Yunnan is home to a rich cultural heritage and picturesque ancient towns. These ancient towns, with their well-preserved architecture, traditional culture, and unique charm, attract numerous tourists from around the world.
Lijiang Ancient Town
The Lijiang Ancient Town
Lijiang Ancient Town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most famous ancient towns in Yunnan Province. Located at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang Ancient Town is known for its orderly layout, cobblestone streets, and well-preserved Naxi architecture. The characteristic of this ancient town is its intricate network of canals, wooden houses with upturned eaves, and ancient stone bridges. The Mu's Residence, a grand traditional Naxi mansion, and the Black Dragon Pool, a scenic park with a reflective pond, are must-visit attractions in Lijiang. The vibrant culture of town, including the Dongba symbols and ancient music of Naxi, adds to its allure.
Ticket price: No admission fee
Travel time: Opening hours are from 8 a.m. to 23 p.m, with the south and east gates as the main entrances and the West and north gates as secondary entrances.
Shaxi Ancient Town
The Shaxi Ancient Town
Shaxi Ancient Town, situated in Jianchuan County, is a hidden gem in Yunnan. This ancient town, a bustling trade hub on the Tea Horse Road, retains its ancient charm with well-preserved ancient architecture and a tranquil atmosphere. The iconic Xingjiao Temple, with its intricate wooden carvings and serene courtyards, is a cultural highlight of Shaxi. The town is also a gateway to the surrounding Shibaoshan Mountain, known for its stone carvings and scenic hiking trails.
Travel Price: The scenic area is free of charge, and internal projects require additional charges.
Travel Time: Shaxi Ancient Town 09:00-16:00, specific to the actual public information of the scenic spot on the day shall prevail.
The Dali Ancient Town
Dali Ancient Town
Dali Ancient Town, located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain and along the shores of Erhai Lake, is another famous ancient town in Yunnan. This ancient town, inhabited by the Bai ethnic minority, is known for its well-preserved city walls, ancient gates, and traditional Bai architecture. The ancient city has four gates, each corresponding to a different scenic spot, the eastern gate is the Erhai Gate. The north gate is the food stall where you can experience the local cuisine.
Travel Price:No admission fee
Travel Time: The Old Town is open all day round the year, and the interior attractions are open from 8:00 to 17:00. If tourists want to see the night scene, before 11 o’clock, after 11 o’clock many places are turned off the lights are closed doors.
Xizhou Ancient Town
Xizhou Ancient Town, located in Dali, Yunnan Province, is a hidden gem. With more than 1,000 years of history, this charming town is known for its well-preserved Bai architecture and rich cultural heritage. One of the most distinctive features of Xizhou is its traditional Bai courtyard houses, characterized by delicate wood carvings, intricate roof designs, and colorful decorations. Walking through the narrow cobblestone streets, visitors can admire the unique blend of Bai, Han, and Hui architectural styles that reflect multicultural past.
The Xizhou Ancient Town
In addition to its architectural beauty, Xizhou is famous for its vibrant market culture. Every Monday, the town comes alive with the bustling Xizhou Market, where locals gather to sell fresh produce, handicrafts, and traditional snacks. Visitors can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere, sampling local delicacies like Xizhou Baba and enjoying the lively banter of vendors. Xizhou is also home to several well-preserved cultural sites, such as the Yan's Courtyard and the Fuxing Hall, which offer insights into the history and traditions of the town.
Travel Price: No admission fee.
Travel Time: Open all day, three-hour tour recommended.
