Chinese Name:建水黄龙寺
English Name: Huanglong Temple in Jianshui County, Honghe
Historical Evolution
Architectural Layout and Features
Temple Culture
Related Activities
Surrounding Scenery
Location:
Boduoluo Village or Yangyuchang Village in Yulong County
Boluoduo means the most beautiful village in the world. It is the origin of Yi ethnic minority of Lashihai, also the most beautiful village of the upper part of Lashihai Lake. Since they produce the high-quality potatoes, yangyu in Chinese, local people called it Yangyuchang. In the ancient time, Boluoduo is one route of Yunnan-Tibet Ancient Tea and Horse Caravan Road. It has the history of over 100 years.
Where is Boduoluo Village?
Boduoluo village is located in the Lashihai Town, Yunlong County, Lijiang City. It is the village of upper part of Lashihai Lake. In the past, it was the important pass of the Ancient Tea and Horse Carvan Road.
History
Boduoluo has a history of more than 100 years. The villagers are descendants of Liu Manda. The ancestors of Liu’s family lost in the family struggle in the 1930s. Liu Manda moved from Xiaoliangshan with his four sons, and they are Nuosu Branch of Yi People. At that time, the place was the mountain of the Naxi people. The mountain owner allowed the Liu family to stay in the mountain, but the Liu family had to take responsibility for protecting the road and protecting the mountain. Liu slowly became rich by hard work. A few years later, the caravans living in Zhongdian hijacked Liu. Because of his incompetence, Liu had to sneak into Ninglang to find Sha Branch to help them and lived together in Boduoluo. They began to develop by hunting, nomadic, and being a guard, and the Sha Branch gradually moved to other places in the upper reaches of the Lashihai Lake.
Natural Resources
Boduoluo enjoys the beautiful environment, rich natural resources, and a dense preserved virgin forest. The Yi culture here has created a beautiful natural environment. The unique Yi culture and beautiful ecological environment have attracted more and more scholars and biophiles to interview locals and research here. There are more than 1,200 plants, more than 300 of which are of medicinal value, such as the arbor, spruce, fir, redwood, yew, hemlock, eucalyptus etc. During the rainy season every year, the villagers will collect wild mushrooms from the mountains and sell them to Lijiang City. They are a lot of income. There are more than 20 kinds of alpine rhododendrons in the surrounding forests of Boduoluo, hundreds of acres of large trees in the rhododendron forest. Every year from April to August, all kinds of rhododendrons are booming. The mountains and plains are full of diverse colors. Birds and flowers in the mountains make people feel refreshed.
On the Baitou Mountain, you can see the majestic snow-capped mountains of the millennium, the first bay of the Yangtze River, the ancient city of Lijiang, the towering snow-capped mountains, the peaceful Lashihai, and the colorful azaleas. You can get close to the nature in this vilage, viewing different wild animals.
Useful Travel Tips
Best time to visit: Travelers can visit the beautiful village from April to August since diverse flowers are booming in the mountain.
Accommodation and meals: Travelers can taste the local food and stay in villagers’ home.
Why is Mengba Naxi Rare Park So Special
Mengba Naxi Rare Park holds four of best records among all parks of China:
- The biggest number as well as the oldest of rare trees of the country;
- The highest survival rate of transplanted trees as well as the nation’s biggest number of transplanted trees;
- The best quality and largest collections of rocks, tree fossils and rare jade looking tree specifications;
- The best and highest grade of the collections of the large-scale modeling carved roots.
Where is Mengba Naxi Rare Park
It is located in Xianchi Road, Mangshi City, Dehong Jingpo and Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province.
How to Get to Mengba Naxi Rare Park
After arriving in Mangshi City, it is very convenient to get to Mengba Naxi Rare Park by taxi or walking.
Introduction of Mengba Naxi Rare Park
Mengba Naxi Rare Park is at the national AAAA state-level. “Mengba Naxi” in Dai language means “a magical, beautiful and fertile place,” which is just the legendary “heaven.” Situated in Xianchi Road in Mangshi City, the park covers an area of 618 mu, and was built in 2001. It is an ecological park that boasts rare ancient trees, plants and rocks. There are poems to praise it saying that “Ancient trees and rare flowers are planted in the park. There is no parallel with such beautiful scenery, and for such beauty, there is no need to visit a fairyland.” Another poem says that “the universe is full of myths. Stones in the park show its understanding of the nature, and the extraordinary workmanship of nature creates miracles.”
