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

"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

#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

#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.

Yunnan has always been a popular tourist destination, but if you think Dali Ancient Town and Shuanglang Ancient Town are too crowded, then you must know this ancient town in Dali, Shaxi Ancient Town, and see the real windy place. ♥️About Shaxi Ancient Town⬇️ This is an ancient town with a history of over 2500 years. 20 years ago, Shaxi was listed as "the only surviving ancient market on the Tea Horse Road" in the "World Heritage List of Endangered Buildings". With the help of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, the ancient market and village have been well restored and protected. ♥️How to get there⬇️ Self-driving Car rental Chartered car Public transportation is not very convenient Take a bus from Lijiang or Dali Bus Station to Jianchuan Bus Station (1.5-2 hours) Then take a rural green minibus from Jianchuan Bus Station to Shaxi Ancient Town (40 minutes-1 hour) 【Must-see in Shaxi Ancient Town】📷 ✅Ancient Stage It is the center of Shaxi Ancient Town and the most distinctive building on Sifang Street. There are also several ancient trees in the middle. ✅Temple Deng Street Listed by the World Monuments Fund as one of the 101 World Endangered Sites Worth Attention ✅Yujincheng Bridge In autumn and winter, in the morning, sunlight shines through the treetops, and you can see the morning mist rising from the water surface. ✅Grandma Arui's Shop Next to the ancient stage, there is a local grandma's handicraft workshop, the persimmon cake is delicious ✅Pioneer Bai Nationality Bookstore It is the "most beautiful rural bookstore" transformed from the former village granary. Behind it is the [Pioneer Poetry Tower] ✅Half Mountain Coffee Take the sightseeing yellow car from [Yujincheng Bridge] to get here, located on a hillside

🍋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 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

When I first saw Shaxi came in from the ancient town of Shaxi, I saw a yellow-yellow wall with the first sight of Shaxi I thought the name was good. I took a picture at the door, and then I realized that this is a net red in Shaxi Ancient Town. Restaurant environment is simple, very taste of Shaxi, the boss is very literary, the raw materials in the store are all pollution-free products specialties Bai trio, bacon, sausage, ham, good-looking, favorite Ham signature musk beef, a bit like the taste of Sichuan cuisine, beef tender fried bean skin, a big one, suitable for children overall, the experience is good, next to a small bar, In the evening, there are singers singing. Name: First see Shaxi private kitchen per capita consumption: about 60 yuan

Shaxi is like Lijiang more than ten years ago. Neat stone road, there is a clear stream on both sides of the street, the water is unbelievable. Rows of shops are also old houses, wooden carved doors and windows, some are snack bars, some sell clothing, some are hardware department stores, there are also one or two bookstores, coffee shops, cute shops, neither People feel too commercial, and they don't make tourists feel too primitive. It maintains a proper balance between old and simple tastes. Ancient stage is Shaxi is also the landmark building of the temple on the street. The tree on the open space in front of the stage is old, and it has its appearance in the old photos of the last century. At that time, the tree was still relatively Fine, not as leafy as it is now, standing on the ground. The opposite of the ancient stage is the Xingjiao Temple built in the Ming Yongle period. It and the ancient stage form the center point of Shaxi. In the early years of the information picture, the people here come and go, the horses shuttle constantly, than Qingming Shanghe map will be a bit more lively. The world is changing, the flow of years is like a white pass, and the bustling market of the bustling city has now vanished, leaving only the bluestone board to tell the silence of the land. Shaxi's inn, all of them are exquisite and have a mood, the flowers and trees are sparse, and the public space has comfortable and interesting couches. When people see it, they want to go in and have a cup of tea and spend a long time. I hope that I am an innkeeper, guarding a yard of flowers, boil water, cooking tea, watching the clouds.

The ancient town of Shaxi is different from Wuzhen. It is popular in the ancient town of Jiangnan. It still retains its original features due to inconvenient transportation. Although it has been a lot of prosperity since four years ago, there are still not many people. Ancient temples, ancient stage, ancient shops, ancient red sandstone streets, centuries-old trees, ancient lanes... all of which fascinate us. Sifang Street is the most characteristic place in Shaxi. Under the blue sky and white clouds, the uneven stone road, occasionally there will be puppies walking. The Shaxi without the tour group is more free. Everyone who comes here seems to be distracted. They played chess on the street, or bought some pine mushrooms on the street, or just wandered aimlessly, and we did the same, taking pictures while walking, stopping and stopping.

