Tuanshan Village is a peaceful place that has withstood 600 years of wind and rain. It is known as the "Loulan Ancient Kingdom of Yunnan" and is the final stop of the "Honghe Song" slow train journey. The narrow alleys and bluestone roads are lined with ancient houses, and every step you take bears the marks of time. Strolling along the stone steps and paths, you will feel as if you have traveled back in time, and your heart will be filled with endless emotions.
boggy.deeanna
The living ancient village - Tuanshan Village.
This 600-year-old village is inhabited by Zhangs. It is said that during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, a Zhang family settled in Tuanshan Village and thrived, becoming a large clan. Many people in the family went to the old mine to make money and then returned to build houses, gradually forming a large group of buildings with Central Plains culture, the most famous of which is "Zhangjia Garden". "Tuanshan" in the Yi language means a place with mountains, water, gold and silver. It is built on the mountain, surrounded by lakes and canals, fertile land, spring all year round, and it is indeed a geomantic treasure. So far, there are still residents living in Tuanshan Village, continuing the centuries-old fireworks.
uppergave69
The original village retains the appearance of the 19th century, blending the architectural styles of the Central Plains and the Yi people.
Tuanshan Folk House is located in Jianshui County, Yunnan Province. It is a Han immigrant village in southern Yunnan, mainly surnamed Zhang. The original village here retains the appearance of the 19th century, blending the architectural styles of the Central Plains and the Yi people. Tuanshan Folk House is known for its exquisite wood carvings, stone carvings and brick carvings, and is known as the "most exquisite ancient residential group in Yunnan". The ancient buildings in the village include temples, ancestral halls, and village gates. Among them, Zhangjia Garden and Huang'en Mansion are the most representative. The architectural complex of Tuanshan Folk House was listed as the "World Memorial Architectural Heritage Protection List" in 2006, and was listed as the seventh batch of national key cultural relics protection units by the State Council in 2013.
The Culinary Explorer
A lesser-known village in Yunnan, a representative of traditional dwellings, exquisitely overall, with few visitors coming to play!
"A hundred-foot pavilion with a sturdy base, carved beams and painted rafters spread fame, Tuanshan dwellings hidden in the deep mountains, as if a paradise on earth appears."
Tuanshan, a Ming and Qing architectural complex located in Jianshui, Yunnan, still preserves 16 Qing dynasty residential buildings, 4 fortress gates, and 1 ancestral hall to this day. What's rare is that most of these old houses are still inhabited by the descendants of the original owners, retaining the authentic atmosphere of life.
Tuanshan Village is located 13 kilometers west of Jianshui, Yunnan. The village is not large and is also the last stop of the Jianshui popular mini train.
Tuanshan used to be inhabited by the Yi people, and during the Ming Dynasty, Han people migrated here. Over the years, Tuanshan dwellings seem to have become a forgotten corner of time, with scattered houses unfolding like a historical scroll, telling the tale of those bygone days.
East Gate: The main entrance of Tuanshan Village, facing outward, with gun holes on the gate tower for defending against bandits.
Zhang Family Garden: The largest scale residential complex, with three courtyards, an independent watchtower, and a fortress gate.
Huang'en Mansion: A two-courtyard representative, with 3 wells inside that are said to cook rice of different colors.
General's Mansion: The house owner, Zhang He, once led the people to quell banditry and was appointed by the Yunnan governor Cai E as the camp manager and inspector, and was awarded the plaque of "General's Mansion".
Sima Mansion: The only major household in the village not surnamed Zhang. Pay attention to the screen doors in the front courtyard, each telling a folk story.
Touring order:
After entering from the scenic spot entrance, turn right into the alley by the East Gate wall, first visit the General's Mansion, then tour Zhang Family Garden.
Continue along the path, from Zhang Family Ancestral Hall to Scholar's Mansion, and finally come out of the East Gate to complete the circuit.
