Huize Ancient Town, Qujing

Huize Ancient Town, Qujing
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🏯 Overview – Huize Ancient Town

Founded in 1731 during the 9th year of Emperor Yongzheng’s reign in the Qing Dynasty, Huize Ancient Town has stood for nearly three centuries.
During the Ming and Qing periods, it became the largest copper distribution center in China thanks to the famous “Copper Transport Route from Yunnan to Beijing,” earning the nicknames “Copper Capital of the South” and “Hometown of the Copper King.”

Today, its 0.92 km² core protected zone preserves:

38 Qing-era guild halls and temples

65 traditional residences

The only Chinese historical city recognized for “Guild Hall Culture”

A National 3A Tourist Attraction

📍 Location & Transportation

Where is Huize?

Northeast Yunnan, at the junction of Yunnan, Sichuan, and Guizhou

205 km from Kunming, 160 km from Qujing

Elevation: 695–4,017 m – a comfortable year-round climate

How to Get There

🚄 High-speed train + bus: Take the train to Qujing North Station, then a direct bus to Huize (2 hrs, ¥55)

✈️ Flight: Fly to Kunming Changshui Airport, then a business shuttle to Huize (2.5 hrs, ¥80)

🚗 Self-drive: G85 Expressway direct to “Huize” exit; follow navigation to Huize Ancient Town Parking Lot (24h max ¥20)

🚴 Getting Around: Core streets are pedestrian-only; free shared bikes available; walking across town takes 15 min

🌟 Must-Visit Attractions

Attraction Era / Feature Highlights
Jiangxi Guild Hall (Wanshou Palace) Qing, 1718 National heritage site; triple-eaved opera stage; free Yunnan opera at 10:30 & 15:30 daily
Huize Confucian Temple Qing, 1735 Best-preserved prefectural Confucian temple in Yunnan; join a “First Writing Ceremony” or “Coming-of-Age” ritual
Tang Jiyao Former Residence Qing, Guangxu era Fusion courtyard: French shutters + Chinese corner tower; exhibits on Tang Jiyao and the National Protection War
Eight Guild Halls Cluster Qing Dynasty Wood, brick, and color paintings known as “Yunnan’s Three Ancient Architectural Wonders”
Copper King Square – World’s Largest Copper Coin Modern 9.9m copper coin; ring the bell for good fortune; night light show 19:30–21:00
Ancient City Wall Ruins Ming–Qing 4 km of remaining walls; panoramic views of rooftops and snowcapped Wumeng Mountains
Copper Crafts Street Living heritage 20+ copper workshops; try making your own engraved copper cup or bell

🗺 Suggested Itineraries

⏳ One Day “Time Travel” Route

Ancient Town Archway → Jiangxi Guild Hall (watch opera) → Huize Confucian Temple (ritual experience) → Lunch: Eight Bowls of Lamb → Tang Jiyao Residence → Copper Crafts DIY → Sunset at Copper King Square → Night market stroll

🌿 Two-Day Immersive Experience

Day 1 – Same as above, overnight in a traditional courtyard inn, hear the watchman’s night call
Day 2 – Morning jog on the Ancient Wall → Huize Museum (see the “Copper King” coin) → Drive 40 min to Dahai Grassland (20,000-acre alpine meadow, ¥35) → Evening hot spring soak back in town

🍽 Flavors of Huize

Dish Where to Try Price Why You’ll Love It
Eight Bowls of Lamb Fuxinglou, Old Street ¥60 Black mountain lamb feast: roast, stew, jerky, and more
Fried Potatoes Qiu’s, Cross Street ¥8 Crispy outside, fluffy inside, with chili & Sichuan pepper
Pea Flour Rice Noodles Zhang’s Stall, near Confucian Temple ¥7 Smooth noodles in fragrant pea puree with chives
Huize Cold Jelly Zhu’s, South Gate ¥6 Double pea & buckwheat mix with pickled veg and rose syrup
Fireweed Cake Yi Xiang Qing, Night Market ¥5 Wild alpine fireweed dough grilled to golden perfection

🏨 Where to Stay

Type Name Price Range Highlight
Luxury Tongdu Academy Hotel ¥580–880 Restored Qing-era academy, pool & private hot spring
Boutique Jiangxi Guild Hall Inn ¥280–480 Stay inside a national heritage building, includes opera ticket
Budget Hostel Ancient Wall Youth Hostel ¥60–120 Bed + free bike + shared kitchen
Farmstay Copper King Lane Courtyard ¥120–180 Shop at morning market with the owner, cook local snacks

🎉 Festivals & Traditions

January – Copper King Festival: Parading the giant coin, dragon dances, stilt walking

March – Copper Market Opening: Yunnan opera, bird contests, copperware fair

June – Torch Festival: Yi ethnic dance party, all-night lamb hotpot

October – Climbing Festival: Ancient wall hiking, cloud sea viewing, fresh rice cakes

ℹ Practical Info

🎫 Tickets: Ancient town free; guild hall pass ¥50 (valid 2 days)

🕒 Opening Hours: All day; halls 08:30–17:30

🎤 Guides: QR audio ¥10; in-person ¥150/group

🏥 Medical: Hospital within walking distance

🌤 Weather: Big day-night temperature difference; bring layers; strong UV in summer

💳 Payment: WeChat/Alipay everywhere; UnionPay at gift shops

💡 One-Sentence Takeaway

When night falls, the copper workshops glow in the moonlight, and every stone alley whispers the hoofbeats of ancient caravans. In Huize, you can cross three centuries in a single day – and take the Copper King’s story home in your dreams.