Mengba Naxi Rare Park holds four of the best records among all parks of China: the largest number of hundred-year ancient trees (over 500); the best quality and largest collections of rocks, tree fossils and rare jades (over 1,000 tons), which is the biggest scale in china and even in the world; the best and highest grade of the collections of large-scale modeling carved roots among the whole country; the biggest number (over 500) of and the highest survival rate (96%) of large (ancient) transplanted trees, setting a historic record among Chinese modern gardens. The park also has rare flowers, trees and rocks such as thousand-year osmanthus, thousand-year crape myrtles, thousand-year boxwood, 600-year banyan trees, 500-year frangipani, 300-year bougainvillea, as well as other ancient trees and super large delicate root sculptures.
Best Time to Go
It is suitable to visit Mengba Naxi Rare Park all year round. Every seaon has its unique beauty. Whenever you come here, you will have different feeling.
Nearby Attractions
Menghuan Silver Pagoda
The Menghuan Silver Pagoda, known as the Menghuan Qianfo Silver Pagoda, is located on the hilltop opposite the Grand Silver Pagoda and a contemporary new-built Pagoda.The Pagoda is an important building of the Dehong Branch of Yunnan Buddhist College.
Menghuan Golden Pagoda
Menghuan Grand Golden Pagoda is located at Leiyarang Mountain in the southeast of Luxi (Mangshi), the capital city of Dehong Prefecture. It’s the best place to bird-eye view the town of Mangshi and those picturesque Dai villages around. Being 73 meters high, the pagoda is a three-storied octagonal but hollow one. The ground floor is the most impressive. With an area of 2,000 square meters, it’s spacious enough for nearly 2,000 pilgrims to pray at the same time. Enshrined in the hall are mainly Buddhist figures such as Sakyamuni in the east, Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) in the south, Medicine Buddha in the west, and Maitreya (the Future Buddha) in the north, etc. all of which are made from Myanmar white marble to present grandeur and magnificence.
Tours Including Mengba Naxi Rare Park
4 Days Jingpo Ethnic Minority’s Munao Zongge Festival Tour
Why is Dayingjiang River So Special
Beautiful Dayingjiang River runs through Yingjiang County in west Yunnan border area. The river mouth is open and its surface is as flat as a mirror. In the sunny days, the limpid river lies as smooth as silk. Along the both sides of the river, distant mountains loom and forest is dyed black. Umbrella-like banyan forest looks lush and green. In the converging place of clouds and water, a bamboo raft is moving away. In the distance, since the river is set off by bamboo forest, a unique scene appears that the river overflows the bamboo grove and bamboo grove places the river in between. The hundred-meter-wide river is tightly locked by two pieces of rock cliff at Tiger Leaping Stone.
The distance between the two cliffs is only seven meters. The pouring torrent clashes the high mountains which rise abruptly along the gorge. The increasingly large fall of river generates glittering foam and the thundering uproar in the gorge can be heard several kilometers away. Considering the pouring torrent, deep riverway and giant stone emerging in the middle of the river, small waterfalls can be seen everywhere. The mountains stand facing each other on both sides of the river, posing a natural wonder of “a seam of sky if people look up and a thread of river when having a bird view.”
Where is Dayingjiang River-Location
Dayingjiang River is a branch at the upstream of Irrawaddy River. It takes its rise from Danzha River and Binglangjiang River in Tengchong City. The two rivers join up with each other in the Old town of Yingjiang County, and then form the Dayingjiang River, which flows through Tiger Leaping Stone and then runs south to the Irrawaddy River in Burma. It finally flows into Bay of Bengal. Dayingjiang River is about 205 km long with 146 km in Yingjiang County.
How to Get to Dayingjiang River
After arriving in Yingjiang County, it is convenient to get to Dayingjiang River by taxi, which takes about 40 minutes. For those people who are bike lovers, it is good way to get to Dayingjiang River by bike, which takes about 2 hours.
Introduction of Dayingjiang River
Dayingjiang River is a branch at the upstream of Irrawaddy River. It takes its rise from Danzha River and Binglangjiang River in Tengchong City. The two rivers join up with each other in the Old town of Yingjiang County, and then form the Dayingjiang River, which flows through Tiger Leaping Stone and then runs south to the Irrawaddy River in Burma. It finally flows into Bay of Bengal. Dayingjiang River is about 205 km long with 146 km in Yingjiang County. The river is 900 meters wide at its widest point and only 7.5 meters narrow at its narrowest point (Tiger Leaping Stone). There are two large branches, Binglangjiang River and Nandi River, at its upstream.
