**Bisezhai: The romance of Yunnan and Vietnam through a hundred years**
Between the mountains of Mengzi City, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan, there is a French town forgotten by time - **Bisezhai**. This is the intersection of the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway and the Gebishi Railway. A hundred years ago, it was known as the "Little Paris of the East". Today, it still retains the mottled yellow walls and red tiles, the still French wall clocks and the rails stretching to the horizon, like a living railway epic.
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### **🚂 Strolling along the century-old railway, encountering French style**
Bisezhai is one of the earliest railway stations in modern China. The meter gauge and inch gauge coexist here, telling the glorious past of the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway. The three-face clock on the platform that stopped freezes the time of a certain afternoon, and the French buildings with red tiles and yellow walls, the former site of the Colus Hotel, and the French inscriptions on the water tower all reveal the prosperity of the past.
📸 **Recommended check-in**:
- **Youth filming location**: The movies "Youth" and "Ask the West and the East" were filmed here. Wear retro clothes and take a group of nostalgic blockbusters on the platform and rails.
- **Tropic of Cancer Mark**: Look for the Tropic of Cancer mark carved by French engineers to feel the intersection of geography and history.
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### **☕ Taste a cup of century-old coffee and enjoy the old times slowly**
In 1909, a Vietnamese couple opened the first coffee shop in Yunnan here-**Annam Coffee Shop**. Today, the coffee shop is reborn at the original site, using the Vietnamese drip craftsmanship, paired with the sweetness of condensed milk, and every bite is the taste of a hundred years ago.
🍰 **Leisure experience**:
- Order a cup of coffee at the Bise Time Bookstore, read books, and feel the literary atmosphere with lights on 24 hours a day.
- Visit the cultural and creative store "Cloud Gift" and bring the railway memory of Bise Village home.
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### **🌸 All seasons are beautiful, and romance never ends**
- **Sea of flowers in spring**: Around May, roses and Chinese roses decorate the rails, like a "secret garden at the end of the railway".
- **Afterglow in autumn**: The setting sun shines on the yellow walls and red tiles. Walking along the rails is like walking into a warm-toned oil painting.
- **Nostalgia in winter**: There are fewer people in the off-season, which is more suitable for quietly feeling the vicissitudes of history.
---
### **🍜 Bisezhai on the tip of the tongue**
- **Cross-bridge rice noodles**: Mengzi is the birthplace of cross-bridge rice noodles. A bowl of hot soup rice noodles hides the romantic legend of a virtuous wife delivering meals.
- **Water-dipped rolls**: The local flavor of street stalls, paired with Xin'an old popsicles, is refreshing and cool.
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**📅 Travel Tips**
- **Best Season**: Spring and Autumn (flower viewing from March to May, pleasant weather from September to November).
- **Transportation**: Take the high-speed rail from Kunming to Mengzi, and then take a taxi for about 30 minutes.
- **Play Suggestions**: Half-day nostalgic tour, or play with the nearby Jiajizhai pear blossoms (March).
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**"First encounter, first love, long stay still heartbeat."** The romance of Bisezhai is hidden in the end of the railroad, the mellow coffee and every inch of mottled time. Come here, talk with history, and let the story continue.
✨ **This holiday, go to a century-old appointment! **
#小NICHE打卡地 #碧色寨 #滇旅行
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**Bisezhai: The romance of Yunnan and Vietnam through a hundred years** Between the mountains of Mengzi City, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan, there is a French town forgotten by time - **Bisezhai**. This is the intersection of the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway and the Gebishi Railway. A hundred years ago, it was known as the "Little Paris of the East". Today, it still retains the mottled yellow walls and red tiles, the still French wall clocks and the rails stretching to the horizon, like a living railway epic. --- ### **🚂 Strolling along the century-old railway, encountering French style** Bisezhai is one of the earliest railway stations in modern China. The meter gauge and inch gauge coexist here, telling the glorious past of the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway. The three-face clock on the platform that stopped freezes the time of a certain afternoon, and the French buildings with red tiles and yellow walls, the former site of the Colus Hotel, and the French inscriptions on the water tower all reveal the prosperity of the past. 📸 **Recommended check-in**: - **Youth filming location**: The movies "Youth" and "Ask the West and the East" were filmed here. Wear retro clothes and take a group of nostalgic blockbusters on the platform and rails. - **Tropic of Cancer Mark**: Look for the Tropic of Cancer mark carved by French engineers to feel the intersection of geography and history. --- ### **☕ Taste a cup of century-old coffee and enjoy the old times slowly** In 1909, a Vietnamese couple opened the first coffee shop in Yunnan here-**Annam Coffee Shop**. Today, the coffee shop is reborn at the original site, using the Vietnamese drip craftsmanship, paired with the sweetness of condensed milk, and every bite is the taste of a hundred years ago. 