[2025 Heqing Attraction] Travel Guide for The Town of Silver The Town of River (Updated Apr)

🌅In the long river of time, there are always some picturesque places waiting for us to explore. In February, when the spring breeze was still a little chilly, I embarked on a journey to Heqing and encountered a different kind of romance in this poetic land. Tour route 🚗 - Day 1: Arrive in Heqing → Xilongtan Park Morning: Arrive in Heqing from the departure point, take a short rest, and then go to Xilongtan Park. The water in the pond here is clear, the light of the sky and the shadows of the clouds are wandering together, and there are weeping willows swaying around. Take a stroll among them and feel the freshness of spring. Afternoon: Stroll along the trails around Xilongtan, enjoy the rural scenery, and experience the leisurely rural atmosphere. - Day 2: Xinhua Village → Caohai Wetland Morning: Go to Xinhua Village, a famous silverware town. Visit silverware shops, admire the exquisite silverware craftsmanship, and experience silverware making yourself. Afternoon: Go to Caohai Wetland, take a boat through the reeds, watch water birds playing, and feel the tranquility and beauty of nature. - Day 3: Shizhaizi → Return Morning: Arrive at Shizhaizi, where you can not only see the unique Bai architecture, but also overlook the beautiful scenery of Heqing County. Afternoon: Pack your bags and return home with lots of great memories. Take photos and check in at scenic spots📸 - Xilongtan Park: Standing on the stone bridge beside the pond, with the clear water and the mountains in the distance as the background, every shot is a blockbuster. - Xinhua Village: Take a photo with the traditional craftsmanship while holding the freshly made silverware in front of the silverware workshop. - Caohai Wetland: Sit on the bow of the boat and take natural and fresh photos with the swaying reeds in the wind as the background. - Shizhaizi: On the observation deck, leave your own image with the entire Heqing County as the background. Food recommendations 🍜 - Heqing rice cake: It has a soft and sticky texture, a light rice aroma, and melts in your mouth. It is a traditional local snack. - Raw skin: Select high-quality pork, which has been specially processed, the meat is tender and delicious when paired with special dipping sauce. - Eight Great Bowls: Traditional Bai banquet delicacies, including steamed pork with rice flour, braised pork with pork belly, crispy pork, etc. Each dish is delicious and fragrant. Accommodation suggestions 🏨 - County town hotels: convenient transportation, complete surrounding facilities, moderate prices, suitable for tourists who pursue convenience. - B&Bs: especially those near tourist attractions, where you can better experience the local customs and culture. Some B&Bs also have courtyards and beautiful environments. Things to note ⚠️ - In February, the temperature difference between morning and evening in Heqing is quite large, so please remember to bring warm clothes. - When taking a boat in Caohai Wetland, please obey the boatman's instructions and pay attention to safety. - When buying silverware, be careful to distinguish the authenticity and choose regular merchants. - Respect local customs and habits, especially in Bai ethnic minority areas. Heqing, like a pearl lost in the world, exudes a unique charm in the spring of February. This journey is not only a simple trip, but also a baptism of the soul. If you also long for a trip away from the hustle and bustle, why not come to Heqing!

