Chinese Name: 金平马鞍底拉登瀑布
English Name: Ladeng Waterfalls in Jinping County, Honghe

Honghe Ladeng Waterfalls in Jinping County travel guide introduces the main attractions, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit, How to Get there, the highlights, facts, history, photos, weather, accommodation, visiting routes, travel tips, tour maps of Ladeng Waterfalls in Honghe(金平马鞍底拉登瀑布).

The Ladeng River Waterfall Group is located in the Ma’andi Township in the eastern part of the Jinping County, about 146 kilometers to the county seat. It is the most splendid ecological tourism area of the county’s tourism resources. It is like a wedge and faces Vietnam to its east, south and west. The vegetation of the area is very lush and the landscapes of the area are extremely beautiful. The area is known as the “mysterious tourism area” in China. In the beginning of 1950s, the renowned song writer Tian Han visited this area and was astonished by its beauty. Tian then wrote songs of singing praises of the sceneries of area.

The whole waterfall group is located in upper reaches of the Ladeng River (also called the Wutai River) and its branch Shidong River, close to the Maguaitang Village of the Ma’andi Township. There are six rarely-seen waterfall subgroups in total, one in the upper reaches of the Shidong River and five in the upper reaches of the Ladeng River. The altitude of the fifth waterfall subgroup of the Ladeng River is 2,621 meters. The heights of waterfalls are between 60 and 100 meters and the widths of them are all about 10 meters. The locals call all of them Ladeng Waterfalls, which came from an interesting story involving a peasant debtor who ran away and hid behind one of the waterfalls in the old society. The Tourism Bureau of the county has constructed the path for tourists to the first and second waterfall subgroups of the Wutai River and the waterfall subgroup of the Shidong River.

When you are in the area, you will be able to see the magnificent waterfalls flowing down like silver dragons and hear the sounds going like drumbeats. The air of the area has very high oxygen content. On sunny day, you will also be able to see rainbows beside the waterfalls. On the two sides of the rivers, typical aqueous rock could be seen. Since the rivers flow through dense forests, the water of the river is dark green. The forests around the waterfalls contains many rare plants including the spinulose tree fern, wild plantain, wild tea plant, wild orchid, Amomum tsaoko, rare bamboos and rare vines.

Chinese Name: 红河州弥勒市西三镇蚂蚁村委会可邑村
English Name: Keyi Yi Ethnic Village in Mile County, Honghe
The Keyi Village is located 21 kilometers to the north of the seat of the Mile County and 25 kilometers to the extension line of the Stone Forest Scenic Spot. The village was founded in the beginning of the Qing Dynasty when it was dense virgin forest and some stalagmites around the village. In 1648, a person of the Axi branch of the Yi nationality named Bi Wu moved from the Gui Mountain to this place with his family and built houses here. The family was the first one. Then, 24 clans under 14 family names including Long, Liu and Chen also moved to the village successively. Currently, the village has 700 people and is subordinate to the Xisan Town.

The dance performed by the villagers, after being polished and improved by artists, has spread all over China and many countries of the world in the past 50 years. At present, the dance is known as the Axi Moon Dance and the village is the Keyi Village.

Chinese Name:凤庆县冬季商品交易会
English Name: Fengqing Winter Trade Fair, Lincang

Chinese Name:凤庆县夏季商品交易会
English Name: Fengqing Summer Trade Fair, Lincang

Overview

• Chinese Name:中国临沧（凤庆）红茶节
• English Name: China Lincang (Fengqing) Black Tea Festival

Lincang (Fengqing) Black Tea Festival was firstly held in Fengqing County, Lincang, China, 2016, hosted by China Tea Circulation Association, Yunnan Tea Circulation Association Lincang Tea Association and Fengqing Tea Association, and mainly discussed reservation and development of ancient tea tree.

Fengqing is renowned as the “County of Yunnan Black Tea in the World.” Located in the southwest of Yunnan, Fengqing County is the core area for the original Chinese tea tree, boasting a long history of tea cultivation and production.

Notably, Fengqing is home to the 3,200-year-old Jinxiu King of Tea Tree. The region also serves as a GenBank for tea trees, preserving over 1,600 samples of tea tree varieties from around the world. Yunnan Black Tea was first produced here in 1939 and has been presented as a gift to the British Queen and the President of Sri Lanka. This history justifies Fengqing’s title as the “County of Yunnan Black Tea in the World.”

Fengqing Dianhong Black Tea

Fengqing Dianhong Black Tea is a renowned variety of black tea originating from Fengqing County in Lincang, Yunnan Province, China. Often simply referred to as “Dianhong,” this tea is celebrated for its rich flavor, bright reddish-brown infusion, and golden-tipped leaves. The name “Dianhong” combines “Dian,” the short name for Yunnan, and “hong,” meaning red in Chinese, which refers to the tea’s reddish infusion (black tea is called “red tea” in China due to the color of the brewed tea).

Fengqing Dianhong is produced in the core tea-growing region of Yunnan, an area known for its ancient tea trees and long history of tea cultivation. The tea is made from large-leaf Yunnan tea varieties, which are highly prized for their robust flavor and smooth finish.

Dianhong black tea is often used in blends but can also be enjoyed on its own, where it offers a malty, slightly sweet flavor with subtle floral notes. Its high quality and unique taste have made it a popular choice both in China and internationally.