High trees and strange stones can be found along the two banks of Binglangjiang River. The water in the river runs very fast and high. After entering the dam area and joining with Nandi River, the river becomes quiet and winds to the west. The huge banyan trees are easily found along Dayingjiang River area, and Dai villages can be seen among the bamboo forests, which represent typical tropical and subtropical scenery. After winding through hundreds of primeval forests and canyons to arrive at Yingjiang Bamboo forest, the river turns slow and wide. On the two banks are endless farmlands and villages. A bamboo dam spreading thousands of miles stand on the riverbanks, and green islands can be seen in the middle of the river. Blue sky, white clouds, green bamboo and islands that are reflected in the river water, as well as small boats and Dai ethnic love songs constitute a fancy poem. In this scenic spot, there is not only original natural ecology, but also national customs. The integration of natural landscape and ethnic culture has become a feature of the area. This scenic area is based on the Yingjiang Section of Dayingjiang River, starting from Zhina Township in the north and Mangyun Township in the south. It also depends on the natural ecology of Dayingjiang, as well as numerous scenic spots. It mainly includes seven scenic areas: namely Zhina “Guangbang” drum cultural area, Dao Anren hometown, the original place of Dai opera, Old Town Xiang’e Lake area, customs area, Wanxiang old town area and monument of Margary affair. Water-Splashing Festival, Munaozongge Festival, national sports competitions, beach sports activities and other projects have also attracted many tourists.
Best Time to Visit
It is suitable to visit Dayingjiang River all year around. Every season has its unique beauty.
Nearby Attractions
XiangEhu Lake
Located in the southwest of Jiucheng Town of Yingjiang County, the beautiful XiangEhu Lake is the gateway and business card of Jiucheng Town. There are natural wetlands, sparkling natural lakes, and thousands of acres of lotus ponds with unique charm. XiangEhu Lake has a large amount of water, is not dry all year round, has good water quality, and contains many trace elements needed by the human body. There are more than ten kinds of wild fish in the lake, as well as birds such as egrets, yellow ducks and wild ducks, as well as aquatic plants such as lotus, reed and water hyacinth.
Yunyan Stupa
Yunyan Stupa in Yingjiang County, also known as Manmengding Stupa, is located on the top of Yunyan Mountain, 1 km east of Yingjiang County. “Yunyan” in Dai Language means an auspicious, joyful and fascinating place. It is one of the most important Buddhist pagodas of Hinayana in Yunnan. The pagoda was built in 1947 and it took eight years to complete the work. Although it is a modern product, it is rich in ancient style and is listed as a key cultural relic protection unit in Yunnan Province.
Yingjiang Hornbill Valley
Yingjiang Hornbill Valley is located on the bank of the Hongbenghe River in Yingjiang County, Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It belongs to the Hengduan Mountains extending from the Himalayas. The highest point is that the Daniangshan Mountain in Zhina Township is 3404.6 meters above sea level. The lowest point is that the Estuary of Nabanglashahe River is only 210 meters above sea level. The huge difference in altitude forms a cluster of northern tropical, subtropical and temperate climates, namely, the typical three-dimensional climate of the river. The forest coverage rate in Yingjiang County is 73.9%. There are many kinds of birds living here. At present, there are 550 species of birds found and recorded in Yingjiang, accounting for more than one-third of the national birds. The unique and precious Buceros bicornis, anthracoceros coronatus and Rhyticeros undulatus settle here. Therefore, it has the reputation of “Chinese Hornbill Valley”. Yingjiang is a beautiful and magical place, a paradise for birds, a kingdom of flora and fauna.
Why is Yuxi Mosque So Special?
Yuxi Mosque is formerly known as “Zhoucheng mosque(州城清真寺)”. The mosque has gone through a lot since it was built.
1. Initial Construction
In the past, most of the Hui people in Yuxi lived in Longmenjiu Village(龙门九村), but not many in the Zhoucheng(today’s Hongta District), so they did not have a mosque. The earliest mosque in the city was built by Tian Qingyu(田庆余) during the Hui uprising in Yunnan. Xianfeng(咸丰) period of Qing Dynasty, the Qing government ordered “suppression of Hui people”, so that countless Hui people lost their lives and their villages were destroyed. Tian Qingyu angrily revolted and occupied Zhoucheng(州城). News spread and the Hui people from all sides gathered here, but so many Hui people did not have a mosque. Therefore, although they were in the midst of a war, Tian Qingyu decided resolutely to build a mosque.
