Jianchuan lies between Dali and Shangri-La on the G214 highway in northwest Yunnan. It’s a small town somewhat off the beaten tourist path that is best known or its stone carvings and hiking.
The town of Jianchuan is well preserved with interesting streets and old buildings, some of which still stand from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Two popular houses worth visiting in Jianchuan old town are the Zhang and General Lu family homes. The latter is known for its embroidery.
The hiking from Jianchuan can take in the famous Jianchuan Thousand Lions Mountain. Carvings date from the 900s in the Song Dynasty to as late as the end of the Qing Dynasty, 1911. The nearby Shibao Shan Nature Reserve is a must-see if you have time.
Getting There & Away
Jianchuan is best accessed through Dali, 150kms to the south along the G214 highway. Planes and buses serve Dali from Kunming (1 hour and 6 hours respectively) and the journey to Jianchuan is a further 3 hours by bus. Kunming Wujiaba Airport is the main airport in the region, 350kms to the southeast.
Things to Do
Jianchuan Attractions
- Jianchuan Stone Lions
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They can be seen on a hike of thousand lions mountain near town and some are over 1,000 years old.
Side trips from Jianchuan
- Shibao Shan Nature Reserve
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Featuring caves, grottoes and temples amid nice scenery and hiking trails, the reserve is just a few kilometers from jianchuan.
Events
- Taizi Festival
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A buddhist event in jianchuan in early february, featuring ceremonies in temples and dance teams in the streets.