Why squeeze into Lijiang and Dali when you visit Yunnan? Here's a hidden gem for you!

When visiting Yunnan, people always recommend Lijiang and Dali. It's not that these places aren't worth visiting, but I believe I'm not the only one who wants to visit a less commercialized, more authentic destination. Today, I recommend Shaxi Ancient Town - a haven of peace and tranquility. 📍Located in the south of Jianchuan County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, Shaxi is a hidden gem between Dali and Lijiang. It's about 130 km from Dali Ancient Town, but now you can take the expressway directly there. It takes about 2 hours by car. This is my idea of a paradise, a place of peace and tranquility. 🏡Accommodation: Shaxi Ancient Town has many inns. I recommend staying near Sideng Street or Yujin Bridge for easy access to the sights. If you choose to stay in the ancient town, remember to bring a suitcase, as the streets are paved with bluestone slabs, which can be difficult to navigate with a suitcase. 🥘Food: When we first arrived in Shaxi, we waited for a table at a restaurant on Sideng Street. It was very popular, and the food was delicious. I recommend the signature spicy beef and herb ribs. Huifeng Restaurant is located opposite Shaxi Hotel. It's small, but the food is great. I recommend the Huifeng spicy chicken and scrambled eggs with ancient tree flowers. ☕Cafes: The ancient town has many unique cafes, such as San Yi Coffee, located on the roof of Absolute Art Inn, which offers a panoramic view of the ancient town; Banshan Coffee, where you can enjoy coffee while admiring the rice fields; Match Coffee, a retro-style cafe perfect for photos; and Youfeng Courtyard, where Xu Hongdou volunteered, which serves delicious homemade yogurt. ‼️Must-see attractions: Sideng Street: The intersection of the Ancient Tea Horse Road, with many hidden gems. Xingjiao Temple: The only Bai Buddhist temple in China. Ancient Theater: The heart of the ancient town, where you can enjoy coffee and sunshine. Yujin Bridge: A centuries-old stone bridge with a unique beauty in every season. Fang Suo Commune: A former grain station, with a granary converted into a bookstore. Poetry Tower: A tall tobacco barn turned into a "Poetry Tower", with a sculptural staircase as the highlight. 🌈Every Friday, Shaxi hosts a market where you can join the locals with their baskets and experience the authentic local culture. You can take a yellow bike for CNY 5 to Fang Suo Commune and Banshan Coffee, and enjoy the beautiful countryside along the way. In Shaxi Ancient Town, you can bask in the sun, walk on the ancient stone slabs, listen to the clear water, and stroll through the narrow alleys. Time seems to slow down, and life is beautiful.