2025 Shiping Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

This off-the-beaten-path town in southern Yunnan is perfect for daydreaming✨ Shiping, next to Jianshui, is low-key but full of charm. Wander through the old streets and alleys to feel the allure of century-old architecture, and watch a romantic sunset by Yilong Lake🌅 🚶‍♀️2-day travel itinerary recommendation DAY 1: Morning: Shiping Ancient City Confucian Temple ➡️ Yuping Academy ➡️ Yuan Jiagu Former Residence (a culturally rich route, the old wooden doors in the academy are perfect for shooting ancient-style photos📸) Afternoon: Cycling around Yilong Lake (rent a bike to circle the lake, the wooden boardwalk by the lake is stunning for photos! In the evening, be sure to watch the sunset from the west bank, where the pink dusk reflecting on the lake is super dreamy) DAY 2: Morning: Zhengying Village (a 600-year-old rustic village, the bluestone paths paired with earth-colored rammed earth walls are very photogenic) Afternoon: Taste the Shiping Tofu Feast (must visit the old town’s Wang Ji Tofu Shop, their aged tofu and stinky tofu are amazing! Address: 23 Guanyinsi Street) 🍜 Must-try food ✔️ Shiping Tofu: Crispy outside and tender inside aged tofu served with special dipping sauce (recommended to try the small stalls in the vegetable market, more authentic than restaurants) ✔️ Cold Rice Rolls: The most authentic are from the mobile stall in front of the old cinema ✔️ Copper Pot Dishes: A steaming hot copper pot dish in winter is so comforting (the secret dipping sauce from the old brand copper pot shop is a perfect match) 💡 Practical Tips: 1. After arriving at Jianshui High-Speed Rail Station, carpooling takes 40 minutes to reach Shiping (30 RMB/person) 2. The ancient city mostly has stone slab roads, so comfortable flat shoes are recommended 3. From June to August, Yilong Lake has lotus flowers; in September, you can buy fresh lotus seed pods

✨"Misty waters stretch to meet the sky, a small boat flies across the sunset"* — Xu Xiake's poetic depiction of Yilong Lake still captivates hearts today! This comprehensive guide unlocks off-the-beaten-path experiences, helping you avoid crowds and immerse in Yunnan's most healing lakeside scenery! 📍Transport Guide 🚗 Self-drive: Navigate to "Yilong Lake National Wetland Park" (~3.5hrs from Kunming), parking available (hourly fee) 🚌 Bus: Take "County Town-Baxin" bus from Shiping county (15min direct to scenic area) 🎫 Tickets & Opening Hours ✅ Free admission! Open year-round. Boardwalk area accessible 24/7; core wetland area recommended 8:00-18:00 🌟 Must-Do Experiences 1️⃣ Lakeside Boardwalk Stroll A 3km wooden path leads to the lake center, flanked by metasequoias, reeds, and wild ducks. Autumn reddens the trees, while spring-summer brings cherry blossoms. Buy breadcrumbs to feed red-billed gulls for pure bliss! 2️⃣ Lotus Fields & Haicaiqiang Folk Songs Summer (Jul-Sep) transforms the lake with blooming lotuses. Glide through floral seas by boat while encountering Yi ethnic "Haicaiqiang" performances—where intangible heritage meets nature. 3️⃣ Lakeside Cycling & Mini Train Bike along 37km of "China's Most Beautiful Highland Lake Track," or ride the "Zhuangyuan" narrow-gauge train through rice fields and villages for slow-living vibes. 4️⃣ Sunrise/Sunset & Stargazing 🌅 Dawn: Arrive by 6:30 to see rosy clouds paint the lake (best spot: Moshu Xiaowu Viewing Platform) 🌌 Night: Escape light pollution—the Milky Way shines bright! Bring a tripod for star trails. 🍜 Food Recs 📍 Shiping Old Town: Must-try "Shiping Tofu" (charcoal-grilled, crispy outside/tender inside), "Eight-Side Fried Fish," "Waxberry Jelly" 📍 Lakeside Eateries: Savor "Claypot Fish" and "Lotus Banquet"! 📸 Photo Ops 🌸 Lotus Boardwalk: Summer—wear light dresses, low-angle shots with flowers 🌾 Reed Groves: Autumn—knitwear + backlighting for silhouettes 🕊️ Gull Feeding: Toss snacks for action shots (burst mode recommended!) 🏡 Accommodation 🌿 Lakeside Stays: "Shiping Shuiyunju Inn" or "Qingfeng Lakeside Boutique" for wake-up-to-water views 🏯 Heritage Guesthouses: Restored Ming-Qing courtyard houses ooze historical charm. ⚠️ Tips • Wear anti-slip shoes on wet boardwalks; sun protection essential • No littering/unauthorized feeding • Winter: pack windproof layers; Summer: mosquito repellent

