The Forgotten Capital on the Tea Horse Road: Ming Architecture, Wood Carvings, and Living History at Jianchuan Ancient City

A Living Museum of the Ming Dynasty

1.Located in the northern part of the Dali: Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Jianchuan Ancient City is a hidden gem often bypassed by travelers rushing between Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La. Situated at an altitude of 2,200 meters, this town serves as a quiet pivot point connecting these major tourist hubs. Unlike the highly commercialized streets of its neighbors, Jianchuan retains a tranquil, time-sealed atmosphere where history is not a display but a daily reality. Built originally in the 23rd year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1390 AD) as a military defense city, it has preserved its original Ming city layout for over 600 years, earning it the reputation of a "Living Ancient City" deeply rooted in the Tea Horse Road history,.

The Hometown of Bai Culture and Crafts

Jianchuan is celebrated as the "Hometown of Bai Culture" and is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, particularly in wood carving. The city's history is etched into its architecture. Walking through the streets, visitors are surrounded by traditional Bai folk houses featuring the classic "Three Rooms, One Screen Wall" layout. These structures are adorned with intricate wood carvings on doors, windows, and eaves, showcasing a tradition that has been passed down for centuries. The local saying goes that "Jianchuan carpenters built the Forbidden City," highlighting the fame of their skills. Beyond wood, the city is also known for its stone carving heritage, visible in the foundations and decorations of the old houses,.

2.Ximen Street: The Heart of Heritage

The core of the ancient city's preservation lies along Ximen Street (West Gate Street). This area features a concentrated collection of well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty buildings. Highlights include the Zhaozhong Temple, the General's Mansion, and the commanding Zhongyi Archway. Walking down these cobblestone streets, polished by centuries of footsteps, visitors can feel the scholarly atmosphere ("Wen Feng") that the city prides itself on. The area was historically a hub for scholars and officials, and the grandeur of the family courtyards reflects a past of wealth and cultural sophistication.

A Hub of Daily Life and Festivals

3.What makes: Jianchuan truly unique is its "living" quality. It is not a hollow movie set but a functioning town where the Bai people live, work, and trade. The Sunday Market is a vibrant display of this living history, where locals from surrounding villages—including Bai, Yi, Hui, and Lisu people—gather to trade mountain goods, crafts, and daily necessities. The market is a sensory overload of colorful ethnic costumes and local dialects. Culturally, the city comes alive during the Taizi Hui (Prince Festival) on the 8th day of the second lunar month, a grand event where statues are paraded through the streets amidst a sea of yellow umbrellas, celebrating the region's deep spiritual roots,.

Jingfeng Park: A Scholar's Retreat

On the western edge of the ancient city lies Jingfeng Park, a serene enclave that houses the Jingfeng Tower, the Confucian Temple (Wenmiao), and the Guandi Temple. These ancient structures are nestled among old trees, providing a quiet space that reflects the city's dual heritage of Confucian and Taoist influences. The majestic architecture of the Confucian Temple, with its intricately carved beams and painted rafters, stands as a testament to Jianchuan's historical emphasis on education and literature, offering a peaceful counterpoint to the bustling market streets.