2. Adversity
In the bloody storm of the Qing army, the mosque remained unmoved, and Tian Qingyu(田庆余) had persisted in the struggle against the Qing Revolution for 10 years. During these years, Zhoucheng Mosque(州城清真寺) was always playing a role of the core fortress in the struggle. After the defeat of the uprising, Zhoucheng mosque was demolished in the 12th year of Tongzhi Qing Dynasty(清朝同治年间), converted into wealth temple(财神庙) and Guan Yu temple(武庙).
3. Reconstruction
At the end of the Qing Dynasty and the beginning of the Republic of China, some Hui people returned to live in the Zhoucheng(州城). Among them, Ma Jinyou(马金友) and Ma Rui(马瑞) raised money and prepared to build a mosque in Xiaomiao Street(小庙街) of Zhoucheng. Due to the objection of surrounding Han people, they were only allowed to build into a bungalow, rake angle. The Hui people who were in a weak position had to give way. In 1914 (1924), mosque was built, and a well was dug on the ground. After liberation, there was a period of closure. After the third plenary session of the eleventh central committee(in 1978), the mosque was restored the worship function.
4. Renaissance
By 1988, the number of Hui people in the city had increased to more than 1400, and the contradiction between more people and small mosque was prominent. Therefore, a brick and concrete structure building was added to the open space in front of the old mosque in Xiaomiao Street(小庙街), covering an area of 277 square meters. But the expansion still can not meet the increasing demands of Muslim worshippers in urban areas, the contradiction between more people and small mosque is still prominent. In 1992, the Planning Commission approved the demolition and reconstruction. The reconstruction began in July 1992 and was completed in January 1993. With brick-concrete structure and an area of 435 square meters, the mosque is large and better than before. The investment is 130000 yuan. The first floor is for imam, the second floor is a chapel, the third and fourth floor are classroom and student dormitory, and there is a reception room for guests.
Nearby Attractions
Hongta Industrial Zone in Yuxi
Yuxi Museum
The Former Residence of Nie Er in Yuxi
Gaogu Tower in Hongta District, Yuxi
Yingyuetan Hot Spring in Hongta District, Yuxi
Yuquan Temple in Hongta District, Yuxi
Fuxian Lake
Best Time to Visit
If you are interested in Yuxi Mosque, you can visit it at all seasons.
How to Get There
Hongta District is the political and economic center of Yuxi City, so transportation to Hongta District is convenient. When you are there in Hongta district, you can take a taxi to Yuxi Mosque.
1. By Long-distance Bus
There are many buses from Kunming to Hongta District of Yuxi. It is about 107 kilometers from Kunming East Bus Station to Hongta District bus terminal, about 1.5 hours. The ticket price is from 37 yuan to 55 yuan.
2. By Train
The fastest way to get to Hongta District of Yuxi is by train. You can take train at Kunming railway station or Kunming south railway station. Departing from Kunming south railway station spends less time.
Accommodation Around Yuxi Mosque
Yuxi Mosque is located in Hongta District. Hongta district is located in the central Yunnan hinterland, and is ranked as one of the top 100 industrial regions in China. The economy is relatively developed. Accommodation in Hongta District is convenient as there are many hotels ranging from luxury hotels to hostels. It is easy to find a comfort hotel in Hongta District.
Useful Travel Tips
1. If you are not a Muslim, learn something about Muslims, mosques and local Hui People in advance;
2. Respect Muslim Culture and do not make noise in the mosque.
Tours Including Yuxi
2 Days Jianshui Ancient Architecture Tour from Kunming(Xingmeng Mongolian Village in Tonghai County of Yuxi)
2 Days Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces Tour at a glance
6 Days Yunnan Small Group Tour with Honghe Hani Rice Terraces
Why is Yingjiang National Wetland Park So Special
Yingjiang National Wetland Park still maintains the basic appearance of the river and wetland without much artificial modification, and is full of “wild interest”. Standing in front of the empty square, overlooking the golden reeds, it is like a picture of a stretch of color. A gust of wind blows, the reeds sway in the wind, neatly fall in the same direction, a strain of reeds push each other, rushing to the distance, like rolling up thousands of waves. The scenery in front of visitors was so intoxicating that it was too late to listen to what the guide said, and everyone rushed to the reeds.
Walking into the wetlands, you can faintly find a variety of waterfowl figures, wild ducks, egrets in large groups, playing in the water, which constitutes the beautiful picture with the reeds. Being close to nature and staying away from the hustle and bustle is the deepest feeling of the Yingjiang National Wetland Park. Looking at the swaying reeds, take a deep breath, the air is filled with a touch of earthy aroma, for those who have lived in the city for a long time, this is a place where you can recover your original simplicity.