🌄In the long river of time, some places, like bright stars, exude a unique charm, attracting travelers to rush towards them. Heqing, Yunnan, is such a place full of poetry and romance, especially in warm February, it is like a slowly unfolding landscape painting, waiting for us to explore. Next, I will present a 2-day Heqing travel guide. 📦Preliminary preparation: - Check the weather forecast. The temperature in Heqing in February is moderate, but the temperature difference between morning and evening is large, so remember to bring a warm jacket🧥. - Prepare sun protection products, such as sun hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc. The ultraviolet rays in the plateau area cannot be underestimated🌞. - Book your accommodation in advance so that you can easily check in upon arrival. 🚗Travel route: - Day 1: - Morning: After arriving in Heqing, head to Xinhua Village. This is a famous silverware town. As soon as you enter the village, you can feel the strong Bai ethnic customs and exquisite silver craftsmanship. Stroll along the ancient streets, admire the dazzling array of silverware, and watch the craftsmen make it on site, experiencing the art at your fingertips🎨. - Afternoon: Go to Caohai Wetland. Caohai is a pearl of Heqing. In February, Caohai has lush water plants and clear lake water. You can choose to take a boat, shuttle through the reeds, watch various water birds up close🦆, and feel the tranquility and beauty of nature. - Day 2: - Morning: Head to Yunhe Ancient Town. This ancient town is full of historical charm, with antique buildings and slate roads, as if taking you back in time. Stroll through the local market and feel the strong atmosphere of daily life🎈. - Afternoon: Go to Huanglongtan. Huanglongtan is surrounded by lush trees, and the water is as green as a mirror. The distant snow-capped mountains are reflected in it, forming a beautiful landscape painting. Here you can take photos and leave good memories📷. 🍜Local cuisine: - Heqing Rice Cake: Soft, glutinous, sweet, and delicious, it is a local traditional delicacy that you must try🥧. - Chui gan (Blown Liver): This is a unique Bai ethnic delicacy. The specially treated pig liver tastes delicious and has a unique flavor. - Sheng pi (Rawhide): A Bai ethnic specialty dish, made with fresh pork, roasted over a fire, sliced thinly, and served with a special dipping sauce. It is very delicious🐷. 🏠Accommodation guide: - Xinhua Village Inn: Staying in Xinhua Village allows you to easily experience silverware making and feel the Bai ethnic customs. The inn environment is also very distinctive, allowing you to better integrate into local life🛏️. - Yunhe Ancient Town Homestay: Friends who like the ancient town atmosphere can choose to stay in Yunhe Ancient Town. The ancient town at night has a unique charm, and it is also very convenient to travel around. 🎉Heqing in February has beautiful scenery, delicious food, and rich culture, each exuding a unique charm. This two-day trip may just be a glimpse, but the beauty of Heqing will definitely be deeply imprinted in your heart. Come to Heqing and start a romantic journey of your own!

