Shaxi Ancient Town｜A Secluded Paradise on the Ancient Tea Horse Road Between Dali and Lijiang

✨Why Shaxi? If you're tired of the crowds and noise in Dali and Lijiang but still cherish the vibrant local life and historical atmosphere of Yunnan—Shaxi is your perfect destination! Here, there are no chain stores bombarding you, only authentic Bai ethnic old houses, ancient paths echoing with horse hooves, and tranquil rice fields under the starry sky. 🌾Must-Visit Spots｜Absolutely Authentic! 1⃣ Sideng Street Ancient Theater Stage A 600-year-old weathered wooden carved theater stage, perfect for vintage-style photos in the sunlight! Nearby, handcrafted tie-dye workshops and independent cafes hide the owners' stories. Order a cup of Yunnan small bean coffee and listen to tales of Shaxi’s past and present. 2⃣ Yujin Bridge Morning Mist A must-see! In the early morning when the mist is thick, the Heipu River under the bridge looks like a fairyland, with herders leading horses past, as if traveling back to the horse caravan era of the Ancient Tea Horse Road. (📸 Recommended to wait from 6:30 to 7:30 for the best light!) 3⃣ Pioneer Bookstore & Poetry Tower 🔥Hidden Gem! One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world! A Bai courtyard transformed from a granary, the top-floor poetry tower overlooks the entire Shaxi basin, a dream for literary youth~ (Remember to bring a poetry book to get a stamp on the top floor!) 🍲Foodie Radar｜Locals’ Secret List ✅ Xiang 12 Western Restaurant: Juicy burgers by a British chef! Must-try beef burger with mint yogurt sauce (limited daily, book in advance!) ✅ Universe Bread: A laid-back owner who opens the shop at will, the rose yogurt toast is divine~ ✅ Friday Market: Bai grandmas selling matsutake mushrooms, handmade milk cheese, and wild berries—freedom to enjoy mountain goods! 🚗Travel Guide｜How to Reach This Peach Blossom Land? 📍Location: Jianchuan County, Dali, Yunnan (2 hours drive from Dali, 1.5 hours from Lijiang) ✔Recommended Route: Rent a car in Dali/Lijiang → Jianchuan County → Transfer to a rural minibus (about 40 minutes) ⚠Note: Some roads are winding, daytime driving is recommended, and motion sickness medicine is advised for sensitive travelers~ 💡Off-the-Beaten-Path Tips ▪Friday morning market! Bai grandmas’ embroidered aprons and freshly pressed walnut oil full of local flavor ▪Deep Experience: Join a Jiama woodblock printing workshop and create your own intangible cultural heritage New Year painting ▪Highly Recommended Stay: Jixia Mountain·Shaxi (designer guesthouse with windows facing rice fields and Cangshan Mountain) 🌌Final Highlight: When night falls and the ancient temple lights up, look up to see the Milky Way clearly with the naked eye! There’s no light pollution here, only the sound of wind rustling through the rice waves and occasional dog barks—the true meaning of “seclusion” is probably what Shaxi feels like.