🍰 **Leisure experience**: - Order a cup of coffee at the Bise Time Bookstore, read books, and feel the literary atmosphere with lights on 24 hours a day. - Visit the cultural and creative store "Cloud Gift" and bring the railway memory of Bise Village home. --- ### **🌸 All seasons are beautiful, and romance never ends** - **Sea of flowers in spring**: Around May, roses and Chinese roses decorate the rails, like a "secret garden at the end of the railway". - **Afterglow in autumn**: The setting sun shines on the yellow walls and red tiles. Walking along the rails is like walking into a warm-toned oil painting. - **Nostalgia in winter**: There are fewer people in the off-season, which is more suitable for quietly feeling the vicissitudes of history. --- ### **🍜 Bisezhai on the tip of the tongue** - **Cross-bridge rice noodles**: Mengzi is the birthplace of cross-bridge rice noodles. A bowl of hot soup rice noodles hides the romantic legend of a virtuous wife delivering meals. - **Water-dipped rolls**: The local flavor of street stalls, paired with Xin'an old popsicles, is refreshing and cool. --- **📅 Travel Tips** - **Best Season**: Spring and Autumn (flower viewing from March to May, pleasant weather from September to November). - **Transportation**: Take the high-speed rail from Kunming to Mengzi, and then take a taxi for about 30 minutes. - **Play Suggestions**: Half-day nostalgic tour, or play with the nearby Jiajizhai pear blossoms (March). --- **"First encounter, first love, long stay still heartbeat."** The romance of Bisezhai is hidden in the end of the railroad, the mellow coffee and every inch of mottled time. Come here, talk with history, and let the story continue. ✨ **This holiday, go to a century-old appointment! ** #小NICHE打卡地 #碧色寨 #滇旅行
#SpecialForceTravel 👺Route Day 1: Arrive in Mengzi and Explore Bisezhai Morning: Arrive in Mengzi City, check in to your hotel, and rest briefly. Afternoon: Depart to Bisezhai Scenic Area and begin exploring this historic town. Stroll through the ancient train station and French-style buildings, and feel the traces of time. Evening: Savor local cuisine and experience Mengzi's nightlife in downtown Mengzi. Day 2: Explore Bisezhai and explore surrounding attractions Morning: Continue your exploration of Bisezhai, visiting more historical sites and natural landscapes. Afternoon: Explore surrounding attractions such as Mengzi Nanhu Park and the Honghe Prefecture Museum to learn more about Mengzi's history and culture. Evening: Enjoy a peaceful night in a unique B&B or hotel in downtown Mengzi. Day 3: Mengzi City Tour and Return Morning: Explore the markets and alleyways of downtown Mengzi, immersing yourself in the daily lives of locals. Afternoon: Depending on your return time, enjoy some shopping or some free time. Evening: Return to Mengzi, concluding your enjoyable trip. ------ ⛱️Must-See Attractions Bisezhai Scenic Area Bisezhai, a small town in Mengzi, is renowned for its unique French-style architecture and rich history. It was once a key stop on the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway and a vital window for China's opening up to the outside world in modern times. Strolling through Bisezhai, you'll see historical relics such as the old train station, French-style buildings, and the narrow-gauge railway, creating a sense of time travel back to that glorious era. Bisezhai's natural scenery is also captivating, with rolling hills and lush trees, making it a perfect spot for photo opportunities. Mengzi Nanhu Park Nanhu Park is a large park within Mengzi's urban area, boasting breathtaking lake and mountain scenery. Featuring an island in the center of the lake, a long corridor, and pavilions, the park is a popular destination for leisure and entertainment. Here, you can admire the stunning scenery and experience the tranquility and beauty of Mengzi. Honghe Prefecture Museum The Honghe Prefecture Museum is a comprehensive museum integrating history, culture, and art. The museum houses a vast collection of historical relics and artworks, showcasing Honghe Prefecture's rich history and unique ethnic customs. Here, you can delve into the historical changes and cultural heritage of Honghe Prefecture. ------ 🍜Food Guide Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles is a Yunnan specialty, and Mengzi's is particularly renowned. A bowl of piping hot chicken broth, paired with a variety of fresh vegetables, meats, and rice noodles, is incredibly delicious. In Mengzi, you can savor authentic cross-bridge rice noodles and experience the unique charm of Yunnan cuisine. Mengzi Rice Cakes Mengzi rice cakes are a traditional local delicacy, boasting a soft, glutinous texture and a sweet flavor. They can be boiled, fried, or grilled, each offering a unique flavor. You'll find stalls and shops selling them throughout Mengzi's streets and alleys—would you be interested in trying them? Barbecue Yunnan barbecue is diverse and unique in flavor. In Mengzi, you can enjoy a variety of delicious barbecue dishes, including grilled tofu, grilled fish, and grilled meat. These barbecued ingredients are fresh and richly seasoned, resulting in a spicy, delicious, and lingering aftertaste. ------ 🏨 Accommodation Guide Mengzi City Hotels There are numerous hotels to choose from in Mengzi City, ranging in price from high to low. For a high-quality experience, choose high-end hotels or B&Bs; for budget-friendly options, opt for budget hotels or hostels. When booking a hotel, it's recommended to check reviews and prices on platforms like Ctrip in advance to choose the right accommodation for you. B&Bs Around Bisezhai For a more intimate experience with nature and history, stay in a B&B near Bisezhai. These B&Bs are often located in scenic mountain villages or small towns, offering beautiful surroundings and fresh air. Experience the warm hospitality and simple life