No rush in Dali! This thousand-year-old ancient town filled with the warmth of everyday life is truly my favorite

No rush in Dali! This thousand-year-old ancient town filled with the warmth of everyday life is truly my favorite If you ask what makes a city unforgettable, Jianshui will answer with countless moments — the sizzling aroma of barbecue over charcoal, the clattering echo of the narrow-gauge train passing by, the sunset gently gilding the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, and most of all, the vibrant atmosphere woven into daily life. This makes the "thousand-year-old ancient town" not just a cold label, but a lively, steaming life itself. Here, time moves slowly, and life feels real. Early in the morning by the Dabajing well, locals line up with buckets to draw water; the clear well water nourishes generations of Jianshui people and creates an authentic bowl of tofu pudding. Under Chaoyang Tower, aunties dance to music in the square, the ancient eaves of the tower blending harmoniously with their joyful steps. Tofu stalls on every street corner are always bustling; the Jianshui tofu, grilled crispy outside and tender inside, dipped in secret sauce, delivers pure satisfaction of everyday life. 🚗 Transportation Guide • From Kunming: High-speed train reaches in 2 hours; after exiting the station, taxis or buses quickly get you to the ancient town • Inside the ancient town: Motor vehicles are restricted; best explored on foot to feel the texture of the bluestone streets; nearby scenic spots are easily accessible by taxi, usually 15-30 minutes away 📍 Two-day, one-night in-depth itinerary Day 1: Leisurely ancient town tour + sunset chase Beishan Pottery Village (dopamine-colored pottery workshop, perfect for photos) → Ancient Town Citywalk (visit Baique Temple/Yuhuang Pavilion to admire Ming and Qing architecture + intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, climb Chaoyang Tower for a panoramic view, stroll through “Southern Yunnan Grand View Garden” Zhu Family Garden, explore Jianshui Confucian Temple, second only to Qufu and Beijing, and pass through Qingyuan Gate to feel the town’s lively atmosphere) → Shuanglong Bridge (wait for the stunning sunset at the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, watch the afterglow flood the bridge arches) Day 2: Time travel + nature retreat Take the narrow-gauge train from Lin’an Station (vintage carriages crossing pastoral scenery, stopping at Shuanglong Bridge and Xianghui Bridge for photo ops) → Tuanshan Residence (“Residential Museum,” touch the history of world heritage architecture) → Ant Workshop (a niche art landmark, vibrant colors perfect for photos) → Wulong Lake Park (colorful earth mounds + coconut groves and sandy beaches, an immersive natural beauty experience) 🌟 Must-visit attractions at a glance • Beishan Pottery Village: 30 RMB, a paradise for artsy youth, perfect blend of pottery culture and art design • Zhu Family Garden: 35 RMB, a large private garden from the Qing Dynasty, pavilions and towers showcasing Southern Yunnan’s wealth, last entry at 7:00 PM • Jianshui Confucian Temple: 40 RMB, a Ming Dynasty architectural gem, grand halls filled with Confucian cultural atmosphere • Yuhuang Pavilion/Baique Temple: Free, home to the Yuan Dynasty Chongwen Pagoda, small but fascinating intangible cultural heritage exhibitions • Dabajing Well: Free, a 600-year-old well featured on "A Bite of China," nearby tofu buffet only 5 RMB per person, great value • Shuanglong Bridge: Free, Qing Dynasty Seventeen-Arch Bridge, stunning light and shadow at sunset, narrow-gauge train stops here • Tuanshan Residence: 35 RMB, the narrow-gauge train’s final stop, well-preserved century-old residences, known as “living fossils” of residential architecture • Ant Workshop: 20 RMB, a niche pottery art area, bright colors, every shot looks like a masterpiece • Wulong Lake Park: Free, colorful geological landscape + island beaches, highly therapeutic • Narrow-gauge train: Round-trip hard seat 120 RMB, two daily departures at 9:00 AM and 2:30 PM, 4-5 hours full immersive old-time experience 🍜 Taste of Jianshui, can’t stop eating Jianshui’s deliciousness is hidden in the lively streets and alleys; once here, you won’t want to leave: • Jianshui Barbecue: Inside the ancient town, A Mao Halal Barbecue and Xiao Bo Barbecue have great reputations; outside the town, Western-style barbecue is authentic, with fragrant charcoal grilling • Lihua Jian Snack Shop: A local snack hub with a wide variety, open only until 6:00 PM, come early if you want to try • Tuwa House: Best value for money, always packed at mealtimes, authentic home-style dishes that go perfectly with rice • Papaya Old Shop: Long-established sweet water shop, affordable prices, sweet and refreshing taste to relieve greasiness and heat • Caoya Rice Noodles: Unique Jianshui specialty, crispy fresh shoots, flavorful broth, a must-have breakfast 🏡 Accommodation Recommendations Jianshui is small, staying inside or near the ancient town is very convenient: • Inside the ancient town: Vehicle restrictions mean dragging your suitcase on stone paths, but the renovated ancient houses turned guesthouses are very distinctive, with carved window frames, blue tiles, and white walls, offering an immersive ancient town experience • Around the ancient town: More convenient transportation, diverse hotel options, great value, suitable for those who prefer comfortable travel