Shaxi Ancient Town is a place that is not particularly commercialized. It is located in the middle of Lijiang, Lijiang, and it is also a place of paradise. Because it is not so commercial, the popularity is not so high, so visitors are not too much. However, because the tourism industry has been vigorously developed in recent years, there are many hotels and hostels built. This stay at the hotel is one of the best inn in Shaxi. Inn is a courtyard pattern, the old building has been remodeled, both local characteristics and unique style. The layout of the hotel is still the local residential mode, facing the lobby. When the business is not busy, the waiters are sitting in the yard and enjoying the sun. If you come here, it is very lively. On the right hand side of the lobby is a sofa and tea table. Reading tea here, reading Chinese calligraphy and calligraphy on the wall. The overall decoration of this inn is very Chinese, and the decoration from the exterior to the interior is the keynote. I am especially fond of this place, probably also love the style here.

#discoverchina Jianchuan Ancient Town 剑川古城 stands out as the least commercialised of the ancient towns I’ve visited. I was truly amazed by how well its structures and architecture have been preserved. Unlike the bustling, overdeveloped areas of Lijiang and Dali Old Town, Jianchuan maintains an authentic, timeless charm. The town feels like a living snapshot of history, with each building reflecting the traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage of the region. My convoy understood why I skip Lijiang Ancient Town this trip.

A 6-day tour of Kunming and surrounding areas—an amazing itinerary awaits! Enjoy a flower banquet, a Chuxiong Yi King banquet, Bai ethnic hot pot fish, and Dali sour and spicy fish—a feast for your taste buds. Explore the less-traveled Shaxi, take a horse-drawn carriage ride in Xizhou, enjoy Santorini afternoon tea, take Trip Moments photos in the ancient cities of Erhai and Lijiang, dress up in ethnic costumes, and more! Don't miss out! / 🌸Itinerary Overview: A 6-Day, 5-Night Romantic Tour of Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang🌸 Day 1: Arrive in Kunming🛬, check in to a cozy hotel, and begin your Yunnan journey🏨. Day 2: Depart from Kunming and explore the beauty of Dianchi Lake🌊. Stroll along the Dianchi Lake Dam and feel the lake breeze—head to the Stone Forest Scenic Area to admire the wonders of nature🏞️, and spend quality time with Ashima in the Small Stone Forest📸. Day 3: Set off for Xizhou to experience Bai ethnic customs🎭—take a leisurely walk along the ecological corridor by Erhai Lake🚶‍♀️, and enjoy a relaxing Santorini afternoon tea☕—visit Ideal Town and pursue the utopia in your heart🌈. Day 4: Explore the ancient city of Dali and experience exotic customs on Foreigner Street🍔—wander through Shaxi Ancient Town and experience the tranquility and beauty of this less-traveled ancient town🏞️—arrive in Lijiang Ancient Town, dress up, and take Trip Moments photos in ethnic costumes📷. Day 5: Explore the ancient charm of Shuhe Ancient Town🏰—challenge yourself on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and take a cable car to enjoy the magnificent scenery of Yunnan's peaks🏔️. Day 6: Depart from Lijiang, filled with memories, and head back to your warm home🏠. / Must-haves for your trip:🎒 👕 Clothing: The weather in Kunming is warm during the day in March, so bring light long-sleeved clothes; it's a bit cool at night, so bring a light jacket. It's cold in the mornings and evenings in Dali and Lijiang, so you'll need a thick coat. 📱 Accessories: A power bank and a waterproof phone case are essential for taking photos and navigating. Sunglasses and a sun hat offer both sun protection and style. 🆔 Documents: ID card, student ID, and other discount certificates are convenient for travel and accommodation. Also, remember to prepare your train/plane tickets in advance for peace of mind. / 🎉Your Kunming trip has come to an end! Don't forget to like and follow for more amazing destinations!🌈

