Live Your Best Lives
At Zhaotong Ancient City, visitors can explore the historical architecture, ancient city walls, and traditional streets. It's an excellent spot to immerse yourself in local culture, stroll through old markets, and experience the traditional atmosphere of the area. Don't miss the ancient temples and traditional courtyards scattered throughout the city.
The ancient city of Zhaotong, a witness to the Zhuti culture, is one of the three major cultural cradles of Yunnan. Once known as "Little Kunming," the ancient city now faces the dual choice of disappearance and reconstruction. The core area of Zhaotong Ancient City, centered around Yuanmenkou, covers 2.97 square kilometers (the urban area before 1985).
Zhaotong Ancient City has four gates: Fuzhen Gate in the east, Jining Gate in the south, Jichuan Gate in the west, and Quma Gate in the north. Zhaotong Ancient City boasts a rich cultural heritage and has historically been a hub of cultural brilliance. It is the only large-scale, concentrated area that reflects Zhaotong's history, culture, and regional characteristics. It boasts well-preserved traditional market culture and streetscapes, and boasts a high concentration of streets and alleys. This area holds significant historical, cultural, and sentimental value for the people of old Zhaotong. The 0.67 square kilometers of land that existed before liberation is a key area of preservation for the ancient city.
Plateau continental monsoon climate; Zhaotong Ancient City is currently the only large-scale, concentrated traditional style area that reflects Zhaotong's history, culture and regional characteristics. It is an area where Zhaotong's traditional urban culture and traditional streets and alleys are well preserved and the streets and alleys are relatively dense, making it suitable for travel in all seasons.
Fuzhen Gate, Jining Gate, Jichuan Gate, Quma Gate;
Recommended one-day tour
Free and open
Open all day
Zhaotong Ancient City dates back to over 1,000 years and has served as a cultural and commercial hub in the region. The city reflects the traditional architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties and is significant for its role in local trade, education, and culture. The city is home to historical monuments and temples that represent the rich cultural heritage of Yunnan.
Zhaotong Ancient City is located in Zhaotong, Yunnan Province. You can reach it by taxi or bus from the Zhaotong city center. For visitors from outside the city, the nearest major airport is in Kunming, with a 5-hour drive to Zhaotong. Once in Zhaotong, taxis or walking are the best options for exploring the ancient city.
The ancient city is open for visitors at all times, with the best times to visit being in the morning or late afternoon. Visiting during weekdays is ideal to avoid crowds. The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant.
The entrance to Zhaotong Ancient City is free for visitors, as it is an open-air historical site. However, some specific temples or buildings within the city may charge a small entrance fee. Tickets for these can be bought on-site.
No advanced booking is required for general entry to Zhaotong Ancient City. However, if visiting specific attractions within the city that require tickets, it’s a good idea to check for availability, especially during peak seasons or public holidays.
A visit to Zhaotong Ancient City typically takes about 2 to 3 hours. However, if you wish to explore the temples and other historical landmarks in more detail, it may take up to half a day.
The must-see highlights include the ancient city gates, old market streets, and the traditional temples. Key landmarks like the Zhaotong City Wall and the Zhaotong Temple are also worth exploring for their historical significance and architectural beauty.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and it's advisable to book a guide in advance if you prefer an English-speaking one. Audio guides may also be available for some sections of the ancient city, but they are primarily in Chinese.
The best viewpoints for photography are from the top of the ancient city walls, offering panoramic views of the city. Other good spots include the old market streets and the courtyards of temples, where the traditional architecture provides a great backdrop for photos.
Start your visit by entering through one of the city gates, then follow the main streets that lead to key landmarks such as the temples and historical buildings. After exploring the core areas, take some time to relax in the peaceful courtyards before ending your visit with a walk along the ancient city walls.
Night visits to Zhaotong Ancient City are not typically available, but the city comes alive in the evening with local street food markets and cultural events. Light shows or special tours are not common, though special events may be held during holidays or festivals.
The ancient city can get crowded during weekends and public holidays, especially in the late morning and afternoon. The least crowded times to visit are during weekdays, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon hours.
The ancient city has public toilets and some rest areas where visitors can relax. There are a few small shops offering local snacks and souvenirs. However, there are no large restaurants or food courts, so it's advisable to bring your own water and snacks or visit nearby eateries in the city.
The ancient city is mostly accessible to elderly visitors and children, although there may be some uneven paths or stairs in certain areas. However, it might not be fully accessible for wheelchair users due to the city's old infrastructure.
Cash is still commonly used, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted in Zhaotong Ancient City. It’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases, as not all vendors may accept cards.
There are no major restaurants inside the ancient city, but nearby Zhaotong city offers a variety of local restaurants serving Yunnan cuisine. Popular dishes include rice noodles, steamed buns, and hotpot.
Vegetarian and vegan food options are commonly available in local restaurants. Halal food options may be limited, but you can check with specific restaurants in Zhaotong for availability.
There are several hotels near Zhaotong Ancient City, ranging from budget to mid-range options. Popular choices include Zhaotong International Hotel and local guesthouses. For a more luxurious stay, travelers may prefer accommodations in larger cities like Kunming.
Nearby attractions include the Zhaotong Museum, which offers insights into the region's culture and history, and the beautiful natural landscapes around the city, such as mountains and lakes that are perfect for hiking.
There are souvenir shops in and around Zhaotong Ancient City selling traditional crafts, such as local textiles, pottery, and artwork. Yunnan tea and local snacks are also popular souvenirs to take home.
The best options for continuing your trip are by taxi or bus. Zhaotong is well-connected to nearby cities, and buses are available for longer trips to destinations like Kunming. For more convenience, taxis or private cars are recommended for further exploration.