Real Experience Stepping into the ancient town of Shiping feels like entering a forgotten era. The town's narrow streets are paved with weathered flagstones that produce crisp echoes underfoot. Unlike crowded tourist spots, you'll find locals casually playing cards or chatting on doorsteps, creating an exceptionally relaxed atmosphere. Well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture stands in harmonious disorder, with every brick, tile, door, and window bearing historical imprints. As you wander, the air carries the aroma of tofu – stop by a street stall to try Shiping's famous crispy-yet-tender grilled tofu while chatting with vendors, and feel time slow down. Practical Guide - Transportation: Shiping County has both high-speed rail and airport connections. For public transport, take high-speed rail/flight first then transfer to local transport; self-driving is more convenient (navigate directly to Shiping Ancient Town). - Accommodation: * Shuiyunju Inn (No.2 North Main Street) offers highly-rated courtyard stays with bridge-crossing rice noodle breakfasts * Shifang Yunyi Train Hotel features creatively converted train carriages * Xinhaiyi Smart Hotel (Yuping Street branch) provides easy access to the ancient town with parking - Food: Beyond renowned Shiping tofu, try: * BBQ skewers (meat/pork skin) * Snacks: purple rice cake, cold rice noodles * Specialties: bayberry spare ribs, eight-sided fried fish - Attractions Route: Follow this cultural trail: Wen Temple → Yuping Academy (Shiping Museum) → Zunjing Pavilion (Dafang Coffee) → Yuan Jiagu's Former Residence (Memorial) → Qihe Tower (Shiping No.1 High School) Tips - The town market operates on dates ending with 5 or 0 (Guanyin Temple Alley), offering affordable produce, flowers, wild herbs, and medicinal plants - All heritage sites are free-entry; please avoid touching or damaging artifacts - Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets - Try various tofu preparations: stuffed, aged, fragrant, or stinky tofu with different dips for unique flavors

🌸 Shiping Ancient City Super Guide | Travel Through a Thousand Years and Encounter the Slow Life of the "Turtle-Back Ancient City" 🌸 ——With Cute Emoji Pack + Practical Tips, Collect it Quickly!—— --- 📍 Must-Visit Attractions 1️⃣ Former Residence of Yuan Jiagu 🏛️ - Address: No. 22 Nanzheng Street | Ticket Price: CNY 10 - Features: The former residence of the No. 1 scholar in the late Qing Dynasty, the quadrangle courtyard has exquisite carvings, and you can experience thread-bound bookbinding and rubbing of inscriptions in the back garden 📜! You can also read books in the library branch and feel the fragrance of books for a hundred years 📖. - Tips: Taking photos in Hanfu is super atmospheric, and it's even more healing to meet the cat "Little Chili" and pet it 🐱! 2️⃣ Shiping Confucian Temple 🎑 - Address: Hanlin Street | Ticket Price: Free - Features: The largest Confucian Temple in southern Yunnan, the inscription "Virtue Matches Heaven and Earth" on the Lingxing Gate is shocking! The stone carvings in the Pan Pool are a must-see for detail lovers. The ancient trees reach the sky, making it suitable for quiet walks 🚶♀️. 3️⃣ Yuping Academy 📚 - Address: Adjacent to the Confucian Temple | Ticket Price: Free - Features: A three-in, four-courtyard house, the words "Dragon Gate" on the gate are super impressive! It used to be the center of the imperial examination culture, but now it is so quiet that you can hear your own footsteps 👣. 4️⃣ Shiping Ancient City Wall 🏯 - Address: Around the ancient city | Ticket Price: Free - Features: The mottled city wall overlooks the entire panorama, and the photos at sunset in the evening are absolutely beautiful 🌇! 5️⃣ Meter-Gauge Railway Train 🚂 - Stations: Baxin Station, Longjing Station, Shiping Station - Features: The French-style waiting room built in 1936 has yellow walls and green eaves, which is super retro! Take the small train through the rice fields and lakes, as if returning to the old days 🚞. --- 🍜 Food Map - Roasted Tofu 🧀: CNY 1/piece on the street, recommended Mali Snacks (crispy on the outside and tender on the inside), Da Niang Er Niang Barbecue Restaurant (more fragrant with roasted milk fan)! - Eight-Sided Fried Fish 🐟: Golden, crispy, and the sauce is sweet and sour. A serving of CNY 40 is very filling! - Tofu Feast 🥢: You can taste a hundred tables of tofu feast at the "Millennium Shiping Flavor" event in Yuan Jiagu Park, with an average of CNY 50 to eat to your heart's content! - Baoxiu Maltose 🍬: CNY 10/pack, sweet to the heart, a must-have gift for visiting relatives and friends! --- 🏡 Accommodation Recommendations - Ancient City Inn 🏮: Guyunxuan (CNY 150–300/night), the wooden structure is super charming, and you can see the ancient alleys when you open the window! - County Hotel 🏨: Huayao Hotel (CNY 200–500/night), fully equipped, 5 min by taxi to the ancient city! --- 🚗 Transportation Guide - Self-driving 🚘: 2.5 hrs from Kunming, toll fee is CNY 100, the scenery along the way is as beautiful as a painting! - High-speed train + bus 🚄: Kunming → Jianshui (1 hr) → transfer to bus to Shiping (30 mins), the total ticket price is CNY 60! - Direct bus 🚌: 6 buses/day from Kunming South Bus Station, CNY 69/person, 3.5 hrs direct! --- 🎉 Special May Day Events (Apr 30–May 5, 2025) - Low-Altitude Economy Sets Sail ✈️: Watch the helicopter performance at Yilong Lake on April 30, and experience aviation research! - Thousand-Person Tofu Feast 🥘: Hundreds of tables of tofu feast in Yuan Jiagu Park on May 3, the intangible cultural heritage song and dance performance is super lively! - Around-the-Lake Football Match ⚽: Football match on the shore of Yilong Lake on May 4, feel the passion of sports! - Ancient City Market 🛍️: Stroll, eat, drink, and have fun every afternoon from 4.30–5.4, Hanfu parade + street concert 🎵! --- 💡 Tips 1️⃣ Sun protection! Yunnan has strong ultraviolet rays, hats + sunglasses + sunscreen are essential! 2️⃣ Wear comfortable shoes 👟: There are many bluestone roads in the ancient city, it is not a dream to walk 20,000 steps~ 3️⃣ Take photos 📸: Avoid peak hours (before 10am/after 4pm), the light and shadow of the ancient houses are super beautiful! 4️⃣ Dialect: Learn the sentence "Duoxie Ga" (thank you), and the locals will instantly smile 😊! --- 🌟 Shiping Ancient City is a touch of tranquility in the hustle and bustle, a perfect blend of history and life 🌟 Take the guide and go on a slow trip! 🚀 (Click here for more details 👉) --- Emoji egg: - Lie down when tired 🛌: "Ancient City Lying Guide, win the holiday by lying down!" - Pat your belly after eating 🤰: "Tofu Feast Warning! Stomach has exploded!" - Don't panic if you get lost 😉: "There are many alleys in Shiping, follow your heartbeat!"