Address:
Tuanshan Village, Xizhuang Town, Jianshui County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province
Opening hours: All year round from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Transportation:
1. Mini train version:
Depart from Lin'an Station, pass through Shuanglong Bridge (30-minute stop), Duo Hui Bridge (20-minute stop), and finally arrive at Tuanshan Village (90-130 minute stay) before returning;
Departure times: Two round trips daily.
Morning: Departs at 9:00, arrives at Tuanshan Village at 10:50
Returns at 13:00, arrives at Lin'an Station at 13:45
Afternoon: Departs at 14:30, arrives at Tuanshan Village at 16:20
Returns at 17:50, arrives at Lin'an Station at 18:35
The morning train stays longer at Tuanshan station, recommended!
Ticket price: 120 yuan for a round trip
1. Purchase in advance during peak season
2. Purchase on-site during off-season
Admission: 35 yuan
2. Self-drive or bus
(1) Bus: Take route 19 to Tuanshan dwellings (5 yuan/person)
(2) Electric bike rental: 45 yuan per day (24 hours)
PS:
1. Transportation pros and cons
(1) Mini train
Pros: Riding the mini train, passing through ancient villages and bridges, lotus ponds, with a faint sense of nostalgia, experiencing slow time
The carriage interior combines features from the Republic of China period and French style, with exotic decorations, great for taking photos
Cons: The best viewing time for Shuanglong Bridge is in the evening, and the stop at Duo Hui Bridge is too short
(2) Electric bike
Pros: Avoid crowds along the way and have ample time to fully enjoy each scenery
Cons: You may get sunburned on sunny days
2. Clothing:
Wear a pair of comfortable shoes, as the village roads are paved with large stones or pebbles, which can be uncomfortable; it is recommended to wear bright-colored clothes, which stand out in photos
3. Photographing the mini train
The mini train has a long stop at Tuanshan station, allowing time to take photos after all passengers have disembarked. However, it is currently not allowed to board the train for photos, so you can only take pictures of the outside of the train, and it's a pity that you can't take pictures inside
EverlyYoung
【Colorful Clouds of the South · Jianshui Ancient Charm】Tuanshan Residence (I): World Heritage
【Tuanshan Residence: A Model of Precious World Cultural Heritage】 Tuanshan, in the Yi language, means 'a place with gold and silver'. The village is located 13 kilometers away from Jianshui County Town, built on a slope, backed by continuous green mountains, facing fertile fields and paddies, inhabited by the Zhang family clan. There are currently 16 traditional residences, 4 village gates, 3 temples, and 1 ancestral hall, along with a batch of rammed earth buildings that represent a fusion of Yi and Han cultures, covering an area of more than 180,000 square meters, with a building area of 16,158 square meters. Its well-preserved original appearance, compact layout, and rich spatial traditional architecture, as well as the exquisite materials and craftsmanship of the wood carvings, stone carvings, and brick carvings, highlight the typical characteristics of southern Yunnan residential architecture and reflect the essence of Chinese traditional culture. It is not only the pinnacle of Yunnan's traditional residential architecture but also the best evidence of the history of southern Yunnan's industrial and commercial development.
In 2006, it was listed in the World Monumental Architectural Heritage Directory. The World Monumental Heritage Foundation believes: 'The buildings here have a dignified appearance, decorated with highly valuable and exquisitely elegant wood-carved lattice windows, finely carved wood, stone, and brick reliefs, and very beautiful painted decorations, which are extremely rare and untouched examples of precious heritage in the world.'
GRAHAM PITTMAN
Tuanshan Residence Travel Guide (take the Jianshui little train)
Tuanshan Residence refers to the ancient Tuanshan village on the west side of Jianshui Old Town in Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan. Today, it still largely retains the appearance from two hundred years ago, at the end of the Qing Dynasty, where the Han and Yi cultures of Yunnan merged. The houses in the village all face east, with roofs covered in green tiles and exterior walls plastered with white lime. The eaves are upturned, and when combined with the exquisite local wood carvings, they exude a unique charm of multiculturalism.
