2025 Jianchuan Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

#asiabudgetchallenge Shaxi is a sleepy ancient town that was once a key stop on the Tea Horse Road. It’s filled with stone bridges, traditional Bai-style architecture, and calm mountain surroundings. I stayed in a local courtyard guesthouse and explored cobblestone alleys, quiet temples, and riverside cafés. Unlike Lijiang or Dali, it’s not overly commercial — it still feels authentic and peaceful. 📍Destination: Shaxi, Yunnan, China 💸Rough Budget: ¥120–¥200/day (~$15) 💡Top Tip: Time your visit for Friday Market Day — villagers from the mountains come down to sell handmade goods and local produce.

"Go Where the Winds" has been aired for a while, but I still miss the "Windy Courtyard" that became popular because of this drama. It has now become a must-visit online celebrity attraction for tourists in Dali. There are endless tourists who want to experience the heroine Xu Hongdou's moments in this homestay. The Windy Courtyard is about 7 kilometers away from the ancient city of Dali. You can only take pictures outside and feel the quaint courtyard from the outside. On the Yunnan Tea Horse Road, I also visited the ancient town of Shaxi, in Jianchuan County, Dali City. The houses are scattered and orderly. The horse inns that used to be resting places for horse caravans have been well preserved. Some have become special inns, where you can stay for a night to experience the flavor of the century-old houses. On the ancient stage and under the big trees, there are tourists wearing ethnic costumes taking pictures. The people and scenery being photographed are beautiful. These popular ancient towns are constantly visited and very lively. But the ancient town itself is low-key, simple and elegant. Every corner carries traces of history, telling how they travel through time, from a rest station for replenishing supplies on the ancient road to a gas station for replenishing the soul today. It is inevitable that you will meet it. "There is a kind of life called Yunnan", not a rule, but a desire of the heart, which can only be understood, not expressed in words.

#yunnanguide 🏯Hidden in the green valleys of Yunnan, Shaxi Ancient Town is one of China’s most peaceful and beautifully preserved towns — a place where time seems to pause, and every stone pathway tells a story. Once a bustling trading stop on the Tea Horse Road, Shaxi was a vital link between Yunnan’s tea-producing regions and Tibet. For centuries, caravans of horses and traders passed through its narrow lanes, carrying tea, salt, herbs, and silk. Today, that history still lingers — not just in the architecture, but in the spirit of the town itself. 🌿 Today, Shaxi isn’t just a historical treasure — it’s a destination of the heart. The town gained new attention as a filming location for the beloved Chinese drama “Meet Yourself” (去有风的地方), where its peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty perfectly captured the spirit of slowing down and reconnecting with life.🎞️🎬 Cherry blossoms bloom in spring🌸, casting soft pink petals over ancient rooftops. Wisteria vines spill down whitewashed walls.Walking through Shaxi feels like stepping into a story.No wonder “Meet Yourself” chose it as a backdrop; it’s a place that invites you to pause, breathe, and simply be. If you’re seeking the real Yunnan — peaceful, authentic, and deeply soulful — Shaxi welcomes you, just like it always has.🥰

The Heihui River flows through Shaxi Ancient Town, and the Yujin Bridge spanning the river has become a vital passage for entering and exiting the town. Don't underestimate this elegantly curved stone arch bridge—it carries a significant historical legacy! Yujin Bridge was first built during the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty. Over the centuries, it has endured collapses and the ravages of war, being destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. At the apex of the arch, there is a stone carving of a turtle head gazing over the upper reaches of the Heihui River, while the other side features a turtle tail carving connecting to the lower reaches of the Heizhan River. At the ends of the bridge's railings, you'll find four stone sculptures of Chinese giant salamanders. For generations, the Bai ethnic people living in Shaxi have used this bridge as a crucial route to their fields and for trade. It bears the weight of Shaxi Ancient Town's rich history. Today, with modern roads providing access, Yujin Bridge has become a popular spot for tourists to take photos and enjoy its unique charm.

Yunnan is home to many ancient towns, and nestled between Lijiang and Dali, where the Jinsha, Lancang, and Nu Rivers converge, lies the charming "Shaxi Ancient Town." Though small in scale, Shaxi has gained popularity as a tourist destination thanks to its picturesque setting featured in the TV drama "Meet Yourself." The town is now bustling with visitors. Shaxi is a historic town that once thrived as an important stop on the Tea Horse Road. Today, the ancient town retains its unique local architecture, including well-preserved horse inns where caravans once rested. Some of these inns have been converted into guesthouses, offering travelers the unique experience of staying in century-old buildings. The town is compact, and you can explore it in just one or two hours. However, if you have more time, it’s highly recommended to stay overnight. Stroll along the old streets, take in the tranquil atmosphere that contrasts with the busier Dali Ancient Town, and savor the local cuisine.