Yunnan Honghe Prefecture Shiping meter-gauge train Experience the Bishi Railway, a branch line of the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway, the only privately-run patriotic train. There are so many stories in the middle, which are very touching Stop at 3 stations: Changshou Village, Yilonghu Station, Baxin Station Round trip is only 80 yuan If you are in time, you can buy a combined ticket to Jianshui

#springwander The Shiping Miniature Train embodies a quiet charm, where time seems to slow and the air carries a hint of wistful nostalgia. Its quaint design and serene surroundings exude an artistic vibe, inviting visitors to bask in its gentle, old-world allure. It’s not just a ride—it’s a passage into simpler times, where the rhythmic hum of the train echoes memories of bygone days. An understated gem that blends sentimental warmth with a touch of creativity. 🚂✨🌿

Shiping, Yunnan offers delicious food, cultural heritage, and natural scenery Yet every attraction maintains a low profile Making it less crowded with tourists During our days in Shiping, we visited the ancient town Rode the mini train, tried the tofu And there's one more place worth recommending - Yilong Lake 🔆While it may not be as stunning as Erhai Lake or Dianchi Lake at first sight It's still a very large lake The scenic area covers about 32 square kilometers With an average depth of 4m It's one of the nine plateau lakes in Yunnan Province And is known as the "Mother Lake" of Shiping people They say Yilong Lake looks like a small dinosaur from above But our drone couldn't fly that high😭 Actually, its name comes from the Yi language word "Yiluohei," meaning "lake formed by dragon's spitting water" You can either circle the lake or take a boat ride The day before, we could see part of Yilong Lake while riding the Shiping mini train You can also take a stroll along the wooden boardwalk that extends into the lake We watched a beautiful sunset at Yilong Lake 🌄Travel Tips: 📍Address: Yilong Lake National Wetland Park 🎫Free admission 🅿️Drive directly to the location, parking lot available 🚴37km ecological corridor around the lake, perfect for cycling 🔆Suggested route: Shiping Yilong Lake National Wetland Park entrance➡️Seagull Viewing Platform➡️Health Theme Park ‼️Besides the scenic lake views and mountains You can watch sunrise and sunset at Yilong Lake Visit in winter for bird watching, the entire ecosystem is excellent 📷Photo spots 1⃣️Lakeside Pavilion, perfect for viewing the lake and capturing sunset 2⃣️For a panoramic view, visit Laihe Pavilion - just a short climb up some stairs for an overlook of Yilong Lake 🌞Tips: ·If time allows, rent a bicycle to circle the lake ·Protect the environment, don't litter ·Don't miss the beautiful sunset during your after-dinner walk

In Yunnan, the two cities of Shiping and Jianshui are very close to each other. Basically, they play on a line. Because of the history of the meter-gauge train Now there are also sightseeing trains for tourists to experience Because I did a lot of strategy before. The internet-famous train in Jianshui next door is so popular again Expensive, crowded So I strongly recommend taking the Shiping train with your friends. 👏I came here twice in total First time visiting Shiping Station Because there is a French coffee shop here. I like it very much I took the train the next morning. Small train guide ⬇️ The train we took was called Yilonghao There are two stops between Shiping Station and Baxin Station. Each site has unique scenery and historical culture The train only runs at 20 kilometers per hour. You can slowly enjoy the scenery along the way 🎫: Off-season price: 80 for round trip, 60 for one way The peak season will increase by 20💰 ⏰Depart at 10:30 am and arrive at Baxin Station at 12:40 pm The return trip departs at 13:40 and arrives at Shiping Station at 15:10 📍Shiping Station Full of French retro style, it feels like traveling back to the Republic of China In fact, tourists who don’t take the train can also go in and take pictures. The locomotive, rails and platforms are all very photogenic. 📍Renshou Station, stop for 30 minutes, is a small village 📍Longjing Station, stop for 40 minutes, connecting to the wetland park on the other side of Yilong Lake 📍Baxin Station is larger than the previous two villages. You can visit the rural scenery and have lunch here at noon. ⭕️Scenery along the way: The best scenery is definitely the scenery along the way. Sit in the train and see the villages, lakes, and local customs along the way. It is recommended to go to the rear of the train for taking photos. The windows on the seats of this small train in Shiping cannot be opened. 🚞tips: ✅The one-way trip takes a little over 2 hours. Each person will be given bottled water. If it is not enough, you can bring some snacks with you. ✅There is no toilet in the car, you can only get off at each stop and go to the station ✅If you drive yourself, you can park your car at Shiping Station and get free parking fees by showing your ticket until 5pm ✅Compared with Jianshui's train, Shiping's train has fewer carriages and carries fewer tourists

