Yunnan trip: The hidden ancient town of Shaxi, the soul of the Ancient Tea-Horse Road.

Shaxi Ancient Town, located between Dali and Lijiang in Yunnan, was once an important post station on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road. There is no bustling commercial atmosphere here, only bluestone roads, old house eaves and the quietly flowing Heihui River. The ancient town is very much like the Jiangnan town described by Wang Zengqi, simple yet full of charm. There are no grand scenery here, but small scenes are everywhere. Walking on the bluestone road, it feels like walking into the gap in time. Everything is so calm and gentle. The beauty of Shaxi lies not in its stunning beauty but in its deep affection in its ordinary beauty. ### Travel Guide In winter, it is best to walk slowly in Shaxi. In the early morning, stroll along the Yujin Bridge and watch the morning mist and the mirror-like river water. In the afternoon, go to the old teahouse on Sifang Street, order a pot of Pu'er tea, and listen to the stories told by local elders. In the evening, stroll through the ancient alleys, watch the smoke rising from the kitchen, and feel the bustling atmosphere of the ancient town. The beauty of Shaxi lies in its tranquility and slowness, which needs to be savored carefully. ### Transportation Guide From Dali or Lijiang, it takes about 2-3 hours by bus to reach Shaxi. The road conditions are a bit slippery in winter, so it is recommended to choose a chartered car or self-driving, and check the weather in advance. There is no need for transportation in the ancient town, you can just walk and every step is a scenery. ### Tips 1. The temperature difference between morning and evening is large in winter, so you need to bring warm clothes. 2. There are not many dining options in the ancient town, but you can try the local farm dishes, which are simple but delicious. 3. Bring your camera to record the tranquility and beauty of the ancient town, but don’t forget to feel it with your heart. ### Recommended photo spots 1. **Yujin Bridge**: The bridge and the river in the morning mist are like an ink painting. 2. **Sifang Street**: Ancient theaters and old teahouses, full of historical charm. 3. **Deep in the ancient alley**: The bluestone roads and the eaves of old houses appear even more quaint and quiet after the snow. #2月好去2025 #Yunnan #Shaxi Ancient Town