Chinese Name:楚雄紫溪山
English Name: Zixi Mountain, Chuxiong

Chuxiong Zixi Mountain in Chuxiong City travel guide introduces the main attractions, entrance tickets booking, The best time to visit, How to Get there, the highlights, facts, history, photos, weather, accommodation, visiting routes, travel tips, tour maps of Zixi Mountain in Chuxiong(楚雄紫溪山).

Located 15 kilometers west from the Deer City in Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture. Zixi Mountain, a provincial class scenic spot in Chuxiong includes Zixi Mountain and the Town of Deer, with an area of 850 km2.

Zixi Mountain is famed as “the first mountain in the central part of Yunnan” since ancient times. Contemporary specialists call it “the natural park”. within 160 square kilometers, there are thousands kind of plants, many kinds of animals and Buddhist buildings.

The park is a picturesque resort making tourists linger about. The green pine forest is stretching to heaven and the limpid streamlets are running through the mountain.

It is a nature protection area consisting of semi-humid evergreen broadleaf forest and Yunnan Pine forest mainly. It is the main water source for Chuxiong city for its forest coverage reaches 91%. There are more than 202 species of higher plants in 65 genus and over 107 species of animals. Actually, it’s a kingdom of plants and animals.

What’s more, it was once a gathering place for Buddhists. Lots of temples had been built so as to attract the bonzes to come and cultivate here. The Zixi Mountain also abounds with camellias. According to researches, the camellias were cultivated even 1000 years ago in the mountain. The camellias are the second to none in Yunnan in the varieties of the species and colors. Camellia in Yunnan exceeds all in China, and camellia in Zixi exceeds all in Yunnan as a saying goes.

With the altitude of 2000 meters, Zixi Mountain is considered as “the first mountain in the central part of Yunnan” since ancient times. It is considered to be the holy land for Buddhism even when it was in the Song Dynasty. There are thousands kind of plants, many kinds of animals and Buddhist buildings. Records say many famous historical hierarches had been cultivated them here. In the Ming and Qing Dynasty, Zixi became a famous Buddhism place. Today, there are 68 relics of Buddhism temples and 21 Buddhism towers remained here. The environment is quiet and the scenery picturesque too, with the green pine forest stretch to horizon, and red azalea decorated in it, limpid streamlets running through the mountain.

Plant
There are more than 202 species of higher plants in 65 genus and over 107 species of animals. Actually, it’s a world of plants and animals.

Camellia: 
The Zixi Mountain also abounds with camellia. According to the research, there were more than 60 camellia plants in the area which are believed to be cultivated 200 years ago in the mountain. The history of the cultivation, the variety of the species and the enrichment of the color of the camellia here are the second to none in Yunnan. There’s a saying: Camellia in Yunnan exceeds all in China, and camellia in Zixi exceeds all in Yunnan.

Torch Festival
There is a saying here says that if you don’t dance during the torch festival, it will remain a great pity in your life. From here we can figure out the importance of the local torch festival. Besides the open fire party, an activity name “carry bride” is also very interesting. 10 girls are chosen from the crowd to be the brides and covered with traditional red head shawls. 10 young men are also chosen from the crowds to be the bridegrooms. Then the brides and the grooms are asked to dance together for some time. Then, the brides are placed in a different order and the grooms are asked to find their original brides. Those who find out the correct one may carry her away. And those who fail to find the right one will be fined to make performance in public with their face covering with inks.    

Origin of famous flowers in Yunnan province£ºOf the eight most famous flowers in Yunnan Province (namely camellia, orchid, azalea, yulan, gentian, yingchun and green plush fungus), seven can find their origin here in Zixi Mountain.

How to get there:
Minibuses go form Chuxiong to Zixi every 30 minutes at the Hongqi Hotel and it is very convenient for the visitors. Tourist facilities are well developed in the Zixi Mountain area. You can spend about RMB 80 staying here for a day and a night. Communication will not be a problem since the telecom signals cover all the mountain areas here.

Tips:
1.One of the wonders in Zixi Mountain is the camellia cultivated more than 1000 years ago, which is believed to be the oldest one in China. It is called Tongzhimian, meaning “face of the child”, as two colors of flowers will bloom, first red, then white 2.Recommended time for a visit£ºA day and a night to enjoy the wild life 1.One of the wonders in Zixi Mountain is the camellia cultivated more than 1000 years ago, which is believed to be the oldest one in China. It is called Tongzhimian, meaning “face of the child”, as two colors of flowers will bloom, first red, then white 2.Recommended time for a visit£ºA day and a night to enjoy the wild life

The Tiger Leaping Gorge （虎跳峡）is divided into two regions by the canyon. One located in Li’jiang（丽江）and the other located in Shangri-La（香格里拉）. It is famous for its rapid current, as well as dominating mountains.

Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge Transportation

1. By Long-Distance Coach

As for the transportation from Li’jiang（丽江）to Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge (Shangri-La Side) （上虎跳峡-香格里拉）, the only available option is long distance coach, which can be found in Li’jiang Coach Terminal（丽江客运站）. The journey is about 85 kilometers, and the schedule is listed as follows:

Address of Li’jiang Coach Terminal:
No. 25, Kang’zhong Road, Gu’cheng District, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
This coach terminal can be reached by taking City Bus No.16 (CNY 1-5), and the taxi fare from downtown area is around CNY 8 (according to the Chinese Uber, Didi). The expected time of arrival will be around 10 mins.