Yunnan Honghe Prefecture, the small Shiping City But it has a rich cultural history It is one of the few places in Yunnan known as the "Famous State of Literature"! During the few days in Shiping, in addition to understanding the history and culture of Shiping, There is another place I like very much I came twice in three days🤗 It is a coffee shop next to the Shiping train station. 📍Linlang Garden Right next to the Shiping train station, there is a lush tree in the yard, which looks a bit like a phoenix tree, but I'm not sure! ✅️The store offers coffee, desserts and light snacks The price is similar to that in big cities and the taste is pretty good! ✅️Every room has a French pastoral style, and the corners are super nice for taking photos ✅️In 1915, China's first private railway was dug out between the mountains. Shiping Station is an important station for the Bishi meter-gauge railway. Now it has been converted into a sightseeing train. The old house has also become a restaurant and coffee shop. The sunlight shining through the window on the coffee makes people feel warm~ ☕The little happiness in a strange city may be so simple Wandered around the train station Found this French retro house In the sun, the shadows of the trees in the yard are particularly beautiful on the yellow wall. I went in and found it was a coffee shop. From layout to decoration, every corner has been carefully designed, full of French style and romance. It's so beautiful that it touched my heart🤗 So I ordered coffee and dessert 🍨 Enjoy a relaxing time in the small town 🔆tips 🔴It is not explicitly stated that you cannot visit and take photos. It should be allowed to take photos as long as you do not disturb others. 🔴Jianshui's train needs to be booked in advance, Shiping's train is not so crowded, tickets can be bought on site 🔴If you are tired, just sit here and have a cup of coffee ☕ and enjoy the slow life of Shiping. The average cost is about 40 yuan per person.

Travel to Shiping On the way, we went to an ancient village with a history of more than 600 years - Zhengying Village, known as the "No. 1 Village in Yunnan", which is famous for preserving many complete ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. 🌳 Ancient Village Features: The most distinctive feature is the ancient buildings preserved in the village. Even though we have seen Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings in many places But when I came to Zhengying Village We were especially shocked by the scale and exquisiteness of the Chen and Zheng clan ancestral halls. It is said that there are 403 courtyard houses in the village, 28 of which are intact. 🏚Must-check in at the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and the Zheng Clan Ancestral Hall Two places are large in scale Exquisite wood carvings for architectural decoration The whole building is very symmetrical Walking inside is simple and elegant, time is long ✅️The layout of the ancient village "three streets and nine alleys" It has been preserved since the village was built. Walking in Zhengying Village, it seems as if time has slowed down Feel the unique history, culture and scenery Every blade of grass here Every brick and tile tells an ancient story. 📍Zhengying Village Located in Shiping County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province Shiping Ancient Town is 11 km away No tickets, free admission 🔆tips: ✅️Although it has a long history, it is very small and has few tourists! You can take a leisurely walk in the village! ✅️There is almost no business in the village, only locals live there ✅️The specialty here is hairy crabs. I didn't get to eat them when I went there because it was not in season. ✅️The village is not big, so you can plan about 2 hours to visit it. You must especially visit the Zheng Clan Ancestral Hall and the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall.

Kunming-Jianshui-Yuanyang, a five-day tour with unique experiences every day! This super detailed guide will help you explore these three places. Come and discover the unique charm of Yunnan! -- 🚩Itinerary: DAY1️⃣：Shiping Ancient Town Stroll through the ancient town and experience its rich history and culture. DAY2️⃣：Shiping Ancient Town—Yilong Lake—Jianshui Ancient Town—Jianshui Confucian Temple—Jianshui Seventeen-Arch Bridge Travel between the ancient town and the lake to appreciate the ancient charm of Jianshui and its harmony with nature. DAY3️⃣：Azeke Ancient Village—Yuanyang Rice Terraces—Bada Scenic Area Visit ancient villages, admire the magnificent rice terraces, and experience the wonders of nature. DAY4️⃣：Yuanyang Rice Terraces—Fuxian Lake—Sun Mountain Town Square—Fuxian Lake Enjoy the tranquility of nature and the comfort of the town with the interplay of rice terraces and the lake. DAY5️⃣：Chengjiang Fossil Land Natural History Museum—Dounan Flower Market Trace the origins of life, explore the mysteries of fossils, and experience the sea of flowers at the flower market. -- Recommended Attractions: 🌟 Yuanyang Rice Terraces 🌟🌟 Address: Qingkou, Xinjie Town, Yuanyang County, Honghe Prefecture Opening hours: Open all day Duration: 1–2 days The magnificent sunrise and sunset, and the terraced scenery against the backdrop of golden clouds, will definitely make you linger! 🏯 Jianshui Ancient Town 🏯 Address: Nanzhuang Section, Lin'an Town, Jianshui County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture Opening hours: Open all day Duration: 2–4 hours The ancient buildings here are exquisitely carved. Strolling through the ancient town is like traveling back in time to enjoy the beauty of ancient customs. 🌊 Fuxian Lake 🌊 Address: Chenghua Road, Chengjiang City, Yuxi City, Yunnan Province Opening hours: Open all day Duration: 1 day As the third largest lake in Yunnan, the lake is as clear as a mirror and has a depth of 155 m. It is a good place to relax. 🌸 Dounan Flower Market 🌸 Address: Building 11, Main Venue, Huahua World, Ruixiang West Street, Chenggong District, Kunming City Opening hours: 09:00–21:00 Duration: 1–2 hours This is the largest fresh flower trading market in Asia. It has a complete variety of fresh flowers and is a great place to take photos! 📚 Jianshui Confucian Temple 📚 Address: 268 Lin'an Road, Jianshui County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province Opening hours: 09:00–18:00 Duration: 2 hours Built in the style of the Confucius Temple in Qufu, it has a rigorous layout and magnificent momentum. It is a good place to experience Confucian culture. -- 👜 Packing List: 👕 Clothing: Short-sleeved T-shirts and light jackets to cope with the warm days and cool nights. 👟 Shoes: A pair of comfortable sneakers for sightseeing and long walks. 🎩 Accessories: Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses for sun protection and style, as well as to protect your eyes and skin. 🆔 Documents: ID card, student ID, etc., are necessary for travel, and there are many special offers. 💊 Medicine: Common cold medicine and stomach medicine, just in case. 📷 Other: Camera and power bank to record beautiful moments and keep your devices charged. -- Don't hesitate. Pack this Kunming-Jianshui-Yuanyang travel guide, start your Yunnan journey, and enjoy the blend of beautiful scenery and culture!

