Yunnan has a long history and splendid cultural heritage. It is one of the provinces with many ancient cities in my country. There are more than 30 ancient cities, large and small. Since 1982, 6 ancient cities have been listed as national historical and cultural Among the famous cities, three ancient cities are recognized as the three best preserved ancient cities in Yunnan, namely Dali, Lijiang and Jianshui. Dali and Lijiang have long been well-known ancient cities in the country and are crowded with tourists, but Jianshui is a little-known ancient city. In recent years, its mystery has begun to be unveiled. The three ancient cities all have old dreams of the past. Passing by, Don’t miss it, brew tea leisurely in this fleeting time, and discover the silent beauty hidden in the years.

There is a feeling called the ancient city of Yunnan. Once you have been here, you will never leave.

1. Lijiang

Lijiang is the most famous of these three ancient cities, and it is also the most famous ancient city in China.

Lijiang was founded in the late Southern Song Dynasty. During the Yuan Dynasty, the Xuanfu Division on Lijiang Road was established. In fact, Lijiang had already started the chieftain system at this time. After Zhu Yuanzhang came to power in the Ming Dynasty, he established a military and civilian government in Lijiang and granted chieftains wood. The surname, the prefect of that era was actually the hereditary family of the chieftain, and the chieftain's residence was the Mufu seen in Lijiang today.

In the early Qing Dynasty, there were still military and civilian offices in Lijiang, and the hereditary system of chieftains was retained. However, after Yongzheng came to power, he implemented the "return of scholars", and the court appointed another prefect, and the chieftain system began to fall apart.

Lijiang’s Mu family toast lasted for 800 years during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. These three dynasties were also periods of great development in Lijiang, which can be seen from the scale of Mu Mansion and the exquisiteness of its architecture. At its peak, Mufu covered an area of ??more than 100 acres and contained nearly 100 buildings. It was the heart of Lijiang.

Lijiang Ancient City also experienced the construction of these three dynasties before gradually forming its current layout.

The ancient city still retains the architectural characteristics of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in large parts. It not only highlights the structural layout, but also pursues carved and painted decorations. It is clumsy on the outside and beautiful on the inside, exquisite and clever. It is praised by Chinese and foreign architectural experts as a "residential museum".

The Xihe River in the ancient city of Lijiang flows on three sides. The streets and residences in the ancient city are built along the Xihe River. The canals and waterways are connected to the streets and residences, surrounding the Mufu, forming a fan-shaped pattern.

It has formed a wonderful scene of "water flowing in front of every house, willows hanging behind every house", "drinking in the upper pond, washing vegetables in the middle pond, and floating clothes in the lower pond", so water is the soul of Lijiang. , giving Lijiang spirituality and vitality.

Visiting Lijiang is actually to see the small bridges and flowing water on the plateau and the Naxi-style ancient houses.

Lijiang’s main street is adjacent to the water, and the alleys are adjacent to the canals. More than 300 ancient stone bridges complement the river, green trees, ancient alleys, and ancient houses. It has the ancient trees, small bridges, flowing water, and The aesthetic value and ornamental value of the house reflect the harmony and unity between man and nature. This is the real charm of Lijiang.

Sifang Street is the largest square in the ancient city of Lijiang. It is paved with colorful stones and washed with clear water. It is the city of Japan and China. It was the distribution center on the Tea Horse Road during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

At 19:14:18 on February 3, 1996, a tragic earthquake struck Lijiang, making Lijiang famous all over the world.

A few days after the earthquake, UNESCO officials flew to Lijiang for inspection. Fortunately, although the ancient city was severely damaged, the layout was not damaged, and the water system and cultural landscape were still intact. The following year, Lijiang was included in the World Cultural Heritage with the reputation of filling "the gap in civilian culture of residential buildings and ancient city heritage."

Over the past twenty years, Lijiang has been successful from the perspective of ancient city protection and tourism development.

