Rather than Dali or Lijiang, I recommend this lesser-known gem of a small town

Between Dali and Lijiang lies a treasure of a small town called 'Jianchuan'. With a history of 1300 years of establishment, situated at a strategic point on the ancient Tea Horse Road, 🍃 the town conceals within it a lake, two towns, and three mountains. It is the quaint town recorded in Xu Xiake's travel notes and also a prototype in Jin Yong's martial arts novels. 💁🏻‍♀️ Few travelers know about this place, but it's worth making a special trip to Dali just for it. · 🔎Route: Jianchuan Ancient Town—Jian Lake—Shaxi Ancient Town 🕑Duration: 2 days and 1 night · ✅Jianchuan Ancient Town Well-preserved Bai ethnic courtyards from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the millennium-old Jianchuan woodcarvings. This town is one of the three major 'famous cultural towns' in Yunnan, with a strong scholarly atmosphere, and couplets in front of every household. The indigenous people have lived here for a long time, making it a tranquil ancient town full of life. . 🙌Recommended spots: Ximen Street, Jia Ma Inn, Jingfeng Pavilion, Dacheng Hall, Qian Lion Mountain, Jianchuan Ethnic Museum, Shizhongshan Grottoes · ✅Shaxi Ancient Town Nestled deep in the mountains, this place is the last ancient market on the Tea Horse Road, where the horse caravans were once prominent. 'Go to the Place with Wind' was filmed here, and it is equally unspoiled by excessive commercialization, everything is artistically romantic just right. . 🙌Recommended spots: Ancient Theater Stage, Sideng Street, Yujin Bridge, Xingjiao Temple, Dongzhai Gate, Pioneer Shaxi Bai Ethnic Bookstore, Half Mountain Coffee, Shanfeng Courtyard · ✅Jian Lake Besides Erhai Lake in Dali, the lesser-known Jian Lake is equally stunning! The 'Jian Lake Palace' where Duan Yu falls off a cliff and enters at the beginning of Jin Yong's 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils' is located here. The lake water is azure blue, and there are birch forests, sometimes you might even encounter a shepherd uncle. . 🙌Recommended spots: Lake East Wetland, Lake West Birch Forest, Sangling Village · 🔺Tips1: Shaxi Ancient Town has a market every Friday, featuring some local goodies. Don't miss it if you have the time 🔺Tips2: Public transportation is inconvenient, it is recommended to charter a car or drive yourself. If you have time, you can visit the 'Shizhongshan Grottoes'. 'With Dunhuang murals in the north and Jianchuan grottoes in the south', this is the place referred to. 🔺Tips3: You can stay in Shaxi Ancient Town, where it is said there is morning mist. When traveling, it's more convenient and hygienic to bring disposable underwear and bath towels pillowcases. ·