The ancient city of Shiping, located in the northwest of Honghe Prefecture, is a renowned cultural city in southern Yunnan with a history spanning over a millennium. Here's a guide to the best ways to experience it: 【Must-See Ancient Architecture】 1. **Yuan Jiagu's Former Residence**: Visit the Qing Dynasty residence of Yuan Jiagu, the only Zhuangyuan (top scholar in the imperial examination) in Yunnan's history. Explore the architectural layout of the four-sided courtyard with five sunken wells and immerse yourself in the culture of the imperial examination system. 2. **Temple of Literature Complex**: Stroll through Shiping's Temple of Literature and Yuping Academy, admiring the largest Ming and Qing Dynasty Confucian architectural complex in southern Yunnan. The carved ceiling of the Dacheng Hall is particularly exquisite. 3. **Ancient Prefecture Yamen Area**: Visit the ruins of the Ming Dynasty Shiping Prefecture Yamen and capture the essence of ancient times in the well-preserved bluestone streets and alleys. 【Local Experiences】 - **Tofu Feast**: Tofu workshops are scattered throughout the ancient city. We recommend trying the charcoal-grilled tofu with a special dipping sauce. In the evening, head to the tofu barbecue night market outside the west gate to experience the lively atmosphere. - **Intangible Cultural Heritage Exploration**: Visit the Wutong Zouyin (copper inlaid with silver) workshop to observe this national-level intangible cultural heritage craft. You can even customize your own silver pieces. 【Nearby Extensions】 - **Yilong Lake Cycling**: Located 3 km from the city, a 36-km cycling path around the lake takes you through wetlands. In winter, observe tens of thousands of rare migratory birds, and in summer, admire the vast lotus fields. - **Baoxiu Ancient Town**: A 20-minute drive away, the wood carvings in the Chen Family Ancestral Hall in Zhengying Ancient Village are considered one of the finest examples in southern Yunnan. The best time to visit is from September to November, when the weather is cool and the Tofu Culture Festival takes place.

Guess where I went recently? Shiping, Yunnan! This place is as beautiful as a painting, but there's one thing that drove me crazy… Shiping isn't exactly big, but it's not small either, with a population of only two to three hundred thousand, much quieter than those popular tourist spots. It's not as famous as Dali or Lijiang, but it has its own unique charm. I spent three days there and felt it wasn't enough! There's one attraction after another: the quaint Zhengying Village, the vast Yilong Lake, the ancient city of Shiping with its rich history, the retro meter-gauge railway—each place has its own unique charm. Yilong Lake is a real treasure; such a large lake is truly unique in a small county town! The lush green grass by the lake is filled with flowers and plants, and many people relax there. It's truly enviable. The environment in Shiping is also amazing! At an altitude of 1,400-1,500 meters, it's neither too hot in the summer nor too cold in the winter, and the air is incredibly fresh, without any industrial pollution. Walking down the street, it's so quiet, unlike the constant hustle and bustle back home. The people of Shiping are also very refined, speaking softly, unlike the loud, flamboyantly dressed aunties in some places. This is probably related to Shiping's rich cultural heritage; after all, it's known as the "Hometown of Scholars" in Yunnan, having produced so many successful imperial examination candidates! But here's the problem: why is it so difficult to find a meal in this heavenly town? First of all, breakfast. Trying to find a place that sells soy milk, youtiao (fried dough sticks), baozi (steamed buns), eggs, or tofu pudding is harder than climbing a mountain! It's all rice noodles everywhere, which I really can't get used to! Even more frustrating is lunch! That day, we went to Yilong Lake and didn't come out to look for food until 1:30 pm. We searched up and down the streets and alleys for a long time, but couldn't find many restaurants! We finally found one, but the chef had already clocked off! We found another, but the door was locked tight, with a sign saying "Open from 11 am to 2 pm," but it was already 2 pm! Finally, we managed to find one that was open, but the waiter said the chef had gone home and told us to wait! We waited and waited, and finally ate lunch at 3:30 pm! I've been traveling for so long, and I've never encountered restaurants that close for lunch! It's so bizarre! Isn't it infuriating? This beautiful little town is let down by its lunchtime situation. Isn't it ironic?

