Shiping – The Charm of Tofu and Culture in a Southern Yunnan Town

Tucked away in the northwest of Honghe Prefecture lies the understated southern Yunnan town of Shiping. Without the hustle of Dali or Lijiang, it boasts the legacy of a "Land of Literary Fame" and the reputation as the "Hometown of Tofu." The shimmering waters of Yilong Lake reflect ancient Ming and Qing architecture, while the aroma of tofu wafts through its alleys. The colorful attire of Yi ethnic Flower-Waist girls brightens the cobblestone streets. If you seek a Yunnan hidden gem rich in culture and local flavor, Shiping is perfect.

**Shiping Ancient Town (Free)**
- Highlights: Well-preserved Ming and Qing architectural clusters with crisscrossing cobblestone paths, scattered with historic sites like the Confucian Temple and Yuping Academy.
- Tip: Best explored in the early morning. Visit the former residence of Yuan Jiagu (10 yuan entry), Yunnan’s only top imperial examination scholar, filled with cultural stories.

**Yilong Lake National Wetland Park (Free)**
- Highlights: One of Yunnan’s nine plateau lakes, offering seasonal beauty—winter brings seagulls, while summer blooms with lotus flowers.
- Unique Experience: Rent a bike to cycle around the lake (~30 yuan/day) or take a wooden boat tour (~50 yuan/boat).

**Zhengying Ancient Village (Free)**
- Highlights: Dubbed "Yunnan’s First Village," it features 600-year-old Ming and Qing residences, with exquisite carvings at the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall.
- Tip: Try homemade liangfen (cold jelly) sold by elders under the old banyan tree at the village entrance.

**Shiping County Museum (Free)**
- Exhibits: Housed in a late Qing merchant’s mansion, it displays over 2,000 cultural relics, offering the best insight into Shiping’s history.

**Must-Try Foods**
- Shiping Tofu: Visit "La Ba Wan Tofu Shop" for stuffed tofu or a tofu banquet (~40 yuan/person).
- BBQ: Try "Ma Li BBQ" for grilled tofu with secret dipping sauce (~30 yuan/person).
- Bayberries: In season May–June; pick them at lakeside orchards.

**Featured Restaurants**
- Shiping Story: A creative tofu restaurant in the ancient town (~60 yuan/person).
- Yongjian Restaurant: Locals’ favorite for homestyle dishes like sour fish (~35 yuan/person).

**Accommodation Guide**
1. **Boutique Stays**
- Qingzhu Homestay: Converted courtyard, 200–300 yuan/night (off-peak).
- Hanlin Yuan: Scholar-themed hotel with breakfast from 300 yuan.
2. **Budget Options**
- Shiping Hotel: 3-star, convenient location, 150–200 yuan/night.

**Transport**
- High-speed rail: ~2.5 hours from Kunming (~90 yuan/second class).
- Drive: ~3 hours from Kunming via Kunmo Expressway.

**Best Seasons**
- Year-round, with bayberry season (May–June), lotus season (July–August), and birdwatching (November–March).

**Itinerary Suggestions**
- 2D1N: Day 1—Ancient Town + Museum; Day 2—Yilong Lake + Zhengying Village.
- 3D2N: Add Baoxiu Town (tofu’s origin) or Longpeng Forest hiking.

**Travel Tips**
1. Vacuum-packed tofu is available for mailing in town.
2. Book Yi Flower-Waist song/dance performances in advance (via hotels).
3. Pack sunscreen—high UV exposure.
4. Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets.

This tofu-scented ancient town invites you to wander its cobblestone paths and savor its everyday charm. Slow down, and you’ll find beauty in carved doorframes, steaming tofu stalls, and morning light dancing on Yilong Lake.