🚉 Jianshui Little Train:
The Jianshui Little Train is a short section of the century-old Yunnan-Vietnam Railway narrow-gauge railway. The current sightseeing route, which starts from the old Jianshui station, is 13 kilometers long and takes about 4 hours for a round trip. Along the way, it passes through Shuanglong Bridge Station and Xianghui Bridge Station, but the free time at these two stations is only about half an hour each, so the time to visit nearby old buildings is quite tight.
Tuanshan Station, as the end of the line, has a train stop of nearly two hours, so there is ample time to visit Tuanshan Residence. The morning train stays at Tuanshan Residence from about 10:30 to 13:00, and the afternoon train from about 16:00 to 18:00. The morning train stops for an extra half hour, but the afternoon train's stay, with the sunset light, is more suitable for photography.
📝 Time Allocation to Avoid Crowds:
To save unnecessary time, after getting off at Jianshui Train Tuanshan Station, you can take a free shuttle bus directly to Tuanshan Residence. The residence is actually built on a small hill south of the railway track, forming a village nestled against the mountain, with a small pond in between. Since it's not far, it only takes about ten minutes to walk from the village to the railway track, and if you have plenty of time when descending the hill, you can choose to walk.
Entering the village from the tourist center, you'll be near the East Village Gate. From here, there are two main routes to the left and right. Most tourists from the same train choose the right side, heading to the most famous Zhang Family Garden and North Village Gate. Therefore, you can choose to first take the left route, heading to the Scholar's Mansion, Sima's Residence, South Village Gate, etc. These places are not as well-preserved as the buildings on the right, but choosing the opposite direction can help avoid the crowds.
The small bridges, flowing water, and farmland near Tuanshan Station, as well as the narrow-gauge railway, are also good spots for photography. If time allows, there's no need to rush back to the train; a stroll in the vicinity might bring some special surprises.
Evelyn.Robinson.57
How are the Han people who moved to the Yi village 600 years ago doing? (Includes a guide to sightseeing, eating, and drinking)
Tuanshan Village in Jianshui is a typical southern Yunnan Han immigrant village, with the largest surname being the Zhang family, who moved from Poyang County in Jiangxi during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty. Due to adhering to the family motto of 'endurance' for 600 years, the descendants are progressive, the family is thriving, and those who are successful all return to their hometown to build luxurious houses to honor their family. Therefore, the village's architecture includes both traditional Han and Yi buildings, as well as a mix of Han and Yi styles, representing a perfect fusion of local tradition and foreign culture.
There are 15 well-preserved large residential buildings in Tuanshan Village, as well as 3 fortress gates and temples, and one ancestral hall, which are precious world commemorative architectural heritage.
The village has earthen walls and doors carved with dragons and phoenixes, exuding an ancient and elegant beauty.
Many elderly people still live in the village, leading simple and honest lives. The afternoons are a time for leisure and entertainment, with lively card games and chats.
The largest mansion in the village is Zhang Family Garden, with a three-section courtyard, as well as an independent watchtower and fortress gate, which visitors can enter and explore.
The Si Ma Di is said to be the only mansion in Tuanshan Village not bearing the Zhang surname.
The cost of living in Tuanshan Village is very low, with freshly squeezed juice costing only 10 yuan for a large cup and tasting great.
When in Jianshui, remember to try the roasted tofu, also known as Lin'an Shao Tofu, a traditional local specialty snack that became famous after being featured on 'A Bite of China'. The Yunnan surround-hearth roasted tea, which has become popular across the country in recent years, has made roasted tofu famous nationwide. I've tried two types of roasted tofu; the hard dried tofu kind is not tasty, but the soft and slightly stinky stinky tofu is my favorite.
The local specialty wild vegetable in spring is grass sprouts, a plant that grows in water and looks a bit like the white part of a green onion, very tender and fresh.