In the midst of winter's chill, while most places are locked in icy slumber, Heqing in Yunnan shines like a warm gem, exuding a unique charm. Unlike bustling tourist hotspots, it possesses a tranquil and rustic beauty, resembling a hidden paradise untouched by time. This winter, let's journey to Heqing and uncover its wonders. 📍 Location: Heqing County is situated in the northwest of Yunnan Province, at the northern end of the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture. It serves as a crucial link between Dali and Lijiang, boasting a prime geographical location. 🚗 Transportation Guide: - Airplane ✈️: Fly to Lijiang Sanyi International Airport, approximately 20 km from Heqing County. From the airport, take the airport bus, a taxi, or a shared ride to Heqing. - Train 🚄: Take a train to Heqing Station. Direct high-speed trains are available from Kunming, with a journey time of around 2–3 hours, offering convenient transportation. - Self-drive 🚗: From Dali or Lijiang, drive along the Dali-Lijiang Expressway and exit at Heqing. The scenic route makes self-driving an appealing option. 🌟 Must-visit Attractions: Caohai Wetland 🌳: An ecological gem of Heqing, the wetland takes on a unique charm in winter with its golden-brown water plants. Flocks of migratory birds gather here, soaring through the sky or frolicking on the water's surface, creating a harmonious natural scene with the serene wetland. Stroll along the boardwalk and experience nature's allure up close. Xinhua Village 🏡: Known as the "Silver Capital Water Village," Xinhua is a Bai ethnic village brimming with cultural charm. Witness the exquisite Bai silver craftsmanship, where skilled artisans breathe life and soul into silver. Wander through the village, admire the ancient Bai architecture, and select a few cherished silver ornaments as souvenirs. Huanglongtan Lake 🌊: Crystal-clear waters, surrounded by lush green mountains, define Huanglongtan Lake. In winter, when enveloped in morning mist, it resembles a fairyland. Sunlight dances on the water's surface, reflecting the trees and pavilions along the shore, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Shizhaizi 🎭: This site showcases Bai architecture, folklore, and culture. Admire intricate Bai wood carvings, embroidery, and other handicrafts. Watch Bai song and dance performances to delve deeper into their traditional culture. Machang Village 🌼: Even without the vibrant blossoms of other seasons, Machang Village's rural scenery remains captivating. Rolling hills in the distance and verdant wheat fields bathed in sunlight exude vitality. Escape the urban hustle and embrace the tranquility of rural life. Yunhe Tower 🏯: Heqing's landmark, Yunhe Tower, dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Despite numerous renovations, it remains well-preserved. Ascend the tower for panoramic views of Heqing County, experiencing the fusion of history and modernity. Inside, artifacts and calligraphy works showcase Heqing's rich cultural heritage. Qifeng Village 🏞️: Centered around Qifeng Temple, the village is surrounded by picturesque natural scenery. In winter, ancient plum blossoms bloom amidst the snow, filling the air with fragrance. Hike along mountain trails, admire the scenery, and breathe in the fresh air for a rejuvenating experience. Dalongtan Lake 🌊: Adjacent to Huanglongtan Lake, Dalongtan is another body of clear, turquoise water. Its temperature remains constant throughout the year, and the surrounding environment is serene. Ancient trees with lush foliage add a touch of mystery to the lake. 🍜 Food Recommendations: - Heqing Rice Cakes 🥧: Soft, sweet, and delicious, these are a traditional Heqing delicacy. Made from high-quality rice through a meticulous process, the steamed rice cakes exude a rich aroma that lingers on the palate. - Chui Gan (Blown Liver) 🥩: A unique Bai dish, fresh pig liver is inflated and marinated with spices. Served in thin slices with cilantro, chili, and other seasonings, it offers a tender texture and distinctive flavor. - Bai Eight Great Bowls 🍱: A traditional Bai banquet featuring eight dishes, including steamed pork with rice flour, pork with dried tofu sheets, crispy fried pork, Erhai fish, and more. This balanced combination of meat and vegetables, rich in color, aroma, and flavor, embodies Bai hospitality. - Thin Bean Flour with Baba 🌯: Ground peas are cooked into a thin paste and served with crispy, golden-brown baba (flatbread). This nutritious and flavorful dish combines the smooth texture of bean flour with the crunchy baba, making it a popular breakfast choice in Heqing. 🏠 Accommodation Guide: - County Hotels 🏨: Heqing County offers a range of hotels with varying price points and convenient access to amenities. Prices range from CNY 100–200 per night for budget options to over CNY 500 for upscale accommodations. - Xinhua Village Inns 🏡: For an immersive Bai cultural experience, stay in a traditional inn in Xinhua Village. These inns, often featuring Bai architectural styles and beautiful surroundings, offer a glimpse into the local way of life. Prices typically range from CNY 200–500 per night. - Boutique Hotels and Guesthouses 🏕️: Heqing also boasts unique boutique accommodations near various attractions. These establishments cater to diverse preferences, with themes ranging from natural landscapes to cultural arts. Prices are generally higher, starting from CNY 500 per night. 📌 Tips: Heqing experiences significant temperature differences between day and night in winter, so pack warm clothing such as down jackets and sweaters 🧥. Bring mosquito repellent for Caohai Wetland, Huanglongtan Lake, and other areas with mosquitoes 🦟. When purchasing silver jewelry in Xinhua Village, be sure to verify authenticity and choose reputable vendors 💍. Pay attention to food hygiene when trying local cuisine, avoiding unclean food 🍗. Respect local customs, especially in Bai villages, being mindful of your words and actions 🎎. This winter, come to Heqing and create lasting memories in this warm and welcoming land. 💕

