Bixi Ancient Town: A Hidden Gem on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road

— A 600-year-old secluded town, free and off the beaten path ✨ Why Choose Bixi Ancient Town? Nestled in Lianzhu Town, Mojiang, Yunnan, Bixi Ancient Town (originally named "Bishuo") was a vital post on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road, with over 600 years of history. Free from commercial hustle, it preserves authentic Ming-Qing architecture and Hani ethnic charm. Cobblestone paths, upturned eaves, and hoof prints whisper tales of caravan glory. Three Unique Charms: ✅ Free admission: No tickets needed, especially serene after 18:00. ✅ High-speed rail access: Just 2.5 hours from Kunming. ✅ Untouched beauty: Perfect for slow travel, photography, or quiet contemplation. 🚶‍♂️【Must-Visit Spots】 1. **Octagonal Tower (Kuixing Pavilion)** 🏯 - The town’s landmark, a three-tiered eaves structure offering panoramic views of tiled rooftops. 2. **Yu Family Residence** 🏠 - Ancestral home of General Yu Enyang (a Republic-era hero) and singer Harlem Yu, featuring gray-brick charm. 3. **Tea-Horse Road Cobblestone Street** 🐎 - Glossy stones still bear hoof marks; stroll to imagine caravan bells echoing centuries ago. 4. **East Gate Ruins** 🏛️ - The last surviving 8-meter-tall gate, inscribed "Bishuo," witnesses the town’s evolution. 5. **Li Xiushan Mansion & Ancient Dwellings** 🏡 - Well-preserved Qing courtyards with carved windows, showcasing southern Yunnan architecture. 6. **Wangchun Tower** (if time allows) 🌄 - Ming-era pagoda with vistas blending farmland and ancient roofs. 🍜【Food Recs】 1. **Bixi Tofu & Soy Pudding** 🍮 - Handmade daily; pair with spicy dipping sauce for a dawn alleyway treat. 2. **Purple Rice Cakes & Hani Dipping Chicken** 🍗 - Sticky-sweet rice meets tangy-spicy Hani sauce. 3. **Xuli Tea** 🍵 - Tribute tea since the Qing Dynasty, with a clear, mountain-fresh aroma—ideal for souvenirs. 4. **Mojiang Rice Noodles & BBQ** 🍢 - Try Hani-style skewers at "Twin Dragons BBQ City" in Mojiang if time permits. 🏡【Stay Tips】 1. **Town Guesthouses** 🌙 - Like *Fuyuanju*—a refurbished old house with night insects and morning mist (basic amenities). 2. **Mojiang Hotels** 🏨 - *Gemini Hotel* offers modern comforts, 10 km from town (great for drivers). 🚗【Transport】 - **Rail** 🚄: Kunming → Mojiang (~2.5h), then rural bus (¥7) or taxi (¥30). - **Drive** 🚙: Kunming → Kunmo Expressway → Mojiang exit → 10 km via Provincial Road S218. - **Best time**: Dawn/dusk for soft light and empty lanes. 📅【Pro Tips】 ✅ Free access: Some old houses may require polite requests to enter. ✅ Footwear: Wear grippy shoes (cobbles are slippery); sun protection in summer. ✅ Culture: Catch Hani festivals for folk songs or long-table feasts. 🌄 Bixi Ancient Town—where the Tea-Horse Road’s echoes linger, and time stands still. 🌄 Come dream of hoofbeats and chimney smoke.