Meet your dedicated private guide at the lobby of your Dali hotel, then hop in a comfortable vehicle for a 2-hour drive straight to Shaxi Ancient Town. Sit back, relax, and let the picturesque Yunnan countryside unfold outside your window – rolling hills dotted with tea plantations, traditional Bai-style farmhouses, and clear mountain streams will accompany you all the way to your destination.

Step into Shaxi Ancient Town, and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time to the golden era of the Tea Horse Road. Wander along its flagstone streets lined with well-preserved wooden buildings, cross over ancient stone bridges arching over gurgling streams, and soak up the slow-paced, idyllic vibe that has remained untouched by modern crowds. The town exudes a tranquil charm, with fresh mountain air filling your lungs from dawn till dusk.

One-sentence history: Tracing its roots back to the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Periods (770 BC–221 BC), Shaxi was once a thriving commercial hub on the ancient Tea Horse Road and is listed as one of the World Monuments Fund’s 100 Most Endangered Sites for its historical and cultural significance.

Start your exploration at Sifang Street, the beating heart of Shaxi Ancient Town. This cobblestone square has been the center of local life for centuries, surrounded by old shops, tea houses, and courtyard residences.

If you visit on a Friday, you’re in for a treat – the street comes alive with a bustling local trading fair. Watch as mountain villagers ride down on horseback, carrying baskets of fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local snacks to sell. Immerse yourself in the lively chatter, barter with vendors if you’d like, and get a firsthand taste of authentic rural Yunnan life.

Next, visit Xingjiao Temple, a hidden gem dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 AD). As you step through its ancient gates, you’ll be greeted by serene courtyards and solemn halls adorned with delicate carvings. The temple’s star attractions are its well-preserved Ming Dynasty murals – a stunning blend of Central Plains painting styles and local Bai ethnic artistry, which are hailed as cultural treasures of southwestern China’s Bai people. Your guide will share fascinating insights into Chinese Buddhism and the temple’s role in the region’s religious history.

One-sentence history: Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 AD), Xingjiao Temple is China’s largest and most representative Buddhist Tantra temple, renowned for its culturally significant murals combining Central Plains and local ethnic art styles.

Continue your journey to the Ancient Opera Stage, a beautifully crafted wooden structure that once hosted traditional Yunnan opera performances for townsfolk and caravan merchants alike. Admire its intricate roof carvings and elegant design, a testament to the region’s rich artistic heritage.

Then, make your way to Yuxi Bridge, a historic stone arch bridge that spans the Heihui River. Pause on the bridge to take in the views – crystal-clear water flowing beneath, ancient trees shading the banks, and the distant silhouette of mountains creating a postcard-perfect scene.

Refuel with a delicious lunch at a family-run local restaurant, where you can savor authentic Yunnan dishes – think spicy rice noodles, braised pork with wild mushrooms, and fresh mountain greens, all cooked with local ingredients and traditional recipes.

After lunch, your adventure can end in three flexible ways: you can choose to stay and explore more of Shaxi’s hidden corners at your own pace, head directly to Lijiang for your next adventure, or take the scenic drive back to Dali.