago, where you first buy a ticket at the window and then take the ticket to collect your meal. The steam pot chicken was different from what I imagined, a bit greasy and salty. The roasted buns were also a bit too rich for my taste, which might have been related to my cold affecting my appetite. After lunch, I went to Zhu's Garden, with an admission fee of 35 yuan. Although I've visited many unique gardens in various places, I was still amazed by the clever layout and the exquisite and lavish decorations of Zhu's Garden, which is definitely worth a visit. Strolling through Jianshui Ancient Town, I was attracted by the unique charm and slow pace of Jianshui, so I decisively changed my itinerary from 2 days and 1 night to 2 days and 2 nights. The next morning, I set out for my first stop, Beishan Taozhuang, with an admission fee of 30 yuan. The landscape made up of various ceramic products was well-arranged and photogenic, making it worth a visit. Then I experienced the Jianshui narrow-gauge train. For the sake of time and convenience for taking photos, we chose to self-drive along the train line. First, we went to the farthest Tuanshan Station, then to Xianghui Bridge Station. We spent an afternoon in the station restaurant, basking in the sun and looking out at the rice fields. Later, we went to see the Shuanglong Bridge. Since it was Saturday, it was very crowded and traffic was heavy, so we left before sunset. Back at the west gate of the ancient town, we first visited the miraculous Daban Well, where many people came to draw water from a pool of azure well water. You can try the 5 yuan self-service tofu pudding and soy milk across from the well. There weren't many tourists in the west gate ancient town. The sunlight shone on the shiny stone roads, and people sat leisurely in the small shops along the street, eating grilled tofu. The griller was unhurried, and the eaters were relaxed. Jianshui, in my heart, is just like this grilled tofu, soft times wrapped in the trials of the years. Every weekend, at 8:30 pm, there is a light show at Chaoyang Tower that can be seen from the roadside. It lasts for 15 minutes and is really beautiful, lifelike and impressive. After the light show, I strolled around the streets. The temperature was neither cold nor hot, and people were happily dancing in the square. I began to understand why many people choose to travel and live in Jianshui. On the third day, I packed up my luggage. Before leaving Jianshui, I visited the last attraction, Yigongfang. The admission fee was 40 yuan, and it came with a 10 yuan voucher for consumption. Yigongfang is not very big, the main attraction is the colorful brick maze near the parking lot, which is suitable for taking photos. After snapping away, I left in less than an hour, and our next stop was Fuxian Lake. I am Yilan, a photographer who loves to travel. Join me to explore new and beautiful places to have fun and see.❤

How many people, like us, came to Maitreya for this magical castle

Do you only know about Dali and Lijiang when you go to Yunnan? This time I recommend you a treasure town in Yunnan—Maitreya, which is only more than an hour's drive from Kunming. The must-visit Dongfeng Rhyme is called the "Eastern Turkey" by everyone. It really has a sense of déjà vu in a foreign town. The temperature in winter is also about 20 degrees, which is not cold or hot. It's really comfortable, not only there are vineyards and hot springs, it can also be considered a treasure place for walking in my heart. 📷Share a few suitable photo spots: ✅In front of the Kaleidoscope Art Museum: The entire surroundings are quite good for shooting, and any position is very good for taking pictures; ✅Infinity pool in Dongfeng Rhyme Town: There is a circular arch that can see the kaleidoscope in the distance; ✅The lawn passed from the scenic area to the hotel: Sitting on the slope of the lawn can take a whole kaleidoscope; ✅The atrium of the Meijing Pavilion 1 building: It's so comfortable to sit here for a courtyard afternoon tea, you can shoot from the second floor overlooking, or sit under the round arch with reeds, stand opposite and shoot, remember that the low angle can shoot a large picture with a sense of déjà vu in the water. ✅The atrium of Meijing Pavilion Building 3: This hedge maze really easily takes French-style photos. ✅The atrium of Meijing Pavilion No. 5: The international chess lawn is like a scene in a fairy tale world. It's really great to shoot from the second floor with a wide-angle lens. ✅The wooden walkway in the middle of the Meijing Pavilion pool: The background is the kaleidoscope of the Dongfeng Rhyme Scenic Area, and the white Meijing Pavilion logo is also super match. Use a telephoto lens to shoot from a high place, the picture has a sense of composition. ✅The echo wall in front of the Meijing Pavilion lobby: The minimalist design sense, when there is a blue sky and white clouds, it is a big picture with a casual shot. 🚄How to get there? You can take a high-speed train from Kunming to Maitreya Station, and then take a taxi for 10 minutes; you can also drive from Kunming, and it will arrive in an hour and a half. 🏨Accommodation choice: It is highly recommended to stay at the Meijing Pavilion Hotel in the Dongfeng Rhyme Scenic Area for fun with children. You can walk to the kaleidoscope. The key is that the hotel is better than the scenic area. There are also rich parent-child experience activities. Bingtang Xueli had a super fun time experiencing pottery for the first time. The booked courtyard room with a hot spring pool is quite popular with children. 🍽️Food recommendation: The must-visit is definitely the Maitreya specialty braised chicken rice noodles, and the winter Jiugongge hot pot and Yunnan dishes at the Meijing Pavilion are not bad. Recently, there is also a Chinese New Year themed afternoon tea, which is very delicate and suitable for photo check-in~ By the way, don't miss tasting the locally produced wine, the taste is very pure.