During the New Year, visit the only fossil village in China, Laoxudian Village in Shiping, Yunnan, for a unique experience! Laoxudian is called "Luosuo Da" in the Yi language, which means a place with "Luosuo trees." This village is particularly magical, with houses, walls, and roads almost entirely built with fossils, so people jokingly call it the "most luxurious village." Upon arrival, it feels like entering a large maze made of fossils. The stone-paved road beneath your feet seems to be quietly telling stories from ancient times. The fossil-built walls have particularly clear textures, like traces left by time itself. Each wall resembles a rare fossil exhibition, with each fossil containing a piece of the past, making one marvel at the wonders of nature and how it can create such amazing things. Entering Laoxudian Village feels like stepping into an open-air fossil site. The village stretches from east to west, along the mountain, layer by layer, creating a beautiful and staggered view. The houses here are Yi-style earth houses, paired with ancient and clear fossil textures, giving a sense of solidity and solemnity. The aroma of wine and cooking smoke wafting from narrow doors and low windows adds a sense of wonder, as if stepping into a prehistoric civilization. Three hundred million years ago, this place was a dense forest. Later, a flood occurred, washing away various plants to nearby shoals. After the flood receded, piles of plant remains formed small hills on the shoals. Over time, these remains turned into fossils, and villagers used these fossils to build houses, creating the current "fossil village." If you plan to visit this village, take note. It is relatively remote, suitable for self-driving, with many curves on the road, so drive carefully. Use navigation to get there, and the attractions are free to visit, with convenient dining and accommodation options. The local cuisine is also distinctive, such as Shiping tofu, which is tender and smooth, and tastes great whether fried, stir-fried, boiled, or served cold. There are also various Yi-style grilled meats, marinated with unique spices, grilled to a sizzling perfection, and incredibly fragrant. Be sure to try them! There are also many fun places nearby, such as Shiping Ancient City, worth a visit for its ancient streets and rich historical and cultural atmosphere.

Shilin is a hidden gem in Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It enjoys a spring-like climate all year round and is rarely disturbed by tourists. The city is home to a century-old iron train, a thousand-year-old ancient city, and the beautiful Yilong Lake Wetland Park. Shilin 1-Day Tour Guide First Stop Shilin Ancient City: This historical and cultural city is shaped like a turtle shell and has a well-connected road network. It is known as the hometown of the top scorer in the imperial examination and has a history of more than 2,000 years. The ancient city retains the layout of the Ming Dynasty and is home to many ancient buildings, such as the Shilin Confucian Temple, Shilin Academy, and the county government office. Second Stop The Shilin Station of the narrow-gauge railway was built in 1936. The station has been renovated and the narrow-gauge sightseeing train has been reopened. The Shilin Station retains the original ticket hall and platform, and the line to Baxin, Tuanshan, and Jianshui has been reopened. The lowest ticket price is CNY 40 for a hard seat from Shilin to Baxin, and CNY 120 for a round-trip hard seat from Shilin to Jianshui. Third Stop Yilong Lake Yilong Lake is a plateau lake connecting Shilin County and Baxin Town in Yunnan Province. Its history can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. Attractions: Lake embankment, water pavilion, wooden arch bridge, and plank road. You can ride a bike or take a walk along the lake. Fourth Stop Haishan Pavilion Ruicheng Haishan Pavilion consists of Laicrane Pavilion, Wenchang Pavilion, and Kuixing Pavilion. It was built in the Ming Dynasty. You can enjoy a panoramic view of Yilong Lake from the top. Admission is free.

Shiping Ancient City is a living history museum. Entering the city gate is like opening a heavy book, and the streets and alleys are full of humanistic customs. "Five steps, three scholars, two Hanlin scholars across the door", this small city is full of talents, and its cultural heritage is as deep as the land under its feet. On the street, the inheritors of intangible cultural heritage are concentrating on their skills; in the courtyard, the elderly are basking in the sun and chatting. Find this pure land in the noisy world and feel the peace of time.

Shiping is low-key, luxurious and meaningful. Shiping is really a small, low-key treasure town. Here you can find Yilóng Lake, one of the nine plateau lakes in Yunnan, a nostalgic small railway station like Jianshui Mengzi, red-billed gulls as greedy as the Haigeng Dam, luxurious houses in Zhengying Ancient Village, delicious Shiping tofu and the living Shiping Ancient City, which is clean, quiet, comfortable and leisurely. The key is that none of the above will follow the crowd, you can appreciate and taste them quietly, which feels quite suitable for long-term residence.

I have lived in Yunnan for half a year. I found a small town that is super good for lying down. It is the place where the first top scholar in Yunnan was born. There are many exquisite ancient buildings. Route arrangement: Kunming/Jianshui-Shiping Ancient City-Confucian Temple, Museum-Yuan Jiagu Memorial Hall-Qihe Tower-Yilong Lake-Shiping Small Train-Baxin Town-Huilan Bridge Pavilion-One return trip. Must-visit: Shiping Ancient City. The turtle-shaped ancient city with a history of more than 600 years has a super lively atmosphere. Sit in a street-side grilled tofu shop, find a coffee shop and sit down. It feels like time has slowed down.