🚩Dali Heqing In the northwest of Yunnan Province, there is a bright pearl - Heqing County under the jurisdiction of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture. Here not only has picturesque natural scenery, but also has profound historical and cultural heritage and unique ethnic customs. Heqing is known as the "Millennium Silver Capital, Dreamland Water Town, Highland Ze Country, Bird Paradise". The highland Ze country scenery of Heqing is intoxicating. There are many lakes and wetlands here, among which Caohai is the most famous. The vast waters are like a huge mirror, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds and the surrounding green mountains and trees. The lake is clear to the bottom, the water plants are rich, and the fish and shrimp play in it. Take a boat tour of Caohai, the breeze blows, the water waves ripple, as if in a beautiful water town painting. Heqing in winter is a paradise for migratory birds. The good ecological environment attracts a large number of rare migratory birds to come to roost. Swans, egrets, black-necked cranes and other birds soar in the sky and play on the water, adding infinite vitality to this land. You can bring a telescope and quietly watch these lovely creatures by the lake, feeling the magic and beauty of nature. 💡Heqing has a long history, and as early as the Tang Dynasty's "Yunnan Zhi", there are records about it. The Bai language calls it "Ekun", which means "double crane". In the Yuan Dynasty, Heqing Road was established here, leaving rich historical relics. As the birthplace of silver capital culture, Heqing's silverware making technology has a long history. After thousands of years of inheritance and development, Heqing's silversmiths have created exquisite silverware with exquisite skills and unique designs. From traditional jewelry to exquisite handicrafts, all show the charm of Heqing Silver Capital. Entering the silverware workshop, you can witness the birth of art treasures under the skillful hands of silversmiths. Heqing is also an important town on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, located between Dali and Lijiang, and is a place where Han and Tibetan meet. There are many historical relics and cultural traditions related to the Ancient Tea Horse Road. The ancient streets, post stations and horse shops seem to tell the story of the past horse gang, making people seem to travel back to that legendary era. 🌸Ethnic customs Heqing County is mainly Bai, and also inhabited by Yi, Lisu, Miao, Zhuang and other ethnic minorities. The cultures of all ethnic groups blend with each other here, forming a unique and rich ethnic customs. The traditional architecture of the Bai people is unique, with flying eaves and bucket arches, carved beams and painted buildings, showing superb architectural art. The Bai costumes are colorful and beautifully patterned, reflecting the aesthetic taste of the Bai people. The Bai song and dance is more enthusiastic and unrestrained, full of the breath of life. During festivals and celebrations, people of all ethnic groups gather together to celebrate together, showing their own national characteristics, so that you can feel the charm of multiculturalism. 🚌Geographical location and transportation Although Heqing is far from the main city of Dali, it is only 20 kilometers away from Lijiang Airport, and the transportation is relatively convenient. You can choose to fly to Lijiang Airport and then drive to Heqing. You can also take a car from Dali or Lijiang to Heqing and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. 😎Travel itinerary recommendation Day 1: Morning: Arrive in Heqing, go to Caohai to enjoy the highland water town scenery, take a boat tour, and feel the tranquility and beauty of nature. Noon: Taste local specialties such as Heqing ham and blow liver at a restaurant near Caohai. Afternoon: Visit the silverware workshop, learn about the silverware making process, and buy your favorite silverware. Evening: Stay in a hotel in Heqing County and experience the local nightlife. Day 2: Morning: Go to the Ancient Tea Horse Road site, explore the footprints of history, and feel the vicissitudes of the ancient road. Noon: Taste farmhouse dishes at a nearby farmhouse. Afternoon: Visit Bai villages, admire traditional architecture, and watch Bai song and dance performances. Evening: End the trip, prepare to return or go to the next destination. 🍡Food recommendation In addition to Heqing ham and blow liver, the following delicacies are worth a try: Machang Angelica: has unique medicinal and edible value. Heqing rice cake: sweet and delicious, soft and glutinous taste. Pig liver: rich taste and distinctive. ⚠️Precautions Respect local religious beliefs and customs, especially when visiting temples and participating in ethnic activities. When buying silverware, choose a regular merchant and pay attention to identifying the quality and authenticity of the silverware. Pay attention to environmental protection, do not litter, do not destroy the ecology.