There's also sweet white liquor, which is probably something like fermented glutinous rice, cool and sweet, very delicious.
🌸 Tuanshan Residences
Address: Tuanshan Village, Xizhuang Town, Jianshui County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture
Opening hours: 9:00-18:00
Ticket price: 33 yuan/adult
The parking lot is not very large, but the service is good. Both the village and the parking lot have very nice restrooms.
Natalie Martin
Jianshui Guide | Authentic Yunnan Ming and Qing Dynasty Ancient Architecture Group - Tuanshan Ancient Village
Tuanshan Station
is the last stop of the Jianshui narrow-gauge train journey
The main purpose of this stop is to visit Tuanshan Village
Tuanshan Village near Jianshui Ancient Town
was historically inhabited by the Yi ethnic group
The village name means 'a place to hide gold and silver'
It has a rich ethnic culture and historical relics
Travel tips:
Tuanshan Village is not very big, the train reserves 1 hour and 50 minutes, which is ample time. You can take a leisurely walk after getting off the train and see the main attractions such as Zhang Family Garden, Fengshui Tree, General's Land, Liuyuan, Dongzhaimen, Zhang Family Ancestral Hall, etc. The residential buildings have largely retained the original Ming and Qing architectural styles. In 2006, it was included in the World Monuments Watch list of 100 Most Endangered Sites. Recommended for friends who like ancient architecture to check in.
Tuanshan Village is not very commercialized, there are only a few restaurants at the entrance of the village where tourists can have a simple meal. The village is very quiet, with few people, mostly elderly from the village. There is one guesthouse in the village, and unless there is a special need, it is generally not recommended to stay here as it is inconvenient to access and there is not much to do
When leaving the village, there are electric carts at the entrance that can take tourists back to the train station, with a fare of 3 yuan per person
For more Jianshui travel strategies, you can refer to my other Jianshui notes
Each note shared is a precious travel tip
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Jianshui Ancient Town Jianshui Mini Train Lin'an Ancient Town Narrow Gauge Train Theme Park Tuanshan Residential Buildings Tuanshan Village
nirelith_0922
Tuanshan Folk Houses | A Different Yunnan Jianshui
Jianshui's little train Tuanshan station is the last stop of the journey, once a settlement of the Yi people, the villagers symbolize it as a place 'to store gold and silver', rich in ethnic culture and historical relics!
📝Note tips: The place is not very big, and the train stops for an hour and 50 minutes, which is more than enough time to have a good look around.
The main attractions to visit include: Zhang Family Garden, General's Land, Fengshui Number, Zhang Family Ancestral Hall, Dongzhaimen, etc.
Walking here, you will find that after a century of baptism, the once colorful decorations have faded, and there are cracks in the walls, but isn't this an even better testimony to history? Following the villagers along the way, listening to their stories about the village's history, feeling the breath of their daily life, isn't this the tranquility that travel seeks?
OliverFitzgerald36
Don't miss this living ancient village in Yunnan, free from commercial atmosphere
In 2006, it was listed on the World Monumental Architectural Heritage Conservation Register, an honor bestowed upon only a few hundred villages.
Everywhere you can feel the strong sense of life:
Houses with ancient architecture are still inhabited, without noisy streets or hurried pedestrians, only leisurely villagers. They enjoy basking in the sun under big trees or on stone steps, chatting and playing cards, engaging in small rattan craft businesses... Life is leisurely and unhurried, enviable indeed.
The architecture is exceptionally exquisite:
With whitewashed walls and black tiles, upturned eaves and flying corners, ancient residences adorned with carved beams and painted rafters have withstood more than 600 years of vicissitudes. The exquisitely beautiful doors, windows, wood carvings, brick carvings, stone carvings, and couplets and paintings inside the courtyards are still well-preserved today.