There are quite a few places where you can enjoy the sunset glow. However, in Yingjiang National Wetland Park, there is another feeling that is unique. Standing on the plank road, in the distance, the sky and the earth are connected together, the sunset glow of the sky and the sunset on the lake reflect each other; in the vicinity, the scattered ponds look like the mirrors; the bright red setting sun are placed on the water, and the villagers who wear the baskets walk through the bamboo bridge and could not see the appearance, but the figure is very clear. Such a simple life scene is picturesque in the golden sunset.
Where is Yingjiang National Wetland Park
Yunnan Yingjiang National Wetland Park is located in the Dayingjiang River Basin in the southwestern Pingyuan Town, Taiping Town and Nongzhang Town of Yingjiang County, and to the Bangba Laozhai Village of Feimeng Village Committee, the upstream of Dayingjiang River in the north, Xuangang Village Group, Labing Village Village Committee, Taiping Town, the downstream of Dayingjiang River in the south, which is bouned by the outside of the river bank. According to the length of the central line of the river basin, the total length is 24.8 kilometers, and the total planned area is 1725.98 hectares, of which the wetland area is 1365.10 hectares and the wetland rate is 79.09%. The park is divided into five functional areas: wetland conservation area, restoration and reconstruction area, mission display area, rational use area, and management service area.
How to Get to Yingjiang National Wetland Park
After arriving in Yingjiang County, it is convenient to get to the Yingjiang National Wetland Park by taxi, which takes about half an hour. For those people who are bike lovers, it is good way to get to the Yingjiang National Wetland Park by bike, which takes about 2 hours.
Best Time to Go
It is suitable to visit Yingjiang National Wetland Park all year around. Every season has its unique beauty.
Nearby Attractions
XiangEhu Lake
Located in the southwest of Jiucheng Town of Yingjiang County, the beautiful XiangEhu Lake is the gateway and business card of Jiucheng Town. There are natural wetlands, sparkling natural lakes, and thousands of acres of lotus ponds with unique charm. XiangEhu Lake has a large amount of water, is not dry all year round, has good water quality, and contains many trace elements needed by the human body. There are more than ten kinds of wild fish in the lake, as well as birds such as egrets, yellow ducks and wild ducks, as well as aquatic plants such as lotus, reed and water hyacinth.
Yunyan Stupa
Yunyan Stupa in Yingjiang County, also known as Manmengding Stupa, is located on the top of Yunyan Mountain, 1 km east of Yingjiang County. “Yunyan” in Dai Language means an auspicious, joyful and fascinating place. It is one of the most important Buddhist pagodas of Hinayana in Yunnan. The pagoda was built in 1947 and it took eight years to complete the work. Although it is a modern product, it is rich in ancient style and is listed as a key cultural relic protection unit in Yunnan Province.
Yingjiang Hornbill Valley
Yingjiang Hornbill Valley is located on the bank of the Hongbenghe River in Yingjiang County, Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It belongs to the Hengduan Mountains extending from the Himalayas. The highest point is that the Daniangshan Mountain in Zhina Township is 3404.6 meters above sea level. The lowest point is that the Estuary of Nabanglashahe River is only 210 meters above sea level. The huge difference in altitude forms a cluster of northern tropical, subtropical and temperate climates, namely, the typical three-dimensional climate of the river. The forest coverage rate in Yingjiang County is 73.9%. There are many kinds of birds living here. At present, there are 550 species of birds found and recorded in Yingjiang, accounting for more than one-third of the national birds. The unique and precious Buceros bicornis, anthracoceros coronatus and Rhyticeros undulatus settle here. Therefore, it has the reputation of “Chinese Hornbill Valley”. Yingjiang is a beautiful and magical place, a paradise for birds, a kingdom of flora and fauna.
Chinese Name:建水文笔塔
English Name: Wenbi Pagoda in Jianshui County, Honghe
The Wenbita Tower is located on the summit of BaiFo Mountain, about 4 kilometers south of Jianshui County in Yunnan Province. It was constructed in 1828 during the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty and is a uniquely designed feng shui tower.
Geographic Location and Architectural Features
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Location: The tower stands on the top of BaiFo Mountain, approximately 4 kilometers south of Jianshui County.