The village gate is made of 8 tons of flake silver. Come to Heqing Xinhua Silversmith Village, which has the reputation of "a small hammer has been knocking for a thousand years", and feel the charm of handmade silverware. Although this town is under the jurisdiction of Dali, it is closer to Lijiang and is near Lijiang Airport. It is recommended to go there from Lijiang. Walking into the silver town, you can hear the clinking sound of craftsmen hammering silver everywhere. Under the skillful hands of craftsmen, countless silver pots, silver cups and other beautiful utensils were created. 【Silverware Making Experience】 I asked two companies and they said that the relatively systematic experience classes last for a week or half a month, which is not suitable for those who travel for a short period of time. Friends who want a short-term experience can go to "Yi Chu" to make some jewelry such as rings, which can be completed in about an afternoon. 【Afternoon Tea and Coffee】 I recommend "Yi Chu" in the Silverware Town, which is an aesthetic space that combines coffee, wine, tea, tea utensils, and furniture. It is a good place for taking photos. 【Purchase of Silver】 Large silverware stores sell jewelry, combs, silver thermos cups, etc., which are similar to the styles sold in the snowflake silver shops in Dali and Lijiang Ancient Town. The prices are cheaper than those in the ancient town and are relatively authentic. The prices of merchants in the Silver Town are relatively high, while the prices of shops inside the "Water Town Silver Capital" archway are cheaper. However, most jewelry such as necklaces and pendants are not native to the local area because the jewelry industry chain is not here. For original jewelry, you can check out "Yaowu Jingong", "Yichu" and one in the village. Xinhua Village’s main products are still tea sets. Teaware has its own pricing system, with different craftsmanship having different prices. We were fortunate to witness the production process of a six-figure gold pot, and we are grateful to our friends who introduced us to the local industry. Xinhua Village is not big. Most of the local women wear family heirloom silver jewelry on their hands, which has a simple beauty. There is also a Caohai scenic spot near Xinhua Village. It is quite pleasant to take a walk along the Caohai shore at dusk.

I regret not coming to Dali earlier. Finally found the right way to explore Dali. In summer, besides Metasequoia and seagulls, there are many interesting and romantic places under the Cangshan Mountain and beside the Erhai Lake. Dali is waiting to show her romance. Colorful Yunnan, my hometown. Not only the Cangshan and Erhai Lakes, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and the Lijiang Ancient City, there are many special niche attractions waiting for you to discover.

| Heqing County Wetland Park Silverware Processing. I've been to Dali several times, but this time it's different. This time I came to Heqing County in Dali, where I saw the high-quality ecological environment, unique ethnic customs, enthusiastic people, and special food, as well as the local silverware processing. The branches of the Black Dragon Pool are like art designs on the water surface. Dongcao Sea Wetland and Xicao Sea Wetland are national wetland park pilots and provincial nature reserves. In Xinhua Art Town, you can see the inheritors of intangible cultural heritage, master craftsmen, and also experience the production of beaten utensils firsthand. Every journey is a new time, with new experiences.

