Shaxi Ancient Town, Dali, Yunnan. Don't regret it for the rest of your life

1. Geographical location and natural environment. Its specific address is County Road 084, Jianchuan County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province

II. Historical Evolution

• The history of Shaxi Ancient Town can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period more than 2400 years ago, and it is a thousand year old ancient town with a long history. At the beginning of the rise of Nanzhao in the early Tang Dynasty, Shaxi was an important area in the northern part of the Erhai Lake Basin. In the late Ming Dynasty, the name Shaxi began to be used

III. Cultural Heritage and Characteristics

• Important Post Stations on the Tea Horse Ancient Road: Shaxi was once an important post station on the Tea Horse Ancient Road, connecting the Tang Dynasty and Tubo for economic and cultural exchanges. With the decline of the Tea Horse Ancient Road, Shaxi was gradually forgotten by people, but as a result, more of the style of the Tea Horse Town from that time was preserved
• Sideng Sifang Street: The soul and core of Shaxi Ancient Town is Sideng Sifang Street, which is a millennium ancient market that combines temples, ancient stages, shops, horse shops, open red sandstone streets, century old trees, ancient alleys, and village gates. It is praised by experts from the World Memorial Architecture Foundation as the "only surviving ancient market on the Tea Horse Ancient Road"
• Xingjiao Temple and Ancient Stage: Xingjiao Temple was first built in the 13th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty and has a history of nearly 600 years. It is the existing "Azhali" temple of the Bai ethnic group in China. Its architectural art and mural carving have extremely high artistic value. The ancient stage is one of the most distinctive buildings on Sideng Sifang Street. During holidays, the Bai people sing and dance here
• Yujin Bridge: Located 200 meters east of Sifang Street, Yujin Bridge spans the Heihui River and was first built during the Kangxi period. It is an important bridge for cross-strait exchanges and trade. After multiple repairs, the Yujin Bridge now has a beautiful appearance and has become one of the famous attractions in Shaxi Ancient Town

IV. Tourism and Experience

• Shaxi Ancient Town attracts more and more tourists to visit with its peaceful and quaint atmosphere, well preserved ancient buildings, and rich cultural heritage. Tourists can stroll along the ancient streets, visit ancient temples, enjoy performances on ancient stages, and taste local cuisine here

V. Transportation and accommodation

• Transportation: From Dali Old City or the Old Town of Lijiang, you can take long-distance bus or charter bus to Shaxi Ancient Town. Self driving tourists can also travel along the highways within Jianchuan County
• Accommodation: There are youth hostels and various guesthouses to choose from in Shaxi Ancient Town, with relatively affordable prices. Tourists can enjoy a peaceful rural life experience here