Things to do in Jianchuan

A hidden gem along the Ancient Tea Horse Road, this quiet and pristine retreat offers respite from the crowds and is a perfect place to unwind and relax. Stroll through ancient alleys, admire the old stage, and explore Xingjiao Temple to immerse yourself in the history of the Tea Horse Road at a truly relaxing pace.

This is a highly recommended scenic spot. From the mountain gate, take a shuttle bus directly to Shizhong Temple (about 20 minutes). Buses or electric carts are also available. The grottoes are well-preserved. After visiting Shizhong Temple, take a bus to Baoxiang Temple, and then back to the mountain gate. There's a vegetarian restaurant next to the bus stop; it costs 20 yuan per person and is quite delicious.

Jianchuan's tourism resources emphasize both historical culture and natural landscapes: Jianchuan Ancient City: Founded in the Yuan Dynasty, it retains a large number of Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings. Over 90% of the residences are in the Bai ethnic style, featuring the "three courtyards and one screen wall" or "four courtyards and five patios" layout. The ancient building complex on Ximen Street is a national key cultural relics protection unit. Visitors can stroll along the bluestone alleys and experience intangible cultural heritage such as the worship of local deities and Jianchuan wood carving. Shibaoshan Scenic Area: Famous for its Danxia landforms and grotto art, the Shibaoshan Grottoes are hailed as "Southern Treasures," masterpieces of carving from the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms periods. Every year from February to August in the lunar calendar, the Shibaoshan Song Festival is held here, where visitors can listen to Bai folk songs and experience traditional festivals. Shaxi Ancient Town: A well-preserved market town on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, with attractions such as Sideng Street, the Sifang Street Ancient Stage, and Yujin Bridge exuding a rustic charm. We recommend taking a stroll across Yujin Bridge at dusk to enjoy a panoramic sunset. Qianshi Mountain: Named for its more than 3,000 stone lion sculptures, visitors can climb the mountain to admire the uniquely shaped lions and experience the tranquil mountain forest praised by Xu Xiake. Jian Lake: A highland wetland, it is a habitat for black-necked cranes in winter. Cycling around the lake or camping offers a chance to enjoy natural peace and quiet.

I stayed two nights in Shaxi Ancient Town. Although I set my alarm early both nights, I was still late when I arrived at Yujin Bridge. Looking at the bridge already packed with tourists, I couldn't help but sigh: it turns out that not only is work competitive, but tourism is also a highly competitive art. Nearby, the school's "Athletes' March" was playing over the loudspeaker, adding a touch of humor to the scene, making me feel like a primary school student rushing to school. Seeing the crowds growing larger, I tried to avoid them and go higher up. Unexpectedly, I discovered a coffee shop under renovation. Since it was early and the workers hadn't started yet, I shamelessly went inside. It was this action that allowed me to witness the true morning mist of Shaxi. - Location: Navigate to "Yi Lu You Shan" near Shaxi Ancient Town

The beauty of Jianhu Lake is really hard to describe in words. If you have been to Dali, if you have been to Qinghai Lake, if you have been to Erhai Lake, the scenery here is really no worse than that, especially at sunset on a sunny day, it is really beautiful.

The Qianshishan Tourist Service Center is about 1.5 kilometers away from the Qianshishan Scenic Area. The lion king cannot be seen now, but there is no sign in the scenic area, so I walked a distance in vain. There are many constructions in the scenic area, and the exhaust smell is relatively heavy. Other than that, it is good and worth a visit.

Near Shaxi Ancient Town in Jianchuan County, which is under the jurisdiction of Dali, lies the famous Shibaoshan Scenic Area. Within the area is the Shizhongshan Grottoes, one of the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units in China. It is divided into three areas: Shizhong Temple (8 grottoes), Shiziguan (3 grottoes), and Shadengqing (6 grottoes). The most core and essential area is the Shizhong Temple area, which is a masterpiece from the Nanzhao Kingdom and Dali Kingdom period of ancient Dali. It has great Buddhist significance, excellent carving and sculpting techniques, and is greatly influenced by Southeast Asia and Tibet.

Ouyang Courtyard, a five-star hotel in the Tea Horse Post! This courtyard was built in 1912, with doors and windows made of mortise and tenon joints, and it took five years to build. It is also a typical Bai architecture, with a construction area of ​​about 3,000 square meters. It is also a post station that only wealthy families who traveled to sell tea could afford to live in.

Sideng Village, located in Shaxi Town, Jianchuan County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province, was once a market town with great influence on the ancient Tea-Horse Road. The clear waves of the Heihui River flow quietly, and the locust trees in the ancient market stand silently, witnessing the bustle and silence of the ancient village, and also witnessing its prosperity again. In 2001, Sideng Street in Sideng Village was selected into the World Monumental Architectural Heritage Protection List; in 2012, Sideng Village was included in the first batch of Chinese traditional villages. Living here, when the afterglow of the sunset covers the ancient stage, the towering ancient locust trees begin to usher in its own bustle.

Jianchuan Shaxi Ancient Town is the only authentic ancient town on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road that has been preserved to this day. The Sifang Street Market in the center, the ancient buildings are authentic, and the old machines are all original, which are well worth visiting.