As for the transportation from Li’jiang（丽江）to Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge （中虎跳峡）,  the only available option is long distance coach, which can be found in Li’jiang Ancient Town（丽江古城）and Li’jiang Coach Terminal（丽江客运站）. The journey is about 95 kilometers, and the schedule is listed as follows:

Address of Lijiang Ancient Town:
No.1, East avenue, Na’xi Autonomous County, Gu’cheng District, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
This ancient town can be reached by taking City Bus No.2; No.3; No.4; No.7; No. 10 [Route A]; No. 10 [Route B]; No.11; No.14; No.16; No.18; No.19; No.22; No.26; No. 27; No. 28; No. 30; No.31; No. 32; No.15 [Route A]; No. 15 [Route B] (ranges from 1-5), and the taxi fare from downtown area is around CNY 8 (according to the Chinese Uber, Didi). The expected time of arrival will be around 10 mins.

Address of Li’jiang Coach Terminal:
No. 25, Kang’zhong Road, Gu’cheng District, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province
This coach terminal can be reached by taking City Bus No.16 (CNY 1-5), and the taxi fare from downtown area is around CNY 8 (according to the Chinese Uber, Didi). The expected time of arrival will be around 10 mins.

On the vast land of Yunnan, beneath the colorful clouds, numerous terraced fields are scattered like magnificent poems inscribed on the earth. These terraced fields are not only the crystallization of the hard work and wisdom of ethnic minorities such as the Hani, Yi, and Dai, but also an immortal masterpiece of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. With their grand scale and diverse forms, each terraced field has its own unique charm. Next, I will introduce to you some of the most representative terraced field scenic spots in Yunnan.

Honghe Hani Terraced Fields (红河哈尼梯田): A Millennial Epic of Agricultural Splendor

Location and Scale

Transportation

External Transportation
Fly to Kunming Changshui International Airport (昆明长水国际机场), then head to Kunming South Bus Station (昆明南部汽车客运站) to take a coach to Yuanyang. Alternatively, take a high-speed train to Honghe Station (红河站) and transfer to a bus to Yuanyang. It takes about 2 hours by car from Jianshui (建水).
Internal Transportation
There are buses from Yuanyang County (元阳县城) to the various terraced field scenic areas, but the frequency is limited. You can also choose to rent a car or take a local motorcycle to the scenic spots.

Ticket Information

Featured Activities

Sunrise and Sunset Viewing
Duoyishu Terraced Field (多依树梯田) is the best place to watch the sunrise. The first rays of the morning sun create a dreamlike scene with the changing light and shadow on the terraced fields. Bada (坝达) and Laohu Zui (老虎嘴) viewing platforms are the top choices for watching the sunset. Under the afterglow, the terraced fields are painted in a riot of colors, creating a breathtaking view.
Experiencing Folk Culture
Visit Azheke Village (阿者科村) to explore the unique mushroom houses and gain an in-depth understanding of the Hani ethnic culture and lifestyle. You can also participate in traditional Hani festivals and folk activities to experience the rich ethnic atmosphere.
Hiking and Sightseeing
Take a leisurely walk along the ridges of the terraced fields. The picturesque scenery along the way allows you to experience the simplicity and tranquility of local agricultural life up close.

Accommodation Recommendations

Duoyishu Area (多依树区域)
There are many high-end landscape guesthouses here, though they are on the expensive side. However, they are conveniently located for early morning sunrise viewing.
Shengcun Area (胜村区域)
This area is mainly home to budget hotels. It is only a 15-minute drive to the Duoyishu (多依树) viewing platform.
Hani Town Area (哈尼小镇区域)
There is a wide selection of hotels here. It takes 15 minutes to Bada (坝达) and 30 minutes to Duoyishu (多依树).
Azheke Village (阿者科村子)
There are high-end boutique inns in the village, allowing you to immerse yourself in the Hani local customs and traditions.

Samadaba Ten Thousand Mu Terraced Fields (撒玛坝万亩梯田): The World’s Largest Concentrated Terraced Fields

Location and Scale

Transportation

External Transportation
First, arrive in Kunming and then take a coach to Honghe County (红河县), or drive directly. The journey from Kunming to Honghe County takes about 3 hours by car.
Internal Transportation
The distance from the county town to the terraced fields is about 20–40 kilometers. The transportation is not very convenient, so it is recommended to drive there.

Ticket Information

Featured Activities

Sunrise and Sea of Clouds Viewing
Samadaba Terraced Fields (撒玛坝梯田) face east, making it an excellent spot for watching the sunrise over the sea of clouds. Standing here feels like being in a fairyland.
Hiking Experience
Follow the 2.7-kilometer hiking trail, and the stunning scenery of over 4,300 terraces will unfold before your eyes, allowing you to marvel at the wonders of nature.
Exploring the Mabang Culture
From Samadaba Terraced Fields (撒玛坝梯田), you can visit the Mabang Ancient Town (马帮古城). The town is filled with century-old residences and exudes a strong Republican-era atmosphere. Here, you can gain a deep understanding of the Mabang culture and history.

Accommodation Recommendations

Yuanjiang Nanuo Terraced Fields (元江那诺梯田): A Pristine Cloud Sea Wonderland

Location and Features

Transportation

External Transportation
First, arrive in Kunming and then transfer to a coach to Yuanjiang or drive there. The journey from Kunming to Yuanjiang takes about 3 hours by car.
Internal Transportation
Drive along the Yuanche Line (元车线) from Yuanjiang County to Nanuo Terraced Fields. The terraced fields are located about 90 meters southwest of Nanuo Middle School (那诺中学).