Today’s Old Town of Lijiang still seems to have wooden buildings and green tiles, ancient streets and stone alleys, small bridges and flowing water. From the outside, it still looks like the Lijiang it once was. However, commercial and entertainment development has been excessive, and the original residents have become accustomed to it. There are not many left, and there is a tendency to become empty shells, and the original elegant smoke and smoke has almost disappeared.

In the old Lijiang, the Mufu is still there, the bridges and flowing water are still there, but the charm of the past is gone.

Today’s Lijiang tourism is still the pillar of Yunnan tourism, but it is not only the ancient city that supports Lijiang tourism, but also the beautiful scenery around Lijiang Ancient City.

Shuhe Ancient City, a Lijiang more than ten years ago.

Shuhe is an ancient city a few kilometers away from Lijiang. It is somewhat similar to Lijiang, but more quiet and elegant. It is recommended to visit Lijiang during the day and stay in Shuhe at night.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a snow mountain that can be seen in Lijiang, is actually a group of 13 mountains connected together. The main peak is called Fanzidou, with an altitude of 5596 meters.

This is a very well-known snow mountain in China. In fact, it is very famous, but it is not very beautiful, let alone comparing it with Meili Snow Mountain. Even if you take any snow mountain in western Sichuan, it will be better than this one. The snowy mountains are beautiful.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is 15 kilometers away from Lijiang city. The cost of going up the mountain is not low, and there are high altitude reflections. If you want to go, it is recommended to visit the Blue Moon Valley halfway up the mountain. The scenery of this scenic spot is very beautiful. beautiful.

In fact, on the way to Xuesong Village, we could always see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. From a distance, the view was unobstructed, and it felt quite spectacular.

Xuesong Village, an ancient village at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the whole village is made of brown stone houses, a very tasteful small village

The famous American explorer Locke lived here for twenty years. Locke was the American who discovered Daocheng Aden and is known as the father of Naxiology. His former residence can still be visited here.

Tiger Leaping Gorge is more than 70 kilometers away from Lijiang. It is the second most beautiful Grand Canyon in China selected by China National Geographic Magazine. It is very shocking when the water volume is large in summer. It has good tourist facilities and is worth a visit.

Lugu Lake

The most beautiful place near Lijiang, the most beautiful mountain lake in China except Tibet and western Sichuan, a place with romantic feelings.

There are quite a lot of kinds of food in Lijiang, such as rice sausage, copper pot beef, Naxi barbecue, native chicken rice noodles, steam pot chicken, water-based poplar, Fenghuaxueyue wine, etc. Recommend the black goat.

2. Dali

Dali is one of the earliest cultural birthplaces in Yunnan. In 737 AD, Pi Luoge, the leader of Mengshe Zhao, established the Nanzhao Kingdom, and its capital was built in Taihe City. Taihe Village is located between today's ancient city of Dali and Xiaguan. It was the early capital of the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom. It was later moved to Yangjume City (the current site is located at the foot of Zhonghe Peak and Longquan Peak in Cangshan Mountain). It started in 779 AD From A.D. to 1253 AD, Yangjumei City had been the capital of Nanzhao Kingdom and Dali Kingdom. At this time, Dali was the central city of Yunnan. It was not until 1253 AD, after Kublai Khan destroyed Dali Kingdom, that the center of Yunnan began to shift. Arrive in Kunming.

In 1381, the Ming army captured Dali, which was occupied by the Yuan Dynasty, established Dali Mansion and built a new city, which is today's ancient city of Dali.

Everyone who has been to Dali is shocked by the unique geographical environment here. The ancient city of Dali is backed by Cangshan Mountain and faces Erhai Lake. It really has the best Feng Shui in the world.

The current layout of the ancient city of Dali is still the same as when it was first built in the Ming Dynasty. The city is square in shape, with four gates, a tower on top, and an acropolis below. There are also three streams in the north and south as natural barriers. The city is connected from the south to the south. There are five streets running across it to the north and eight streets and lanes from west to east. The city has a chessboard layout.