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Architectural Features: Standing at 31.4 meters tall, the tower has a base circumference of 31.4 meters, matching the value of pi (3.14). It is built from bluestone and is a solid, eight-sided structure. The lower part is square and octagonal, the middle section is square, and the top is flat, tapering gradually upward to resemble the tip of a giant pen. The overall design looks like a massive writing brush piercing the sky.
Historical and Cultural Significance
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Purpose of Construction: As a feng shui tower, Wenbita was built alongside the now-collapsed Tianzhu Tower as a symbol of Jianshui’s cultural landscape. Its construction aimed to promote education and literature (“heavy on culture, light on warfare”) and to reduce local conflicts. It also reflects the philosophy of “respecting Confucianism and integrating Buddhism.”
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Cultural Value: Known as “a miracle in the history of Chinese tower construction,” the tower’s design and philosophy are unique nationwide.
Current Status and Protection
Wenbita was designated as a key provincial-level cultural heritage site in Yunnan in 1993 and is currently open to the public for free.
With its distinctive architecture and rich cultural heritage, the Wenbita Tower has become an important historical and cultural landmark in Jianshui, attracting many visitors.
Location:
Chinese Name:建水学政考棚
English Name: Jianshui Examination Hall, Honghe
The Jianshui Xuezheng Examination Hall, also known as the “Provincial Education Commissioner Examination Hall,” is a well-preserved ancient examination venue located in Jianshui County, Yunnan Province. It served as the site for the “yuan shi” (院试), a provincial-level examination under China’s imperial civil service system. Candidates from the four southern Yunnan prefectures—Lin’an (present-day Jianshui), Yuanjiang, Kaihua (now Wenshan), and Pu’er—would gather here to take the exam, which was overseen by the Provincial Education Commissioner.
🏛️ Historical Background
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Initial Construction: Built in 1389 during the 22nd year of the Hongwu reign in the Ming Dynasty.
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Relocation: Moved to its current location in 1684 during the 23rd year of the Kangxi reign in the Qing Dynasty.
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Reconstruction: Rebuilt during the Guangxu period (1875–1908).
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Significance: The hall played a crucial role in the imperial examination system, serving as the first step for scholars aspiring to become government officials.
🏗️ Architectural Layout
The examination hall covers an area of approximately 6,000 square meters, facing south with a symmetrical layout along a central axis. The complex consists of six courtyards:
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First Courtyard: Drum Hall and Entrance Gate.
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Second Courtyard: Dragon Gate.
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Third Courtyard: Main Hall and East-West Examination Rooms.
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Fourth Courtyard: Second Hall (for grading papers).
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Fifth Courtyard: Inner Residential Gate.
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Sixth Courtyard: Office of the Provincial Education Commissioner.
The side rooms were divided into individual examination cells using wooden partitions, providing a glimpse into the rigorous and disciplined environment of ancient examinations.
📚 Cultural Significance
Jianshui, historically known as Lin’an Prefecture, has long been celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and emphasis on education. During the Ming Dynasty, Lin’an produced 56 out of Yunnan’s 261 successful candidates in the highest-level imperial examinations. In the Qing Dynasty, it contributed 158 out of 692 such candidates. Notably, Yunnan’s only top-ranked scholar (状元) hailed from Lin’an, underscoring the region’s academic prominence.
🧭 Visitor Information
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Location: Mid-section of Lin’an Road, Jianshui Ancient Town, Yunnan Province.
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Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
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Admission Fee: Approximately ¥17 RMB (subject to change).
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Transportation: From Kunming, take the Kunming-Yuxi Expressway to Tonghai, then transfer to the Tonghai-Jianshui Expressway to reach Jianshui. The total distance is about 220 kilometers, with a travel time of approximately 3 hours.
🎨 Interactive Exhibits
Since 2015, the examination hall has undergone renovations to enhance the visitor experience. Five thematic exhibition halls have been established:
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Martial Examination Hall: Showcasing military aspects of the imperial exams.
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Children’s Education Hall: Focusing on early education practices.
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Jianshui Temple Academy Hall: Highlighting local educational institutions.
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Comprehensive Hall: Providing an overview of the examination system.
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Local Culture Hall: Exploring regional customs and traditions.
Modern technologies, such as interactive displays and virtual simulations, allow visitors to engage with the history of the imperial examinations. Additionally, hands-on activities like movable-type printing and traditional bookbinding offer immersive cultural experiences.
The Jianshui Xuezheng Examination Hall stands as a testament to China’s rich educational heritage, offering insight into the rigorous processes that shaped the nation’s civil service and governance.
