Shaxi Ancient Theater Stage

【Introduction】: Shaxi Ancient Theater Stage Location: The Shaxi Ancient Theater Stage is located at No. 46 Sideng Street, Shaxi Ancient Town, Jianchuan County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is situated in the core area of Sifang Street, facing Xingjiao Temple across the street, and is a landmark building of the ancient town. Notable Features: Architectural Art: The ancient theater stage is a three-eaved pavilion-style timber structure, with flying eaves and overlapping corners resembling a bird spreading its wings, showcasing the Bai ethnic group's "Three Drops of Water" architectural technique. The wooden framework combines the "Chuantou" and "Tailiang" styles, supporting the space while reflecting mechanical aesthetics. Cultural Symbol: The painted caisson ceiling is well preserved, with bold colors rich in Bai cultural symbols. The "openwork carving" and "hanging fish" between the dougong brackets subtly embody the wisdom of "seeing the big from the small." Related Legend: The ancient theater stage was originally built during the Jiaqing period of the Qing Dynasty as the Kuixing Pavilion, where Bai residents worshipped Kuixing and prayed for success in imperial examinations. Later, it also served as a theater stage, witnessing a century of folk customs changes in Shaxi. 🕘【Opening Hours】 Open 24 hours with no ticket restrictions. Recommended visit duration: 1-1.5 hours, best in the soft light of early morning or evening, ideal for photography and quiet reflection. Notes: There are many shops around the theater stage; it is recommended to visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds; no lighting at night, so please be cautious. 💴【Ticket Price】 Admission: Free entry, no tickets required. Recent changes: No price adjustments, feel free to visit. ⛺【Activities】 Architectural Appreciation: Three-eaved Structure: The layered flying eaves contrast with the blue sky, perfect for wide-angle photography. Painting Details: The painted caisson ceiling and wood carvings require a telephoto lens to capture; bringing a tripod is recommended. Cultural Experience: Kuixing Culture: Learn about the Bai students' prayer customs and appreciate the ancient emphasis on education. Folk Customs Evolution: Combine the Ming Dynasty murals of Xingjiao Temple and the Tea Horse Road relics to build a cross-temporal cultural matrix. Nearby Attractions: Xingjiao Temple: Admission 20 RMB, hiring a guide is recommended for an in-depth understanding of Buddhist culture. Sideng Street: Stroll along the bluestone pavement and experience the lively atmosphere of the Tea Horse Road market. 🚌【Transportation Guide】 Self-driving: Route: Depart from Dali Ancient City, take the Dali-Lijiang Expressway to X084 Road, which leads directly to Shaxi Ancient Town, about a 2-hour drive. Parking: Free parking lots are available around the ancient town but spaces are limited; arriving early or parking 1 km away and walking is advised. Non-self-driving: Direct shuttle: From Dali/Lijiang, the terminal is a 10-minute walk to the ancient theater stage. Carpool: About 80 RMB per person from Dali to Shaxi Ancient Town, 2-hour drive. Bus: From Dali San Yue Street Station to Shaxi, ticket price 55 RMB per person, 2.5-hour ride; or use the Dajiao Travel mini-program, ticket price 100 RMB per person, 1.5-hour ride. 👉【Itinerary Suggestions】 One-day tour: Morning: Ancient Theater Stage → Xingjiao Temple → Sideng Street. Afternoon: Yujin Bridge → Shibao Mountain Grottoes (30-minute drive). Evening: Shaxi Market (every Friday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM), experience local customs. Two-day tour: Day 1: Ancient Theater Stage → Xingjiao Temple → Sideng Street → Pioneer Shaxi Bai Bookstore → Yujin Bridge sunset. Day 2: Shibao Mountain (Haiyunju → Baoxiang Temple → Shizhong Mountain Grottoes) → Cycling around Heihui River. Accommodation Recommendations: Shaxi Maynian Cultural Inn: Located at Beiguzong Alley, Sideng Street, 200 meters from the ancient theater stage, quiet environment. Xiaosu Homestay (Yujin Bridge Branch): 5-minute walk to Yujin Bridge, offers free breakfast and goodnight milk. 🧡【Preparation】 Clothing: Short sleeves and sun protection clothing during the day, light jacket at night (temperature difference up to 10℃). Sun protection: High SPF sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses. Photography Equipment: Wide-angle lens (for architectural panoramas), telephoto lens (for painting details), tripod (for night shooting). Others: Power bank (no charging facilities in the scenic area), portable humidifier (dry climate of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau). 📌Tips to Avoid Pitfalls: There are many commercial photography groups around the ancient theater stage; visiting during off-peak times or choosing less popular spots is recommended. It is advisable to book tickets for Xingjiao Temple online in advance to avoid queues. Dining prices in Shaxi Ancient Town are moderate, but reservations or off-peak dining are recommended during holidays. Shaxi Ancient Theater Stage, with its unique architectural art and profound cultural heritage, is the soul of Shaxi Ancient Town. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or a cultural explorer, you will find your own poetry and distant dreams here.