Ticket Information

Featured Activities

Admiring the Cloud Sea and Terraced Fields
The low-altitude heat from the Red River (红河) and the cold air from the Ailao Mountain Range (哀牢山) often create a stunning cloud sea and terraced fields spectacle, attracting many photography enthusiasts.
Experiencing Agricultural Culture
The terraced fields present different scenes in each season. In spring, the outlines are clear; in summer, the fields are lush with greenery; in autumn, the rice fields are fragrant; and in winter, the misty clouds add a mystical touch. You can experience the agricultural scenery of different seasons.

Accommodation Recommendations

Pu’er Terraced Fields (普洱梯田): A Poetic Rural Landscape

Location and Features

Transportation

External Transportation
First, arrive at Pu’er Simao Airport (普洱思茅机场) and then transfer to transportation to the terraced fields. If you choose to take a train, you can get off at Pu’er Station (普洱站) and then head to the terraced fields scenic area.
Internal Transportation
Take Zhenyuan County’s Mengda Town Wencun Village terraced fields as an example. There are buses from Pu’er City to Zhenyuan County. After arriving in Zhenyuan County, you can take a bus to Mengda Town (勐大镇) and then go to Wencun Village (文来村). However, the transportation from Zhenyuan County to Mengda Town and within the town to the terraced fields may not be very convenient. You can consider renting a car or taking a local motorcycle.

Ticket Information

Featured Activities

Agricultural Culture Experience
Participate in the agricultural culture experience activities held in Mengda Town (勐大镇), such as plowing, harrowing, and transplanting seedlings to personally experience the fun of traditional farming.
Fish Catching in Paddy Fields
Experience fish catching in the paddy fields of Mengda Town (勐大镇). Enjoy the joy of playing in the water and the excitement of catching fish.
Hiking and Photography
Take a walk along the ridges of the terraced fields to enjoy the surrounding rural scenery and the tranquility of nature. Gain a deeper understanding of the terraced field ecosystem and agricultural production methods.
Photography Creation
The terraced fields in Pu’er are picturesque all year round. Whether it is the glistening water fields in spring, the lush green seedlings in summer, or the golden rice in autumn, they are all treasures for photography enthusiasts.

Accommodation Recommendations

County Town Accommodation
For example, in Zhenyuan County, there are many hotels and inns with good accommodation conditions, complete facilities, and a wide range of prices to choose from according to your needs.
Township Accommodation
In townships close to the terraced fields, such as Mengda Town (勐大镇), there are small hotels, guesthouses, or farmhouses. They are close to the terraced fields, convenient for early and late sightseeing, and allow you to experience the strong rural atmosphere.

Lijiang Terraced Fields (丽江梯田): A Landscape Painting with Naxi Charm

Location and Features

Transportation

External Transportation
First, arrive at Lijiang Sanyi International Airport (丽江三义国际机场) and take an airport shuttle bus or taxi to Lijiang City. If you take a train, you can get off at Lijiang Station (丽江站) and then transfer to other transportation to the terraced fields.
Internal Transportation
From Lijiang City, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or take a rural passenger vehicle to the terraced fields. For example, the terraced fields near Lashi Sea (拉市海) are close to the city center and have convenient transportation. However, the transportation to remote mountainous terraced fields is relatively inconvenient and requires advance itinerary planning.

Ticket Information

Featured Activities

Photography Creation
The terraced fields in Lijiang present different scenery in each season. In spring, the terraced fields reflect the sky and mountains like mirrors; in summer, the seedlings are lush and full of vitality; in autumn, the golden rice fields contrast beautifully with the snow-capped mountains and blue sky, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Hiking Experience
Take a walk along the ridges of the terraced fields, wander through the rice fields, get up close to the terraced fields, enjoy the rural scenery, and learn about the agricultural culture and terraced field ecosystem.
Agricultural Experience
Participate in local agricultural activities such as transplanting and harvesting to experience the joy of farming and the happiness of harvest, and learn about traditional farming methods.
Cultural Experience
Visit the Naxi ethnic villages around the terraced fields, explore traditional residences, learn about local customs and ethnic culture, and taste Naxi specialties such as Lijiang Baba (丽江粑粑) and chickpea jelly (鸡豆凉粉).

Accommodation Recommendations

Lijiang City Center (丽江市区)
There are hotels and guesthouses of various grades in the city center. The transportation, shopping, and dining are convenient. In the evening, you can enjoy the night scenery and bar culture of Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城).
Villages Near Terraced Fields (梯田附近村落)
Local residents run guesthouses in the villages near the terraced fields. The prices are affordable, and you can get up close to the rural life atmosphere and enjoy the morning terraced fields scenery.

Zhaotong Terraced Fields (昭通梯田): A Blend of Simple Rural and Mountainous Farming Culture

Location and Features

Transportation

External Transportation
By Air
Fly to Zhaotong Zhaoyang Airport (昭通昭阳机场) and then transfer to transportation to Shuifu City (水富市). Alternatively, you can choose to fly to Kunming Changshui International Airport (昆明长水国际机场) and then take a coach to Shuifu City from Kunming South Bus Station (昆明南部汽车客运站).
By Train
Take a train to Zhaotong Station (昭通站) or Shuifu Station (水富站). Zhaotong Station has more train schedules, while Shuifu Station is closer to the terraced fields. From these stations, you can take local passenger vehicles, taxis, or rent a car to the terraced fields scenic area.