My dears, if you are also looking for a quiet and poetic ancient town to let your soul rest for a while, Shaxi Ancient Town will not disappoint you. I spent two days in Shaxi. Time passed as slowly as a poem, and the sweetness of life was hidden in every corner. - 📸【Photograph】Internet celebrity camera position Day 1️⃣: 🌉Yujin Bridge: The morning mist in winter is amazing, and the branches of the trees are sprouting tender green buds in this season. The ancient bridge spans the Heihui River, with mountains and water as its backdrop. The river reflects the trees and cattle and sheep on the shore, and any photo taken looks like an oil painting. 🎭Ancient stage: In the morning, the sun shines on the wood carvings, and the upward shot shows their grandeur; in the afternoon, the light and shadows are charming, and sitting on the steps will give you a full sense of atmosphere. 📚 Pioneer Bookstore: In the afternoon, sit by the window in the store, with coffee and books as your companions, and get the same seat as Li Xian. - Day 2️⃣: 🌄Beilong Village Observation Deck: Get up early and overlook the panoramic view of the ancient town, which is shrouded in morning mist and smoke, with scattered houses and a wide-angle view to capture a dreamlike scene. 🛣Sifang Street, Sideng Street: The evening afterglow sprinkles on the cobblestone road, and the center of the street rotates 360° to capture the shops, passers-by, flowers and plants, and the atmosphere is full of fireworks. ☕Youfeng Restaurant: You can check in the words "Shaxi" at the door. 🏡Mountain Breeze Courtyard: A tree house in a fairy tale. - 🛏About accommodation This time we stayed at the "Dao Xiangban Villa" near the ancient town. We could see large areas of rice fields and rapeseed flowers outside the window, as well as scattered villages at the foot of the mountain, which was very photogenic.

