Shiyang Ancient Town
石羊古镇
A salt-trade ancient town in Dayao County, home to the Shiyang Confucius Temple with its rare bronze Confucius statue, plus Zhuangyuan Tower and quiet old streets.
Shiyang Ancient Town lies in northwest Dayao County. The town has been known for salt production since the Han dynasty, and the prosperity brought by the salt trade left behind its temples, old streets and guild halls. The Shiyang Confucius Temple houses a seated bronze statue of Confucius from the Qing dynasty, reputed to be one of the largest bronze Confucius statues in China, and it is the town's main highlight. Zhuangyuan Tower and the old streets along both banks of the Shiyang River are also worth exploring, and xiao tu bing (a small local flatbread) is a signature snack. The town is about 100 km from Chuxiong city, roughly 2 hours by car. It is usually visited on the same day as Dayao White Pagoda and Guanglu Ancient Town. Temple admission varies, so check on site.
Opening hours
Confucius Temple about 09:00–17:30