The ancient city of Dali has a very different temperament from Lijiang with small bridges and flowing water. It lacks some Xiaojiabiyu, but has more of a royal atmosphere.

The ancient city of Dali has the aura of a king, but also has a petty bourgeois sentiment. It is elegant and quiet during the day, and bustling like a fire at night.

This is an ancient city that needs to be calmed down and experienced slowly. It is suitable for leisurely strolling at a slow pace. The cultural atmosphere here is rich, there is no excessive commercial development, and even people doing business feel that More Buddhist. On both sides of the road are houses with traces of time, winding small alleys, and green tiles stretching along the walls, which look particularly ancient.

Dali Ancient City is one of the most charming ancient cities in China, and its style comes from the beauty of the surrounding mountains and rivers.

"Wind, flowers, snow and moon" is an ancient Chinese idiom. When it comes to Dali, it has become the four most famous landscapes in Dali.

Shangguan in Dali is an open grassland. Every spring, the ground is covered with colorful flowers, which are called "Shangguan flowers".

Xiaguan is a mountain pass in Dali. The breeze blows slowly and is refreshing and comfortable. It is called "Xiaguan Wind".

The majestic Cangshan Mountain lies across Dali. Every winter and spring, the top of the mountain is covered with white snow and is known as "Cangshan Snow".

The Erhai Lake on the edge of the ancient city is infinitely beautiful. Every moonlit night, the water color is like the sky and the moonlight is like water. It is called "Erhai Moon". These four landscapes also represent the essence of Dali's scenery, especially Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. .

If you are driving by yourself, you can drive to Cang'er Avenue for a walk. Behind you is the snow-capped Cangshan Mountain, and the Erhai Lake below is like a bright gem.

The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, also known as the "Three Pagodas of Dali", are one of the famous pagodas in China.

Dali University, a far-sighted university, chose this location as a perfect location overlooking the Erhai Lake.

See the Erhai Lake from Huanhai West Road. Riding around the Erhai Lake on a calm day, the sea and sky are the same color, giving people a sense of tranquility and distance.

Xizhou Ancient Town, Xizhou is the main settlement place of the Bai ethnic group. It has the most preserved and best preserved Bai residential buildings.

Hai Tongue Ecological Park, Hai Tongue itself is affected by the ebb and flow of the tide. It can be exposed during low tide and submerged during high tide, but it provides a place for close contact with Erhai Lake. Check-in points: Couple tree, dead tree, shoal.

Shuanglang Ancient Town is a very charming ancient town. Find a sea view inn near the famous White Stool to stay for one night and take some pictures of the scenery.

Xiao Putuo is a small island in the Erhai Lake. Looking at the Cangshan Mountain and the Erhai Lake in the distance, blowing the sea breeze and watching the red-billed gulls flying freely, I feel extremely comfortable and relaxed.

The Bai Catholic Church is the only Chinese-style Bai Catholic Church in the world and is very representative.

Dali Food

Xizhou Baba, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Cured pork ribs, a local specialty of the Bai ethnic group.

Steam pot chicken, there is a shop in the south of the ancient city that sells delicious steam pot chicken and pine-roasted duck.

3. Jianshui Ancient City

Compared with Dali and Lijiang, Jianshui is very low-key. In 1994, it was listed as one of the six historical and cultural cities in Yunnan, with more than 20 Years have passed, and many people still know about Lijiang and Dali, but they don’t know about Jianshui. Little did they know that in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, there was a saying that "Gold Lin'an, Silver Dali".

Jianshui, known as "Lin'an" in ancient times, is located 220 kilometers south of Kunming. During the reign of Nanzhao Kingdom (around 810), Huili City was built here, which belonged to the governor of Tonghai. Huili is the ancient Yi language and is translated as Jianshui in Chinese. Shuizhou was built in the Yuan Dynasty and was still called Jianshui Prefecture in the Ming Dynasty. During the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, Shuizhou was renamed Jianshui County. It has a history of more than 1,200 years.