"Open a door and cross six hundred years. There are no "attractions" here, only living history. Grandpa sat on the doorstep smoking a pipe. The shavings from the carpenter's shop flew like snow, Time in Jianchuan is much slower than anywhere else. " Jianchuan is located between Dali and Lijiang. It is a well-preserved ancient Bai city with a very low degree of commercialization. The city is full of local residents and there are almost no tourists. Both the ancient town and the new town are very clean and the people are very enthusiastic❤️It's my first time here and I really like it 🌈Game guide: 1. Jianchuan Ancient City City Walk ▫️Route: Ximen Street - Jiama Inn - Zhaozhong Temple - Jianchuan National Museum - Jingfeng Park - Jianyang Tower ✅Ximen Street: There are many ancient buildings and former residences of celebrities ✅Jia Ma Inn: the most photogenic spot on the whole street ✅Zhaozhong Temple: The Ming Dynasty wood-carved caisson is breathtakingly beautiful! Look up and see the "Book Roof" hiding four classics. The romance of Bai craftsmen is hidden in every inch of carving. ✅Jingfeng Park: A secret place with towering ancient cypresses, ancient temples from the Yuan Dynasty and pavilions from the Republic of China, sitting under the eaves at dusk and listening to the wind chimes will heal your soul ✅Jianyang Tower: In the center of the ancient city, the ancient stage is very beautiful when it is lit up at night ▫️The ancient city has a unique blues moment. In the evening, you can climb the ruins of the ancient city wall to overlook the blue tiles, white walls and distant mountains, or you can quietly wait for the lights to come on near Jianyang Tower. 2. Visit the woodcarvers ▫️Jianchuan is the "Hometown of Chinese Woodcarving", recommended: - Diannan Town, visit the woodcarving family workshop and experience carving small objects (appointments must be made in advance) -Zhao's Woodcarving Workshop, the master will tell you about the Bai ethnic totem culture behind the woodcarving 3. Bird watching at Jianhu Wetland ▫️Winter (November-March) is the season for migratory birds. Bring a telescope and you may encounter black storks and red-crested pochards by the lake. It is suitable for photography enthusiasts. ▫️The lakeside scenery is great and you can camp🏕️ 4. Yangcen Township: 30 minutes by car, an undeveloped ancient village with Ming Dynasty garrison relics and old houses with earthen walls. Occasionally, shepherds can be seen walking through the fields. 5. Thousand Lion Mountain: 3,268 stone lions squatting from the foot of the mountain to the clouds! The largest lion king is 25 meters high. Climb to the top and overlook the Jianchuan Basin. The sea of ​​clouds is like a fairyland. 🍜 Local cuisine ▫️Wang Ji Liangfen: Sold for 60 years by three generations! This is the only internet-famous store in the ancient city. It is the only place where you can experience the feeling of being crowded. Pea flour with secret hot sauce, sour and spicy, appetizing, 5 yuan a bowl and you can eat as much as you want! ✅Hand-cut Huagu rice: beautiful and delicious ✅BBQ set meal: includes grilled breast fries, bait cubes, blood sausage, tofu and vegetables, with great value for money. The homemade rose jam is amazing, sweet but not greasy, and you can see large pieces of rose petals, it's real stuff ✅Butter tea: Different from the one in Tibet, the one here should be improved, no strange smell, very delicious ✅You can try other beef patties, thin bean powder, and traditional baba ▫️Shanlaotui Hotpot Restaurant: Recommended ham slices, silver rolls, and buckwheat cakes ▫️Jianchuan Tubawan: Experience Bai ethnic banquet dishes, hot and sour fish and lily dumplings are must-try ▫️Early morning market: Nanmen Market opens at 7am, try the double-capped hat, try butter tea with buckwheat cakes, and buy some wild dried mushrooms, the price is very cheap 💡Tips 1️⃣ The ancient city is full of cobblestone roads, so be sure to wear comfortable flat shoes 2️⃣ Jianchuan is 2,100 meters above sea level, with strong ultraviolet rays, so bring sunscreen; the temperature difference between day and night is large, so bring a thin down jacket 3️⃣Accommodation: The first choice is the century-old Bai ethnic minority old house B&B in the ancient city! Live in a carved wooden building with an average price of 100 per person, and listen to the rain hitting the tiles at night 4️⃣Respect customs: Avoid stepping on the threshold of Bai people’s houses, and do not touch other people’s torches at will during the Torch Festival 🚗 Transportation: - Jianchuan has no airport or train station. It is recommended to drive from Dali or Lijiang (about 1.5 hours drive) or take a bus (there are shuttle buses from Dali Xiaguan Bus Station/Lijiang Bus Station, the ticket price is 30-50 yuan). -Inside the ancient city: Walk or rent an electric bike. The ancient city is not big, so it is suitable for a slow stroll.

Yunnan Shaxi Ancient Town Stepping into Shaxi Ancient Town feels like entering a small world forgotten by time. There are no large crowds of tourists here, only the quietly flowing Heihui River, the mottled bluestone roads, and the Sifang Street that bears witness to history. Walking in the ancient town, you can see well-preserved caravan stations, stages and old houses, and you can almost hear the sound of horse bells from the former caravans echoing in the alleys. There are no overly commercialized shops here. Instead, there are handicraft shops, teahouses and lazy cats, exuding a leisurely and relaxed atmosphere everywhere. The most surprising thing is the slow pace of Shaxi. Sit down in any cafe and watch the sunlight shining on the roofs of the ancient town, and time seems to become softer. In the evening, the setting sun casts a golden glow on the old street, and the whole town is as beautiful as a painting. Shaxi is not just a travel destination, but also a place where people can really slow down and savor time. #2月好地方2025 #Shaxi Ancient Town #Yunnan Travel #Ancient Town #China Travel #Tourism #Cultural Heritage #Photography Check-in #Niche Attractions #Slow Life #Rural Scenery #Ancient Tea Horse Road #Travel Photography #Travel Diary #travel

Nestled among the mountains of Dali, there is a place that seems forgotten by time - Shaxi Ancient Town. Here, there are no bustling traffic or neon lights, only the sediment of time and the footprints of the ancient Tea Horse Road. Upon arriving in Shaxi, I was immediately captivated by the tranquility of the ancient town. The cobblestone streets glimmered in the morning light, and the old theater and the square recorded the stories of this land. In the teahouse at the corner, the owner leisurely brewed Pu'er tea, and the aroma wafted with the wind, as if the air itself was infused with a sense of calm. Sitting in the courtyard of an inn, with a pot of tea and a book, time seemed to slow down. Before me were low, earthen buildings, and in the distance, the rolling mountains. The sky here is particularly blue, the wind particularly gentle, and the busy life seemed to have been temporarily put on pause. The nights in Shaxi are extraordinarily quiet, with only the sound of the breeze rustling through the treetops accompanied by the twinkling stars. Walking along the small paths of the ancient town, looking up, the sky was filled with stars, as if one could reach out and touch the heartbeat of the universe. This is a journey that truly calms the soul. Here, you can immerse yourself in the pulse of history and rediscover the peace and calm that have been forgotten in the hustle and bustle of life. If you are looking for a place where your soul can breathe, then Shaxi Ancient Town is your answer. Here, it is 'a place with wind,' and also a place where your soul can find peace.

