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Shiping Ancient City offers visitors a chance to experience both history and culture, along with stunning natural beauty. Some of the best activities include:
Shiping County is located in southern Yunnan Province and northwest of Honghe Prefecture. The ancient city of Shiping was built during the Ming Dynasty. Its four gates were named Ying'en in the east, Tonggong in the west, Gongchen in the north, and Zhongxiu in the south. Four hundred years ago, the brick city had a circumference of 748 zhang (approximately 100 meters) and stood two zhang tall and two zhang thick. Only the South Gate, renamed "Yuntai," remains.
Shiping, emphasizing education and promoting culture, was a "famous literary city" during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It produced 65 civil Jinshi (literary scholars), 15 Hanlin scholars, one economic special yuan (specialized in economics), 11 military Jinshi (military scholars), and 640 civil and military Juren (juren). By the Ming and Qing dynasties, the area boasted 10 academies and hundreds of private schools and charity schools. It boasted a dazzling array of residences for historians, Jinshi (literary scholars), generals, observation houses, clan residences, and private gardens. Experts have called Shiping Ancient Town a museum of Ming and Qing residential architecture. Strolling through its streets and alleys, one can see ancient buildings and dwellings from the Ming and Qing dynasties everywhere, earning the nickname "Museum of Ming and Qing Architecture."
The subtropical monsoon climate is like spring all year round, with plenty of sunshine, no severe cold in winter and no scorching heat in summer, making it suitable for travel in all seasons.
Shiping boasts a rich history and culture, and has produced numerous talented individuals. Successive generations of sages have created a splendid culture and left behind a rich and precious cultural heritage. This magical land boasts the natural beauty of Yilong Lake, a provincial-level scenic spot; Shiping, a provincial-level historical and cultural city; and Zhengying, a provincial-level historical and cultural village, boasting numerous quaint buildings dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. It also boasts a magnificent collection of cultural relics, including 45 provincial, state, and county-level cultural relics protection units, including Xiushan, the Confucian Temple, and Yuan Jiagu's former residence. Furthermore, it is home to numerous historical and cultural figures, including Yuan Jiagu, Yunnan's only top scholar in the Special Economics Examination; Xu Helai, a founding Hanlin scholar; Zhang Han, a second-time Hanlin scholar; Yang Chunzhou, a renowned photographer; and Li Qiao, a renowned Yi writer. These figures constitute Shiping's unique historical and cultural landscape.
The long history of Shiping has created a rich ethnic culture. The diverse ethnic minorities living along the shores of the fertile and beautiful Yilong Lake have also created diverse and vibrant folk customs. The Cigarette Box Dance is one of the most representative dances of the local Yi people. It reflects the habits of various animals and the daily lives of humans, with realistic, varied, and dynamic performances that are captivating. Haicai Opera is a unique Yi folk song, characterized by its long, melodious rhythms and graceful tunes. Whether performed solo or in duet, it exudes a lingering charm. Finally, the dragon dance performed by Yi women with flowery waists, not only in their beautiful costumes but also in their varied and captivating movements, is breathtaking and offers a truly beautiful experience.
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Shiping Ancient City is an important historical and cultural site in Yunnan, known for its ancient architecture and rich history that dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. It was a key center for trade and culture and remains a vital part of the region's heritage.
Shiping Ancient City is located in Shiping County, Yunnan Province. To get there, visitors can take a bus or taxi from the nearest city, such as Kunming. If traveling by public transport, local buses from Kunming or other nearby towns can get you to Shiping County, and from there, taxis or walking will get you to the ancient city.
The city itself is open for visits all day, though most businesses and markets operate from 8 AM to 6 PM. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months when the weather is cooler and the city is less crowded. Mornings and late afternoons are ideal for avoiding the heat and crowds.
There is no specific entrance fee for visiting Shiping Ancient City itself, as it is an open-air historical site. However, some attractions like temples or museums within the city may charge a small fee. Tickets can generally be purchased at the entrance of these individual sites.
For the ancient city itself, tickets are not necessary. However, if you plan to visit specific attractions like temples or guided tours, it’s a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn).
To fully explore the ancient city and its surrounding areas, plan for at least 3-4 hours. If you want to explore the surrounding hills or nearby markets in detail, a full day would be ideal.
Some of the must-see highlights in Shiping Ancient City include:
Guided tours are available at specific cultural sites within the city. These tours are typically conducted in Mandarin. Audio guides may be available in other languages, depending on the site. It's advisable to ask locally for tour availability.
Some great photography spots in Shiping Ancient City include:
A suggested itinerary would be:
There are currently no night tours or light shows available in Shiping Ancient City. However, visiting in the evening allows for a peaceful experience of the city, as it tends to be less crowded.
The city can get crowded during peak seasons (spring and autumn). For a quieter experience, visit during weekdays or early mornings when fewer tourists are present.
Facilities available include:
Shiping Ancient City is an open-air attraction with cobblestone streets, so it may not be fully accessible for elderly or disabled visitors. However, children and families can enjoy the open spaces and local culture. Some individual sites within the city may have more accessible pathways.
Cash is commonly used in Shiping Ancient City, but many shops and restaurants now accept mobile payments like Alipay or WeChat Pay. It's always a good idea to carry some cash just in case.
Nearby restaurants serve local Yunnan cuisine, such as rice noodles, mushrooms, and traditional hot pots. Some cafes near the ancient city offer a more relaxed atmosphere with snacks and drinks.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in local restaurants, as Yunnan cuisine often features a variety of vegetables. Halal food options may be limited, but some restaurants in larger towns may offer them.
Accommodation options near Shiping Ancient City include guesthouses, budget hotels, and mid-range options. It's recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, as availability can be limited.
Nearby attractions include:
Souvenir shops in Shiping offer local crafts, including handmade textiles, pottery, and wooden carvings. Popular souvenirs include Yunnan-style tea and traditional Yunnanese art pieces.
To continue your trip, you can take a taxi or bus to nearby cities like Kunming. Rental cars are also a convenient option for traveling further into the region.