Why is Wanding Bridge So Special
Wanding Bridge is located on the urban side of the downtown of the Wanding Town; it is the boundary bridge between China and Myanmar; it is also an important channel for the exchange of trade and economic and cultural communication between the Chinese and Burmese. It has played a huge role in the history of Anti-Japanese and diplomacy. It is famous for its role at home and abroad. Wanding Bridge is the gateway to the southwest of China, the end of the 320 National Highway, the key to the Yunnan-Burma Highway, the link between the China-India Highway; it can get to Kunming to Shanghai in the north, and Lashio to Rangoon in the south, to India in the northwest. It is also known as the Anti-Japanese War Bridge, the Friendship Bridge and the Trade Bridge. Today, with the implementation of the national “One Belt and One Road” strategy and the implementation of the Ruili National Key Development and Open Experimental Zone policy, it has brought unprecedented historical development opportunities to the town, and the “100-year-old bridge and international channel” will be more energetic.
Where is Wanding Bridge-Location
Wanding Town is located in the east of Ruili City, bordering on Mangshi City in the north and northeast, and adjacent to Myanmar in the south across the Wanding River. The national boundary line is 28.656 kilometers long and 23 kilometers away from Ruili City. 82 kilometers from Mangshi, 733 kilometers from Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. The land area is 103 square kilometers. Wanding Bridge is located in Zhengyang Road, Ruili City.
How to Get to Wanding Bridge
- It is recommended to get there by self- driving or chartering a car.
- There are minibuses to and from Wanding Town at the price of 15 RMB/Person for single way.
History of Wanding Bridge
Wanding being seen in the ancient books and records can be traced back to the Han Dynasty. It belonged to Ailaodi, Yizhou County in the Western Han Dynasty; it belonged to Yongchang County in Eastern Han Dynasty; it belonged to Dali in Song Dynasty; it belonged to Dali Jinchi Division; it belonged to Zhefang Division and Mengmou Division.Although the Wanding Bridge is small, but it carries a heavy history and culture, it shows a soul-stirring history picture scroll, sings a sorrowful and violent patriotic poem; it describes a famous diplomatic story, inherits a long-standing friendship. Friends, if you come to Wanding, please come into the Wanding Bridge, and listen to the singular and touching story of Wanding Bridge, which is happening on the “Lifeline of the Anti-Japanese War”, and look forward to the famous patriotic overseas Chinese leader at the Nanqiao Jigong Monument, the statue of Mr. Chen Jiageng, to the Heishanmen and Huilong Mountain to commemorate thousands of Chinese expeditionary soldiers who died for the country in the battle to recover the land of China.
Best Time to Go
Spring and fall are the best time to visit Wanding Bridge.
Nearby Attractions
Zhaduo Waterfall
Moli Waterfall is located in Moli Valley, also called Zhaduo Waterfall, and hides in deep mountains and forest. the clean water falls from 40-meter cliff, it’s like a white silk flying and dancing in the wind, you can hear the falling sound of water far away. There is a small brook flowing under the waterfall. The whole part of the waterfall is the soul of the scenic area, it’s very enjoyable to watch and feel the waterfall in the morning when the sun rises. It’s also very worthy to go there in summer, you can feel splashes from the waterfall and splash on your face, it’s very nice and cool.
One-Tree Forest
In fact, One-Tree Forest is a large banyan tree, which has a history of more than 900 years, with 32 earial roots streight pinning into the earth. Banyan is a special and unique landscape in Ruili, it’s everywhere no matter in the vallies or villages or on the sides of the roads. people value banyan as holy tree, so they only plant these trees but don’t cut them. The big Banyan is in the one-tree forest park, and it’s 28 meters, what makes it more precious is that it has been standing there for over 200 years. The tree has many aerial roots hanging down from above, and they are interwined with one another, ending in the root. there are also so many aerial roots hanging down and they took roots in the earth, forming a forest that makes up of pillar-like roots, thus one-tree forest is shaped. It’s a very attractive and magical natural scenery. One-tree Forest has become a scenery that tourist must go, and it’s one of the hottest sceneries in Ruili.
Tours Including Wanding Bridge
11 Days Western Yunnan and Myanmar Border Cycling Tour
15 Days China Ledo Road Study Tour
39 Days Yunnan 25 Ethnic Minorities Discovery and Photography Tour
46 Days Yunnan Panorama Photography Tour with 25 Ethnic Minorities Discovery and Three Parallel Rivers Hiking Adventure
Travel Tips
Wanding is the smallest border city in the country with a local population of just over 10,000. It is one of the three border open cities in Yunnan. From here, you can travel to Namkham, Muse and Lashio of Myanmar. The travel procedures are simple: after you handling two photos and expenses to the Chinese Travel Agency, namely, the Chinese travel agency will take you out to the Myanmar tour guide, and the Burmese travel agency will take you out to the Chinese travel agency when back.
