Shushi Culture Square in Ludian County, Zhaotong

📍 Where 2,000 Years of History Meets Modern Life

📍 Location & Coordinates

At the heart of Ludian County (鲁甸县), Yunnan Province – where old and new districts merge. Seamlessly connected to Century Avenue, Pedestrian Street, Zhuti Ancient Town (朱提古邑), and Antique Street. GPS: 27.19°N, 103.57°E (Elev. 1,920m). Just 10-min walk to Ludian Bus Station. 🗺️

📜 Cultural Significance

“Zhuti” (pronounced Shu-Shi) was Ludian’s ancient name during the Han to Tang-Song dynasties. Famous for producing “Zhuti Silver” – a currency used along the Southern Silk Road. This square is a living museum celebrating that legacy, locally called “The Museum in Our Living Room”. 🏛️

👀 Must-See Highlights

  • ⛩️ 10m Bronze Ding (巨鼎): Symbolizes “Zhuti’s Prosperity”
  • 🗿 Wumeng Ethnic Sculptures (乌蒙儿女群雕): 7 groups depicting Yi, Hui, Miao people in festive unity
  • 💎 Giant Silver Ingot (巨型银锭): 1:1 replica of Qing-dynasty “Zhuti Silver” – perfect photo spot!
  • 🏮 Zhuti Ancient Town Archway (朱提古邑牌坊): Gateway to cyber-futuristic-lit antique streets at night
  • 💦 Musical Fountain + Water Screen Films: Free nightly shows (20:00-20:30, extended during holidays)

🚉 Getting Here

  • ✈️ By Air: Fly to Zhaotong Zhaoyang Airport → 40min airport shuttle/ride-hail to square
  • 🚄 By Train: Bullet train from Kunming to “Qujing North” → 1.5hr bus to Ludian → 5min taxi (metered)
  • 🚗 Self-Drive: G56 Expressway “Ludian West” exit → 3km straight on Century Avenue → Underground parking FREE for 2 hours

🎯 Top Experiences

  • ⏱️ 15-Min Express Tour: Ding photo → Ethnic sculptures → Skewers at antique street → Fountain show
  • 🎧 Culture Deep-Dive: Scan QR codes for audio guides (learn how Zhuti Silver became Western Han currency!)
  • 📸 Photo Ops:

    – Day: Hanfu photos at ancient archway

    – Night: Neon-lit silver ingot & cyber-futuristic lanterns

  • 🔁 Nearby Combos:

    – 5min walk: Chongwen Pavilion (崇文阁) – panoramic views

    – 10min drive: Yanshishan Reservoir (砚池山水库) – paddleboarding/camping

    – 40min drive: Longtoushan Town (龙头山镇) – ancient silver mines

📅 Event Calendar

  • 📿 First Saturday Monthly: Artisan Market (silver jewelry + free Niu Gan Ba beef tastings)
  • 🔥 24th Day, 6th Lunar Month: Yi Torch Festival – bonfires & traditional “Left-Foot Dance”
  • ☀️ Aug-Sep: Cool Summer Festival – free ethnic performances weekly

ℹ️ Practical Info

  • 🎫 Admission: FREE, open 24/7
  • Best Time:

    – Summer: 19:30-21:30 (cool breezes + fountain shows)

    – Winter: Daytime (soft light for photos)

  • 🚻 Facilities: Clean restrooms & nursing rooms at all four corners
  • 🍢 Eat:

    – Zhuti Night Market (3min walk): grilled beef ribs, Liangfen jelly, papaya drinks

    – “Ludian Steak King” (5min walk): local yellow beef hotpot

  • 🏨 Stay:

    – Yunshang Seasons Hotel (云上四季): ¥200-300/night (fountain views)

    – Summer rentals: ¥1,500-2,000/month/person (meals + parking included)

✨ Why Visit?

At Zhuti Culture Square, 2,000 years of history unfold before your eyes: gaze up at the legacy of imperial silver, then join the vibrant dance of modern ethnic life – all condensed into one living “city living room”. 🌆✨

Shushi Culture Square in Ludian County, Zhaotong