The hotel with a strong postmodern architectural vibe | Maitreya · Meijing Pavilion

|Maitreya · Meijing Pavilion. 🏨 Maitreya Dongfengyun Meijing Pavilion Select Hotel 📍 Maitreya Grape Sightseeing Avenue Dongfengyun Scenic Area In the northern part of the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture in the southeastern part of Yunnan, there is a beautiful town known as the 'Provence of Central Yunnan'—Maitreya. Blessed by nature and culture, it is a place of leisure, and the Dongfengyun Meijing Pavilion Select Hotel is situated in the Dongfengyun Art Town on this land. Dongfengyun Art Town was created by the renowned Chinese sculptor master Luo Xu, and the main architectural complex showcases the extraordinary skill of art and architecture in natural scenes. The town consists of vineyards, lavender fields, and a large number of postmodern buildings, each building is like a work of art, giving a strong visual impact and spiritual shock. - Rooms The hotel has 9 types of rooms, totaling 232 rooms, each decorated with earth tones, terrazzo flooring, interspersed with raw wood, stone, printed and dyed fabrics, perfectly displaying the local materials and craftsmanship of Yunnan. Whether it's the rest sofa beside the bed, the fabric bed flags on the bed, or the strongly grounded woven carpets, they all give a sense of warmth. - Amenities Whether it's the rest sofa beside the bed, the fabric bed flags on the bed, or the strongly grounded woven carpets, they all give a sense of warmth. The terrazzo-paved bathroom comes with a separate shower compartment, equipped with French skincare family Ines dela Fressange's bath set, helping you to eliminate fatigue and nourish body and mind. - Public Area The minimalist design of the public area provides a space for guests to empty themselves and bring inspiration. From the hustle and bustle of the city to the tranquility of the countryside, the space that could have been used to build more rooms is released, leaving each guest with tranquility and thought. - Dining From the lobby bar to the Yinjue all-day dining restaurant, to the Xuan lobby bar, each place is filled with an artistic atmosphere. The restaurant offers a buffet that includes global flavors and local specialties, as well as seasonal themes, and can also customize exclusive dining experiences with local flair. - Experience Adjacent to the lobby is the Xuan lobby bar, and as Maitreya is the location of Yunnan's vineyards, it offers an extremely rich wine list, including grape wines, classic and personalized cocktails, and hundreds of whiskies from around the world.

Mile Hotel Recommendation

Breakfast is quite good, not too crowded, and the environment is quiet. The entire restaurant is designed to be open and bright, making one feel comfortable. The hotel is located within the Dongfeng Yun Scenic Area, and it only takes 2 minutes to walk to the scenic area from our room, which allows for easy access in and out of the scenic area, very convenient. However, the scenic area prohibits the entry of individual visitors after 5:30 pm, so there's not much to do after sunset, even the dining facilities are closed. The hotel's design is very distinctive, making it a great place for photography. The bathrobe is comfortable, and the room's design also suits my taste, very suitable for a family vacation. The infinity pool is also beautiful, with a perfect combination of natural and cultural landscapes, creating a delightful mood.

