Live Your Best Lives
As a railway station, Xianghuiqiao Station is primarily a transit point, but there are several activities and points of interest nearby:
Xianghuiqiao Railway Station, located north of Xinfang Village in Jianshui County, was built in 1932 and covers an area of 2,080 square meters. It is named for its location next to Xianghui Bridge, a famous covered bridge in southern Yunnan. It is a key railway station between Jianshui and Shiping on the Gebishi Railway, China's first commercial (or private) inch-gauge (60 cm) railway line, connecting from Mengzi's Bisezhai Station to the Kunming-Hekou Line of the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway. It was wholly owned by the Gejiu-Bisezhai-Lin'an-Ping-Shiping Railway Co., Ltd., Yunnan Province's first joint-stock company, established in 1913 during the early years of the Republic of China.
Xianghuiqiao Railway Station is located in front of the Lujiang River, with green bamboos and willow trees shading the riverside. It faces Xinfang Village across more than a hundred acres of fertile farmland. The environment is quiet and green. In addition, there is a platform in front of the station with appropriate length and width. After its completion, it has become a good place for Xinfang residents to watch trains and relax, or to take a "railway walk" after dinner. It has added a lot of entertainment to Xinfang residents. It is the main place for the "platform culture" created by Xinfang residents, and it is also an important landmark building in Xizhuang Town and Xinfang Village.
Xianghuiqiao Station has a rich history. It was part of the Bishi Railway, China's first privately owned railway, independently financed and built by the people of Yunnan. This meter-gauge railway is one of the best-preserved of my country's early railways, and the entire structure constitutes a rare world cultural heritage site. Here, you can find traces of the French colonial architecture of the time.
Located in the subtropical monsoon climate zone, it is spring-like 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.
The French-style architecture of the Xianghuiqiao Railway Station building, resembling a watchtower and constructed of brick and stone, features prominent French architectural features and rich colors. Its triangular front roof, with a tiled gable roof, still utilizes the traditional Chinese tiled roofing and drainage system, intersecting perpendicularly with the Chinese-style hip-and-gable roof. This effectively solves the waterproofing and leak-proofing issues inherent in the integration of Chinese and French architectural styles at Xianghuiqiao Railway Station. This perfectly embodies the scientific value and artistic form of the Xianghuiqiao Railway Station building, epitomizing the harmonious integration of Chinese and Western architectural cultures and providing the station with its most distinctive cultural identity and ornamental value.
It is recommended to play for about 30 minutes.
free
Open all day
Xianghuiqiao Station serves as a critical transport hub in the Red River region of Yunnan, helping connect rural areas with larger cities. The station is not just a transit point but also a symbol of the area's developing infrastructure and increased accessibility.
Xianghuiqiao Station is located in the Red River region of Yunnan. The best way to get there is by train, as the station is part of a major rail network. Alternatively, taxis and local buses provide access to the station, depending on your departure location.
Since Xianghuiqiao Station is a transit hub, it operates 24 hours a day. However, visiting the area is best done during daylight hours to fully appreciate the local surroundings and culture. The best times to visit are typically from spring to autumn, when the weather is pleasant.
There is no entrance fee to visit Xianghuiqiao Station. Train tickets can be purchased either at the station or online through the official railway website or app.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel times like holidays. Tickets can generally be booked a few days before travel, although last-minute bookings are sometimes possible.
Given that Xianghuiqiao Station is primarily a transport hub, you won't need more than an hour or two unless you plan to explore the nearby area or wait for your train. The surrounding region, however, can be explored further if you have time.
Since it's a station, there are no major tourist attractions inside, but the surrounding landscape and the station's architecture are of interest. Nearby villages and local markets also provide a glimpse into the culture of the area.
There are no formal guided tours or audio guides available at Xianghuiqiao Station. However, local guides may be available for tours of the surrounding area, and many speak Mandarin.
The best viewpoints are located around the station, where you can capture the bustling atmosphere of the station, as well as the picturesque surroundings, including the nearby mountains and fields.
The station itself is straightforward, but if you have time, venture into the nearby villages or markets for a more immersive local experience. A walk through the area provides an excellent snapshot of rural life in Yunnan.
Night visits are possible as the station operates 24/7, but there are no light shows or special tours at the station. However, the surrounding area may offer more opportunities for evening exploration during the right time of year.
The station can be busy during peak travel times. Early mornings or late evenings tend to be less crowded, especially on weekdays.
Basic facilities such as toilets, rest areas, and food vendors are available at the station. There may also be small shops selling snacks, drinks, and travel essentials.
The station is accessible, with paved paths and basic amenities. However, if you plan to visit the surrounding rural areas, some parts may not be as accessible for elderly or disabled visitors due to uneven terrain.
Cash is commonly used in the area, but cards and mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are increasingly accepted, especially at the station and larger shops.
There are no major restaurants inside the station, but nearby villages offer local eateries serving traditional Yunnan dishes, such as rice noodles and dumplings.
Vegetarian food is available in local eateries, though vegan or halal options may be limited depending on the area.
Accommodation options are limited near Xianghuiqiao Station. However, larger towns or cities nearby offer more hotel options for those seeking a more comfortable stay.
Nearby attractions include scenic spots such as the Red River and various local villages. If you're looking for a cultural experience, nearby towns also feature traditional Yunnanese architecture and temples.
There are small souvenir shops near the station selling local crafts, textiles, and traditional Yunnan items such as tea and handmade goods.
From Xianghuiqiao Station, you can continue your journey by train, taxi, or bus to other nearby cities or attractions. Local buses also provide access to surrounding areas.