| A cultural treasure hidden in time. Shiping is like a low-key gem, exuding a simple and tranquil cultural light. Compared to the hustle and bustle of Lijiang and Dali Ancient Town, there are few tourists here, and the slow pace of life makes it an ideal choice for a leisurely stroll. Transportation Guide There are many ways to get to Shiping from Kunming. You can take a bullet train to Jianshui and then transfer to a bus, which takes only 1 hour, and enjoy the idyllic scenery of southern Yunnan along the way. You can also take a direct bus from Kunming South Bus Station, with 6 buses per day, costing CNY 69 per person, and taking about 3.5 hours. If you choose to drive, it takes about 2.5 hours to reach this quiet town, and you can stop and enjoy the scenery at any time. Travel Guide If you choose to transfer in Jianshui, it is recommended to arrange a 2-day, 1-night trip. On the first day, immerse yourself in the ancient charm of Shiping Ancient Town. - Shiping Confucian Temple: Located on Beizheng Street, Yilong Town, the stone carvings of the Pan Pond are exquisitely carved, and the ancient architecture is full of charm. It is now a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit, open to the public for free, where you can deeply feel the profound cultural heritage of Shiping. - Shiping Museum: Adjacent to the Confucian Temple and Yuping Academy. The words "Longmen" at the entrance are eye-catching, and the museum has a rich collection of exhibits that vividly showcase the past of Shiping. It is also open to the public for free and is a great place to learn about local history. - Shiping Narrow-Gauge Train: Built in 1936, it is the terminus of the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway branch line. The waiting room is a two-story French-style building with yellow tiles, green eaves, and yellow walls, full of exotic charm. It is a great place to take photos and does not require a ticket, as if you can travel back in time. In addition, Qihe Tower, Zunjing Pavilion, and Yuan Jiagu's Former Residence are also worth a visit. The next day, head to Yilong Lake, one of the nine major plateau lakes in the province, with a beautiful cycling greenway around the lake. Rent a bicycle and ride along with the breeze and the beautiful scenery. The daily rental fee is about CNY 40, and you can enjoy the tranquility and beauty. Food and Accommodation Recommendations You can stay near Shiping Ancient Town, where there are many hotels with an average price of over CNY 100, making it convenient for travel and dining. As for food, grilled tofu is a must-try. Mali Snacks, Auntie Erniang BBQ, and Bai Laosan are a few small shops with unique flavors that will immerse your taste buds in the local atmosphere of Shiping. Travel Tips - Sun Protection: The sun in Shiping is strong, so be sure to take sun protection measures when cycling or strolling through the ancient town to prevent sunburn. - Travel Tips: There are few shared bikes in the county, and travel mainly relies on taxis or walking. However, the town is not large, and walking is a better way to experience the local customs and culture. - Cultural Relics Protection: There are many cultural relics in the ancient town, so be sure to follow the rules when taking photos and protect these precious historical relics to safeguard the cultural treasures of Shiping. Shiping, this low-key "cultural treasure," is quietly waiting for visitors to explore its unique charm and embark on an unforgettable cultural journey.

In Yunnan Playing with seagulls at Yilong Lake outside Shilin Ancient Town Yilong Lake has a large water surface and is not far from the ancient town. The wooden plank road on the water is more than 1,000 meters long. The red-billed gulls here are very close to tourists. Sometimes they play with tourists, and sometimes they rest on the railing. They are not afraid of people. After visiting the Shilin Small Train Ancient Station, I went to Yilong Lake on my way back to Jianshui. It was a pleasant experience.

Chen's Ancestral Hall is located in Zhengying Village, Baoxiu Town, Shiping County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It was built in 1925 and covers an area of 2,577 square meters.

Shiping Confucian Temple is located on Beizheng Street, Yilong Town, Shiping County. It was first built during the Zhizheng period of the Yuan dynasty, rebuilt in the 22nd year of the Hongwu period of the Ming dynasty, renovated and expanded in the 2nd year of the Jiajing period and the 5th year of the Tianqi period of the Ming dynasty, and renovated again during the Shunzhi and Qianlong periods of the Qing dynasty. The temple is 33.75 meters wide and 96.33 meters deep, covering an area of 4,257 square meters, and faces south. The existing buildings include Lingxing Gate, Pan Pond, Dacheng Hall, Xianshi Hall, and Zunjing Pavilion. The stone carvings on the railings of Pan Pond are exquisite. It is now a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit.

We discovered Shilin Confucius Temple while enjoying grilled tofu in Shilin. The owner told us that it is a genuine ancient building with a history of hundreds of years. After our meal, we visited the temple, which is free to enter. Upon entering, we were greeted by the Lingxing Gate, which is lavishly decorated with flying eaves and dougong brackets. Compared to similar buildings in the Central Plains, it is more ornate. It seems that ancient buildings in Yunnan are all very particular about this, though I don't know why. The Pan Pond behind the Lingxing Gate is quite large, with a long bridge lying across it, leading directly to the Dacheng Gate and Dacheng Hall. As a temple dedicated to Confucius, the Confucius Temple has always been one of the most important ritual buildings in every city, representing the highest level of architectural art at the time. Shilin Confucius Temple has preserved the Ming Dynasty style well, allowing visitors to feel a touch of the distant Ming Dynasty.

The first ancient relic in Shiping Ancient City is Shiping County Yamen, which was the location of Shiping County Yamen in the Ming and Qing Dynasties and has a history of hundreds of years. Upon entering the gate, this is one of the more unique ones we have seen. After all, we have seen many county yamen gates, but this is the first time we have seen a stone gate tower. It looks like a stone castle, which looks quite majestic and refreshing. The shocking part is when you enter the gate. The yamen courtyard is full of vehicles. At first, we were wondering why this scenic spot would allow people to park their cars in. When we got closer, we found out that they were all official vehicles of the county government. This is probably the most surprising place for us. The ancient Shiping County Yamen is still the location of today's Shiping County Government. Looking at the antique buildings and windows and the modern office equipment and uniformed staff behind the doors, it really gives people a strong sense of time travel. However, this is also a good protection and utilization of ancient buildings. Houses are the kind of things that can be preserved for a long time only if there are people. Houses without people will collapse in a few years. The architecture of Shiping County Yamen is quite simple. There is only one courtyard when you enter the gate. Of course, it may also be because only this part is retained. The two big trees in front of the main building are lush and green, forming a sharp contrast with the yellow walls and red windows of the county yamen building behind, which is very beautiful. The stone pillar bases of the two wooden pillars of the main gate are directly made into two stone lions, which is also an amazing idea.

