Things to do in Gejiu

The Shadian Grand Mosque, originally built during the Hongzhi reign of the Ming Dynasty (1488-1505), has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history. The current scale is primarily from the 2005 expansion, which cost 130-150 million yuan, entirely funded by local Muslims. Covering an area of ​​21,000 square meters, it can accommodate tens of thousands of worshippers simultaneously, making it the third largest mosque in China, the largest in Southwest China, and one of the country's 100 most famous mosques. This mosque is a Chinese palace-style building, symmetrical along a central axis, consisting of a main hall, minarets, and a lecture hall. The main hall's roof features three semi-circular domes, and the interior is decorated with arches, beams, pillars, and Persian patterns, blending Islamic style with traditional Chinese elements. Ancient stone tablets within the mosque record its construction history and the land owned by the mosque. Opening Hours: Open all day, but only worshippers are allowed to enter the main hall.

If you have time to come to Gejiu, you must climb Laoyin Mountain. There are two ways to climb Laoyin Mountain, one is to take the cable car, and the other is to walk up. I suggest friends who are not physically fit to take the cable car, because the scenery on the way up is really average, and it takes about 80 minutes.

Bisezhai is definitely worth a visit. Movies like *Youth* and *Forever Young* were filmed here. The scenic area isn't large and isn't tiring to explore, but I still recommend taking the sightseeing bus round trip.

As a county-level museum, the Gejiu Museum is truly stunning. The exhibits are exquisite, and the presentation is thorough. The descriptions of the tin mines and the Gejiu-Biji Railway are particularly informative. The ethnic costume exhibition also offers a unique and refreshing experience.

Nanhu Park, located in the southern part of Mengzi city, is one of the city's main parks. The park boasts many beautiful attractions, including a lake, gardens, and an amusement park. It's a popular leisure spot for Mengzi residents and a must-see for tourists. The park features a lake surrounded by walking paths and pavilions, perfect for strolling and enjoying the scenery. The gardens are filled with flowers and plants, offering beautiful blooms and natural landscapes. The amusement park offers various rides, including a carousel and bumper cars, providing plenty of fun for children. In addition to the attractions, Nanhu Park also has various snack and souvenir shops where you can sample local cuisine and purchase souvenirs. In short, Nanhu Park is a highly recommended destination. If you come to Mengzi, be sure to visit Nanhu Park!

Jianshui Ancient City | A Thousand-Year-Old Lin'an, Hiding Yunnan's Gentlest Slow Time ✨ Having traveled through many ancient cities in Yunnan, I have a particular fondness for Jianshui. Unlike the bustling crowds of Dali and Lijiang, this ancient city of Lin'an, with its thousand-year history, is a truly living ancient city. There's no excessive commercialization or dense clusters of trendy shops; only the rich cultural heritage and the everyday life brimming with life, hiding the leisurely pace of southern Yunnan's life within the ancient alleyways and blue-brick walls passed down through the years. The moment you step into the ancient city, all the anxieties of your journey are soothed. The winding bluestone paths, polished by centuries of wind and rain, are both warm and rustic. Along the streets are well-arranged Ming and Qing dynasty houses and elegant stone archways, their upturned eaves embodying Chinese aesthetics, their mottled walls etched with the marks of time. Deep within the alleys, locals still live and work for generations, with wisps of smoke rising from chimneys in the morning and leisurely conversations in the afternoon—a blend of everyday life and ancient charm, gentle and healing. The spirit of the ancient city is hidden in its cultural heritage passed down through generations. The Chaoyang Tower, standing majestically in the east of the city for six hundred years, bears witness to the vicissitudes of Jianshui over a millennium. Greeting the sunrise and bidding farewell to the sunset, it is the most captivating landmark of the ancient city. The Jianshui Confucian Temple, the largest in China, is tranquil and serene. Ancient cypress trees reach for the sky, and the Pan Pond reflects the surrounding landscape. Its ancient and solemn architecture, with its bracketed eaves and flying corners, exudes a scholarly atmosphere that has continued for a thousand years. A stroll through it is filled with a refined and tranquil ambiance, inspiring awe. Every step reveals a scene of ancient charm, and every brick and tile tells a story. The Zhu Family Garden, hailed as the "Grand View Garden of Southern Yunnan," features winding corridors, secluded courtyards, and exquisitely carved beams and painted rafters. Each courtyard offers a unique view, showcasing the elegant splendor of a once-powerful family. The century-old narrow-gauge railway, winding its way through rice paddies and ancient villages, its whistle whistling softly in the evening breeze, offers an immersive experience of the romance and gentleness of bygone days—a uniquely Jianshui-esque healing romance. What's most captivating is the vibrant, everyday life of the ancient town. Everywhere you look, there are stalls selling grilled tofu, their smoke rising, the crispy exterior and tender interior a testament to Jianshui's ingrained flavor. The fragrant and sweet grass-sprout rice noodles and authentic local barbecue are affordable and delicious, each bite a taste of southern Yunnan. Spend your leisure time sitting by the roadside, watching locals chat and slowly grill tofu, letting time flow by peacefully—a truly serene and enjoyable experience. And here you'll find the unique Jianshui purple pottery, its thousand-year-old kilns burning ever since. Meticulously crafted by artisans, its crackled texture is warm and elegant, embodying the craftsmanship and heritage of southern Yunnan—the ancient town's most precious cultural symbol. By day, admire the ancient architecture and cultural heritage; by night, embrace the vibrant life of the ancient city. By day, Jianshui is like Lin'an, a city steeped in history and culture, with its scholarly atmosphere and gleaming ancient buildings. By night, Jianshui transforms into a gentle, relaxed town, with soft lights, tranquil streets, and the aroma of delicious food carried on the evening breeze, making every journey more pleasant. In Jianshui, there's no need to rush to see everything; simply stroll at your leisure. See the ancient buildings reflected in the moonlight, hear the rumble of the railway tracks, savor the everyday life, and cherish the gentle passage of time. This hidden gem of an ancient city in southern Yunnan tells the story of the most healing slow-paced life in Yunnan through its millennia-old cultural heritage and gentle, vibrant atmosphere. 🌿 (For sightseeing)

