Shaxi Town
Located at the halfway between Lijiang and Dali of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Shaxi town, tucked away in the Himalayan foothills, this village in Yunnan is a portal to a slower, more authentic era. Far from the crowds of more famous spots, a visit to Shaxi old town feels like a true discovery for the only surviving ancient market along the Tea & Horse Road.
In 2002, it was selected as one of the world’s 100 most endangered sites listed by the World Monuments Fund. As one of Yunnan’s best-preserved market towns, it offers a profound cultural Yunnan tour for any visitors to travel in Dali.
Dali Shaxi Ancient Town Facts
Shaxi Old Town was not merely a stop but a vital lifeline on the ancient Tea & Horse Road, a trade network dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907). For centuries, caravans carrying tea from Yunnan and silk from inland China traversed treacherous mountain passes to trade for horses and salt with Tibet. Shaxi Town flourished as one of the main trade stations on this route. Its Sideng Square was the bustling heart where goods, cultures, and ideas were exchanged.
Although the caravan traffic has ceased, the town’s architecture and layout remain a perfectly preserved testament to this era of prosperous trade. To delve deeper into this fascinating history, you can learn more about China’s Ancient Tea & Horse Road by this travel plan.
>>Recommended 16 Days Yunnan Odyssey Tour along Ancient Tea & Horse Road
What You Can See and Do in Shaxi Town
Shaxi Town, as one of the best old towns in China, exploring it feels like a walk through living history. The restoration efforts have sensitively maintained its timeless charm. Here, the existing Sideng Street was listed among the World Monuments Fund’s “100 Most Endangered Sites” in 2001.
It comprises four components: the Old Market Square Theatre, the Xingjiao Temple, and the Yujin Bridge. Also, the Shibao Mountain near Shaxi village is also worthy to visiting. In Shaxi old town, not only can you admire these remarkable cultural buildings, but you can also experience making traditional Dali Bai ethnic cultural heritage items like Jia Ma woodblock printing, or enjoy the Friday Market organized by local people.
The Old Market Square Theatre
As the heart of Yunnan’s Shaxi Village, Square Street, paved with weathered cobblestones, is framed by ancient trees and the magnificent ancient theatre. This theatre, is a symbol of town life, once hosted operas for traveling merchants and locals. It remains a focal point and a perfect spot for quiet contemplation.
It feels like the soul of Shaxi old town. This theatre was where the local Bai people worship the Star of Literature, the deity presiding over literary fortune. Nowadays, you can enjoy traditional Bai people’s opera during the Chinese Spring Festival.
Xingjiao Temple
Flanking the square opposite the theatre, this Ming Dynasty Buddhist temple is a serene complex. It stands as a rare example of the fusion of local Bai architecture with Tibetan Buddhist influences, reflecting the Shaxi town’s role as a cultural melting pot. Xingjiao temple is free to visit, and recommend you to spend half an and 1 hour for visiting.The Yujin Bridge
Walking across the Square Street, you can reached at the Yujin Bridge. The Yujin Bridge is the first bridge connecting the ancient Tea & Horse Road to Dali in the Shaxi old town, serving as the essential passage for all caravans traveling north and south. Originally constructed during the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty, it collapsed several times before being restored in 1931. Today, it stands nearly a century old.
The recommended time for your visiting this bridge is at 6:30-8:00 am. At dawn, you can admire the beautiful morning mist and the reflection of Yujin Bridge in the water, capturing stunning photographs.
The Friday Market
This is where Shaxi town truly feels alive. Every Friday, the square and main streets transform into a vibrant hub. Minority villagers from the surrounding hills descend to trade livestock, fresh produce, handcrafts, and daily goods in the Shaxi village. It’s a captivating, authentic spectacle of colors, sounds, and traditions that has continued for over a thousand years.The market starts from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm and recommended time to go to the market at 10:00 am, to buy some cheap, seasonal fruits.The Shibao Mountain (the Stone Treasure Mountain)
Another attraction of Shaxi Town is the Stone Treasure Mountain. Located near Shaxi village, this site is a stunning combination of natural wonder and religious devotion. Designated as a protected site by China in 1982, it features extraordinary limestone formations, ancient Buddhist grottoes, and temples such as Baoxiang Temple carved into or perched on the cliffs, offering both hiking opportunities and spiritual insight. There are numerous temples and grottoes which combines with Shaxi town’s history on it.
To get the Stone Treasure Mountain, you can go to Shaxi Tourist Centre, spend 4 yuan to take the bus to here. The ticket for each person is 45 yuan. Since the attractions at the Stone Treasure Mountain are quite spread out, it is recommended to purchase a shuttle bus ticket for 40 yuan to tour the area.
Jia Ma Woodblock Print Experience
In Yunnan’s Shaxi village, one thing that you cannot miss is making your own Jia Ma woodblock handcraft, which is the Dali Bai ethnic group’s cultural heritage. A recommend workshop is the Liansheng Workshop. Here you can spend 4-5 hours to make your own Jia Ma cards guiding by professional workers, then take away the blessings contained within the woodblock print designs.
>> Recommended 3 Days Relaxing Dali Tour with Extension to Shaxi Ancient Town
How to Go to Shaxi Old Town
As a remote town, reaching Shaxi town can be a bit of hassle. Here are the most common four ways to get to Shaxi town.Dali to Shaxi Town
Take a bus from Dali to Shaxi is the most cost-effective route. The most recommended bus stop is located in Cangshan Mountain Gate station (March Street), Old Dali Town. The price for each person is 55 yuan, then takes about 3 hours to Shaxi town.Lijiang to Shaxi Town
Take a bus from Lijiang to Shaxi town is also the most cost-effective way. There are 2 kinds of bus.
- One is taking a bus from Lijiang Bus Station to Jianchuan Bus Station for 25-28 yuan per person, then taking a green minibus from Jianchuan Bus Station to Shaxi Old Town for 10-18 yuan per person, the total travel time is 1 hour and 40 minutes.
- Another way is taking the Didi shuttle bus, boarding at Lijiang Old Town and disembarking at Shaxi Ancient Town. The total journey takes 2 hours, costing 35 yuan per person.
