History of Jianshui Town
Jianshui was called Lin'an or Badian Town in ancient times. It is located over 220 kilometers (nearly 136.7 miles) south of Kunming. The history of this ancient town can be dated back to Nanzhao State (738-937). About the year 810 the Nanzhao State built Huili City here. Huili in Yi (an ethnic minority of China) language means 'vast sea', and in Han language it is translated as Jianshui. In the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) the government set up Jianshui Zhou. Later, in the Ming Dynasty, it was changed to Lin'an Fu. Under the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) it was changed to Jianshui County.

What to see?
Jianshui still retains the traditional style of the original town in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) with break walls and a gate tower. From over 12 centuries of construction, more than 15 ancient buildings have remained in its present ancient town. If you come here to have a look, you will find many distinctive attractions. The famous scenic spots include: Jianshui Confucius Temple, Zhu Family Garden, Double Dragon Bridge and the National Examination Site of Xuezheng (the National Education Ministry) of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Apart from these attractions, the surrounding sights are also delightful, such as the Swallow Cave and Zhang Family Garden in Tuanshan Village.

Jianshui Chaoyang Tower	Zhu Family Garden
Zhu Family Garden	Shuanglong Ancient Bridge

What to buy?
As for the local handicrafts, the top one is the local purple pottery, which along with Yixing pottery in Jiangsu Province, Qinzhou pottery in Guangxi Province and Rongchang pottery in Sichuan Province composes the four renowned potteries of China. Jianshui purple  pottery is made out of natural quality five-color clay with a bright and smooth shape and exquisite techniques. It should be the top choice as a souvenir for visitors. Here you can also taste many local snacks and dishes. For example, Barbecued Tofu and Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles are welcome among the local people and visitors. Their good fame spreads to the whole nation. Since the taste is very good and the price is low, you just have to try them.

Travel Tips
Transport: As for the transportation to Jianshui Ancient Town, there are buses at all bus stations in Kunming running there through Tonghai. You can take a bus (every half hour) from Nanyao Bus Station or the East Bus Station of Kunming. If you drive a car to get there from Kunming, it will take 3 hours with a total of over 220 kilometers .
Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00
Entrance Fee: CNY 45

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