Jianshui (建水), formerly known as Lin’an, is a culturally rich ancient town with a long history, located 220 kilometers south of Kunming. The town’s origins date back to the Nanzhao era, when an earthen city was built. It was later expanded into a brick city during the Ming Dynasty. Over the course of seven centuries, Jianshui served as a major political, military, economic, cultural, and religious center in southern Yunnan.
The ancient town of Jianshui is situated in Lin’an Town, where most of the historical attractions are concentrated. The bustling Lin’an Road and Hanlin Street are lined with traditional buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Notable landmarks within the town include the Jianshui Confucian Temple, Zhu Family Garden, Chaoyang Tower, and the Double Dragon Bridge.
Travel Information about Jianshui Ancient Town
Tickets and Opening Hours
Tickets: Jianshui Confucian Temple: 20 RMB, Zhu Family Garden: 35 RMB
Opening Hours: Both Jianshui Confucian Temple and Zhu Family Garden are open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit
Jianshui is a year-round destination, but two major festivals make visits particularly exciting: the Swallow Nest Festival on August 8th and the Confucius Cultural Festival on September 28th, when the town comes alive with vibrant celebrations.
How to Get There
Location: Lin’an Town, Jianshui County, Honghe Prefecture
Train: There are intercity trains from Kunming to Jianshui, with the fastest journey taking under 2 hours.
Bus: Long-distance buses from Kunming Bus Station to Jianshui cover a distance of 220 km, taking around 4 hours.
Attraction Ratings
- Cultural Significance: ★★★★★
- Unique Features: ★★★
- Leisure: ★★★
- Beauty: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★
- Adventure: ★★
Highlights of Jianshui Anicent Town
Jianshui Confucian Temple
The Jianshui Confucian Temple, originally built during the Yuan Dynasty, has undergone expansions during the Ming and Qing dynasties, boasting a history of over 700 years. Located along the middle section of Lin’an Road, it is the second-largest Confucian Temple in China. Outside the temple lies a large Confucius Cultural Square, which becomes a lively gathering spot during the Confucius Cultural Festival held annually on September 28th.
The temple’s layout follows a symmetrical palace design, modeled after the Confucian Temple in Qufu. Facing south, it extends 625 meters in depth and includes impressive structures such as a hall, courtyards, pavilions, gates, ancestral shrines, and memorial arches. The grand scale and dignified atmosphere of the complex, combined with its well-preserved architecture, make it a majestic and solemn site to explore.
Confucius Worship Ceremonies
The Confucius worship ceremonies in Jianshui have a long history, starting in the mid-Ming Dynasty. Participating in these ceremonies was considered the highest honor for local scholars. The rituals are accompanied by traditional music and dance, with ceremonial songs throughout, creating a grand and solemn atmosphere.
The ceremonies follow strict protocols regarding the sequence, scale, music and dance choreography, costumes, ceremonial instruments, and offerings. The grand Confucius worship ceremony is held annually at the end of September, during the Confucius Cultural Festival, attracting significant attention for its cultural significance and traditional splendor.
Zhu Family Garden
Known as the “Grand View Garden of Southern Yunnan,” the Zhu Family Garden is an extensive residential complex from the Qing Dynasty. It was built by the wealthy Zhu brothers during the reign of Emperor Guangxu. The garden faces north, covering an area of over 20,000 square meters, with a construction area of more than 5,000 square meters. The main structure is divided into two parts: the residential area and the ancestral hall, designed in the typical Jianshui residential style of “three vertical and four horizontal” layouts. There are 42 courtyards of various sizes, arranged with carefully planned halls and rooms, creating a rich and layered spatial experience.
The Zhu Family Garden consists of ancestral halls, residential areas, and a garden. Its design combines elegance and flexibility, with a harmonious blend of aesthetic forms and deep cultural significance. This architectural masterpiece holds great artistic value. Today, some of the rooms in the garden have been converted into guest accommodations, allowing visitors to experience the historical charm firsthand.
Chaoyang Tower
Chaoyang Tower, also known as Yinghui Gate, is located at the easternmost end of Lin’an Road and is a symbol of Jianshui. Referred to as the “Little Tiananmen,” the tower is a majestic structure supported by 48 massive wooden pillars and an intricate network of beams, forming a sturdy wooden framework.
