2025 Shaxi Ancient Town Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

The morning mist had not yet dissipated, but I was already standing at the Yujing Bridge in Shaxi Ancient Town. The wild flowers growing out of the cracks in the stone slabs were covered with dew, and in the distance, smoke from cooking and mountain mist were lingering. The clouds that Xu Hongdou saw when he opened the window in "Go Where There Is Wind" were now spreading out before my eyes. 8:00｜Ancient stage and Grandma Arui’s shop Walking along the mottled stone pavement of Sideng Street, the wind chimes on the eaves of the ancient stage tinkled. Xu Hongdou, played by Liu Yifei, once looked up at the flowing clouds here. Now the sunlight shines through the six-hundred-year-old wooden carved brackets, making the plaque that reads "The only surviving ancient market on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road" shine. Turning the corner, I came across the shop of Grandma A Rui in the drama. Handmade milk cakes and rose jam were still on the wooden shelves. Amid the creaking sound of the Bai grandma's loom, I vaguely saw Xie Zhiyao (played by Li Xian) carrying a bamboo basket to bring breakfast to Hongdou. 10:00｜Listening to the wind at Xingjiao Temple Pushing open the faded red gate of Xingjiao Temple, the flying figures in the Ming Dynasty murals danced. Sitting under the thousand-year-old Pistacia tree where Liu Yifei and Li Xian had a conversation, I discovered the same perspective in the drama: the shadow of the tree cut the sunlight into gold foil, which was sprinkled on the stone steps in front of the temple where Li Xian sat. The girl I met while taking photos was wearing the same tie-dye skirt as Xu Hongdou and holding the "Youfeng Restaurant" canvas bag that appeared in the drama - it turns out that this place has long become a pilgrimage site for drama fans. 12:30｜Eating a bowl of Xu Hongdou’s noodles on Sifang Street Xiang 12 Western Restaurant on Sifang Street is the prototype of the “Windy Courtyard” in the play. Order the same beef burger as Liu Yifei’s and sit in the old seat where she used to read. The sound of horse hooves clattered past the wooden window, and an old man in a straw hat was leading a horse, overlapping with the scene in the TV series of Xie Zhiyao riding a horse past. The cold shrimps sold by the grandma next door are added with the same rose sugar as in the drama, and they are as sweet as Xu Hongdou’s smile when she first saw Shaxi. 14:00｜Looking for traces along the Heihui River Rent a bicycle and ride along the Heihui River. The willow forest where Li Xian and Liu Yifei took a walk on horseback is just ahead. The river water is as green as emerald, the Bai people on the other side of the river are harvesting in the rice fields, and the wind brings the melody of the interlude of "Go Where There is Wind". They stopped at the meadow where Xie Zhiyao taught Xu Hongdou how to ride a horse, and saw the swing set up by the crew. They swung it gently, and the waves on the river were broken. 16:00｜Read a poem at Pioneer Bookstore Walking through the fields, we arrived at Shaxi Pioneer Bookstore, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. In the special section of poetry collections that Xu Hongdou had flipped through, I found the love poems of Neruda that she read to Xie Zhiyao. The observation deck of the cafe on the third floor faces the roof of the stage. The Milky Way that the two people saw during their night talk in the play has now turned into spots of light dancing between the pages of the book. When I put down the "Where There Is Wind" commemorative stamp, the bells of the caravan happened to ring outside the window. 18:30｜Sunset and long song at Yujin Bridge Dusk is approaching, I return to Yujin Bridge to wait for a sunset like Xie Zhiyao and Xu Hongdou. The old man who had just returned from herding sheep blew a leaf flute, and the sheepdog chased the light spots and jumped into the river water dyed red by the afterglow. Suddenly, the sound of guitar was heard at the bridge head. Several young people were playing and singing the theme song of "Go Where the Wind Is". Among the onlookers, there was a local grandfather in a mandarin jacket who followed the beat - this was a magical moment unique to Shaxi, where tradition and modernity, drama and reality were gently embraced. At night｜Healing philosophy under the stars Stay in the same rammed earth homestay as in the drama, and watch the Milky Way falling into the valley from the terrace. Thinking of what Li Xian said, "Taking it slow is the way to live," I finally understood why Xu Hongdou stayed here. The wind blew the Dongba paper lanterns under the eaves, illuminating the crew's signature board in the corner. Perhaps Liu Yifei's beautiful handwriting was hidden somewhere. When the morning bell rang again, I left with the gifts given by Shaxi: the scent of horsetail flowers on my lapels, the ripples of the Heihui River in my notebook, and the courage to reconcile with time, like red beans, growing from the depths of my soul. This thousand-year-old town on the ancient Tea-Horse Road is indeed the footnote that best understands "Where the Wind Goes" - the so-called healing is nothing more than letting us regain the right to gaze at a cloud and wait for a flower to bloom.

#ancienttownvibes Shaxi ancient town, more and more people like it, his quiet, his simple Shaxi, an ancient town with slow carriages, Deep ancient stone path alley, leisurely quiet town resi Dents On the long green stone road, on both sides of the yellow wall tiles, It smells of history. Sand Creek at night, might as well find a bar for a drink Listening to music, healing and relaxing tHrough the trip. Recommended route: Si Deng Street • Ouyang Courtyard → Mint Cafe (Feng Xiao Guan) → Zuo Xiao Guan Entrance → Ancient Stage | • Xing Jiao Temple (→ Grandma Arui's Shop Nanzong Ancient Alley • Big Tree → Nanzhai Gate Middle East Zhai Gate Zhongyujin Bridge! Tips: Tickets: Free Transportation: 2 hours from Dali bus The town is not large, 1 hour walk can walk a circle; The ancient town is basically stone road, it is not convenient to pull luggage accommodation can cho Ose outside the town, more convenient to stop. #Trees in winter are natural works of art #Trees in winter are natural works of art #I collect trees in the world #Shaxi Ancient Town #Shaxi Tavern #Yunnan Tourism

It’s a beautiful place to relax and recharge. Enjoy the windy and lovely moments in Shaxi. Did nothing but so much fun and love around. Just simply enjoy the peace moments during the lovely autumn season.

#chinatrip 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.

#myhiddengems 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! #100WaysOfTravel #Shaxi #ShaxiAncientTown #LibrairieAvantGarde

#myhiddengems 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! #100WaysOfTravel #Shaxi #ShaxiAncientTown

#travelanywhere 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.

#travelanywhere 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.

#travelanywhere 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.