Go to the Windy Place | Shaxi Travel Guide

| Shaxi Travel Guide. Hey guys👋, if you also long for the leisurely and cozy life like in "Go to the Windy Place," you must come and visit Shaxi Ancient Town! It’s quiet and rustic, full of local life vibes. Here’s a super detailed guide for you📝 1. Travel Preparation 👚 Clothing: In summer, prepare light, breathable clothes and sun protection; bring a light jacket for the big temperature difference between morning and evening. In winter, wear down jackets and non-slip shoes, as the stone roads can get icy. 📷 Gear: Photography lovers don’t forget to bring a wide-angle lens for panoramic shots of Yujin Bridge and a telephoto lens for close-ups of fireflies; sunscreen, rain gear, power banks, and common medicines are also essential. 🧾 Others: Book in advance for the Metaverse Pavilion, Firefly Secret Realm, stargazing, and other activities; bring some cash as some stalls only accept cash. 2. Transportation Guide 🚗 External Transport: - From Dali: If driving, navigate to "Shaxi Ancient Town Parking Lot," about 2 hours’ drive; watch out for falling rocks during the rainy season. You can also take a bus from Dali North Bus Station to Jianchuan Bus Station (39 RMB, 2 hours), then transfer to a rural minibus (13 RMB, 40 minutes). - From Lijiang: Carpool costs 100-120 RMB per person, and the scenery along the Niusha Cliff Road is great; or take a bus from Lijiang Bus Station to Jianchuan Bus Station (23 RMB, 2 hours), then transfer to a minibus (13 RMB, 40 minutes). 🚌 Internal Transport: The ancient town is small and attractions are concentrated, so you can explore on foot; or rent a bike for about 20 RMB and leisurely roam the streets and alleys. 3. Must-Visit Attractions 🏮 Sideng Street: "The only surviving ancient market on the Tea Horse Road," lined with Bai ethnic houses and shops. The ancient theater stage hosts the Bai ethnic Bawang Whip intangible cultural heritage performance every Wednesday and Saturday at 14:00; Sifang Street market is open Friday 8:00-12:00, where you can buy handmade silver jewelry and Jiama woodblock prints. 🌉 Yujin Bridge: An ancient bridge once used by horse caravan traders. The viewing platform on the east side is a perfect spot for sunrise shots; after 19:00 in summer, you can capture stunning sunsets at the bridgehead. 📖 Pioneer Bookstore: Transformed from an old granary, full of poetic charm. There’s an outdoor poetry night every Saturday evening, so remember to reserve your seat in advance. 🎮 Tea Horse Road Metaverse Experience Pavilion (120 RMB/person, reservation required): Put on AR glasses and travel back to the era of horse caravans, immersing yourself in the ancient market trading experience. 4. Specialty Food 🍜 Bai-style Sour and Spicy Fish: Tender fish, sour and spicy with a rich broth, perfect with rice. 🥓 Bai-style Raw Pork Slices: Made from fresh pork, crispy and tender, dipped in special sauce, fragrant but not greasy. 🍚 Claypot Rice: Each grain of rice is distinct, cooked with various seasonal vegetables and meats in a claypot, creating a unique crispy aroma. 5. Accommodation Recommendations 🏨 High-end: Shaxi Shiran Mountain Lodge, Jixia Mountain, full of design sense and very private. 💰 Mid-range: Shaxi Absolute Art Inn, Shaxi Lansheng, cost-effective with excellent locations. 🎯 Unique: Stay at horse caravan-themed inns like Mapingguan Inn to experience the unique horse caravan culture. 6. Itinerary Planning Day 1: Arrive at Shaxi Ancient Town → Sideng Street (check out the ancient theater stage, stroll Sifang Street) → Yujin Bridge (watch the sunset) → Pioneer Bookstore (soak in the artistic atmosphere) Day 2: Tea Horse Road Metaverse Experience Pavilion → Horseback ride along the Tea Horse Road → Shadengqing Stone Caves hike → Taste specialty food → Return Guys, come to Shaxi and encounter your own "Windy Time"💖 #ShaxiAncientTown #TravelGuide #YunnanTravel