With a history of over 600 years, Chaoyang Tower is one of Jianshui’s most iconic landmarks. From the top of the tower, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the ancient town. The tower also houses the Lin’an Tea House, where Jianshui folk music performances are held every evening. Next to the tower is a public square, a popular spot where locals gather for relaxation and entertainment.
Double Dragon Bridge
The Double Dragon Bridge is located west of Jianshui, spanning the Lujiang and Tachong rivers, which meander like two dragons, hence its name. Constructed from 500 meticulously chiseled stone blocks, this bridge is one of Yunnan Province’s most famous historical landmarks and is the largest and most artistically significant multi-arch bridge in the region.
The Double Dragon Bridge exemplifies traditional Chinese bridge architecture, blending engineering precision with artistic beauty. Its grand scale and artistic value make it one of the most remarkable ancient bridges in China, holding a prominent place in the country’s bridge-building history.
Tuanshan Ancient Village
Tuanshan Ancient Village is located 13 kilometers west of Jianshui, Yunnan. The villagers of Tuanshan amassed great wealth during the late Qing Dynasty due to the thriving tin industry in Gejiu. They invested heavily in constructing luxurious residences. The village’s existing ancient buildings are a mix of three architectural styles: traditional Han Chinese brick courtyard houses, Yi-style earth-topped houses, and a combination of Han and Yi elements with tile-eaved earth-topped houses. These structures reflect the unique architectural culture of this multi-ethnic settlement.
Though the exteriors may seem unassuming, the interiors are adorned with intricate wood and stone carvings, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and creating a rich spatial experience with graceful contours. The Zhang Family Garden is a key representative of Tuanshan’s residential architecture, along with other notable structures like the General’s Mansion, the Emperor’s Grace Mansion, the Scholar’s Mansion, and Baotong Mansion, all exemplifying the traditional residential style of southern Yunnan.
Visitor Guide for Jianshui Ancient Town
Transportation within the Scenic Area
In Jianshui, public buses are available to take visitors to various locations within the town and its nearby villages. Taxis come in two types: standard cars and small vans. These taxis typically do not use meters and often require price negotiation for trips to tourist sites. Additionally, Jianshui has many motorized tricycles that can accommodate two passengers. They are a cheap option, though they tend to be slower and can provide a bumpy ride.
Accommodation in Jianshui Ancient Town
Jianshui Ancient Town offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels and private inns, though the latter generally feature more basic facilities.
Minkang Inn (民康客栈): Located at 81 Lin’an Road (临安路81号), this inn is within walking distance of the bustling Hanlin Walking Street (翰林步行街) in the town center. The rooms are newly decorated, providing a comfortable and hygienic environment.
Lin’an Inn (临安客栈): Situated at 32 Hanlin Street (翰林街32号), just north of Zhu Family Garden (朱家花园), this inn boasts a more traditional style. Rooms come equipped with complimentary broadband internet access.
Huiyuanlou Inn (汇源楼客栈): Found at the intersection of Lin’an Road (临安路) and Guandi Temple Street (关帝庙街) in the heart of the ancient town, this inn features a charming and traditional Chinese decor. Each room is fitted with air conditioning, a private bathroom, a 40-inch LCD television, and offers 24-hour hot water service.
Cuisine in Jianshui
When visiting Jianshui, be sure to try the famous grilled tofu and the over-the-bridge rice noodles. Grilled tofu has a unique flavor and can be enjoyed with either dry or wet dipping sauces. A large bowl of Jianshui’s rice noodles can be had for just a few yuan, and if you visit before the rice planting season, you can also enjoy the local specialty, grass shoots, which are especially sweet and fresh.
Ximen Barbecue (西门烧烤): Located outside the west gate of the ancient town, this restaurant has over 20 years of barbecue history. Its grilled tofu is renowned for its delicious flavor, attracting many customers daily.
Xiangmanlou (香满楼): Situated in the middle section of Hanlin Street (翰林街), this restaurant features a quaint and traditional style. It has a prominent sign that resembles those seen in historical films, and many period dramas have used this location for filming.
Yishuang Restaurant (悒爽食府): Found at the western end of Lin’an Road (临安路), right next to the West City Gate, this restaurant specializes in dishes like stir-fried grass shoots and grass shoots with meat, all at affordable prices.