Overview:

: Jianshui Ancient Town is an ancient historic town situated in Yuanyang County of Honghe Prefecture, in the south of Yunnan Province. Built in the 12th century, the Jianshui Ancient Town has more than 460 ancient wells, over 700 Han and Dai style tapestries, and many temples and towers as well as luxurious and grand residences. The most famous sight here is the Chaoyang Gate Tower. Jianshui Ancient Town is a great place to learn about the culture of the Chinese ethnic minorities and to experience the many charming courtyards and winding alleys of its traditional structures. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in China
Prominent Features:

1. Ancient Architecture: The most noticeable feature of Jianshui Ancient Town is its unique architecture, which is characterized by its traditional red-tiled homes, ornate courtyards, and old temples. The unique homes and buildings are constructed using an incredible combination of stone and wood and have been amply decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures in various styles. It is also the location of the Zhu Family Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is considered to be the most spectacular example of classical Chinese garden architecture. 2. Ancient Streets and Bridges: Jianshui Ancient Town's most prominent feature is its stunning collection of ancient streets and bridges. One of the most famous streets is the Shuanglong Bridge, also known as the Double Dragon Bridge. This bridge is a beautiful two-arched stone bridge that was built during the Qing Dynasty and boasts beautiful decorations on every side. Other streets, such as Tinghe Street and the Tang Street, are full of old buildings that have been preserved since the Ming and Qing dynasties. 3. Ancient Temples: Jianshui Ancient Town is the home to numerous beautiful ancient temples. The most famous is the Confucius Temple, which is considered as an iconic symbol of Jianshui Ancient Town. The temple runs from south to north and symbolizes the educational legacy of Confucius. Other temples in the town include the Chaoyang Temple, which is dedicated to the God of War, and the Ma Temple, which is dedicated to Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea. 4. Natural Landscapes: Jianshui Ancient Town is home to some incredible natural landscapes. The nearby Luofeng Mountain is particularly remarkable and known for its stunning tree-lined trails. The nearby Tianyou (Heavenly Path) Valley is full of surprises and features a beautiful waterfall and scenic peaks. The towns also provide plenty of opportunities for visitors to take in remarkable views of the surrounding countryside. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in China.

History:

Jianshui Ancient Town, located in Yunnan Province, China, has a recorded history of over 1300 years. It was built in 617 AD by Li Yuan, the founder of the Tang Dynasty. In the centuries that followed, Jianshui witnessed numerous wars and battles, yet it still managed to maintain its valued cultural relics, which reflect the long and important history. Today the town stands with streets lined with well-preserved residences from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, artful arched stone bridges, temples, ancestor halls, and a number of traditional craft-making workshops. In 1982 Jianshui was named a provincial-level historical and cultural town by the State Council of China. The entire town is protected by the government, and its historical sites and buildings are preserved by the State. Today Jianshui welcomes numerous visitors from all corners of the world, drawn by its tranquil beauty, fascinating landscapes, and traditional Chinese atmosphere. It is a great place to explore and experience all of the culture, customs, and history of the ancient Chinese communities that have breathed life into this place for the past 1,300 years. Visit one of the famous monuments of China with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Jianshui was established as a town in 1283 during the Yuan Dynasty and is home to many ancient buildings, including forty-nine Confucius Temples. 2. The main attraction in Jianshui is the largest Confucius Temple in Yunnan Province, dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). 3. Jianshui is home to the oldest stone arch bridge in China - Zhong Kui Bridge, which was constructed during the Yuan Dynasty and preserved from the Ming Dynasty. 4. The famous Chaoyang Tower was built in Jianshui for astronomic observations during the early 15th Century. 5. Jianshui is also known for its historic lime-kilns, built to provide the material for repairing and reconstructing ancient buildings. 6. There's a traditional market in Jianshui which is over 500 years old where you can buy souvenirs, bamboo vessels and local handicrafts. 7. Jianshui is home to a number of old wells, which are all called “ancient wells” and have been around since the Ming and Qing Dynasties. 8. Jianshui is well-known for its abundant hot springs, which is said to be one of the best hot springs in Yunnan province. One of the historical monuments of China, it tells the story of a bygone era