Ancient stage
Street view of Shaxi Ancient Town
Street view of Shaxi Ancient Town
Street view of Shaxi Ancient Town
Lover's Bridge
The special food of the ancient town
Afternoon coffee hour
Street view of Shaxi ancient town
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Shaxi Ancient Town Private Tour from Dali or Lijiang

10 hours

Easy

Discover the ancient town of Shaxi Ancient Town on a day trip from Dali. Explore the traditional Bai ethnic group residences, visit the Sifang Street, and taste the authentic Yunnan Pu'er tea.

Discover the charm of Shaxi Ancient Town on a full-day tour from Dali or Lijiang. Explore the town's ancient temples, traditional architecture, and local food.


The architectural style of the ancient town is unique. Most of the buildings are traditional Bai ethnic group residences, with black tiles, white walls, upturned eaves, and dougong brackets. Walking along the stone-paved road, there are various specialty stores on both sides of the street, selling exquisite handicrafts, traditional costumes, and local snacks. The Sifang Street in the center of the ancient town is the core area of Shaxi. It used to be an important trading market on the Ancient Tea Horse Road.


Many Bai ethnic group residents live in the ancient town. They are warm and hospitable and still retain their traditional lifestyles and customs. You can see Bai ethnic women wearing brightly colored ethnic costumes, busily doing handicrafts in front of their homes. 


The temples and Taoist temples in the ancient town are also a major feature. Among them, the most famous one is Xingjiao Temple, which is one of the relatively well-preserved ancient Bai ethnic group temples in China at present.There are many Buddha statues and Taoist deities enshrined in the temple, and its architectural style is elegant and solemn. 


In Shaxi Ancient Town, the food is also a highlight. There are a wide variety of local specialty foods that make people's mouths water. Try the Shaxi cake, a traditional pastry made from flour, eggs, sugar, and other ingredients. It tastes crispy, sweet, and delicious. Besides, there are also various local snacks, such as cold chicken rice noodles, milk fan, bean powder, etc. Each one leaves an endless aftertaste.


In addition to the food, the tea culture of Shaxi is also worth mentioning. There are many teahouses in the ancient town. Here, you can taste the authentic Yunnan Pu'er tea. 

What's included?
    • Private vehicle with pickup/dropoff from Dali or Lijiang
    • Customized itinerary
    • English-speaking private guide (option)
    • French/German/Italian/Spanish/Russian guide (extra fee)
    • Malay/Indonesian/Thai/Vietnamese/Khmer guide (extra fee)
    Exclusions
      • Tips and Gratuities
      • Meals and Beverages
      • Personal Expenses
      Please note

        Shaxi Ancient Town, nestled in Yunnan Province, offers a tranquil and historic retreat from busier destinations like Dali and Lijiang. Known for it‘s connection to the ancient Tea Horse Road, this town is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Here’s what you need to know before your visit:

        SHAXI’S HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

        • ANCIENT TRADE HUB
          • Shaxi was a key stop on the ancient Tea Horse Road, a vital trade route for tea, salt, and horses between China, Tibet, and Southeast Asia.
        • UNESCO RECOGNITION
          • Sideng Market Square, the town’s heart, is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its well-preserved Bai architecture and historical importance.

        BEST TIME TO VISIT

        • SPRING (March-May)
          • Flowers bloom, and the weather is mild and pleasant.
        • AUTUMN (September-November)
          • Clear skies, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds make this an ideal time to visit.
        • MARKET DAY
          • Experience the lively traditional market, where locals sell fresh produce, crafts, and other goods.

        GETTING THERE

        • FROM DALI or LIJIANG
          • Shaxi is about 2.5-3 hours by car from both cities.
          • Public buses are available, but booking a private tour is more convenient.

        KEY ATTRACTIONS IN SHAXI

        • SIDENG MARKET SQUARE
          • The town’s historic Center, with well-preserved wooden structures and cobblestone streets.
        • XINGJIAO TEMPLE
          • A Buddhist temple showcasing centuries-old murals and carvings.
        • ANCIENT THEATRE
          • A traditional wooden stage once used for Bai cultural performances.
        • SHAXI BRIDGE
          • A stone bridge over the Heihui River, perfect for scenic views and photos.

        LOCAL CUSTOMS AND ETIQUETTE

        • RESPECT LOCAL CULTURE
          • The Bai people have unique customs and traditions; always ask permission before photographing locals or their homes.
        • SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
          • Avoid littering and respect the environment to help preserve Shaxi’s charm.
        • BARGAINING
          • Negotiating prices at the market is common but should be done respectfully.

        ACCESSIBILITY

        • MOBILITY CONSIDERATIONS
          • Shaxi’s cobblestone streets and uneven paths may pose challenges for those with mobility issues.
        • FAMILY-FRIENDLY
          • The peaceful atmosphere and cultural activities make it suitable for families with children.
        What to bring

          CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 

          • COMFORTABLE WALKING SHOES
            • Perfect for exploring cobblestone streets and nearby trails.
          • LAYERED CLOTHING
            • Mornings and evenings can be cool even in warmer seasons.
          • SEASONAL WEAR
            • Spring/Autumn - Light layers for mild weather.
            • Summer - Lightweight, breathable clothes, plus a raincoat or umbrella for sudden showers.
            • Winter - Warm jackets, scarves, gloves, and thermal wear for cold nights.
          • HAT or CAP
            • Provides sun protection during the day.

          PERSONAL ESSENTIALS

          • REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE
            • Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste.
          • SUNSCREEN and SUNGLASSES
            • Protect against strong sunlight especially during outdoor activities.
          • CASH (Chinese Yuan)
            • Many vendors and small shops only accept cash.
          • BACKPACK or TOTE BAG
            • Convenient for carrying snacks, camera, and souvenirs.
          • POWER BANK
            • Keep your devices charged throughout the day.
          • ADAPTER FOR CHINESE SOCKETS
            • China uses Type I sockets and 220V voltage. Bring an adapter if necessary.

          HEALTH AND HYGIENE SUPPLIES

          • HAND SANITIZER and TISSUE
            • Some public restrooms may lack basic supplies, so it’s still best to bring your own basic toiletries anywhere you go, just in case.
          • BASIC MEDICATIONS
            • Bring any personal medications, plus motion sickness pills, pain relievers, or allergy medications as needed.

          FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

          • INSECT REPELLENT 
            • Useful during summer, especially near river or fields.
          • SNACKS or ENERGY BARS
            • Ideal for long walks or hikes.
          • UMBRELLA or RAINCOAT
            • Be prepared for sudden rain, especially during the rainy season.


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