Yujin Bridge in Shaxi

Yujin Bridge in Shaxi Location and Historical Background Yujin Bridge is situated at the southeastern corner of Shaxi Ancient Town, Jianchuan County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, spanning the Black Hui River. It is a significant relic of the ancient Tea Horse Road. Originally built during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, the current bridge was reconstructed during the Kangxi era. The bridge is constructed from bluestone, featuring arched structures adorned with carved stone turtle heads and auspicious animals. The bridge corridor bears inscriptions by the Qing Dynasty calligrapher Zhao Fan, bearing witness to Shaxi's historical prosperity as a bustling marketplace. The cobblestone path at the bridgehead and the riverside Bai ethnic houses create a picturesque scene, making it one of Shaxi's "Four Scenic Spots," known as "Iron Bridge Locking the River." 🕘 Opening Hours and Travel Tips Opening Hours: Open 24 hours with no admission fee. Best Times to Visit: Early morning 6:00-8:00 (misty and fewer tourists) and evening 17:00-19:00 (beautiful sunset). Recommended Duration: 1-2 hours, can be combined with nearby attractions like Sideng Street and Xingjiao Temple. Notes: The bridge is narrow; avoid lingering for photos. There's only one restroom on the east side of the bridge, so plan accordingly. 💴 Tickets and Expenses Admission Policy: Free entry with no additional charges. Nearby Dining: Snack stalls near the bridge average 15-25 RMB. Recommended: grilled rushan (8 RMB) and cold chicken rice noodles (12 RMB). For meals, try the homestyle restaurants in the alleys west of the bridge, with dishes like sour-spicy fish and water celery soup averaging 50 RMB per person. ⛺ Activities and Routes Cobblestone Path at Bridgehead: Best for capturing the full view of Yujin Bridge, especially during early morning or after rain when mist lingers. Riverside Below the Bridge: Feed wild ducks and enjoy the natural scenery. Exploring Bai Ethnic Houses: Nearby Bai ethnic homes are open for free visits, showcasing architectural details reflecting Tea Horse Road culture. Sunset Viewing: The bridge's changing light at dusk is perfect for photography; bring a tripod. 🚌 Transportation Guide Self-Driving: From Dali Bus Station, take the Dali-Lijiang Expressway to X084 Road, leading directly to the destination. Free parking is available near the scenic area but fills quickly; arrive before 9 AM or park 1 km away and walk. Non-Driving Options: Scenic Area Shuttle: From Dali or Lijiang, walk 10 minutes from the terminal to Yujin Bridge. Shared Taxi: From Dali's Caicun to Shaxi Ancient Town, about 80 RMB/person, 2-hour ride. E-bike Rental: Available near the scenic area for 30 RMB/day, ideal for short trips. 👉 Itinerary Suggestions One-Day Trip: Yujin Bridge → Sideng Street (Ancient Stage, Square Street) → Xingjiao Temple → Pioneer Shaxi Bai Ethnic Bookstore. Two-Day Trip: Day 1: Morning mist at Yujin Bridge → Stroll through Shaxi Ancient Town → Shibaoshan Song Festival (held from the 27th day of the 7th lunar month to the 1st day of the 8th lunar month). Day 2: Shadengqing Grottoes → Chenghuang Temple → Experience Bai ethnic tie-dye or "Bawangbian" dance. Accommodation Recommendations: Xiaosu Homestay (Yujin Bridge Branch): 5-minute walk to the bridge, includes free breakfast and bedtime milk, rooms average 300-500 RMB/night. Dengfeng Qingjing Lanshan Bieyuan: Offers balcony views of the Black Hui River, ideal for those seeking tranquility. 🧡 Pre-Trip Checklist Clothing: Short sleeves + sun protection during the day, light jacket at night (temperature difference up to 10°C). Sun Protection: High-SPF sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses. Essentials: Wear backpacks in front to prevent theft, bring a power bank (no charging facilities in the scenic area). Other: Rain gear (frequent showers during rainy season), comfortable walking shoes (lots of cobblestone paths). 📌 Pitfall Avoidance Tips During holidays, commercial photography teams occupy the bridge; visit during off-peak times or choose less crowded spots. Nearby horseback riding (50 RMB/round) is overpriced; walk to the riverside for free instead. Accommodation prices surge during holidays like Dragon Boat Festival; book 1 month in advance or stay 3 km away. Yujin Bridge, with its serene river views and rich history, is the soul of Shaxi Ancient Town. Whether you're walking alone in the morning mist or pausing under the sunset, it offers a poetic and lively glimpse into the legacy of the Tea Horse Road.