Heshun Ancient Town Scenic Area

Stepping into Heshun Ancient Town feels like opening a dusty history book, with every page filled with the charm of time and every corner permeated with the rich aroma of history. This millennium-old town, located 4 kilometers southwest of Tengchong, Yunnan, was originally called "Yangwundun." Later, scholars refined the name to "Heshun," meaning "scholars and people in harmony," evoking a sense of peace and tranquility just from the name alone.

Architecture: A Living Fossil of East-West Fusion
The architecture of Heshun Ancient Town is truly unique. Ming and Qing dynasty residences, ancestral halls, and archways stretch for miles around the mountains, blending the elegance of Hui-style architecture with the clarity of Western styles, along with Southeast Asian influences. The flying eaves and dougong brackets of the Cun Clan Ancestral Hall, the curved facades of the Wanlouzi residences, and the teahouse inside the Liu Clan Ancestral Hall all showcase the craftsmen’s wisdom. With over 100 Qing dynasty residences, 9 stone bridges, and 6 laundry pavilions, the town is hailed as a "living fossil" of ancient Chinese architecture. Walking through it feels like traveling through time, with every bluestone slab carrying the sound of caravan bells and the bittersweet farewells of an overseas hometown.

Culture: The Soul of Diverse Integration
Heshun was a key town on the Ancient Tea Horse Road and a vital point on the Southwest Silk Road. Central Plains culture, Western culture, Nanzhao culture, and borderland culture converge here, forming a unique overseas Chinese and caravan culture. The Ai Siqi Memorial Hall tells the story of the philosopher’s thoughts, the Yunnan-Burma War Museum commemorates the flames of history, and the Heshun Library continues the tradition of a scholarly family with over 100,000 volumes. Every brick, every plant here silently narrates six centuries of vicissitudes and glory.

Nature: A Poetic Living Landscape
The town nestles by mountains and water, with clear streams winding through the village and willows brushing the banks, presenting a pastoral scene reminiscent of Jiangnan water towns. The shimmering Wild Duck Lake, the robust ancient trees of the Thousand-Hand Guanyin grove, and the biodiversity of the Xianhe Wetland compose a stunning ecological painting. In the early morning mist, the elderly pounding clothes by the laundry pavilion and students hopping on the small bridge sketch the most authentic everyday life; at sunset, with smoke curling from chimneys and the aroma of food filling the air, one is enchanted by the gentle peace of time.

Experience: A Healing Journey of Slow Living
Tickets and Activities: The 55 RMB ticket is valid for 7 days and allows face recognition entry. It’s recommended to stay at least two days to deeply explore attractions like Shuanghong Bridge, Wenchang Palace, and Yuanlong Pavilion, or take a small boat around the lake to watch wild ducks and egrets.
Food: Snacks like thin bean jelly, rice noodles, crispy buns, and pine flower cakes offer great value, with a 5 RMB bowl of thin bean jelly awakening your taste buds; specialty banquets such as "Three Drops of Water" and "Earthen Pot" leave a lasting impression.
Accommodation: From the luxurious Bailian Hotel to inns converted from ancient residences, prices are affordable and full of charm. The Huayu Lake Homestay is recommended, with a warm and hospitable owner offering free shuttle service.
Activities: In the morning, stroll through the century-old vegetable street; in the evening, bask in the sun by the laundry pavilion; at night, enjoy a pot of tea brewed with Longtan water and chestnut charcoal in a teahouse, savoring leisure in every sip.
Tips
Transportation: It takes 30 minutes by taxi from Tengchong Tuofeng Airport. Free parking is available at the "Heshun Ancient Town" lot for self-driving visitors.
Gear: The town has many slopes, so hiking poles are recommended; for shooting traditional-style photos, Hanfu or qipao are excellent choices.
Avoid Pitfalls: There are many jade shops in the town; non-experts are advised to be cautious when purchasing. Entering from the parking lot beside "Xiao Zui Laundry" can waive the ticket fee but you will miss some attractions.
Summary
The charm of Heshun Ancient Town lies in its balance between not being completely pristine wilderness nor overly commercialized bustle, but a "living ancient town." It carries the weight of history and the warmth of life; it offers nature’s gifts and cultural heritage. If you are tired of the city's restlessness, consider staying a few days in Heshun—stroll on the bluestone paths, listen to the wind in the teahouse, watch the sunset by the lake, let time slow down, and let your soul find peace.

Rating: 4.8/5
Recommendation: A blend of history and modernity, coexistence of nature and culture, Heshun Ancient Town is a paradise where the soul can rest.