One Hour from Kunming: Your Date with an Ancient City

Here's a guide to Tonghai Ancient City, allowing you to better appreciate the charm of this ancient city. Early Preparation - Documents: Bring your ID card, student ID, senior citizen card, and other relevant documents for ticket purchases or discounts. - Clothing: Tonghai has a mild climate, but there are temperature differences between day and night. It is recommended to bring a long-sleeved jacket. - Other items: Prepare sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, an umbrella, comfortable shoes, a portable charger, etc. Transportation Guide - External transportation: From Kunming, you can choose to take the high-speed train, which takes about 1.5 hours to reach Tonghai Station; you can also drive, navigating to Tonghai Ancient City, which takes about 2 hours. - Internal transportation: The ancient city is not large and is suitable for walking tours. If you want to go to farther attractions, you can choose to take the local bus or a taxi. Attraction Check-in - Tonghai Confucian Temple: Originally built in the Yuan Dynasty, the existing buildings were built in the early Qing Dynasty. It is a well-preserved ancient building complex where you can experience the profound Confucian culture. - Xiushan Park: Known as the "Soul of Culture," the park is full of Zen temples, winding paths, and secluded spots. It is the park with the most couplets in China. Climb to the top of the mountain to overlook Qilu Lake and the surrounding scenery. - Sansheng Palace: The six-panel wooden lattice door was created by the master woodcarver Gao Yingmei over 17 years, and each picture contains a story. - Qilu Lake Wetland Park: More than 30 kilometers around the lake, you can hike, cycle, feed seagulls, and enjoy the sunrise and sunset. Food Recommendations - Snacks: Masi Beef Soup with roasted bait blocks, Sister Liu's scallion pancakes, as well as broken crisp buns, sweet white wine, cloud slice cakes, and scissor candy are all worth trying. - Meals: You can try the casserole at Fushunju, as well as other specialties such as Tai Chi Eel and Xingmeng Roasted Duck. Accommodation Options - Tonghai Tongyin Hotel: Located next to the ancient city's pedestrian street, it is convenient for travel and overlooks the ancient city and Qilu Lake. - Xiushan Inn Xiulu Courtyard: Close to Xiushan History and Culture Park and Tonghai Confucian Temple, it has an antique charm and allows you to experience the ancient city's atmosphere.