| Half-day tour of Meet Yourself. Share my half-day tour of Shaxi Ancient Town 🚶🏻‍♂️ A relaxing tour with no backtracking and no legwork ✅ Check in at the Windy Inn and the bridge that Liu Yifei walked on in Meet Yourself In addition, it also covers the classic buildings of Shaxi Ancient Town, the Sifang Street Stage and Xingjiao Temple, which also appeared in the drama. 🚶🏻‍♂️ My tour route: Sideng Street ➠ Ouyang Courtyard ➠ Shaxi Mint Cafe ➠ Zuo Zuo Inn ➠ Sifang Street Stage ➠ Xingjiao Temple ➠ Grandma A Rui's Shop ➠ East Zhaimen ➠ Yujin Bridge Shaxi Ancient Town Tickets 🎟️: Free Transportation: Self-driving is recommended 🚗 Parking lot navigation 🅿️ "Shaxi Ancient Town Tourist Service Center Parking Lot", 3 yuan per hour, 20 yuan per day ⏱️ Recommended tour time: 2-3 hours 📍 Sideng Street The road where A Yuan chased the horse at the beginning of the drama is the main street of the ancient town, where Ouyang Courtyard, Windy Inn and Zuo Zuo Inn are located. 📍 Ouyang Courtyard In the alley next to the Windy Inn, don't miss it~ This is one of the places where Xu Hongdou took photos. It is also the most complete residential building in Sideng Street that preserves the original style and appearance. 📍 Shaxi Mint Cafe The Windy Inn that appears most often in the drama, where Nana works. The inn is now open for business, and you can take photos at the door for free, but you need to spend money to go in. The price is reasonable, and you can have a meal here if you haven't eaten 🍽️ 📍 Zuo Zuo Inn This corner is where Xu Hongdou's phone was broken, and it is also a cafe. 📍 Sifang Street Stage The stage and Xingjiao Temple are the places where Xiao Qin danced in the Yunmiao Village promotional video in the drama. The main building structure of the ancient stage is Kuixing Pavilion, and the stage is only its auxiliary function. It is a place where the local Bai people worship Kuixing. 📍 Xingjiao Temple Opposite the Sifang Street Stage. It is the largest, most typical and representative Buddhist Tantric "Atari" temple in China. 📍 Grandma A Rui's Shop A local grandma's handicraft shop, the door is very nice to take photos, and you can take a photo with grandma if you buy something. 📍 East Zhaimen The gate that Xu Hongdou walked through with her luggage when she first came to Yunmiao Village. 📍 Yujin Bridge The bridge that Xu Hongdou walked through with her luggage when she first came to Yunmiao Village. In the evening, people sing near Yujin Bridge, and you can sit under the tree and enjoy the peace of time. The scenery on the bridge is also very good. There are also "Pioneer Bookstore" and "Half Mountain Coffee" 3 km away from Shaxi Ancient Town. We didn't go to these two places because we went late. Friends who are interested can visit them.

#2024TravelReview ☕️Because I went to Shaxi Ancient Town, I wanted to check in at the same coffee shop as Li Xian. 🌹When I was reading Xiaohongshu, there was a lot of green outside the window. It is indeed located halfway up the mountain. Sitting in the cafe, you can see the entire view of Shaxi. Now it's yellow. 😘Suggestion: If you want to check in, you can wait until August, it may be more beautiful~ ✨But the environment in other places is still very good when you go there. 🍃The overall style is antique There are a lot of 🌵succulents inside, and 📷a lot of camera positions for checking in~ ☕️At the window, order a cup of coffee and look at the scenery outside the window, it's quite relaxing. Of course, you can't miss such a place, it also has a great atmosphere. 🚗Suggestion: Drive there by yourself, it's a long walk. ✨Or you can take a 3-wheeler to get there, and you can bargain for 10 yuan per person ❤️Advantages 1⃣️Comfortable environment, large location, and every seat is a camera position 2⃣️On the halfway point of the mountain, you can see the whole view of Shaxi 3⃣️Not many people, suitable for daydreaming and taking good photos 4⃣️Same as Li Xian! ! Fans rush~ 🚫Disadvantages 1⃣️It’s not so beautiful if you go there now, you can wait a little longer 2⃣️The transportation is very troublesome 3⃣️The price is high and the taste is very ordinary. 🆕Summary: If you just want to experience the atmosphere, you can go. If you want to take pictures or eat the food, it is not recommended. You can wait until August to September to take pictures. 📍Location: Hualong Village, Shaxi Town 💰Per capita: 50