Originally planned to go to Lijiang for two days after coming down from Shangri-La, after chatting with the owners of the homestay, I learned about Heqing. Let's go when we say go! Heqing County, under the jurisdiction of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, is located in the northwest of Yunnan Province, at the southern end of the Hengduan Mountains in western Yunnan, east of the Yunling Mountains, and at the northern end of Dali Prefecture. 🗺️It's very close to Lijiang Sanyi Airport, and it also has its own high-speed rail station, Heqing Station. 🚗Self-driving from Shangri-La: 2.5h 🚄Shangri-La, Lijiang, Dali all have trains that can go there, the time and price can be checked through 12306 🚌Deqin Transportation can also buy bus tickets (I haven't taken this, you can check it out) Accommodation: Cao Haiqing Homestay Itinerary: 🛵Homestay➡️Cao Hai Wetland➡️Yindu Water Town➡️Bai Long Tan➡️Bai Nationality Tourist Village (this part is wandering around)➡️Homestay 🚖Homestay➡️Wen Temple Park➡️Dan Mo Academy➡️Dinner➡️Homestay (Because it was already late when I took a taxi, the Wen Temple was closed when I got there, so I just strolled around and had coffee at the academy, ate something casually and went back, actually there is also Huang Long Tan, if you have enough time, you can go there together) About Yindu Water Town I asked a few bracelet shops, they are basically 8 yuan/g, I actually want to buy, but there is no love at first sight. The owner of the homestay said, try not to go to the big shops, go to the small ones. I think Heqing is a treasure, now it's a bit of a go with the flow, that is, do the strategy for the first two days, the rest is basically to listen to others' introduction and then go. Sometimes there really will be surprises.

About ten minutes' drive from Lijiang Sanyi Airport, there is a plateau wetland lake, which belongs to Heqing County, Dali Prefecture. You can reserve half a day to take a walk here before going to the airport to catch a flight. The silver processing history of Xinhua Village has continued for thousands of years. It is home to many intangible cultural heritage craftsmen who hand-make gold, silver and bronze wares. In addition to traditional silver pots and daily utensils, it has now attracted a group of young people to settle in and create a number of comprehensive spaces integrating coffee, tea, wine, handicrafts, exhibitions, sales and other functions. It is worth coming here to check in, stare blankly, drink tea and chat. In the evening, take a walk in Huanglongtan Park and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the plateau wetlands under the setting sun. It is very pleasant!

Dali, as a historic ancient city, is deeply loved by tourists. Among them, Heqing District, as an important part of Dali, has unique natural scenery and distinctive food culture. Recently, I went to Xinhua Yindu in Heqing District, Dali, to experience the unique charm of this city. The first thing that attracted me was the delicious food in Xinhua Yindu. The fish and seafood (Shuixing Yanghua) here are quite famous. The fish is of good quality, the seafood is fresh, and the taste is very delicious, which is very satisfying. Apart from the delicious food, the scenery of Xinhua Yindu is also beautiful. The green mountains and clear waters, towering peaks and lush forests here have a unique flavor. Walking in this picturesque scenery between the boundless mysterious waters and the green valleys with a mysterious atmosphere is truly intoxicating, like a scene from the misty and rainy Jiangnan. If you want to have a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural heritage of Dali, then the museum in Heqing is a great choice. Here, there are abundant collections and historical relics, fully showcasing the history and cultural accumulation of this ancient city of Dali. In short, visiting Xinhua Yindu in Heqing District is a very enjoyable and satisfying experience, whether it's tasting delicious food, admiring the scenery, or learning about the history and culture. If you haven't been to Heqing District yet, why not take a trip and feel the unique charm of this ancient city.

Hammer knocked through a thousand years

Dali Yindu Water Town Xinhua Nationality Village Xiaoqiao Liushui people

Dali Xinhua National Tourism Village

Xinhua Village, Yindu Water Town, located in the tourist gold line of Northwest Yunnan, is a national 4A-level tourist scenic spot integrating natural scenery, historical culture, ethnic customs and national crafts. The silverware culture accumulated in the millennium and the unique natural scenery have attracted a large number of Chinese and foreign tourists to visit. Shizhaizi handmade silverware is the cultural soul of Xinhua Village Scenic Spot in Yindu Water Town. There are typical Bai ethnic villages, and there are more ethnic handicrafts that have been passed down for thousands of years. Here, the "Hechuan craftsman" who is well-known at home and abroad has been bred, and "the hammer has been knocked over for a thousand years", and the unique "Shizhaizi silverware" has been knocked out. Today, Xinhua Village, Yindu Water Town has become the birthplace of the world's handicraft cultural heritage. It is the famous silver capital in China and the largest distribution center for handicraft tourism products in Southeast Asia.