Jianshui 建水
Well-preserved old town with a grand Confucius temple.
About 3 hours south of Kunming, and a natural stop on the way to the Yuanyang rice terraces.
What to see
Jianshui Old Town 建水古城
One of the best-preserved old towns in Yunnan. Walk from the Chaoyang Gate tower through streets of courtyard houses to the Confucius Temple, one of the largest in China, and the Zhu Family Garden, a grand merchant mansion. Try the local tofu, grilled over charcoal at the old wells.
Double Dragon Bridge 双龙桥
A graceful stone bridge with 17 arches just outside Jianshui, with a pavilion on top. Beautiful in the early morning light.
Tuanshan Village 团山村
A quiet village near Jianshui with well-preserved courtyard houses of the Zhang family, built by merchants in the Qing dynasty. A peaceful contrast to the town.