Jianshui Weather and Climate in January

Introduction

Jianshui (建水), located in the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州) of Yunnan Province (云南省), is like a pearl hidden in the depths of time, exuding a rich historical charm and unique cultural allure. From ancient architecture and tempting cuisine to the simple and honest folk customs, Jianshui attracts countless tourists to explore its wonders. Below is a detailed travel guide to help you fully appreciate the charm of this ancient city.

Climate in January

Temperature

  • Average High: 19°C
  • Average Low: 6°C
  • Highest Temperature: 26°C (reached on January 24, 2025).
  • Lowest Temperature: 0°C (recorded on January 27, 2025).

Weather Conditions

  • Sunny Days: 15 days.
  • Cloudy Days: 8 days.
  • Light Rain: 5 days.
  • Snow: 3 days.
  • Haze: 1 day.

Air Quality

  • Average AQI: 76 (Good).
  • Best Air Quality: January 26, AQI 46 (Excellent).
  • Worst Air Quality: January 7, AQI 134 (Light Pollution).

Wind and Direction

  • Average Maximum Wind Speed: 7.1 km/h.
  • Main Wind Directions: South, Southeast, and Northeast.

Overall Climate Characteristics

Jianshui in January is relatively mild, with warm days and plenty of sunshine, making it suitable for outdoor activities. However, the temperature difference between day and night is significant, with lows potentially near freezing. It is recommended to bring a thick coat for warmth.

Precautions

  • Bring warm clothing and scarves due to the large temperature difference.
  • Be mindful of weather changes, especially snowfall, which may affect travel plans.
  • Respect local customs and religious beliefs during your visit.

Best Time to Visit

Jianshui has a subtropical humid monsoon climate, making it suitable for travel year-round. January is particularly pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. The warm sunshine and dry weather make it ideal for exploring the ancient city without the crowds of peak tourist seasons.

Transportation Guide

External Transportation

  • By Air: Fly to Kunming Changshui International Airport (昆明长水国际机场), then take a high-speed train from Kunming South Station (昆明南站) to Jianshui. The metro line 6 connects the airport to Kunming South Station, costing about 5 RMB and taking around 40 minutes.
  • By High-Speed Train: From Kunming South Station, take a high-speed train to Jianshui Station (建水站). The journey takes about 2 hours, with tickets priced between 75 and 95 RMB.
  • By Bus: Long-distance buses from Kunming South Bus Station (昆明南部客运站) to Jianshui take about 3-4 hours, with tickets costing 70-90 RMB.

Internal Transportation

  • Bus: Jianshui has an extensive bus network. Take bus 919 from the high-speed train station to the ancient city, costing about 2 RMB and taking around 35 minutes.
  • Taxi: A taxi from the high-speed train station to the ancient city costs about 30-40 RMB and takes around 20 minutes.
  • Electric Bike: Rent an electric bike for about 30-50 RMB per day to explore the city and nearby attractions.

Recommended Attractions

1. Jianshui Ancient City (建水古城)

  • Description: The ancient city is the cultural heart of Jianshui, with the iconic Chaoyang Tower (朝阳楼) dating back to the Ming Dynasty. The red walls and vibrant laser light shows at night are breathtaking.
  • Ticket Price: Free (Chaoyang Tower: 15 RMB).

2. Zhu Family Garden (朱家花园)

  • Description: A Qing Dynasty residential complex known as the “Grand View Garden of the Southwest Frontier,” featuring exquisite carvings and intricate layouts.
  • Ticket Price: 40 RMB.

3. Jianshui Confucian Temple (建水文庙)

  • Description: The largest Confucian temple in Yunnan, preserving historical relics and ancient books.
  • Ticket Price: 40 RMB (20 RMB for students).

4. Shuanglong Bridge (双龙桥)

  • Description: Also known as the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, this stone bridge is a masterpiece of Qing Dynasty architecture.
  • Ticket Price: Free.

5. Tuanshan Ancient Village (团山古村)

  • Description: A well-preserved 19th-century village with traditional Yunnan-style architecture.
  • Ticket Price: 40 RMB.

6. Meter-Gauge Train (米轨小火车)

  • Description: A century-old railway offering scenic views of the countryside and historical buildings.
  • Ticket Price: 120 RMB (round trip).

7. Yigongfang (蚁工坊)

  • Description: A former brick factory transformed into a vibrant art park, perfect for photography.
  • Ticket Price: Free.

8. Wulonghu City Park (五龙湖城市公园)

  • Description: A serene park with beautiful lake views, ideal for relaxation.
  • Ticket Price: Free.

9. Zitao Street (紫陶街)

  • Description: A hub for Jianshui’s purple pottery culture and local cuisine.
  • Ticket Price: Free.