I've been to Dali for over ten years, and here are 9 places I recommend visiting. ❶ Dali Ancient City: Once the capital of the ancient Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms, this city is rich in history. It has many historical sites, such as Wenchang Tower and Wuhua Tower. Although it is very commercialized and noisy, it is still worth a visit. ❷ Erhai Lake: One of Dali's four famous scenic spots, the lake is clear and surrounded by beautiful scenery. You can take a boat tour or cycle along the lake to enjoy the view. ❸ Xihu Lake: Known as the pearl of the Bai water town, this place has the charm of a Jiangnan water town. It is a great place to visit with beautiful scenery and few people. You can take a small boat through the thousand-acre reed marshes. ❹ Shaxi Ancient Town: This was a filming location for the TV series "Meet Yourself." It is not very commercialized and has a strong cultural atmosphere. It is a quiet and relaxing ancient town. ❺ Xizhou Ancient Town: A Bai ethnic settlement with a thousand-year history, this town has many traditional Bai courtyards and exquisite architecture. You can enjoy the unique Bai architecture and culture and try local delicacies such as Xizhou Baba. ❻ Shuanglang Ancient Town: A small town by Erhai Lake with charming scenery. You can stay in a seaside inn and enjoy the beautiful sunset over Erhai Lake. ❼ Nuodeng Ancient Town: Located in the deep mountains of Yunlong County, Dali, this thousand-year-old Bai village has Ming and Qing architecture and salt wells. Nuodeng ham is famous, and the ancient village is quiet and picturesque. ❽ Luwo Mountain: Located on the east bank of Erhai Lake, this ancient cultural site has stunning scenery, caves, cliffs, and abandoned houses. It offers a panoramic view of Erhai Lake and is a popular spot for travel photography. ❾ Dali Zhemo Mountain: Also known as "Nanshan," this place offers a view of Dali city and Erhai Lake. It has windmills, forests, and meadows and is a popular spot for social media photos.

#100waysoftravel Explore the breathtaking countryside of Shaxi by bike, a perfect way to experience this historic town’s scenic landscapes and rural charm. Pedal along peaceful paths lined with rice paddies, grazing cattle, and traditional farmhouses. Stop by ancient temples, cross old stone bridges, and marvel at the majestic mountains framing the valley. The journey offers a rare glimpse into the daily lives of local farmers and shepherds, as well as Shaxi’s centuries-old heritage on the Tea Horse Road. Tip: Rent a bike from one of the town’s local shops, and start early to enjoy the cool morning air. Pack water and snacks for the ride, as well as a camera to capture Shaxi’s stunning landscapes.

#100waysoftravel Uncover the timeless beauty of Shaxi Old Town, a hidden gem along the ancient Tea Horse Road in Yunnan. Unlike the bustling tourist hubs, Shaxi remains a serene village with traditional wooden buildings, cobblestone streets, and a vibrant local market. Wander around Sideng Square, a UNESCO-restored area, and visit the ancient Xingjiao Temple for insights into the town's history. Don’t miss the Friday Market, where villagers from surrounding areas gather to sell produce, handicrafts, and local delicacies.