Chinese Name:建水古城小火车
English Name: Jianshui Narrow-gauge Railway Sightseeing Tour
Location:
Mohei Old Town
Most people know the name of Ninglang because of the famous Pu’er tea, followed by the Mohei salt produced by the Mohei town. In the history, the Mohei salt is popular among people because it has less impurities. The prosperity of the former tobacco leaves has created the prosperity of the ancient town. The ancient tea-horse roads that go to the capital and the coastal areas of China must go through the old town, making it very popular. Today, deep salt wells, ancient buildings, long lanes, green stone roads, horseshoe prints on the ancient roads keep the glory of the ancient town. There are Corner Building, Peacock Screen, Yang Likun.
Mohei is the hometown of the actor Yang Likun and the national model Zhang Peiying. Into the Mohei, People will feel that it is old and young, and there are Xinzhen Street, Xinmin Street, densely populated with all-wood houses. The house is almost a black-and-white wall with a red-wood bar.
Ning’er was introduced to the world for Pu’er tea, and Mohei salt well received for the pure taste and fewer impurities. Tobacco prosperity once created the prosperous town, the tea-horse route connected this place to coastal regions
and the capital city of China, making a Mohei popular spot. Nowadays there still stand deep salt wells, ancient alleys, green stone passes, and hoof prints on the road, telling glory to the past days. Corner buildings, peacocks flaunting tails, and Yang Likun record the everlasting history of Mohei.
Mohei is the hometown of famous actress Yang Likun and the national heroine Zhang Peiying. Buildings in Mohei have black roofs, white walls and red balusters, only yellowed with age.
Location: Mohei Town, Ning’er·Pu’er
Dali City and Eryuan County are both under the administration of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture. Eryuan County(洱源县) is one of the counties under the jurisdiction of Dali Prefecture of Yunnan Province, meaning the birthplace Erhai Lake. Eryuan County is located in the northwest of Yunnan Province, the north of Dali Prefecture, it connects Heqing County in the east, and borders Dali City and Yangbi County in the south. Eryuan County is praised as “the land of fish and rice”, “the hometown of plum”, “the hometown of dairy cattle”, “the hometown of hot spring”, “the hometown of orchid”, and “the hometown of Suona” because of its rich natural resources.
How to Get to Eryuan County from Dali City(Xiaguan Town)
With a distance of about 90 kilometers, tourists can go from Dali City to Eryuan County mainly by long-distance bus.
1. By Long-distance Bus
The transportation between Dali City and Eryuan County refers to two main long-distance bus stations, Dali North Bus Station and Eryuan Bus Terminal. There are about 40 daily buses from Dali City to Eryuan County, and the journey is about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Eryuan Bus Terminal洱源汽车客运站
Address: West Side of Wenbi Road, Eryuan County, Dali Prefecture大理白族自治州洱源县文碧路西侧
Tel: 0872-5120663
Dali North Bus Station-Eryuan Bus Terminal
Departure Time: 7:45-18:15(every 15 minutes)
Price: About 16 CNY
Distance: 90 kilometers
Consume Time: About 1 hour and 20 minutes
2. By Chartered Bus
There might 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.
The West Lake and Cibi Lake are popular in Eryuan County for Bird watching.
11 Days Northwest Yunnnan Bird Watching Tour
Check more information about Dali City Travel Guide.
1 Day Dali Highlights Tour
1 Day Dali Easy Hiking Tour to Cangshan Mountain
1 Day Dali Cangshan Mountain Hiking Tour to Xiaocenfeng Peak 4092M
2 Days Dali Pilgrimage Hiking Tour from Erhai Lake to Jizu Mountain
Transportation in Yunnan:
- Airlines in Yunnan
- Flights to Yunnan
- Airport Transfer
- International Flights to Yunnan
- Airports in Yunnan
- High-speed Rail in Yunnan
- Railway Stations in Yunnan
- Railways in Yunnan
- Trains to Yunnan
- Trans Asia Railway
- Metro in Yunnan
- Bridges in Yunnan
- Freeways in Yunnan
- Highways in Yunnan
- Roads to Yunnan
- Trans-Asia Roads
- National Roads in Yunnan
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