Mile Dongfengyun Town in Honghe, Yunnan, resembles the ancient Babylon on the Mesopotamian plain

Some say it is the ancient Babylon of the Mesopotamian plain, some say it is Yunnan's Eastern little Morocco. It seems like an otherworldly artifact, existing in a world of different ethnicities. It boasts unique shapes and artistic visual effects, creating an irreplicable beauty in Mile Dongfengyun Art Town. Take your baby on a global journey, stop 19: Mile! The Utopia of Mile Dongfengyun in Yunnan has become a hotspot for many design enthusiasts. The novelty of succulents and cacti creates an exotic world akin to a Moroccan garden, as if Alice has tumbled down the rabbit hole, embarking on a journey to another world. Apart from art lovers, it is also suitable for family trips. This time, bring your baby to check in and start another era. For accommodation, you can choose the nearby Yunnan Mile Dongfengyun Meijing Hotel, a collection of original buildings freely grown along the terrain designed by the renowned artist Luo Xu, and the interior space created by CCD Zheng Zhong Design Studio conveys a peaceful and settled atmosphere that blends natural elements with local culture. The Dongfengyun Kaleidoscope is the most photogenic spot, with the best lighting in the evening. Don't miss it! Now the lavender fields are not yet in bloom, but the grapes are already ripe.

Early Spring in Southeast Yunnan - A Riot of Colors Between Heaven and Earth (Part 5): The Seventeen-Arch Bridge of Jianshui

Yunnan's Jianshui is a beautiful and historically significant ancient town. When it comes to the history of Jianshui, everyone thinks of the Shuanglong Bridge. It is located to the west of the ancient city of Jianshui County in Yunnan Province and is the longest existing ancient stone arch bridge in China, one of the famous historical sites in Yunnan Province, and has been included in the annals of Chinese bridge construction. It is known as the 'Number One Ancient Bridge in the East.' The Seventeen-Arch Bridge is also called the Shuanglong Bridge, named after the confluence of the Tachong and Lujiang rivers, where a bridge locks the 'twin dragons' together. Another explanation is that there are two stone-carved dragon heads and tails on either side of the bridge. The dragon head is above the stream, and the dragon tail is below the stream, both carved vividly, hence the name Shuanglong Bridge. The Shuanglong Bridge was first built during the Jiaqing period of the Ming Dynasty and has a history of more than six hundred years. It belongs to the covered bridge architecture. During the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, only three stone arches were built on the Lujiang River. Later, due to the flooding of the Tachong and Lujiang rivers and the gradual widening of the riverbed, the small three-arch bridge stood alone in the middle of the river and could not span both banks. Thus, fourteen more arches were added in the nineteenth year of the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty. Three flying-eave style pavilions were built in the middle of the bridge, with pavilions within pavilions, reflecting each other, forming a magnificent view, and is an extremely precious masterpiece in the history of Chinese bridge construction. The pavilions at both ends are slightly smaller, with a large and spectacular one in the middle, known as the 'Dian Nan Grand View Pavilion.' Time flies, and the Seventeen-Arch Bridge has stood over the two rivers for nearly 300 years. If you come to Jianshui, be sure to visit here, stroll on the smooth stone pavement, touch the mottled bridge railings, this bridge with extraordinary momentum, beautiful design, and the wisdom of Chinese national culture, will not disappoint you. (About one kilometer away from the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, there is a motorhome campsite. As long as you stay for more than 4 days, the average cost is 30 yuan per day, including water and electricity. Staying there for a few days, watching the sunrise and sunset by the bridge in the morning and evening, will surely be a poetic experience!)