📍Address: Shibaoshan Scenic Area is relatively remote, but perhaps because of this, the grottoes have been so well preserved. The scenic area is located between Shaxi and Jianchuan. 🚗Transportation: The roads to the scenic area are village roads. It seems that you can take a small van that goes through the villages, or you need to carpool or charter a car to go there. We rented a car and drove ourselves, which was more convenient. Cars can only be parked at the entrance of the scenic area, and parking is free. Only two of the main scenic spots were open when we went, and it takes about half an hour to get there by tourist bus. 👍️Must-see attractions: Shizhong Temple (Shizhongshan Grottoes) was built during the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms. The entire temple was carved out of the Danxia rock mountain on the top of the mountain. Next to the temple grottoes on the top of the mountain are cliffs. The grottoes are not very large in scale, but they are all very exquisite. Through these stone carvings, we can see the inheritance of the culture of ethnic minorities in Southwest China for nearly a thousand years. Baoxiang Temple, also known as the Southern Hanging Temple, is located in a giant rock on the top of the mountain. A main hall was built in the cave at the bottom of the rock, following the mountain. Inside, there are eight guardian deities and an exquisite reclining Buddha. Up the stairs is the Ksitigarbha Hall, with two stunning large Buddha statues and the Lingkong Hanging Bridge. Next to it, there is a mountain spring flowing down. The most impressive thing is the group of monkeys, which are much more polite than those in some other places and have a strong sense of boundaries. 🎟️Tickets: The scenic area has a one-ticket system, and there are no separate charges for attractions inside. It is strongly recommended to purchase a sightseeing bus ticket because it covers about ten kilometers of winding mountain roads, which is very cost-effective. 💗Other tips: 1. The mountain near Shizhong Temple is quite steep, so pay attention to safety and stand firm when taking pictures. 2. As soon as you get off the bus at Baoxiang Temple, there are some local villagers setting up stalls. Old women will come around and lend you wooden sticks for free. If you don't have your own trekking poles, you can borrow one and return it to them when you come down. 3. Learn from the monkeys, keep a distance, and don't provoke them, as they are wild animals after all.

Amazing old ancient town, it seems to be in a dream!

✈️Visit a windy place, Jianchuan Shaxi Ancient Town, Yunnan. This quiet and simple mountain town is the only surviving ancient market on the Tea Horse Road. 🏡Here you can see old houses that retain the Bai ethnic characteristics and local architectural style everywhere, ancient temples, ancient opera stages, ancient stone slabs, ancient alleys, ancient village gates... These ancient buildings' eaves, window lintels, corners, and corridors all have a strong traditional Bai aesthetic style, like a living history museum. 🚶‍♂️Walking on Sifang Street, the main street of the ancient town, an ancient opera stage with a history of more than 600 years expresses the romance of Shaxi people with its flamboyant eaves and colorful caissons, which is the most eye-catching. 🏯Opposite the ancient opera stage is Xingjiao Temple. Its facade is not large, simple and low-key, complementing the colorful caissons of the ancient opera stage. It is a representative of the ancient town's ancient architecture and a national key cultural relic protection unit. 🙋Main highlights: 1️⃣Xingjiao Temple was built during the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty, with a history of more than 600 years. Its architectural layout is one entrance and three courtyards, consisting of the main hall, the second hall, the Guanyin Building, the temple gate, and the opera stage. The entire building complex is built on a central axis. 2️⃣The architecture of Xingjiao Temple is simple and elegant, solemn and grand. The ancient trees in the courtyard are towering and the environment is quiet and pleasant. Cherry blossoms are in full bloom this season. 3️⃣The main hall of Xingjiao Temple has a double-eaved, hip-and-gable roof with nine ridges. There are no ground-level pillars in the hall, and there are 12 pillars on the inner walls, with a beam-lifting structure. 4️⃣There are corridors around the main hall, and there are more than 20 Ming Dynasty murals on the walls, which are deeply influenced by the Central Plains painting style and have strong local ethnic characteristics. They are treasures of ancient Bai painting art. 5️⃣The main hall and the second hall of Xingjiao Temple are both relics of the Ming Dynasty. They are relatively early wooden structures in Yunnan, and most of them are original. The beams and pillars are stable and magnificent, the Dougong brackets are grand and magnificent, and the structure is exquisite and unique. 🎫Tickets: Free admission. Shaxi Ancient Town is not large, and a quick tour takes 2 hours, but the ancient town is really healing, so it is recommended to arrange half a day to a full day. 📍Address: 084 County Road, Jianchuan County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture. It is a 2-hour drive from Dali Ancient City, and there is a dedicated parking lot at the scenic spot's visitor center. ‼️Recommended one-day tour route: Sideng Street → Youfeng Restaurant → Xingjiao Temple Ancient Opera Stage Area → Xingjiao Temple → South Gate → Yujin Bridge.