⛩️ Xiangyun’s Stunning Drum Tower — A Hidden Gem of Yunnan’s Ancient Architecture

#chinatravel #offthebeatentrack #hiddenchina While Dali remains one of Yunnan’s hottest travel spots, its surrounding smaller counties offer a quieter, more authentic charm — and Xiangyun County is one of them. 🏯 Xiangyun Drum Tower Nestled in the heart of Xiangyun Ancient Town, this reconstructed Qing Dynasty-era Drum Tower is perhaps the most beautiful of its kind in Yunnan. ✨ Best time to visit: Around 7 PM, when the setting sun meets the dramatic cloudscape, creating a postcard-perfect moment that truly lives up to the name “Xiangyun” (which literally means auspicious clouds ☁️). 📸 The tower’s blue structure, combined with glazed tile roofing, stands proudly at the crossroads of the town. Surrounding it: original old streets, historic houses, and local life buzzing, but with very few tourists — making it a great place for peaceful exploration. 🧭 How to get there: • Just 57 km from Dali • Search “Xiangyun Drum Tower” on navigation apps • 🚗 Self-drive or 🚄 take a bullet train — both are convenient! ⚠️ When passing through the tower’s intersection, watch for traffic from all directions. 🕒 Recommended visit duration: About 1–1.5 hours. It’s the perfect stop for a short stroll, cultural immersion, and sunset photography. Escape the crowds, soak in authentic local vibes, and discover Yunnan’s underrated ancient gems like this one! #travel #trip #china #staycation #thingstodo #myitinerary