Shaxi Ancient Town: A Tea Horse Road Gem Surrounded by Yunnan’s Mountains

1. Mountain Backdrop: The Soul of Shaxi’s Charm

• Shibao Mountain: Cultural & Natural Twin Gem – Just 5.9 kilometers from the town center, Shibao Mountain is both a geological wonder and a cultural relic. Its limestone cliffs and pine-covered slopes house the famous Shibao Mountain Grottoes, hailed by scholar Fei Xiaotong as “Dunhuang Murals in the North, Jianchuan Grottoes in the South” . The mountain’s rugged terrain and sweeping views of the Shaxi Basin make it an indispensable part of the town’s appeal.
• Tea Horse Road’s Mountain Connection – For centuries, Shaxi served as a vital rest stop for caravans crossing the treacherous mountain passes of the Tea Horse Road. The surrounding mountains weren’t just barriers—they were the very reason for the town’s existence, as caravans sought refuge here before braving the high-altitude trails to Tibet or Southeast Asia . Today, those same mountains offer modern travelers hiking trails, panoramic viewpoints, and a taste of the wilderness that shaped Shaxi’s history.

2. Must-Do Mountain & Town Experiences

A. Shibao Mountain Hiking: 2 Routes for Every Traveler

Easy Route (3-4 Hours, Suitable for All)

• Route: Shaxi Town → Shadengqing Grottoes → Shizhongsi Grottoes → Baoxiang Temple → Return to Shaxi by van
• Highlights:
  • Explore Shadengqing’s lesser-known grottoes (12-17th caves) with minimal crowds .
  • Enjoy unobstructed views of the Shaxi Valley from the mountain slopes .
  • Visit Baoxiang Temple, a cliffside “hanging temple” with monkey sightings and golden roof overlooks .
• Practical Tips: Take a green van from Shaxi to Shibao Mountain Gate (¥20/person) and hike downhill to the town—no strenuous climbing required . The 3km stretch from Shadengqing back to Shaxi is flat and scenic.

Deep Dive Route (6-7 Hours, For Hiking Enthusiasts)

• Route: Shaxi Town → Shadengqing Grottoes → Shizhongsi Grottoes → Lion Pass → Baoxiang Temple → Mountain Gate
• Highlights:
  • See all 17 existing grottoes, including the famous “Goddess of Mercy” statue (called the “Venus of the East”) .
  • Trek through ancient pine forests and stone-paved paths once used by caravans .
  • Experience the quiet grandeur of Lion Pass, where hidden caves hold historical carvings .
• Pro Tip: Skip the 8km road between Baoxiang Temple and Shizhongsi by taking the 景区 shuttle (¥20 one-way) to save energy for the scenic trails .

B. Cultural Immersion with Mountain Views

• Ancient Tea Horse Road Relics – Wander the cobblestone streets of Sideng Village, Shaxi’s historic core. Don’t miss Yujin Bridge, the ancient stone bridge that marked the entrance to the town for caravans, with mountain backdrops perfect for photos . The well-preserved horse stables and “three-courtyard” Bai-style mansions reveal how merchants and travelers once lived amid the mountains.
• Shaxi Friday Market – Held every Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM (peak 8-12 AM), this lively market brings local Bai and Yi villagers down from the mountains . Browse wild mushrooms, mountain herbs, handwoven baskets, and fresh produce while soaking up authentic rural life. It’s a great place to try “fly salt tea,” a traditional drink that sustained caravans on their mountain journeys .
• Bai Ethnic Crafts – Join a tie-dye workshop (many offer mountain-view terraces) to learn the ancient craft using natural indigo from local mountain plants. The town’s workshops preserve techniques passed down through generations of Bai people who lived in harmony with the surrounding hills.

3. Practical Information (Updated 2026)

Getting There

• From Dali: 2.5-hour drive (150km) or shared van (¥80-100/person) . No direct high-speed rail yet—take a bus from Dali North Station to Jianchuan (¥35/person) then transfer to a green van to Shaxi (¥20/person) .
• From Lijiang: 3-hour drive (180km) or shared van (¥120-150/person).

Entrance Fees & Hours

• Shaxi Ancient Town: Free (open 24/7) . Some museums (e.g., Shaxi Cultural Museum) charge ¥10-15 individually or ¥50 for a combined ticket .
• Shibao Mountain Scenic Area: ¥45/person (open 8:30 AM-5 PM). Shuttle bus fees: ¥5 (Mountain Gate → Baoxiang Temple), ¥20 (Mountain Gate → Shizhongsi Grottoes) .

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms line the mountain trails, and rhododendrons bloom on Shibao Mountain.
• Autumn (September-November): Golden rice fields contrast with green mountains, and the weather is ideal for hiking.
• Winter (December-February): Quiet and misty, with occasional light snow dusting the mountain tops—perfect for peaceful walks.

4. Hill View Accommodation Recommendations (Booking.com Partners)

Luli Mountain House

• Location: 200 meters from the Ancient Stage, steps from the town center .
• Highlights: 180°-270° mountain view rooms with private balconies, American rural-style decor, and homemade breakfast with fresh mountain ingredients. Each room has a bathtub to unwind after hiking .
• Bonus: Friendly Bai housekeepers offer local travel tips, and the garden features mountain-grown flowers .

Sunyata Hotel

• Location: On the edge of Sideng Village, with easy access to both the town and hiking trails .
• Highlights: Modern minimalist design, mountain-view terrace, and complimentary afternoon tea. Guests get a free Shaxi walking tour (book 1 day in advance) .
• Practical Perks: Free parking, 24-hour front desk, and accepts international credit cards .

5. Local’s Secret: Mountain-Inspired Eats

• Roasted Erkuai: A staple for caravans, this glutinous rice cake is grilled and topped with spicy sauce—try it from street vendors near the Friday Market .
• Wild Mushroom Hot Pot: Fresh porcini and chanterelles from Shibao Mountain, served with local vegetables and Bai-style dipping sauces.
• Mountain Herb Tea: Ask for “shan yao cha” at local teahouses—brewed from herbs foraged in the surrounding hills, it’s said to soothe fatigue from hiking.
• I’ve personally hiked the Shibao Mountain easy route— the valley views at sunset are worth the walk!

6. Responsible Travel Tips

• Stick to marked hiking trails to protect the mountain ecosystem and avoid disturbing wildlife (monkeys are common in Baoxiang Temple—do not feed them).
• Bring reusable water bottles—refill stations are available at most guesthouses and cafes.
• Support local businesses: Choose family-run workshops and guesthouses over chain establishments to ensure profits stay in the community.