Internal Transportation
There are buses in Shuifu City that go to various townships, but the frequency of buses to the terraced fields is limited. For example, to visit the Huayuan Terraced Fields (花园梯田) in Huatan Village (花坛村), Liangwan Town (两碗镇), you can take a bus from Shuifu City to Liangwan Town. After arriving in Liangwan Town, you can take a taxi or a motorcycle to the destination.

Ticket Information

Featured Activities

Terraced Field Sightseeing
Enjoy the continuous terraced fields scenery. The scenery varies in different seasons. In spring, the terraced fields reflect the sky and clouds like mirrors; in summer, the seedlings are lush; in autumn, the rice fields are golden and rolling.
Agricultural Tourism Experience
Participate in agricultural production activities such as rice and fish coexistence, experience farming activities like transplanting and harvesting, feel the joy of labor and harvest, and learn about the ecological agricultural model of rice field fish farming.
Flower Painting
During the blooming season of flowers around the terraced fields, such as rapeseed flowers and sunflowers, you can carry painting tools for outdoor sketching to capture the rural scenery.
Outdoor Camping
Set up tents in open areas near the terraced fields or in designated camping zones. Look up at the starry sky, listen to the chirping of insects and croaking of frogs, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.
Agricultural Culture Display
Visit local agricultural culture exhibition halls or exhibitions to learn about traditional farming tools, techniques, and the history and heritage of agriculture. Enhance your understanding of agricultural civilization.

Introduction

Jianshui Confucius Temple (建水文庙) is located in Jianshui County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It was first constructed in the 22nd year of the Yuan Dynasty’s Zhiyuan period (1285 AD), making it over 700 years old. Over the centuries, the temple has undergone more than 40 expansions and renovations. Covering an area of 114 acres, its current scale, architectural level, and preservation are second only to the Confucius Temples in Qufu (曲阜) and Beijing (北京).

Historical Background

The Jianshui Confucius Temple was built in accordance with the style of the Confucius Temple in Qufu (曲阜), with a palace-style layout centered along the north-south axis. Several independent buildings are symmetrically arranged on both the east and west sides. The original main buildings included a pool, two halls, two wings, two pavilions, three towers, four gates, five pavilions, five shrines, and eight plaques, totaling 37 buildings. Today, except for the destroyed Xingtan (杏坛), Shepu (射圃), Zunjing Pavilion (尊经阁), Wenxing Pavilion (文星阁), Jingyi Pavilion (敬一亭), and Zhaiting Pavilion (斋亭), the other 31 buildings have been well-preserved.

On June 25, 2001, the State Council of the People’s Republic of China designated Jianshui Confucius Temple as a national key cultural heritage site.

Geographical Location

• Location: Jianshui County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province

• Era: Ming (明), Qing (清)

• Area: 114 acres

• Protection Level: Fifth batch of National Key Cultural Heritage Sites

• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 18:00

• Approval: State Council of the People’s Republic of China

Architectural Layout

The Jianshui Confucius Temple follows the architectural style of Qufu Confucius Temple. The temple features a strictly regulated and magnificent layout with the central axis running from north to south. Covering an area of 114 acres (76,000 square meters) and with a depth of 625 meters, the temple is divided into six spatial sections. The main buildings include:

• One Pool (泮池)

• One Platform (杏坛)

• One Garden (射圃)

• Two Halls (大成殿, 崇圣殿)

• Two Wings (东庑, 西庑)

• Two Pavilions (东明伦堂, 西明伦堂)

• Three Towers (尊经阁, 奎文阁, 魁星阁)

• Four Gates (棂星门, 大成门, 金声门, 玉振门)

• Five Pavilions (敬一亭, 思乐亭, 斋宿亭, 西碑亭, 东碑亭)

• Six Shrines (仓圣祠, 忠义孝悌祠, 名宦祠, 崇圣祠, 景贤祠, 乡贤祠)

• Eight Plaques (太和元气坊, 洙泗渊源坊, 礼门坊, 义路坊, 道冠古今坊, 德配天地坊, 圣域由兹坊, 贤关近仰坊)

The temple’s layout is intricately designed, with a harmonious blend of dense and sparse arrangements, high and low levels.

Major Buildings

Pan Pool (泮池)

The Pan Pool, historically known as the “school pool,” is an essential feature of the Confucius Temple. The term “Pan” signifies the school’s grandeur, but people commonly call it the “Sea of Learning” (学海) to symbolize endless learning. Unlike the semi-circular pools in most Confucius Temples nationwide, Jianshui’s Pan Pool is uniquely elliptical and covers 45 acres (29,700 square meters), making it the largest and most distinctive of its kind in the country.

Zushi Yuan Source Plaque (洙泗渊源坊)

Located in the center of a crescent-shaped terrace, the Zushi Yuan Source Plaque is inscribed with the phrase “万世宗师” (“Master of All Generations”). “Zushi” refers to the two rivers, the Zushu and the Sishu, near Confucius’s birthplace. The plaque commemorates the profound and enduring influence of Confucianism. Built in the 43rd year of the Qianlong period (1778), this traditional five-opening, three-arch gate is made of wood and stone, with a total area of 180 square meters. The plaque is flanked by stone carvings of dragons, kylins, lions, and elephants.

Lingxing Gate (棂星门)

The Lingxing Gate, also known as the “Heavenly Field Star” (天田星), honors the star that governs the selection of scholarly talent. The gate’s unique feature is the four central pillars that protrude through the roof, rising more than two meters above the roofline. These pillars are adorned with blue-and-white porcelain from the Yuan Dynasty. The gate is a three-bay single-eave structure rebuilt in the 50th year of the Qianlong period (1785). The roof is covered with green tiles, and the structure is 14.6 meters wide, 3.6 meters deep, and 6.8 meters high.

