Day trip from Kunming

Jianshui Ancient Town

建水古城History & Culture · Architecture · Waterfront

Jianshui Ancient Town is a well-preserved historic town in southeastern Yunnan, home to more than 50 exquisite historic buildings.…

Jianshui Ancient Town, Kunming

Key facts

Admission
Old town admission free; Jianshui combined ticket (Zhaoyang Tower + Zhu Family Garden + Xuezheng Examination Hall + Tuanshan Residences + Jianshui Confucius Temple) ¥100
Time needed
1 day
Getting there
1. Bus: Coaches to Jianshui leave from Nanbu Coach Station (南部客运站) and Dongbu Coach Station (东部客运站), with tickets priced at ¥81 and ¥158 respectively 2. Train: Trains to Jianshui depart from Kunming Railway Station; fare around ¥60
Guidebook rating
3 / 5

From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 207. Open in Google Maps

About Jianshui Ancient Town

Jianshui Ancient Town is a well-preserved historic town in southeastern Yunnan, home to more than 50 exquisite historic buildings. It is often described as an “architectural museum” and a “residential museum.” The town's most famous sites are the Confucius Temple and the Zhu Family Garden. Local snacks are also a highlight, and you should not miss shaodoufu (braised tofu), juanfen (rice noodle rolls) and paogao (soaked rice cakes).

Tips from the guidebook

  • Ancient Tea Horse Road: Visitors can join a horseback tour of the old road organised by a reputable travel agency. The scenery along the way is lovely and makes for great photos. You can also visit Tea Horse Road historic sites, try tea picking, and learn about the long history of Pu'er tea culture.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Jianshui Ancient Town cost?

Admission to Jianshui Ancient Town is Old town admission free; Jianshui combined ticket (Zhaoyang Tower + Zhu Family Garden + Xuezheng Examination Hall + Tuanshan Residences + Jianshui Confucius Temple) ¥100, as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.

How do I get to Jianshui Ancient Town?

1. Bus: Coaches to Jianshui leave from Nanbu Coach Station (南部客运站) and Dongbu Coach Station (东部客运站), with tickets priced at ¥81 and ¥158 respectively 2. Train: Trains to Jianshui depart from Kunming Railway Station; fare around ¥60

How long should I spend at Jianshui Ancient Town?

Plan on 1 day for Jianshui Ancient Town.

Where is Jianshui Ancient Town?

Jianshui Ancient Town is in Kunming, Yunnan Province, in the Southwest of China.

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