Heshun Ancient Town (和顺古镇) is located 4 kilometers west of Tengchong City. Its name originates from the poetic phrase “Clouds surge with auspiciousness, winds blow gently,” reflecting the local people’s yearning for a better life. Heshun is renowned for its long history of overseas Chinese, with a significant number of residents living abroad – often outnumbering those living domestically. These expatriates are spread across various countries, including Myanmar, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, Canada, and the United States.
As you stroll through Heshun, you’ll encounter ancient and elegant ancestral halls, moon platforms, pavilions, and stone railings. The scenery is picturesque, featuring smooth stone pathways, tranquil old houses, and clear streams that evoke a sense of peace and serenity. Surrounding the ancient town, lush green rice paddies are dotted with leisurely egrets, enhancing the tranquil beauty of the landscape and allowing visitors to appreciate the serene lifestyle of this charming locale.
Travel Information for Heshun Ancient Town
Tickets and Opening Hours
Admission Fee: The general ticket is ¥55, which allows access to various attractions (tickets will be checked at each site). The scenic area sightseeing bus costs ¥10, and the water impression boat ticket is ¥60.
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit
Heshun has a pleasant climate year-round, making it suitable for tourism in all seasons. Spring showcases particularly beautiful scenery, with golden rapeseed flowers gracefully contrasting against ancient architecture. In summer, blooming lotus flowers add another layer of charm to the landscape.
Location and Transportation
Location: Shuiduai Village, Heshun Township, Tengchong City.
Transportation: There are direct flights from Kunming to Tengchong, taking about an hour. Heshun is just 4 kilometers from Tengchong, making it a convenient 15-minute car ride.
Scenic Rating
- Cultural Significance: ★★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★
- Leisure: ★★★
- Beauty: ★★★
- Romance: ★★★
- Adventure: ★★★
Highlights of Heshun Ancient Town
Yunnan-Burma Anti-Japanese War Museum
The Yunnan-Burma Anti-Japanese War Museum is located on the site of the former command center of the Chinese Expeditionary Force during their counter-offensive in Tengchong. It is the first privately funded museum in China focused on the theme of the Anti-Japanese War, featuring collections from private donors.
The museum houses over 6,000 artifacts and more than 1,000 historical photographs. It is divided into five sections: “Shattered Rivers and Mountains,” “Heroic Expeditions,” “Years of Occupation,” “Sword Cleansing the Smoke of War,” and “The Dawn of Renewal.” Through a wealth of old photographs, historical documents, oil paintings, and comics, the museum vividly recreates the glorious history of the Chinese Expeditionary Force during the war.
Yunnan-Burma Campaign
The Yunnan-Burma Campaign was a crucial part of the global struggle against fascism. It began in 1942 when the Chinese Expeditionary Force entered Burma, continued with the crossing of the Nu River in 1944, and culminated on January 10, 1945, when the Japanese invaders, who had occupied western Yunnan for more than two years, were completely expelled from the country. The entire conflict lasted three years and three months, involving a total deployment of 400,000 Chinese troops, with nearly 200,000 casualties. The sacrifices made by the Chinese Expeditionary Force have left an indelible mark in the history of the Anti-Japanese War.
The significance of the Yunnan-Burma Campaign, the scale of the war, the harshness of the environment, and the heavy costs incurred command deep respect for the Chinese military and civilians who participated in the conflict.
Ai Siqi Former Residence
The Ai Siqi Former Residence is a beautifully designed courtyard house that combines Chinese and Western architectural styles, featuring a brick and wood structure. The residence boasts an intricate design with a high-roofed courtyard, connected corridors, and a Western-style small balcony. In front of the main hall, there is a stone archway covered in green vines, exuding an air of rustic elegance. The residence is situated in a scenic location, with the Yuanshan Deep Pool in front and Fengshan Mountain behind, providing a spacious and picturesque environment.
Upon entering the residence, visitors are greeted by a courtyard filled with green grass and blooming flowers. The fortress-like buildings reflect the anti-bandit style of western Yunnan, characterized by small windows and sturdy walls, which convey both solemnity and vitality. The central courtyard and the rear yard harmoniously blend under the sunlight, enhanced by the red-painted wooden railings. Each exhibition room within the residence tells the story of a remarkable yet humble scholar and warrior, celebrating his past and contributions.
Who is Ai Siqi
Ai Siqi, originally named Li Shengxuan, was born in February 1910 in Shuidu Village, Heshun Township. His father, Li Ruogai, was a notable figure in the Xinhai Revolution, having followed Dr. Sun Yat-sen in the revolutionary movement. At the age of two, Ai Siqi traveled with his father, and during his youth, he participated in organizations led by the Communist Party. He studied in Japan twice and officially joined the Communist Party of China in 1935.
Ai Siqi was a widely influential Marxist philosopher, renowned for his many philosophical works that resonated with readers. His notable publications include “Philosophy for the Masses” and “Philosophy and Life.” Additionally, his book “Dialectical Materialism and Historical Materialism” has long served as a philosophy textbook in higher education institutions.