Kuixing Pavilion and Wenchang Pavilion (魁星阁, 文昌阁)

On the east and west sides of the garden stand the Kuixing Pavilion and Wenchang Pavilion. Kuixing, one of the twenty-eight constellations, is responsible for the examination of scholars, while Wenchang symbolizes the prosperity of education. The Wenchang Pavilion is a two-tiered, double-eaved, gable-and-pitch roof structure, rebuilt during the 13th year of the Yongzheng period (1735). It houses the statue of Wenchang Dijun, the ancient Chinese deity who governs success in exams and career.

Xingtan (杏坛)

The Xingtan is said to be the site where Confucius taught his disciples. Originally built during the Yuan Dynasty, it was destroyed and later rebuilt in 2000. The current structure is a three-bay single-eave pavilion with a height of 10.3 meters and a width of 7.12 meters. The pavilion is surrounded by stone railings, each adorned with traditional Chinese auspicious patterns. Inside, the pavilion features exquisite carvings of dragons, phoenixes, and flowers.

Jinsheng and Yuzhen Gates (金声玉振门)

The Jinsheng and Yuzhen Gates, built in the 18th year of the Jiaqing period (1813), are named after the praise for Confucius by Mencius, who said, “The sound of gold begins the order; the sound of jade finishes it.” These gates represent the progression of Confucian teachings. The two gates are each 5.3 meters wide, 5.3 meters deep, and 5.8 meters high, with blue-tiled roofs.

Dacheng Gate (大成门)

Rebuilt during the 18th year of the Jiaqing period (1813), the Dacheng Gate is a three-bay, single-eave structure with a tiled roof. It is 13.31 meters wide, 5.5 meters deep, and 7.4 meters high. The gate is an imposing structure, and the phrase “Dacheng” (大成) refers to Confucius’s concept of achieving the highest moral and intellectual accomplishment.

Xianshi Temple (先师庙)

Also known as the Dacheng Hall, the Xianshi Temple is the main hall where sacrifices to Confucius are made. The hall’s three gold characters “Xianshi Miao” (先师庙) were written by Wang Wenzhi, a calligrapher during the Qing Dynasty. Supported by 28 large columns, the hall features intricate carvings and a roof decorated with yellow glazed tiles. The hall is a five-bay structure with a deep interior, measuring 26.95 meters in width and 18.5 meters in depth. The hall is adorned with detailed carvings, including images of dragons, birds, and auspicious symbols.

Historical and Cultural Heritage

The Jianshui Confucius Temple (建水文庙) is a cornerstone in the study of Confucianism in southern Yunnan, earning the city the accolades of “Famous Literary State,” “Southern Yunnan’s Zoulu,” “Poetry and Calligraphy County,” and “State of Ritual and Music.” The temple’s role in “educating and transforming” has shaped the glorious cultural history of ancient Jianshui, significantly influencing the development of politics, economy, culture, religion, and architecture in southern Yunnan over a period of seven centuries. The Confucius Temple has become an essential part of the cultural heritage that underpins Jianshui’s status as a national historical and cultural city, with its rich historical deposits and profound cultural connotations.

Banyan-Cypress Symbiosis Tree

The Banyan-Cypress Symbiosis Tree, locally known as “Wan General Holding Bai Xian Bai” (万将军抱白小姐), is a unique and famous tree in the temple’s vicinity. According to legend, General Wan returned from a long military campaign and was reunited with Bai Xian Bai, a lady he deeply loved. Overcome with joy, they embraced tightly, vowing never to be apart. The tree symbolizes this vow, where Bai Xian Bai, a small-leafed Banyan tree, lovingly holds the ancient and sturdy Cypress tree. Over time, the two trees grew intertwined, with their branches and leaves interwoven, symbolizing eternal love. In reality, it is a robust, ancient Cypress tree embraced by a small-leafed Banyan tree, forming a unique spectacle in nature.

Cultural Relics Value

The Jianshui Confucius Temple is an important historical and architectural site for the study of Confucian culture in Yunnan Province and even across China. The “East Corridor of Steles” (东碑廊) houses the imperial edict from Emperor Wuzong of the Yuan Dynasty, which posthumously awarded Confucius the title “Great Sage and Literature King” (大成至圣文宣王) in 1308. This corridor also contains over thirty stone inscriptions from various dynasties, documenting repairs to the academy, temple landholdings, and sacrificial rites. The “West Corridor of Steles” (西碑廊) preserves inscriptions from the Ming and Qing dynasties, including scholarly examinations and moral governance steles, as well as local historical records and teachings from Confucian classics such as the Four Maxims of Chengzi (程子四箴). These stele inscriptions are highly valuable for academic and historical research, particularly for the study of ancient borderland culture and education.

Preservation Measures

In March 1983, the Jianshui Confucius Temple was designated as the first batch of county-level cultural heritage protection units in Jianshui County (建水县).

In January 1984, the temple was listed as a provincial-level cultural heritage protection unit.

On June 25, 2001, the Jianshui Confucius Temple was declared a National Key Cultural Heritage Protection Unit by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China.

Tourist Information

Location

The Jianshui Confucius Temple is located in Jianshui County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province.

Address:
268 Lin’an Road, Jianshui County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province.

