Jianshui Lin’an Anci

Jianshui Lin’an Ancient City (建水古城) was first built during the Tang Dynasty, so it’s been around for more than 1,200 years! About 220 km south of Kunming, this ancient town is full of charm, with over 50 beautifully preserved buildings that blend Han and local ethnic styles. Walking up to Chaoyang Tower (朝阳楼) is a real highlight—it looks especially stunning at night. Once you step into the old town, you get that amazing feeling of being in an ancient city but with the fun mix of modern shops and tasty food stalls all around. There’s so much to see here, like the Jianshui Confucius Temple (建水文庙), the Zhu Family Garden (朱家花园), Zhu De’s Former Residence (朱德旧居陈列室), and the Ancient Chinese Enlightenment Education Museum (中国古代蒙学教育展馆). The little tourist train (建水古城小火车) near the South Gate, and there’s also the famous Dabanjing Well (大板井) near the West Gate. I loved finding a cute coffee shop with a whole wall of books—you can just sit back, sip coffee, and read for hours. The mix of old architecture and modern vibes makes the place so cozy that you kind of lose track of time. Definitely one of my favorite finds in Jianshui Lin’an Ancient City (建水古城) was first built during the Tang Dynasty, so it’s been around for more than 1,200 years! About 220 km south of Kunming, this ancient town is full of charm, with over 50 beautifully preserved buildings that blend Han and local ethnic styles. Walking up to Chaoyang Tower (朝阳楼) is a real highlight—it looks especially stunning at night. Once you step into the old town, you get that amazing feeling of being in an ancient city but with the fun mix of modern shops and tasty food stalls all around. There’s so much to see here, like the Jianshui Confucius Temple (建水文庙), the Zhu Family Garden (朱家花园), Zhu De’s Former Residence (朱德旧居陈列室), and the Ancient Chinese Enlightenment Education Museum (中国古代蒙学教育展馆). The little tourist train (建水古城小火车) near the South Gate, and there’s also the famous Dabanjing Well (大板井) near the West Gate. I loved finding a cute coffee shop with a whole wall of books—you can just sit back, sip coffee, and read for hours. The mix of old architecture and modern vibes makes the place so cozy that you kind of lose track of time. Definitely one of my favorite finds in Jianshui!. And of course, you have to try the local specialty, Jianshui rice rolls (建水卷粉)—super delicious. Even with four days and three nights, I still didn’t manage to see everything. I missed Zhu De’s Former Residence and the Education Museum, so I guess that’s a reason to go back again!Jianshui!. And of course, you have to try the local specialty, Jianshui rice rolls (建水卷粉)—super delicious. Even with four days and three nights, I still didn’t manage to see everything. I missed Zhu De’s Former Residence and the Education Museum, so I guess that’s a reason to go back again!