Stepping into the Honghe Prefecture Museum is like stepping into a long, forgotten chapter of history. The museum's architecture is unique, blending Chinese and Western styles. Its rich collection, including bronze tripods and ancient pottery, quietly tells the story of the evolution of Honghe civilization. The terraced field culture of the Hani people and the totem beliefs of the Yi people are vividly presented. The exhibition area showcasing ethnic costumes and musical instruments is vibrant and breathtaking. The promotional poster of "Terraced Fields in the Clouds" depicts the beauty of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. Strolling through the exhibition halls, history and modernity intertwine, and the diverse ethnic cultures of Honghe Prefecture shine like brilliant stars, captivating visitors and leaving them wanting more.

Honghe is located on the southeast side of the Southern Yunnan Oasis Forest Park in Mengzi City, and its buildings are quaint and ancient.

Yunnan, a province brimming with history and culture, boasts many cities, but Mengzi, though relatively low-key, possesses a unique charm that cannot be ignored. One of the most unforgettable places during my visit to Mengzi was the Memorial Hall of the National Southwest Associated University (Mengzi Branch). The Southwest Associated University is a monument in modern Chinese history. In this memorial hall, we can gain a deeper understanding of this history and feel the hardships and struggles of the teachers and students at that time. The memorial hall has two floors, showcasing the historical background, curriculum, contributions of teachers and students, and subsequent development of the Southwest Associated University. The environment here is simple and elegant, with wooden structures that give a solemn and tranquil feeling. The hall displays a large number of pictures, documents, and artifacts, each leaving a deep impression. Especially the photograph of the "National Southwest Associated University Monument," standing amidst the scenery of Mengzi, evokes memories of that glorious era. There are various materials about the Southwest Associated University here, including some precious artifacts and historical archives. I particularly liked the old photographs and manuscripts, which authentically record the scenes of life and study at that time. This memorial hall is free to enter; there are no admission fees. You simply need to visit during the designated hours. If time permits, it's recommended to arrive early, as it's less crowded, allowing you to better appreciate the atmosphere and exhibits. During my visit, I learned many historical stories about the National Southwest Associated University. For example, Mr. Wen Yiduo's "Last Speech" took place here; and there were also calligraphy works by Mr. Zhao Puchu, among others. These exhibits are accompanied by detailed explanations, giving you a deeper understanding of this history. In short, if you come to Mengzi, you must visit the National Southwest Associated University (Mengzi Branch) Memorial Hall. While the exhibits aren't numerous, each one is precious. The environment is also perfect for quiet reflection and experiencing the charm of history. If you are interested in history, don't miss this memorial hall!

Location: Haigeng Park/No. 16 Hubin Road ↔ Xishan Longmen (West Mountain Dragon Gate), not near the old street, you have to go to the Dianchi Lake area. Experience: Crossing the lake + climbing the mountain, about 20 minutes one way, views of Dianchi Lake, Sleeping Beauty Mountain, and city scenery, great for taking photos. Ticket Price: One way about 59-60 RMB, round trip about 98-100 RMB. Advantages: Easy for lazy people to climb West Mountain, no climbing required, unique views; seagulls in winter. Disadvantages: Stops during strong winds/thunderstorms; long queues during peak season; separate ticket/walking required for Longmen after climbing the mountain; don't confuse with the "Xishan Longmen Cableway". Conclusion: First time in Kunming, taking the Dianchi-Xishan route → worth it; if just exploring the old street → not worth a special trip.