🍋Day 1 Arrive Kunming 📍Stay - Lavende Hotel - Night Market 🍋Day 2 Kunming To Dali (2.5hrs High Speed Rail - HSR) 📍Stay - Mu Yun Flower House) 🛵 Rent Electric Scooter/car Go Ard City - Butterfly Spring Park - Dali ancient old town 🍋Day 3 - Cangshan mountain (3 pagodas & Chongsheng temple ) - Visit Lake Erhai Must Try Food 🤤Wild mushroom hotpots 🤤Grilled yak cheese 🤤Cross Bridge Noodle 🍋 Day 4 Dali to Shaxi Old Town (2hrs Taxis) 📍Stay : Shaxi Chenjia Homestay - Shaxi ancient old town (Square street, Sidend street,Yujin bridge, the ancient stage) 🍋Day 5 - Shibaoshan mountain - Buddhist temple Grottoes (20mins taxi) 🍋Day 6 -Shaxi To Lijiang (2hrs taxi) 📍Stay -Nilv Inn - Visit Friday Market of tea horse road in the morning at Shaxi -Black dragon pool park -Lijiang Dayan old town 🍋Day - 7 - Jade dragon mountain(10-11:30) - Blue moon valley (lunch 11:30-1:30) - Watch impressed lijiang show (2 -3pm) 🍋Day 8+Day 9 To Tiger Leaping George (2hrs bus to entrance) 📍Stay - Tea Horse Guest House -Hike & overnight at guesthouse 1ND -Take 3:30 bus to Shangri-La (3hrs bus) 🍋Day 10- Shangri-La 📍Stay - Yun Yue Yard -Pudacuo national park - Tortoise hill with - Buddha temple & largest prayer wheel at Dukezong ancient town -Songzanlin monastery Check out my another post to find out what are the must try food in Shangri-la!! (🛵 Can rent bike/car or taxi to go around ) 🍋Day 11- Day trip to Balagezong (Book tour) -Balagezong Grand Canyon & Glass bridge view point 🍋Day 12- Back To Kunming with HSR ( 4:30 hours ride) 📍Stay - Fairyland hotel - Kunming Night life near hotel 🍋Day 13-Kunming -Stone forest -Yuantong temple 🍋Day 14- Fly Home 🏠 #shangrilachina #kunming #dali #dalifood #china #yunnantravel #shangri-la #shaxiancienttown #yunnan #chinatrip

The TV drama 'Go to the Windy Place' which caught fire at the beginning of last year, brought a tourism peak to Dali. 👉🏻As one of the filming locations, Shaxi Ancient Town, if you are traveling for the first time, you must know these five things 1. Where is the location? Shaxi Ancient Town is located in Jianchuan County, Dali, and there is a distance from the ancient city of Dali on the edge of Erhai Lake, nearly 60 kilometers by car 2. How to get there? There are three ways to get from Dali Ancient City to Shaxi Ancient Town. The first is to take a bus to the passenger station of Shaxi Ancient Town. There are two buses a day, with a ticket of 42 yuan. The second is to charter a car with people, 80 yuan per person. The third is to drive by yourself. 3. How many days is it suitable to play? Shaxi Ancient Town is a very small town, with a main street and a small square and other alleys. You can finish shopping in one day. You can stay in the ancient town for one night and stroll around the next day. So a total of two days and one night is recommended. 4. What season is it suitable to go? Shaxi Ancient Town has different scenery in all seasons, but in autumn and winter, the forests are all dyed, which is more atmospheric and there are fewer tourists 5. What are the must-see attractions? The ancient stage is a landmark attraction and square in the ancient town, and it is also the most historical place. Yujin Bridge outside the ancient town is also a place not to be missed. In addition, you can take a small yellow car to see the surrounding attractions of the ancient town such as the Pioneer Bookstore (TV drama filming location), Half Mountain Coffee, Tree House and other attractions

The winter Shaxi has morning fog and dusk. Every early winter, it becomes even more beautiful like a painting~ The temperature is comfortable, and the scenery is beautiful. In the winter of Shaxi, there is an unpredictable wind. Every day you can see a grand sunrise and sunset, and the villagers who are busy sowing in the fields. In another month, you can see the colorful auspicious clouds every day. Shaxi Ancient Town is the only surviving market on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, a truly living secluded ancient village, simple, pure, half worldly, half paradise! When you come here, you will unconsciously slow down. ⛰【Attractions Guide】 📍Detailed address: Shaxi Ancient Town, Jianchuan County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province 🚗Traffic guide: Self-driving or group tour 🕙Opening hours: All day 💰Ticket price: Free 🌟Highlights: Temple Street, Sifang Street, Yujin Bridge, Ancient Stage, Pioneer Bookstore

