Shiping | A Cultural Treasure Hidden in Time

| 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.