Guandu Ancient Town
Guandu Ancient Town
4
8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
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58 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.0
73 reviews
Excellent
21
Very good
33
Average
18
Poor
1
Terrible
0
liucy752
Taipei, Taiwan1,214 contributions
Dec 2018 • Solo
At the center of Guandu Old Town located the well-preserved Jingang Pagoda (金剛塔，Vajra Throne Style Pagoda). Dating back to 1458, It is the earliest diamond-throne pagoda in China.
The Vajra Pagoda is a stylized version of the Mahābodhi Temple constructed at the site of where the Buddha was enlightened in Bodh Gaya , Bihar State, India. Only six Vajra Pagodas remain the world, among which five are in China.
Unlike some other Vajra Pagodas, there are no ornate decorations on the walls of the main structure. However, the mottled stone wall still is soaking up the ambience of the past.
The Vajra Pagoda is a stylized version of the Mahābodhi Temple constructed at the site of where the Buddha was enlightened in Bodh Gaya , Bihar State, India. Only six Vajra Pagodas remain the world, among which five are in China.
Unlike some other Vajra Pagodas, there are no ornate decorations on the walls of the main structure. However, the mottled stone wall still is soaking up the ambience of the past.
Written January 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SOH KIEN PENG
Singapore, Singapore6,593 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
We stayed at Hanting Express Hotel at Mingtong Road near Kunming Train Station. On my second day in Kunming, we decided to visit the old town of Kunming - Guandu Ancient Town (官渡古镇). Dali has its ancient town, Lijiang has its ancient town, Shangrila also has its ancient town (Dukezong Ancient Town) and we had visited all of them except the old town in Kunming. So, we decided to go and have a look of the old Kunming. I understand that Guandu Ancient Town is one of the main historical and cultural landscape of Kunming Tourism and it is located at Luofeng village in the southeast suburb of Kunming about 8 km from the city center.
It is very convenient to travel to Guandu Ancient Town. Just take the public bus no. 31 from the bus stop near the train station and it alighted right in front of the Old Town. The admission into the attraction is free and the pagodas, the temples and some of the shop buildings were built almost few hundred years ago but were still well preserved and maintained in the old town. Guandu Town used to be a fishing village during the Tang Dynasty.
The Shaolin Temple (Miaozhan Temple known as Shaolin Temple since 2009) was built in 1327 and the two pagodas in front of the temple were constructed in 1458 though one of the pagodas collapsed during an earthquake and was reconstructed. The center of attraction was the architecturally significant Vajra Pagoda that was believed to be constructed almost five centuries ago in 1457.
I saw the photographs of the martial arts classes conducted by the Shaolin Temple for the local youths. I was impressed with the community effort to conduct such healthy pugilistic activity that can channelled the youthful energy of the teenagers to something healthy and constructive so that they are deterred away from crimes and bad influence and at the same time preserved and transferred the ancient martial arts skills to the next generation.
There are few other old temples located within the old town like the Fading temple and the Guanyin temples that were built many years back. Studded among the old temples and ancient pagodas were many commercialized shops selling a wide range of eateries and goods. The products sold here were also similar to those in other parts of Kunming, nothing really special. In fact, I am more fascinated with the way the locals gathered at the many pavilions playing chess and enjoying in their traditional music and sing songs.
It is interesting to sit around for a while listening and observing the culture and traditional past time of many of the elderly folks. It gave me an impression that the government takes good care of the welfare of the old folks here beside promoting tourism in this old town.
We spent about 2 hrs at this old town. Overall, we had an appreciation of the architectural splendor of the pagodas and temples and an understanding of the local culture and tradition of the old Kunming.
It is very convenient to travel to Guandu Ancient Town. Just take the public bus no. 31 from the bus stop near the train station and it alighted right in front of the Old Town. The admission into the attraction is free and the pagodas, the temples and some of the shop buildings were built almost few hundred years ago but were still well preserved and maintained in the old town. Guandu Town used to be a fishing village during the Tang Dynasty.
The Shaolin Temple (Miaozhan Temple known as Shaolin Temple since 2009) was built in 1327 and the two pagodas in front of the temple were constructed in 1458 though one of the pagodas collapsed during an earthquake and was reconstructed. The center of attraction was the architecturally significant Vajra Pagoda that was believed to be constructed almost five centuries ago in 1457.
I saw the photographs of the martial arts classes conducted by the Shaolin Temple for the local youths. I was impressed with the community effort to conduct such healthy pugilistic activity that can channelled the youthful energy of the teenagers to something healthy and constructive so that they are deterred away from crimes and bad influence and at the same time preserved and transferred the ancient martial arts skills to the next generation.
There are few other old temples located within the old town like the Fading temple and the Guanyin temples that were built many years back. Studded among the old temples and ancient pagodas were many commercialized shops selling a wide range of eateries and goods. The products sold here were also similar to those in other parts of Kunming, nothing really special. In fact, I am more fascinated with the way the locals gathered at the many pavilions playing chess and enjoying in their traditional music and sing songs.