Once again, I marvel at the beauty of Dali, which was generated after watching the TV series 'Go to the Place with Wind'. Every location in the drama makes people yearn for, and the guesthouse opened by Xu Hongdou in the last episode is the reason why I came to Dali specifically. This place is surrounded by mountains and rivers, as if it is isolated from the outside world. If you come to Dali, don't miss Xilinyuan Hotel (Dali Shaxi Store). Hotel environment: The hotel is located in the Shibaoshan Park, facing the Shilong Village across the lake. It is nestled in a secluded paradise by the mountains and waters, providing a rare rural vacation experience. This is the quiet time and golden exterior building I yearn for. The hotel uses a traditional rammed earth structure, occupying a hilltop, but only has 10 villa rooms. Their appearance presents a Morandi sunset yellow, which is very suitable for taking pictures and gives a sense of grandeur. I particularly like the restaurant and library because they can enjoy the entire lake view, which is simply breathtakingly beautiful. Even if you live in seclusion in the mountains and forests, you need a high-quality life. The rooms are not only spacious but also equipped with floor heating throughout the house and L'Occitane bath products. Welcome fruit, free mini bar, and goodnight hot milk are the highlights of the spare parts. Every day there are butlers leading guests to participate in various activities, the service is very meticulous and thoughtful. Every staff member is very enthusiastic, making people feel at home. There are some attractions worth checking in nearby: 1. Shibaoshan Forest Park: You can hike and meet monkeys on the way. 2. Stroll in Shilong Village: This Bai ethnic village is a low-key treasure. 3. Shaxi Ancient Town: An old and charming small town. Such a secluded secret realm is really worth a special visit! If you come to Dali, you must come here to explore! Detailed address: Inside Shibaoshan Park, Jianchuan County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture Travel strategy: It is recommended to drive by yourself (about 2 hours drive from Dali, about 35 minutes drive from Shaxi Ancient Town). Weekday price: About more than 2000.

The dreamland of camping🌌✨||| Brilliance blooms Here, you can feel The twinkling stars The rippling lake The lush forest The soft lawn And the colorful autumn No camper can resist The moment when you open the tent in the early morning You will be shocked by this beautiful scenery! So beautiful that it takes your breath away! The bright moonlight illuminates the solitary boat! Step out of the house, surprises are waiting for you😊 Dali Jianhu Camping Site Just 1 hour and 40 minutes drive from Dali Ancient City

During the trip, record the small moments of happiness in life📸 The old couple taking pictures of each other in the Begonia Sea in Guizhou📷 The little friends playing in the cherry garden in Pingba, Guizhou The cartoon tree house in Shaxi, Dali and the lazy dog lying under the tree house🐶 The Shaxi Chaplin dancing alone in front of the ancient stage in Shaxi, Dali Grandma A'Rui in Shaxi has been sitting outside the shop sewing for ten years The Yujin Bridge in Shaxi under the clear sky The eye-catching moment waiting for the torch festival in Dali Ancient City People sitting under the trees by the Erhai Lake to cool off Or the people returning by the Erhai Lake in the sunset. The small moments of happiness in ordinary life are all those memorable moments✨

A decade ago, the tranquility and allure of Shaxi left a profound mark on me❤️. This year, I returned to this beloved place with my family in tow. Every day, strolling the ancient streets with rich coffee in hand☕, time seemed to stand still. However, this trip wasn’t all easygoing. Bringing Sienna here ignited many debates. Some believe that traveling with children might disrupt their routines and isn’t suitable for them. Yet, we believe that travel can offer children unparalleled experiences and perspectives🌍. In Shaxi, Sienna had the chance to connect with nature🌱 and experience a life distinct from the city. Seeing the curiosity and excitement in her eyes, we felt it was all worth it. But we also faced challenges, such as ensuring Sienna’s safety and comfort. It really got me thinking about the balance between travel and family life. What do you think? Is traveling with children a good idea, or should we wait until they’re older? Eager to hear your views and comments! #timetotravel

It may be a little out of the way but I can't stress how lovely Shaxi Ancient Town is. Full of handicrafts, cafés, bakeries, restaurants and bars it's a wonderful place to spend a day or two. I stayed for 2 days and wished I'd stayed longer！There are even vegan restaurants. It is midway between Lijiang and Dali so visit on the way between either two. Getting there is a little difficult, it takes a train and then a bus, but once you're there ask about local minibusses or drivers. They'll drive you directly to Dali for ¥80. #passionpassport#summervacation#tripblazers#awesomepic

Shaxi is commercial, but still in a nice way. People are relaxed and happy. Nice restaurants and small bars abound. Of course there are handicraft shops, but there seems to be no connection with local crafts people. The streets are small and car free. There’s a river and water area. For foreigners and locals alike, there’s Peter’s Kitchen - an absolute gem of a bakery, that was always jam packed when I visited. Hungry Buddha is a super vegan option, near the large tree. Be careful, the pizzas are quite large. The trip recommended to me was Shibaoshan temples and grottoes. Again, I recommend Komoot hiking maps and further, to do my route in reverse. Start near Shaxi and hike steeply upwards, marvelling at the rock formations and occasional sculptures until you reach the temple and grottoes. From there, cross the valley to more sculptures and rock features. Then find the paths towards Jinding temple area with craggy grottoes and a lot of monkeys. Down the road to the exit, the nunnery up to the side provides food by donation. It was pretty tasty too! Overall Shaxi, is a fantastic place to chill and hike for a couple of nights. Highly recommended! #yunnan #grottoes #chilled #relaxed