Laundry Pavilions
Situated by the Sanhe River in front of Heshun, there are six or seven similar small pavilions known as the Laundry Pavilions. These were built by the men of Heshun who ventured abroad to provide a place for the women left behind to wash clothes, ensuring they could work without being exposed to the elements. The Laundry Pavilions are regarded as “the most caring and gentle public buildings,” making them a distinctive feature of Heshun.
The construction of the Laundry Pavilions reflects the care that the men of Heshun have for the women in their lives. Designed for fetching water and doing laundry, they offer shade from the scorching sun in summer and shelter from the cold rain in winter. Although the people in the area now have access to running water and washing machines, the industrious and frugal young women continue to cherish this traditional practice. They enjoy the communal atmosphere, sharing stories and laughter while washing clothes on the stone slabs by the well in the pavilions.
Xianhe Wetland
Xianhe, located at the entrance of Heshun Village, is a wetland known for its marshy ground that can easily trap unsuspecting visitors, which is why the locals affectionately call it “Xianhe” (meaning “Sunken River”). Unlike many famous wetlands with breathtaking views, Xianhe offers a more understated charm. Its surroundings may seem plain, natural, or even a bit disordered, yet this simplicity adds to its authenticity and harmonious pastoral beauty.
As you follow the narrow dirt path into Xianhe, you will find a green stream bordered by willow trees on one side and fields of lotus on the other. The small river is lively with groups of ducks swimming about, and occasionally, you might catch a glimpse of small fish leaping from the water, shimmering briefly in the sunlight. In the distance, a few elderly men can be seen fishing leisurely, creating a tranquil scene that embodies the essence of harmony within this wetland.
Heshun Library
The exquisite and elegant Heshun Library is one of the earliest and largest libraries established in rural China. It is situated by the Shuanghong Bridge in Heshun Township and consists of several parts, including the main entrance, central door, garden, main building, and collection building, forming a harmonious blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles. The library currently houses over 80,000 books, many of which are rare or unique editions.
Established in 1924 through contributions from overseas Chinese, Heshun Library showcases traditional Chinese architectural design. In front of the library lies a small, beautiful garden, and the moss-covered stone walls stand as a testament to its long history. The antique architecture and inscriptions by scholars add to its dignified atmosphere. In Heshun, many farmers who work in the fields during the day come to the library at night to read under its warm light, fostering a vibrant culture of learning and literacy within the community.
Visitor Guide for Heshun Ancient Town
Transportation in Heshun Scenic Area
The Heshun Scenic Area is equipped with sightseeing electric vehicles that operate under a unified scheduling system. The number of vehicles can be adjusted based on visitor demand to ensure that tourists have adequate transportation for their visits. These vehicles can be flagged down anywhere along their routes, and tickets are priced at just 10 yuan per person, making it a convenient option for exploring the area.
Accommodation in Heshun Ancient Town
When visiting Heshun Ancient Town, there are several options for accommodation, including family-run inns and guesthouses within the town or hotels in the nearby Tengchong city. Heshun Ancient Town has dozens of guesthouses, most of which are resident-run and offer clean bedding.
Tengchong Xinyue Suying · Banshan Hot Spring Homestay (腾冲心玥素影 ·半山温泉民宿): This homestay features renowned calligraphy works, a spacious terrace with panoramic views, and a bright, elegant tea room. It’s only a 10-minute walk from Heshun Library, providing a fresh and refined atmosphere.
Linghe Dushi Heshun Panoramic Hot Spring Inn (聆荷渡和顺全景温泉客栈): Located adjacent to the Xianhe Wetland in Heshun Ancient Town, this inn boasts a beautiful and comfortable environment. The design blends new Chinese style with light luxury, reflecting elegant Hui-style architecture.
Tengchong Fanyin · Youran Guesthouse (腾冲凡隐·悠然客景观客栈): Situated at the entrance of the ancient town, this guesthouse offers a peaceful retreat in a lively area. It features over ten rooms in two adjacent courtyards and serves as an excellent viewing platform, making it a great spot for photography and social media posts.
Cuisine in Tengchong
Tengchong’s cuisine is distinct within Yunnan, characterized by flavors that are rich yet not greasy, with a balanced sour and spicy profile, and a fragrant and refreshing taste. Some of the most famous local dishes include Da Jiu Jia (大救驾), Er Si (饵丝), and Dou Fen (豆粉). The region is also known for its flavorful pot dishes. Additionally, Dou Jiang Mi Xian (豆浆米线), Liang Dou Fen (凉豆粉), Huo Shao (火烧), Suan La Tang (酸辣汤), and Qing La Zi Ban Ji Cong (青辣子拌鸡枞) are must-try snacks.
- Cun Shi Dou Fen (寸氏豆粉): Located in Cun Jia Wan (寸家湾), this eatery specializes in a pudding-like dish made from pea flour, which can be enjoyed with you tiao (油条, fried dough sticks) or er kuai (饵块, rice cakes).
- Xin Yue Lou (新月楼): Situated in Li Jia Xiang (李家巷), this popular halal restaurant offers affordable prices, with vegetarian dishes starting at 6 yuan, braised beef at 20 yuan, and local specialty la e (腊鹅肉, smoked goose meat) priced at 40 yuan per plate.