It is interesting to sit around for a while listening and observing the culture and traditional past time of many of the elderly folks. It gave me an impression that the government takes good care of the welfare of the old folks here beside promoting tourism in this old town.
We spent about 2 hrs at this old town. Overall, we had an appreciation of the architectural splendor of the pagodas and temples and an understanding of the local culture and tradition of the old Kunming.
Written May 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RozW
Toronto, Canada118 contributions
Feb 2014 • Friends
The traditional ancient architecture of this beautiful site & all the street snacks & restaurants make this a beautiful place to spend a day. Stroll through the cobblestone streets, get off the main pedestrian walkways and enter another time, where the old men are gathered playing Go or Chinese Chess and the women, some in authentic Dai costume, take care of the children. The most famous street snack to try is the Guandu Baba, located near the large square Stupa (more than 800 years old) and the side main entrance. The aroma around the bakery is enchanting and if you come during holiday times, the lineups are long and you are restricted to how many you can buy. The bakery sells on product - Guandu stuffed Baba. They are a made with sweet bean sauce, sugar or peanut stuffing and only cost 2.50 rmb. The best way to try this delicious bread is to eat is warm right from the open, spinning oven. While you are strolling, enjoy three temples in the Ancient Town, the famous, largest and most lovely is the Shaolin Temple in the main Stupa. It's worth the time to get to from the Kunming city centre and you won't be disappointed! Enjoy!
Written February 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SATTAHIP
Sattahip, Thailand93 contributions
Mar 2014 • Couples
We had been advised to go on a Sunday. It was crowded and people were giving impromptu performance dancing, singing, story-telling aerobics and acting. Even as complete outsiders you were welcome to join in with the dancing
Written March 22, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nada_ FC
42 contributions
This is the most typical Chinese place I ever been in kunming. There are several temples and everything has the traditional architecture you expect of traditional places!
Not too many foreigners, so the experience of being involved in real chinese life is amazing.
Here you will not find anything western like in the downtown.
Not too many foreigners, so the experience of being involved in real chinese life is amazing.
Here you will not find anything western like in the downtown.
Written May 1, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jac
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia24 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
This old town is really beyond my expectation. Is cleaning and hugh. Spending half day here with my daughter. Lots of local tourist from other state. The temple here are really great, even got 少林寺 branch. Got lots of restaurant and food store here. The only things disappointed me is lots of smoker (seem smoking is a norm in China). Got some local presenting traditional Chinese song and dance. You really can feel the mixture of culture here (old building with modern people here).
Written July 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pianocello
Shah Alam, Malaysia1,354 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
There's lot of ancient structures here. There's also lots of good food and cheap stuff to buy. You can easily spend half a day here enjoying yourself. The only drawback is that it's a little far from the city.
Written September 1, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bennett A
Charleston, SC36 contributions
Oct 2019 • Family
Guandu Ancient Town is an older part of town that has been built up with cheap souvenir shops and little food stalls. It also has some very old pagodas and temples. It is great and nothing special all at the same time. My family had a great time, but going on National Day was not our best decision. It was super crowded. If you have been to Wangfujing in Beijing or the area around Yuyuan Gardens in Shanghai, this is similar. Since it is not in the city center, It might not be worth your time, but if you are nearby, go for it. Like all of Kunming, if you are not Chinese be prepared to have your photo taken.
Written October 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alan y
Tempe, AZ13 contributions
Aug 2016 • Solo
In south Kunming across from new Provincial Museum. Very touristy with lots of places to shop local souvenirs and sample local and other dishes. Try the Burmese restaurant in the back for authentic, tasty Burmese fare. Some local museums, but did not visit them.
Written October 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eline_Lianna
Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, Netherlands4 contributions
Oct 2016 • Solo
Very lively and local nice place to visit. Lots of locals go here to sing and dance as well. Lots of souvenirs, interesting buys, good food and snacks in a nice old architectural environment! Worth a visit!
Written October 5, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, what time does the shop in Guandu closes in the evening?
briananthony142
Big Bear Region, California12 contributions
I am not sure, but we were there until at least 9 or 10 pm
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Claim your listingGuandu Ancient Town - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Guandu Ancient Town
- Guandu Ancient Town is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM
- We recommend booking Guandu Ancient Town tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 Guandu Ancient Town tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Guandu Ancient Town:
- (0.06 mi) Youjia Inn
- (0.05 mi) Yunzhiduan International Youth Hostel
- (0.26 mi) Langyuan Hot Spring Garden Hotel
- (0.35 mi) Hanghong Hotel
- (0.49 mi) UK Top one Service Apartment (Maikendao)
- Restaurants near Guandu Ancient Town:
- (5.94 mi) Atrium Café
- (6.37 mi) Shang Tao Chinese Restaurant
- (6.38 mi) Butterfly Bar
- (6.05 mi) Wildfire Restaurant
- (6.37 mi) The Market
Guandu Ancient Town Information
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Guandu Ancient Town Photos | 197 |