The ancient city of Jianshui is an ancient city with profound historical and cultural heritage. It is said that in the Yunnan imperial examination that year, half of the candidates who passed the imperial examination were from Lin'an Prefecture, which was the highest in Yunnan, so there was a saying of "half the list" " known as.

Walking into this thousand-year-old city, mottled traces of history can be seen everywhere. It can be described as being filled with cultural relics. Everywhere is full of strong historical atmosphere. There are more than 50 well-preserved exquisite ancient buildings in the ancient city, including the magnificent Chaoyang Tower, the third largest Confucian Temple in China, the elegant and beautiful Zhujia Garden, the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, the original ecological village Tuanshan Village, and many other buildings scattered throughout the city. The ancient wells still in use in the ancient city and the purple pottery craft workshops that can be seen everywhere have gone through many vicissitudes, demonstrating the long history and profoundness of Jianshui culture. It is hard to imagine that there is such a well-preserved ancient city in Yunnan.

The ancient city of Jianshui was built as an earthen city when Nanzhao Kingdom was first built. It was expanded into a brick city during the Ming Dynasty. The three city towers in the north, south and west were destroyed by war. They were restored in the fourth year of Kangxi's reign and then destroyed again. Now only the East Gate Chaoyang Tower still exists and has stood for six hundred years.

Zhu Family Garden is one of the iconic attractions in the ancient city of Jianshui County. The Zhu Family Garden, known as the "Grand View Garden in Southern Yunnan", is a mansion and ancestral hall built by the gentry Zhu Weiqing brothers in the late Qing Dynasty. It has a construction area of ??more than 5,000 square meters and displays the beauty of ancient architecture everywhere, which is breathtaking.

The Confucian Temple has a history of more than 700 years. It is second only to the Confucius Temple in Qufu, Shandong and the Confucius Temple in Beijing.

Tuanshan Village is not only the most exquisite ancient residential complex in Yunnan, but also a world monumental architectural heritage.

Shuanglong Bridge is one of the 10 existing large stone arch bridges in China.

The Jianshui Train, built on the meter gauge, has now become a new tourist attraction.

Ancient wells are the cultural symbols of the ancient city of Jianshui. In the streets and alleys of the ancient city, you can see various ancient wells with a long history, including single eyes, double eyes, and multiple eyes. Some ancient wells have dried up. , but the water in more ancient wells is clear and sweet, and is still nourishing the people here. Some people even come all the way to the ancient city to see the ancient wells.

This density of ancient wells is extremely rare in the country. Ancient wells were of great significance in ancient times. The deep marks silently tell the story of the passing years.

Jianshui on the tip of the tongue. The ancient city of Jianshui is a gourmet paradise. The roasted tofu in Jianshui is particularly famous. It is also featured in "A Bite of China". There is a large well outside the west gate of the ancient city, which is also an ancient well. People say that the tofu made in this well is Especially delicious.

In addition to roasted tofu, the cross-bridge rice noodles, steam pot chicken, Hani beef offal, grass sprouts, lion cakes, etc. are all delicacies here. There is also a saying that Jianshui is Yunnan's cross-bridge rice noodles. ’s birthplace.

Jianshui, an ancient city that leaves a deep impression on people.

Compared with the hustle and bustle and commercialization of many ancient cities, the ancient city of Jianshui today is still low-key. There are no bustling tourists and no excessive commercial development. However, the people in the ancient city have not been out of touch with the times and live a peaceful life. A life that keeps pace with the times, here there are both modern shops and a bustling market life. The thousand-year-old charm has not faded with the changes of the times. Instead, like a pot of mellow old wine, it has a long-lasting fragrance and exudes The taste of time, this is what a Chinese ancient town should be like.