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Bisezhai Railway Station, formerly known as Bisezhai Station, is located in Bisezhai, Mengzi County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. Built in 1909, it is 291 kilometers from Kunming North Railway Station and 177 kilometers from Hekou Station. It is under the jurisdiction of the Kunming Railway Bureau and is currently a fourth-class station.
Among Yunnan's "Eighteen Oddities," two are: trains aren't as fast as cars, and railways connect neither China nor the rest of the world. This refers to the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway. Speaking of this railway, Bisezhai is a must-see. Trains pass through here, traveling north to Kunming and south directly to Vietnam.
The unique French-style architecture of Bisezhai Railway Station in Mengzi, Yunnan, attracts numerous visitors. The Yunnan-Vietnam Railway, completed in 1910, became a central hub on the route and is one of China's oldest railway stations.
The subtropical plateau monsoon climate has a relatively uniform seasonal pattern, with rainy and cool summers and warm winters. All seasons are suitable for travel.
Bisezhai Railway Station still retains its French-style railway housing. The weathered clock on the station wall, with the word "Paris" clearly visible, is still visible. Besides the old yellow houses along the railway, there are many other historic buildings on the hillsides on both sides of the track, including former French cattle sheds, the stationmaster's office, a staff cafeteria, and a bar.
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Bisezhai Railway Station is historically significant as the northern terminus of the Yunnan–Vietnam Railway, established in the early 20th century. It played a crucial role in regional trade, transport, and cultural exchange, and remains an important heritage site reflecting early railway development in Yunnan.
Located in Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan, the station can be accessed by local bus or taxi from Jianshui town center. Walking from nearby accommodations is possible for visitors staying close to the station.
The station is generally accessible during daytime hours, around 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Morning hours are best for photography and avoiding crowds.
There is no general entrance fee for visiting the station area. Tickets are only required for boarding trains, which can be purchased at the station ticket office or through official online platforms.
For local or tourist train rides, booking 1–3 days in advance is recommended during weekends or holidays to secure a seat.
1–2 hours is generally enough to explore the station, take photos, and learn about its history. Additional time is needed if taking a train ride.
Guided tours are rare; information boards are mainly in Chinese. Hiring a local guide or using translation apps is recommended for non-Chinese speakers.
Start at the main station building, walk along the platform, explore the surrounding tracks, visit any on-site displays or old carriages, then optionally take a short local train ride.
Night visits are generally not available. Special events or heritage exhibitions may occur occasionally during festivals.
The station is less crowded on weekdays. Weekends and holidays attract more visitors and local tourists.
Basic facilities include public restrooms and small kiosks selling snacks and drinks near the station entrance.
Accessible for children and moderately mobile elderly visitors. Some areas may have uneven surfaces, limiting wheelchair access.
Cash is commonly used at local kiosks; mobile payments may be accepted at ticket counters for train tickets.
Small local eateries and tea houses are located near the station offering snacks and light meals.
Vegetarian options are generally available; halal options are limited.
Guesthouses and small hotels in Jianshui town are within a short drive from the station.
Souvenir shops near the station sell local crafts, railway-themed memorabilia, and small handicrafts.
Taxis, local buses, or private cars can take visitors to nearby towns, tourist spots, or return to Jianshui Old Town.
