2024 Shaxi Ancient Town Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in September)
Step back in time in Shaxi Ancient Town, a hidden gem where history and tranquility blend seamlessly
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Tucked away in a quiet valley between Dali and Lijiang, Shaxi Ancient Town is a beautifully preserved remnant of the old Tea Horse Road—a network of trade routes that once connected China with Southeast Asia. Unlike its more famous counterparts, Shaxi remains untouched by the rush of modernization, offering a tranquil refuge where time appears to stand still. Wander down cobblestone streets lined with traditional Bai architecture, with wooden facades and intricately carved doors that have stood for centuries. The town’s central square, Sideng Market, still bustles with life, hosting local farmers and artisans selling fresh produce, handmade crafts, and herbal remedies. The charm of Shaxi lies in its simplicity—here, the sounds of nature are more common than the hum of engines, and the air is filled with the scent of jasmine and fresh pine. Explore nearby temples, hike along scenic trails that wind through terraced fields, or simply relax by the Heihui River that gently flows through the town. Shaxi Ancient Town is a hidden sanctuary for those seeking an authentic experience steeped in history and culture.
Book Lovers Rejoice in This Cute Bookstore in Shaxi
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As part of a sightseeing tour via an electric tuk tuk we engaged in Shaxi ancient town, one of the beautiful spots was this bookstore housed in a renvoated ancient building. Known as Librairie Avant-Garde (you can google it for more info), both the inside and exterior of this book store is an architectural marvel in my opinion.
The way the books are laid out and displayed are also very charming. You can also browse your favourite books in peace at the designated browsing areas. They also offer many cute trinkets and souvenirs to bring home. Charming is another word I can use to describe this place. Don't miss it!
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Ultimate Zen & Chill at Shaxi Ancient Town!
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Just like Shuanglang Ancient Town, Shaxi ancient town is also another personal favourite of mine among all the ancient towns I have visited in Yunnan province. This ancient town is located about 2.5hours drive from Dali city area and is totally worth a visit. For optimising time, I would recommend visiting this town and then going straight to Lijiang instead of heading back to Dali as we did, as Shaxi town is closer to Lijiang. Doing so will help save time taking the HSR from Dali again the next day which we kind of regretted.
The theme of this ancient town is chill chill and more chill I would say. I can totally spend days lazing around in this town for real. It doesn't have the high energy hectic feel of the Dali ancient town. Even the tourists are also visibly more chill and this adds to the peaceful vibes of visiting this town. Just stroll at your own pace, taking in the sights and you are golden.
This town also boasts the only last surviving market along the Ancient Tea Horse road. Amazing!
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Dali - Shaxi, Liu Yi Fei CheckList
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This is the scenic tour route provided by many tricycle riders all around Shaxi Ancient Town. Many of them made popular by the drama by Liu Yi Fei, Meet Yourself. One stop price to bring you everywhere and you can customize.
Delicious food!
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Shaxi Ancient Town has the most delicious food everywhere. This one is very popular and has great reviews. Love the vermicelli so be sure to order that. It is located very close to the famous Liu Yi Fei Cafe.
Instagram worthy Bookshop!
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Visit this Instagram worthy bookshop when visiting Shaxi Ancient Town. Besides books, they sell some little souvenirs too and there is a cafe opposite with a tower for viewpoint.
Many tricycles will have this as part of their route for the tour around Shaxi and it is the best way to travel around as they are all far apart. It is not within walking distance.
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