Some say that Yunnan is where dreams begin, and Zhengying Ancient Village is the softest heart of this dream. 🌄🏡 Here, time seems to be frozen, and every brick and tile whispers the past glory. In the early morning of Zhengying, the mist is light, and the fishing boat sings in the evening on the surface of Chirui Lake. 🌫🛶 When you walk into this ancient village in the morning glow, it seems to travel through time and space, back to the era when the carriages were slow and the letters were far away. Walking on the bluestone road, on both sides are ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, wooden houses, courtyard layout, every corner, every window lattice, are carved with traces of time. 🏡🪟 Chen's Ancestral Hall, this late Qing Dynasty building, with its majestic posture and exquisite wood carving art, tells the pride of Zhengying people. 🕍🏰 Here, you can see those ancient ancestral halls and feel the heavy family honor. Don't forget to go to Zheng's Ancestral Hall and Wu's Ancestral Hall, where the carvings and calligraphy and paintings will also make you feel worthwhile. 🖌🖼 If you are tired, find a small shop to sit down and taste the local Shiping tofu. The unique taste will make you memorable. 🍲😋 If it happens to be the season, the hairy crabs in Chirui Lake are not to be missed. Here, you can slow down and experience a real slow life. 🚶🌳 Shuttle in the alleys of the ancient village, daze by the Chirui Lake, or in the classroom of Zhengying Primary School, listen to the wind telling ancient stories. When night falls, the lights of the ancient village gradually light up, and Zhengying under the starry sky has a different flavor. 🌃🏮 Here, you will find that life can be so simple, but so beautiful. So, if you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city and want to find a trace of tranquility and history, Zhengying Ancient Village is definitely your best choice. 🌟 Put on your most comfortable shoes, bring a heart willing to travel, come to Zhengying Ancient Village, and experience a different time travel! 👣🧳

Departing from Mojiang and heading north along the expressway, we headed east towards Mengzi after passing Yuanjiang. After all, we came to Yunnan, so how could we not visit Honghe Prefecture? The first stop in Honghe, we came to Shiping. We originally planned to have lunch here and taste the famous Shiping tofu, but we found a hidden treasure tourist town. First of all, Shiping is an ancient city full of historical heritage. The ancient city of Shiping is well preserved and is a living ancient city. Various buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Republic of China, and the 1960s and 1970s are gathered in one city. Walking in the city, you can see the historical context of hundreds of years. The Shiping wind that Shiping is named after is in the ancient city of Shiping. This is a large white stone eroded by running water with countless holes, which is called Shiping wind, which is quite interesting. The Confucian Temple in the ancient city of Shiping has been transformed into the Shiping Museum. The original Shiping County Yamen is now the office of the Shiping County Government. The protection and utilization of ancient buildings are quite good. Shiping also has an important architectural relic, that is, the railway. The end of the Ge Bi Shi Railway was in Shiping. This railway full of French style was a railway built entirely by Chinese people. It has important historical significance. The current Shiping Railway Station has been transformed into a museum to record this history. Outside the city of Shiping, there is another charming attraction-Yilong Lake. There are several large lakes on the land of Yunnan. Yilong Lake is one of them. The lake and mountains are integrated, the scenery is beautiful, and people are intoxicated. It adds a beautiful natural scenery to the ancient city of Shiping. In general, Shiping is an unexpected journey in our journey. It was originally a transit station to Jianshui Mengzi, but it made us stay for a day and quietly appreciate the natural and cultural style of this ancient city.

Shi Ping Mini Train is a meter-gauge train located at Yilong Town Railway Station. The entire line is 29.1 km long. It departs from Shi Ping Station and passes through Renshou Village Station, Longjing Station, and Baxin Station before arriving at Jianshui Tuanshan Station. The mini train has 7 carriages, divided into lake view soft seats, soft seats, and hard seats. It can accommodate 240 people when full. It departs from Shi Ping Station at 8:30 every morning, stays at each station for 40 minutes, and the entire journey is nearly 3 hours. Shi Ping Mini Train is not only a sightseeing route, but also carries rich historical and cultural significance. It is the only meter-gauge railway in China (part of the Bishi Railway). The entire line was opened to traffic in 1936, with a total length of 72.6 km. It has created several records in the history of railway construction, including the narrowest gauge, the smallest train, the longest construction time, and the slowest speed. This railway is also one of the earliest private railways in China, reflecting the development history of China's railways. In addition, the journey of Shi Ping Mini Train also passes through lakes and mountains, rural villages, allowing passengers to enjoy the beautiful scenery while also feeling the historical vicissitudes of the Bishi Railway. Each station passed during the journey is full of exploration value. From Shi Ping Station to Jianshui Tuanshan Station, each station has its unique scenery and historical and cultural background.

The history of the ShiPing MiGui Mini Train can be traced back to the early 20th century. Its predecessor was the GeBiShi Railway (GeJiu-MengZi-JianShui-ShiPing Railway), which is a railway line of great historical significance. The GeBiShi Railway began construction in 1915 and was fully operational in 1936. It is 177 kilometers long and is one of the earliest private railways in China's history. The construction of this railway ended the long-term dependence on human transportation in the ShiPing area. The railway starts at MengZi BiSe Village, passes through GeJiu and LinAn (JianShui), and finally arrives at ShiPing. The whole journey is 177 kilometers. It uses a unique inch-track layout with a track gauge of only 60 centimeters. From the start of construction in 1915 to the arrival of the train in ShiPing Ancient City in 1936, this railway witnessed the vicissitudes of the two ancient cities in HongHe Prefecture.