Transportation Information

• By Train:
  Take a train to Lin’an, then transfer to a long-distance bus to Jianshui. After arriving, you can walk or take a taxi to the scenic area (taxi fare is approximately 5 yuan).

• By Car:

1. From Kunming or Yuxi:
   Take the Kunming-Mo Highway → S304 or S214 → Cui Da Line to Tongjian Expressway, exit at Jianshui Toll Station → Yinghui Road → Lin’an Road.

2. From Honghe:
   Take Honghe Avenue → Jishi Expressway → Jianshui Interchange → Tongjian Expressway, exit at Jianshui Toll Station → Yinghui Road → Lin’an Road.

3. From Pu’er:
   Take Kunming-Mo Highway → Tianhou Expressway → Jishi Expressway → Jianshui Interchange → Tongjian Expressway, exit at Jianshui Toll Station → Yinghui Road → Lin’an Road.

Ticket Information

• Recommended Visit Duration: 2 hours

• Opening Hours: 08:00 AM – 06:00 PM

• Ticket Price:
  Combined ticket for Confucius Temple, Zhu Family Garden, and Swallow Cave: 133 yuan per person.
  Adult single ticket: 60 yuan.
  Children’s ticket: 30 yuan.

Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County(Weishan County in short) is located in the west of Yunnan Province, in the south of Dali Prefecture. The county seat of Weishan County(巍山县) is 391 kilometers away from Kunming and 61 kilometers away from Dali City. It borders Midu County in the east, faces Nanjian County and Fengqing County across Yangbi River(漾濞江) in the south, connects Yangbi County and Changning County in the west, and Dali City in the north.

How to Get to Weishan County from Dali City

Weishan County and Dali City are both under the administration of Dali Prefecture, and Weishan County is not far from Dali City. It is only a distance of about 61 kilometers between Dali City and Weishan County, travelers could go from Dali City to Weishan County mainly by regular bus.

1. By Regular Bus

There are daily buses from Dali Xingsheng Bus Station to Weishan Bus Terminal, and the journey is near 1.5 hour.

Dali Xingsheng Bus Station-Weishan Bus Terminal
Departure Time: 07:30-19:00(every 15 minutes)
Price: 11 CNY
Distance: 61 kilometers
Consume Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes

Tip: The above information is for reference only, if any change is based on actual information.

a. Dali Xingsheng Bus Station大理兴盛汽车客运站
Address: No.8, Xingsheng Road, Dali City, Dali大理州大理市兴盛路8号 
Tel: 0872-2129832

b. Weishan Bus Terminal巍山汽车客运站
Address: Chengxi Road, Nanzhao Town, Weishan County, Dali Prefecture大理州巍山县南诏镇城西路
Tel: 0872-6122097

Weishan Ancient Town, also known as Nanzhao Ancient Town, is the birthplace of Nanzhao culture. Founded in late Yuan and early Ming Dynasty, it is one of the best preserved ancient buildings in Ming and Qing dynasties, and is also the third batch of famous historical and cultural cities in China.
Check more information about Weishan County Travel Guide.
1 Day Weishan Snack Festival Tour

It is less than 2 kilometers from Weishan Bus terminal to Weishan Ancient Town. You can walk there.

If you plan to travel in Dali, you can contact us, Yunnan Exploration will provide attentive services. 
Email: contact@YunnanExploration.com, or Phone: 0086-871-63511469, Wechat: 908400838

2. By Chartered Bus

There must be chartered buses around Dali Ancient Town, Dali City Bus Stations and Dali Railway Station, you can go and ask the drivers details. You will spend more money taking chartered bus, but it is more convenient and flexible than the long-distance bus. Check more information about Dali City Travel Guide.

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Hetaoyuan Village 

Hetaoyuan Village or Walnut Garden Village is located in south of Qiaotou (Tiger Leaping Gorge town) 22 kilometre, East-south of Lijiang city 110 Kilometre ,north-west of Shangri-la (zhongdian) city120kilometre, 42 kilometre from Haba village and 70 kilometre from white water terrace (baishuitai), 20kms from Daju,40 minutes walk down to Jinsha River (Gold Sand River)driving car from Lijiang or Shangri-La takes about 2-3 hours, 1 hour walk down to the middle Gorge. It’s named as Hetaoyuan because there are many walnut trees in the village.

Walnut Garden Village, a scatter of low houses made of rough stones and worn timbers, above the bending river, is the heart of the Tiger Leaping Gorge. people trek through the gorge to Walnut Garden Village and it’s great to stay in Sean’s GH(山泉客栈) or Woody’s Guest House（山白脸客栈）in the quiet village with the most spectacular view of Tiger Leaping Gorge, listening to the deafening voice of water flapping at the stones. For the energetic there are plenty of hiking opportunities; walk the plunging forest tracks to the gorge itself or venture off on the high trail to plunge yourself into a gushing waterfall. Otherwise sit back, relax and soak in the truly awe inspiring views of this remarkable natural wonder.

How to get to Walnut Garden Village

Hiking

From Middle Gorge to Walnut Garden Village
There are three ways hiking from the Middle Gorge. For the first one, walk down to the Jinsha River from Tina’s via Teacher Zhang’s. The trail is challenging because of no available road. The path is narrow and very steep. Descend down to the Middle Tiger Leaping Stone, enjoy the Ray of Sunshine, hike along the river path to Walnut Garden Village takes nearly three hours. For another one, trek to the Middle Tiger Leaping Stone and the Ray of Sunshine, then head to the highway via a Vertical Ladder(天梯), kind of risk and not recommended, sepecially for people with acrophobia. The third way is to walk along the highway from Tina’s to Walnut Garden Village, which is much easier and a good choice for some elderly people.