of the locals in your B&B and spend an unforgettable night. ------ 🚄 Transportation Guide Getting to Mengzi Mengzi, the capital of Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, offers convenient transportation. You can reach Mengzi by plane, train, or bus. If you're coming from other provinces or abroad, you can first fly to Kunming Changshui International Airport or Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture Airport, then take a train or bus to Mengzi. If you're coming from other cities within Yunnan Province, you can take a direct train or bus to Mengzi. Urban Transportation Main transportation options within Mengzi include buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services. Buses cover major areas and scenic spots and are inexpensive. Taxis and ride-hailing services are more flexible and convenient, but also relatively expensive. When traveling within the city, choose the right transportation method based on your needs and budget. Getting to Bisezhai From Mengzi City, you can take a bus or charter a car to get to Bisezhai. Buses are inexpensive but require transfers; chartering a car is more convenient and faster, but also relatively expensive. On the way to Bisezhai, you can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery and rural landscapes, and experience the unique charm of Yunnan. #Bisezhai #BisezhaiJourneyMemories #SonglikeJourney #WhereToDateDuringSpringFestival
Bisezhai in Mengzi is a place full of historical charm. It is not only a village in Guanlan Street, Mengzi City, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan, but also one of the earliest railway stations in modern Chinese history. This place carries the vicissitudes of Yunnan's century-old history. Every broken wall is covered with a romantic or sad old story. The name of Bisezhai is full of poetry and romance. It is said that it was named Bisezhai by French officials stationed in Mengzi when they discovered this beautiful place during their inspection. The yellow walls and red tiles, French wall clocks, and railroad tracks stretching to the horizon have become unique landscapes in the eyes of tourists. Walking into Bisezhai, you can feel the strong historical atmosphere. The existing buildings in the scenic area, such as the Chase Company, the Golushi Hotel, the Annan Cafe, and the former site of the Taxation Bureau, are all witnesses of history and make people fascinated. These buildings are full of French style, as if people have traveled back to that prosperous era. In addition to historical buildings, the natural scenery of Bisezhai is also worth seeing. The mountains and rivers here are interdependent, and the scenery is pleasant, making people linger. Here, you can feel the tranquility and harmony of nature, and also appreciate the unique ethnic customs of Yunnan. Today, Bisezhai has become a popular tourist attraction, attracting a large number of tourists to visit. Whether it is to feel the breath of history or to appreciate the natural scenery, Bisezhai is a place worth visiting. Itinerary suggestions The scenic area is not small. It takes about 2-3 hours to walk around and take pictures. It takes more than an hour to go back and forth. It is recommended to prepare for most of the day. If you are a train/railway fan, you may be able to play for a whole day. The attractions are basically outdoors, and the sun is very strong. Pay attention to sun protection and heatstroke prevention. #Historical buildings #Go out and have fun with friends #Take parents to see the world #My honeymoon trip #My loving time with my father
At Bisezhai Station, a small border town in Yunnan, a Vietnamese couple opened the "Annam Café" 110 years ago, the first coffee shop in Yunnan. 🍃Annam Café, located near Bisezhai Station on the century-old Yunnan-Vietnam Railway, is discreet and hidden, easily missed unless you look for it. Bisezhai Station became abuzz with activity thanks to the broadcast of the TV series "Youth," but not just because of the film itself. Bisezhai Station's century-old history has earned it numerous memorial sites and architecture steeped in French tradition. This café stands as a witness to history, quietly observing the passage of time and the vicissitudes of life. 🍃The café spans two floors, the first being a semi-open-air space, adorned with Vietnamese-style lanterns.🏮Looking back, a pot of sunflowers blooms in the sun by the window, bringing vibrant life to this quaint village. Ascending the wooden staircase, the creaking sound of the stairs leads to the second floor, a more private space where you can gather with friends for tea and reconnect with this preserved memory. 🍃From Annan Café, across the railway tracks, you'll see Bisezhai Station. The mottled pale yellow walls tell a story of history, the emerald green seats once held someone's hopes, and the still French clock preserves memories. 🍃This is Bisezhai Station, a lesser-known yet profound station. This is Annan Café, a low-key place that bears witness to the passage of history. 🍃Tips: 1. Getting to Bisezhai Station from the city center is difficult; you'll need to take a taxi or drive, especially in the evening when the return trip is slow. 2. A round-trip electric car costs 20 yuan, which is recommended. At the waiting area, there are Republican-era student uniforms or cheongsams for rent, perfect for photo opportunities. ✅Practical Information ▫️Name: Annan Café 📍Address: West of Bisezhai Station, Mengzi City, Yunnan Province #There's a Life Called Yunnan #CoffeeTravel #NicheDiscovery
This Vietnamese coffee shop in the Bisezhai Scenic Area is very close to Bisezhai Station. They specialize in Vietnamese drip coffee, and the staff seem to also work part-time as scenic area promoters and tour guides. Chatting with them was quite informative.