The village has over 20 Qing Dynasty buildings, 3 fortress gates, and I particularly like the Suocui Tower, which is featured on the cover. There are also many traditional Yi clay mansions, with mottled walls that bear the traces of time. The climate is pleasant, and the flowers and plants are lush:
While we are still in the depths of winter, it's already spring here. Friends who like architecture and cultural photography should not miss this place!
Tuan Mountain Residences
Main attractions: Zhang Family Garden, Zhang Clan Ancestral Hall, General's Mansion, Sima Mansion, Scholar's Mansion, Imperial Grace Mansion, Dacheng Temple
Ticket price: 35, it seems to be cheaper to buy online
Transportation: You can take a small train from Jianshui, or take a bus or drive yourself, about 15 kilometers from Jianshui Ancient Town, and you can get there in just over half an hour
V1x3n_N1ghtf1r3
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.
SavvySaverSquad
A city to slowly walk, slowly watch, slowly taste, and slowly reminisce
The ancient city is not very large, about 2 square kilometers. Living in the ancient city, the scenic spots are relatively close, all can be reached on foot. Zhu's garden is very beautiful, you need to ask a guide to explain slowly. After three generations of repairs, it's very exquisite.
ambrosialbrianna
Tuan Shan Residence
Tuan Shan Residence is located 13 kilometers west of Jianshui Ancient City. Historically, it was the residence of the Yi people, who called it 'Tusheer' in Yi language, meaning 'the place where gold and silver are hidden'. The village is built on a slope, backed by green mountains, facing the fertile Xizhuang Dam, Lujiang River, Ge Bishi Railway, and Jishi Expressway passing through the village from east to west, making transportation very convenient and having a good natural ecological environment. It is also referred to as the living fossil of the architectural world.
Mia_Donovan23
Jianshui Ancient City - A stroll between the cultural treasures and historical imprints of Yunnan
Located in the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province, the ancient city of Jianshui is a little-known cultural treasure. Here, not only is there a long history, but also a large number of ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties are preserved, which is a microcosm of Yunnan's profound cultural heritage.
【A place where history and culture have settled】
The ancient city of Jianshui was the center of culture in southern Yunnan in history, and still preserves many exquisite traditional houses, temples, and courtyards. The most famous is the Tuan Shan residence with a history of hundreds of years. The historical buildings such as the Double Dragon Bridge, Zhu Family Garden, and Tuan Shan architectural complex provide examples for the study of residential architecture during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
【Aesthetic display of unique architecture】
The buildings in the ancient city of Jianshui mostly use red sandstone, which is unique in shape and well preserved. The Zhu Family Garden in the ancient city, known as the 'Grand View Garden of Southern Yunnan', is famous for its exquisite architecture, exquisite brick carvings, stone carvings, and wood carvings. The famous Double Dragon Bridge is a multi-arch stone bridge with Chinese classical garden style, which is a must-visit place for photography enthusiasts.
【Travel Guide】
Best travel time: Spring is the best time to visit Jianshui, when the climate is pleasant and the scenery is picturesque.
How to get there: The ancient city of Jianshui is about 3 hours drive from Kunming, you can choose to drive or take a bus.
Ticket information: Most attractions do not require tickets, some privately operated attractions such as Zhu Family Garden need to buy tickets.
Accommodation suggestions: There are many characteristic inns and hotels inside and outside the ancient city, where you can experience the traditional Naxi style.
Food recommendations: Jianshui tofu, crossing the bridge rice noodles and other Yunnan snacks should not be missed.
Tour tips: It is recommended that tourists wear comfortable shoes, most attractions can be visited on foot, experiencing the leisurely life of the ancient city.
【Conclusion】
The ancient city of Jianshui is an ideal tourist destination. It not only has a rich cultural and historical background, but also offers endless natural scenery and simple folk customs for tourists to imagine. Here, every ancient building, every stone road tells a past story, every trip is a spiritual exchange and precipitation. Under the sky of Yunnan, Jianshui is waiting for travelers from all over the world to discover and experience with its unique charm.