From Daju to Walnut Garden Village
Depart from New Ferry Port in Daju for New Village after the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, walk along the highway for 2-3 hours, then you will arrive at Walnut Garden Village.

White Water Terrace-Haba Village- Walnut Garden Village
Hike for 6-7 hours from the foot of Haba Snow Mountain after visiting White Water Terrace to the Tiger Leaping Gorge, Walnut Garden Village is on the way.

Bus or Car Rental

White Water Terrace- Walnut Garden Village
The bus daily departs from White Water Terrace for Lijiang via Walnut Garden Village where travellers can get off the bus. Otherwise renting a van from Haba Village or White Water Terrace to Walnut Garden Village would costs 150RMB.

Lijiang/Shangri-La-Walnut Garden Village
Travellers can take a bus from Lijiang or Shangri-La to Tina’s, then hike along the highway or take a car to Walnut Garden Village.

Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tips

1. It usually hot in day time, you can bring shorts and T-shirt. As hiking will consume lots of physical strength, you could take some high calorie food such as chocolate, malted milk, sliced dried beef and so on.
2. When you hiking to the Shenzhou Waterfall located between Walnut Garden and Zhongxia Hotel, you must be very carefull, as it may fall stone with the waterfall which is very dangerous.
3. Each year from June to September is the rainy season of the Diqing Plateau. You’d better avoid this period as it may occurs debris flow and mountain rock fall.
4. Located at the high altitude area, surrounded by Hengduan Montains, the climmate in Tiger Leaping Gorge is complicate and changable. The temperature difference between day and night is big. Take think coat, down jacket, gloves, anti-skidding boots with you.

Nearby Attractions

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Haba Snow Mountain
The First Bend of Yangtze River, Lijiang
The Upper Section of Tiger Leaping Gorge (Lijiang Side)
Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan

Why is Erzhang Village So Special?

Erzhang Village, located in Pig Street(Zhujie猪街) village committee of Nanuo Township, Yuanjiang County, has a long history. It was listed as the fourth batch of traditional Chinese villages in 2016. Going along the village’s only way into the village, you can see the entire village quietly “lying” in the Castle Peak, and haunts the smell of primitive nature, as if forgotten by the world. What’s even more amazing is that this is a traditional village characterized by Han nationality.

Where is Erzhang Village?

Erzhang(二掌) is a village with the administration of Zhujie(Pig Street) Village Committee in Nanuo Township(那诺乡), Yuanjiang County(元江县), Yuxi City, Yunnan, covering an area of 6.71 square kilometers. It is suitable for planting crops. The village terrain is west high and east low, south and east are surrounded by a large area of forest, west and north are surrounded by a large area of farmland, the surrounding landscapes environment is better. 

Feature of Erzhang Village

The tea culture of Erzhang Village has a long history. Zhujie(Pig Street) tea is the local specialty of Zhujie Village Committee in Nanuo Township, Yuanjiang County.

Spring March, at the pig street tea mountain, tea farmers are busy with picking spring tea. The pig street has been the key point of the ancient tea horse road since ancient times, especially the pig street tea grows in the Ailao mountain around 1800 meters above sea level. There is no industrial pollution for nearly a hundred miles around. The cold air of Ailao Mountain and the moist and hot air flow of Red River Valley blend here, the cloud and mist are wreathed all the year round, which is very favorable to the growth of tea and has brought up the best quality of the Pig Street Tea. At present, the planting area of pig street tea is more than 30 hectares.

In the early years of the Republic of China, Pig Street Tea took part in the provincial “Saibao Conference(赛宝大会)” and won the Golden Prize, and Pig Street Tea was also quite famous in Kunming. In the early period of liberation, Yunnan tea department was established. In order to develop Yunnan tea, to select improved varieties and to collect the original database of breeding, the tea production area of Pig Street was listed as one of the key investigation areas of tea in Yunnan Province.

Nearby Attractions

1. Ailao Rice Terraces in Yuanjiang County元江哀牢梯田

The Yuanjiang Ailao rice terraces are mainly concentrated in Yangjie Township(羊街乡) and Nanuo Township(那诺乡), among which Nanuo rice terrace is the most spectacular.

2. Nanuo Market那诺集市

Nanuo is famous for its Sea of Cloud of terraces and Hani culture in central Yunnan. Nanuo market is on the even-numbered days(双日), at that time, there are many Hani people, young and old, but more women. There are exchanges of various items, such as chicken and duck, farm goods, mountain products, meat, vegetables, sugar cane, piglets and department stores, as well as dyed fabrics and colorful ethnic ornaments.

Best Time to Visit

You can visit Erzhang Village(二掌村) all the year round. 

How to Get There

If you want to go to Erzhang Village(二掌村) of Nanuo Township(那诺乡), you should go to Yuanjiang County of Yuxi first. When you are there in Yuanjiang county(元江县), you can choose to take regular bus or minibus from Yuanjiang county to Nanuo Township, it takes about 2 hours.

Accommodation Around Erzhang Village

You can stay overnight in Nanuo Township(那诺乡), or go back to Yuanjiang County for accommodation. Accommodation in Yuanjiang County is relatively good. 

Useful Travel Tips

1. The road to Erzhang Village is not so good, especially on the rainy days.

2. With large temperature difference between daytime and night, it is easy to develop a cold, therefore, you are suggested to bring coats and some cold medicine.

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