The Seventeen-Arch Bridge of Jianshui

The Seventeen-Arch Bridge is the colloquial name for the Shuanglong Bridge, located in Baijiaying Village, Xizhuang Town, Jianshui County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It spans the confluence of the Lujiang River and the Tachong River, hence the name Shuanglong Bridge, which means 'a bridge locking two dragons'. The Shuanglong Bridge was originally built during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. At that time, only a three-arch stone bridge was built over the Lujiang River. Later, due to the flooding of the Lujiang and Tachong rivers, the Tachong River dike in the southwest broke, and the river water rushed towards the village not far from the bridge. The flood was fierce, and the village suffered severe damage, which was later named Shuidaying Village. Now, Shuidaying Village belongs to Baijiaying Administrative Village, Xizhuang Town, Jianshui County, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province. The Tachong River changed its course and merged into the Lujiang River, which also widened the river surface by three to four times. The originally built three-arch stone bridge was left hanging in the middle of the river. In the 19th year of the Daoguang period, fourteen more arches were built and connected to the original three arches, making a total of seventeen arches. Locals call the Shuanglong Bridge the Seventeen-Arch Bridge. From a distance, it looks like a ship with pavilions, and from close up, it resembles a long rainbow lying on the waves. There are three flying eave-style pavilions built on the bridge, with the two at the ends being slightly smaller and the one in the middle being large and spectacular. The Shuanglong Bridge is about 150 meters long, a single-arch bridge. The bridge is constructed with six large wooden pillars, with wooden planks laid on the bridge deck, wooden pillars erected, and a tiled roof, forming a long corridor in the air. On May 25, 2006, the Shuanglong Bridge was announced by the State Council of the People's Republic of China as the sixth batch of national key cultural relics protection units. 🚉 Transportation Strategy: The Shuanglong Bridge is located in Shuidaying Natural Village, Baijiaying Administrative Village, Xizhuang Town, Jianshui County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is about 12 kilometers from Jianshui Station to Shuanglong Bridge, which takes about 20 minutes. ⏳ Visiting Time: Free to visit, the recommended visiting time is 30 minutes to 1 hour.

The Jianshui Seventeen-Arch Bridge, anchoring the twin dragons to contain the calamitous waters

The Twin Dragon Bridge, located 5 li west of the ancient city of Jianshui in Yunnan Province, is a large stone arch bridge with three pavilions and seventeen arches, commonly known as the 'Seventeen-Arch Bridge'. In Chinese geomancy, it is customary to refer to rivers or mountain ranges as 'dragons'. The Tachong and Lujiang rivers converge here, and the bridge is named for its function of 'anchoring the twin dragons'. In the middle of the bridge stands a three-story pavilion, and at one end there is a pavilion. The bridge is built of huge stones, with a total length of 148.26 meters and a width of 3 meters, looking from afar like a ship with pavilions.

Yunnan Jianshui Two Days and One Night

Transportation: Self-driving Accommodation: Inside Jianshui Ancient Town Itinerary: 1️⃣ Narrow-gauge Train: The only privately-operated railway still in operation in our country, and also the only century-old narrow-gauge train, full of retro Republican style. The train is mainly wooden structured, making it very photogenic. There are four stops along the train's route, and it will stop for a while at each station for passengers to enjoy the sights. If you only want to take photos and do not wish to ride the train or deal with the crowds at each stop, you can follow the train's route by car. After the train stops and the passengers go to visit the attractions, you can get on the train to take photos with fewer people and without a ticket. 2️⃣ Shuanglong Bridge: Also known as the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, it is Jianshui's favorite structure, very quaint and historical. At sunset, the golden light on the bridge is stunning. 3️⃣ Tuanshan Residence: A group of ancient Ming and Qing buildings in Yunnan, a 600-year-old village, with an entrance fee of 35 yuan. Many villagers still live in the old houses, which are basically unrenovated, so they can be described as a bit rundown or authentically original. 4️⃣ Zhu Family Garden: The largest private garden in southern Yunnan, belonging to the Zhu family, the richest family in the area during the Qing Dynasty. Covering an area of more than 20,000 square meters, it is very large and you can spend a whole morning wandering around. 5️⃣ Zitao Street: Thought to be a place selling purple pottery, but it is actually a night market for food, quite lively at night. 6️⃣ Buy Purple Pottery: There are many shops selling purple pottery in Jianshui Ancient Town. Ask around and bargain to eventually pick out a teapot you like at a satisfactory price. 7️⃣ Jianshui Ancient Town: Like many ancient towns, it has Yiwu goods, a Confucian temple, an imperial examination hall, a government office, and many snacks. Stroll and eat to your heart's content. Delicacies: 1️⃣ Jianshui Barbecue: Delicious, with a particularly good sauce. 2️⃣ Rice Noodles: All kinds of rice noodles are delicious, fried rice noodles, grass sprout rice noodles, must have a bowl every day. 3️⃣ Jianshui Tofu: Personally, I don't think it's as good as coated tofu.