Seasonal Food in January

  • Grilled Tofu (烧豆腐): A local specialty with a crispy exterior and tender interior.
  • Caoya Rice Noodles (草芽米线): Fresh and nutritious, made with local grass shoots.
  • Steam Pot Chicken (汽锅鸡): Cooked in Jianshui’s purple pottery steam pot, rich in flavor.
  • Lamb Hot Pot (羊汤锅): Perfect for warming up in the cooler weather.

Shopping Recommendations

  • Purple Pottery (紫陶): A traditional craft with both artistic and practical value.
  • Local Snacks: Such as Jianshui tofu and rice noodle seasoning packs.

Accommodation Recommendations

  • Wanglu Homestay (王庐民宿): Located in the ancient city, offering beautifully decorated rooms. Prices range from 150 to 300 RMB per night.
  • Hotels near Guangci Lake (广慈湖): Conveniently located with prices ranging from 200 to 500 RMB per night.

Recommended Itineraries

One – day Tour

Morning: Arrive at Jianshui Ancient City. Visit Chaoyang Tower to experience the majestic momentum of the ancient city and enjoy the panoramic view of the ancient city (entrance ticket: 15 yuan). Then take a stroll through the ancient city to appreciate the simple streets and ancient buildings.
Noon: Taste Jianshui rice noodles in the ancient city. Grass bud rice noodles are recommended to experience the local special cuisine (per capita: 20 – 30 yuan).
Afternoon: Visit Zhu’s Garden to admire the exquisite architecture and garden art (entrance ticket: 40 yuan). After that, go to Jianshui Confucian Temple to learn about Confucian culture and pay homage to Confucius (entrance ticket: 40 yuan, half – price for students).
Evening: Go to Zitao Street to experience Zitao culture, taste various local snacks, and feel the lively atmosphere.

Two – day Tour

Day 1
Morning: Start from Jianshui High – speed Railway Station. Take bus 919 or take a taxi to the ancient city. After checking in, take a short rest. Visit Jianshui Ancient City, visit Chaoyang Tower, and walk along the ancient city streets.
Noon: Have a meal at Zixing Roast Duck and Cold Dishes Store in the ancient city. Taste special dishes such as roast duck, shredded potatoes, and grilled tofu (per capita: about 35 yuan).
Afternoon: Go to Shuanglong Bridge to admire the beautiful posture of this ancient stone bridge and take pictures (free of charge). Then go to Tuanshan Ancient Village to experience the historical charm of the original ecological village (entrance ticket: 40 yuan).
Evening: Return to the ancient city. Taste delicious barbecue at Amo Barbecue and pair it with local special drinks (per capita: about 60 yuan).

Day 2
Morning: Go to Yi Gongfang to take pictures in the artistic park (free of charge). Then go to Wulonghu Urban Park to relax and enjoy the natural scenery (free of charge).
Noon: Have a meal at a restaurant near the park and taste local home – cooked dishes.
Afternoon: Take the narrow – gauge small train to enjoy the rural scenery and historical buildings along the way (round – trip ticket: 120 yuan). If you can’t buy a ticket for the small train, you can take a taxi or drive along this route and take pictures at the stations.
Evening: Go to Zitao Street for shopping and tasting food, and end the pleasant journey.

Multi – day Tour (Three days or more)

Day 1: The same as the first day of the two – day tour.
Day 2: The same as the second day of the two – day tour.
Day 3: In the morning, go to Swallow Cave to admire the strange karst cave landscape and spectacular swallow nests (entrance ticket: 50 yuan). In the afternoon, return to the ancient city, visit the Imperial Examination Hall to learn about the ancient imperial examination system (entrance ticket: 30 yuan). In the evening, have free activities in the ancient city, taste special food, and buy souvenirs.
From the fourth day onwards: According to personal interests, you can visit your favorite attractions again or explore some off – the – beaten – path attractions in the surrounding area, such as the ancient well complex, to deeply experience the local customs and culture of Jianshui.

Tips for Visiting in January

  • Clothing: Bring warm clothes for the cooler mornings and evenings.
  • Sun Protection: Use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses during the day.
  • Respect Local Culture: Follow rules when visiting cultural sites and respect local customs.

Summary

This travel guide to Jianshui covers aspects such as transportation, attractions, food, and accommodation. Transportation is convenient, with high – speed rail being the main option. Attractions include the Ancient City, Zhu’s Garden, etc., each with its unique features and reasonable ticket prices. The food is rich and diverse, and specialties like grilled tofu are quite flavorful. Staying in ancient town homestays is recommended. There are various travel itineraries for different durations, along with precautions for traveling in January, helping you have a pleasant trip to Jianshui.