The Ancient Villages and Towns around Kunming

Guandu Ancient Town (官渡古镇)

• Location: Guandu Town, Guandu District, Kunming, about 12 kilometers from the city center.
• Features: Guandu Ancient Town is known for its historical relics, such as Miaozhan Temple and the Vajra Throne Pagoda. It also features the famous “Eight Scenic Spots of Guandu,” including “Fishing Lights at the Ancient Ferry” and “Green Peaks of Luofeng.” Visitors can enjoy local delicacies like Guandu rice cakes and rice noodles.

Jincheng Ancient Town (晋城古镇)

• Location: Jincheng Town, Jinning County, on the southeast shore of Dianchi Lake.
• Features: Jincheng Ancient Town preserves the urban layout from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, with traditional “stilt houses” and “Yi Yin” architectural styles. It is the birthplace of Dian culture and offers beautiful natural scenery. Visitors can try specialties like baked cakes and crispy rice candy.

Leju Village (乐居村)

• Location: Tuopai Administrative Village, Tuanjie Town, Xishan District.
• Features: Leju Village has a history of over 600 years, characterized by adobe houses and stone-paved roads. The well-preserved “Yi Yin” buildings showcase the traditional village’s charm.

Tianba Village (田坝村)

• Location: Tianba Village, Shuanghe Township, Jinning County.
• Features: Tianba Village is a traditional Yi ethnic village, known for its harmonious blend of architecture with the natural environment. Visitors can experience rich ethnic customs and traditions.

Nuohai Village (糯黑村)

• Location: Nuohai Village, Guishan Town, Shilin County.
• Features: Nuohai Village is famous for its unique stone-roofed houses, which have a history of over 100 years. The Sani people here are warm and hospitable, and visitors can enjoy traditional dishes like “Tu Ba Wan.”

Fuan Village (福安村)

• Location: Fuan Village, Jincheng Town, Jinning County.
• Features: Fuan Village is built on a hillside and preserves many traditional Qing Dynasty buildings. The village’s cobblestone paths and timber-framed houses create a strong historical atmosphere.

Xinzhuang Village (新寨村)

• Location: Liu Jie Township, Jinning County.
• Features: Xinzhuang Village retains elements of Yi ethnic culture, including traditional clothing, dances, and architecture. The walls are adorned with beautiful patterns showcasing the unique Yi culture.

Muzha Village (木鮓村)

• Location: Muzha Village, Xiayang Township, Jinning County.
• Features: Muzha Village is known for its legends of “Immortal Footprints” and dinosaur footprints. The village’s buildings are nestled in the mountains, reflecting unique geographical and cultural features.

Jinyuan Township (金源乡)

• Location: Northwest of Xundian Hui and Yi Autonomous County.
• Features: Jinyuan Township is famous for its highland grasslands and diverse terrain. The “Little Qinghai Plateau” of Julong Liangzi offers vast grasslands in summer and stunning northern grassland landscapes in winter.

Dahui Village (打黑村)

• Location: Dahui Village, Xiayang Township, Jinning County.
• Features: Dahui Village is a traditional Yi ethnic settlement, preserving many traditional Yi houses and lifestyles. The village’s architecture and cultural relics reflect a rich history and ethnic heritage.