The Ancient Wells in Jianshui, Honghe
Attractions Overview
After thousands of years of vicissitudes of life, the rope marks on bluestone well field have been more than inches deep, and some have even been worn through. The ancient well not only records the history of Jianshui, but also proves the prosperity of Confucian culture in the ancient city.
Chinese Name: 建水古井
English Name:The Ancient Wells
Type:Cultural Scenic Area, Yunnan famous spots & Cultural attractions
Best Time: All Year Around
Recommended Visiting Hours: 1-3 hours
Opening Hours:All day (January 1-December 31, Monday-Sunday)
Ticket:free
Location:ianshui Ancient Well is located in Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province.
The Ancient Wells in Jianshui (建水古井) are located in Jianshui Ancient Town (建水古城), Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). These wells, which date back to the Yuan (元), Ming (明), and Qing (清) dynasties, are scattered throughout the town. There are over 120 ancient wells, with different shapes and sizes, including single-mouthed, double-mouthed, triple-mouthed, quadruple-mouthed, and even twelve-mouthed wells. These wells are considered one of the unique features of Jianshui, showcasing its rich history and architectural diversity.
Famous Wells of Jianshui
The famous wells of Jianshui (建水) have deep historical significance and are part of the local heritage. Some of them still provide fresh, sweet water to the residents today.
Hongjing Well
Hongjing Well (洪井), located on Hongjing Street (洪井街), was first dug during the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). This is a double-mouthed well and one of the Eight Sights of Jianshui (建水古八景), recognized for its historical importance and role in local life.
Longjing Well
Longjing Well (龙井), situated in the northeast of Jianshui Ancient Town (建水古城), has a history spanning over 600 years. The water of this well is said to resemble that of Longjing Well (龙井) in Longjing Temple (龙井寺) in Hangzhou (杭州), Zhejiang Province (浙江省). This well was constructed by war refugees from Zhejiang, which led to its name, Longjing Well (龙井).
Dongjing Well
Also known as Liquan Spring (醴泉), Dongjing Well (东井) is the oldest well in Jianshui (建水), with a history exceeding 700 years. It was first dug during the Yuan Dynasty (元朝). The water of this well is known for its sweetness and clarity, making it ideal for brewing tea, especially in Jianshui purple-sand teapots (建水紫砂壶).
Daban Well
Daban Well (大板井), dubbed the “first well in southern Yunnan” (滇南第一井), is the most famous well in Jianshui (建水). In addition to its use for making tea, its water is also considered the best for making tofu (豆腐) and rice noodles (米线). It is located outside the west gate of Jianshui Ancient Town (建水古城) and has a diameter of 2.7 meters.
Historical Context and Features of the Wells
The wells in Jianshui (建水) are unique in both their number and structure. They were primarily built by immigrants from Zhejiang (浙江) during the Ming Dynasty (明朝), especially the Longjing Well (龙井), which was inspired by Longjing Tea (龙井茶) from Hangzhou (杭州). The wells are mostly made of blue stone (青石), and many have been in use for centuries, providing drinking water to the townspeople.
These wells come in various shapes, such as single-hole, double-hole, and triple-hole designs. Some wells, like Zhuge Well (诸葛井), even have a bagua shape (八卦形). Hongjing Well (洪井), once known for the reddish tint of its water, was one of the Eight Sights of Jianshui (建水古八景). Today, many of these ancient wells still remain in use, and several have been renovated and preserved over the centuries.
Notable Wells and Their Characteristics
Daban Well (大板井)
Located outside the west gate of Jianshui Ancient Town (建水古城), Daban Well (大板井) is renowned for its high-quality water. The well’s diameter reaches 2.7 meters, and it remains one of the most famous wells in Jianshui (建水). The water of this well is used not only for making tea but also for producing tofu (豆腐) and rice noodles (米线), making it an integral part of the local culinary traditions.
Zhuge Well (诸葛井)
Zhuge Well (诸葛井), located on the northern side of Jianshui Ancient Town (建水古城), was originally situated within the Zhuge Temple (诸葛庙), which was destroyed during the Qing Dynasty (清朝). The well is famous for its sweet water and historical connections to the Three Kingdoms (三国) period.
Liquan Spring (醴泉)
Liquan Spring (醴泉), also known as Dongjing Well (东井), is located in the Tai Shi Alley (太史巷) of Jianshui (建水). According to the Qianlong Rebuilding Stele (乾隆重修碑), Dongjing Well (东井) was constructed at the same time as the city of Jianshui (建水). The water of this well is described as “sweet and clear,” making it highly valued for tea-making.
Hongjing Well (洪井)
The Hongjing Well (洪井), located in the Hongjing Street (洪井街), is a double-mouthed well built in the early Ming Dynasty (明朝). It is considered one of the Eight Sights of Jianshui (建水古八景) and is famous for its historical significance. The water from this well was once said to have a reddish tint, which earned it the name Hongjing (洪井).
Legacy and Cultural Significance
The ancient wells of Jianshui (建水) not only provide water but also symbolize the cultural and historical legacy of the town. The inscriptions and carvings on the well’s stone rings, particularly the rope marks from centuries of use, bear witness to the passage of time and the importance of water in the lives of the people of Jianshui (建水).
The wells are part of the Confucian cultural heritage (儒家文化), reflecting the flourishing of Confucianism and the central role it played in shaping the town’s history. Many of the wells are mentioned in local legends and historical accounts, making them a living testament to Jianshui’s (建水) ancient past and its continued importance in Yunnan Province (云南省).