Only 2 hours drive from Dali or a little bit less from Lijiang and you are in the most beautiful ancient town of Yunnan. It’s small, not as commercial as Lijiang, with many beautiful spots within the ancient part and beyond. History is very interesting, let me only mention that Shaxi served as a stop along the Tea and Horse Caravan Trail (between Tibet and Yunnan) for several centuries until mid 1900’s. You can easily enjoy here during 1-2 days trip, or stay for a week and peacefully recharge yourself. I recommend to cycle to couple of places like Mountain Café (great coffee and the view!), Shaxi Bai Ethnic Book Store (for books, obviously, and souvenirs) - or hire tuktuk if you’re a bit… lazy:) #yunnan

A magical ancient town full of wonder and incredible beauty where there is a clear stream flowing down the center and all the aged design house owners take incredible care and pride in their gardens to add a rainbow of colors and personality. It’s long been called the Switzerland of China and after our trip to see this with our own eyes - I can confirm it’s really a special must see destination when wishing to explore ancient beauty outside of the big cities. Within the city there are cute little coffee shops, traditional food, original and immaculately designed home stays / boutique hotels which are a must try, to absorb yourself in the atmosphere. It you a fortunate to visit in Spring you will be able to admire the river surrounded in flowers on both sides hugging the river. Take some time to admire the old arched stone bridge that is perfect during golden hour in the afternoon and also great for photos. Make sure to pass by the old souvenir shop in the main square where a friendly little old lady who might just be as old as the town, helps you buy little mementos and strawberries. Whether you are a tourist or a local, Shaxi Ancient Town should be on your travel list. This really was one of the most beautiful places I have visited so far. You will not regret it.

Getting There - Shaxi Ancient Town is a pleasant surprise sitting between Dali and Lijiang. It’s easy to find local mini bus that takes you either from Lijiang or Dali straight to the town for a reasonable price. It is a famous attraction among Chinese as once it played an important role as a bustling trade point on the Tea Horse Caravan Road. My friend and I rode motorcycle all the way from Lijiang to Shaxi and stayed at a local guesthouse that provides a nice view of the entire area. Be warned that prices for everything are slightly higher than Lijiang or Dali but a visit is definitely worth it. Many people fall in love with how tranquil this town is as my friend and I did as well. In the town, the ancient stage, temples, alleyways, houses, village gates, bridges, and traditional fairs all remain intact.

We started our trip in the morning from Dali with the direction Lijiang. Somewhere in the middle between Dali and Lijiang is an ancient town of Shaxi. Shaxi was an important stop on the old tea route, which lead from Yunnan to Burma and Tibet. Just after we got off the highway, there was a police filter, where they checked our travel codes and temperature. Beware that you still have mountain road ahead and it is quite whirly. Also the road to Shaxi is not in great shape. Although I think they are working on an alternative way to get there. When we arrived in Shaxi, we were grated by a town, which is still waking up. The pavement, the houses, the shops, the temple... Everything seemed to be out of a fairytale. And the elderly people were really eager to get to talk to you. I stopped to look for directions and a man came to tell me where I can find a toilet and also asked about where I am from, if we were already engaded in a discussion. Xingjao Temple was decorated with red lampions. Sideng market square too, and all shops had red stripes of blessings, door gods and red lampions. Everything was dressed up nicely for the new year, but there was no sight of the firecrackers in the old town. I think they all got cleaned up already. I really liked the town. I think next time we should stay at least overnight there. #tigeryear2022 #yunnan #shaxi #tearoad #familyholiday

Getting There - I cycled and the route is fantastic from Lijiang. there are also busses from Lijiang and Dali. Attractions - a stunning ancient town with amazing cobbled streams and rivers. the beat ancient town I’ve visited. Hotels - a great range of home stays and hotels. Food & Restaurants - some amazing choices from local foods to vegan pizzas at Hungry Buddha. Shopping - lots of shops for souvenirs and clothing. a couple of shops for food and toiletries in the center #summervacation