Shushi Culture Square in Ludian County, Zhaotong
Attraction Overview
Located in the confluence of the new and old city center of Ludian county, Shushi Culture Square, built in October 2003, integrates the functions of culture, sports, leisure, entertainment, conference and assembly.
Chinese Name: 鲁甸县朱提文化广场(Shushi Wenhuaguangchang)
Best Time to Visit: All-year-round
Recommended Visiting Time: 1 Hour
Open Hours: All Day
Admission Fee: Free
Location: in the confluence of the new and old city center of Ludian county, Zhaotong City of Yunnan Province
📍 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”. 🌆✨