Compared to Xizhou Ancient Town, I love this low-key yet stunning place even more…

Leaves swirl on the bluestone roads in the wind, the sound of horse hooves echoes through the alleys, and the water flows gently under Yujin Bridge—this ancient town, tenderly treated by time, hides the most original look of Dali. A two-hour drive from Xizhou, as the hustle and bustle gradually fall behind, Shaxi quietly appears before your eyes. Unlike the lively and commercialized Xizhou, Shaxi preserves the last bit of the original and tranquil atmosphere of the Tea Horse Ancient Town. ✅ Why do I prefer Shaxi? Xizhou is like a delicately dressed Bai girl, while Shaxi is a hermit who is charming even without makeup. One is full of tourists and internet-famous check-in spots, the other lets time slow down so you can listen to your own heartbeat. ✅ Must-experience highlights 1️⃣ Ancient Opera Stage and Sifang Street🍂 · The old locust tree in the square has witnessed six hundred years of horse caravan traffic · The light after 4 p.m. is the most beautiful, with mottled shadows cast on the yellow earth walls · It’s recommended to sit and daydream on the second floor of the café next to the square, watching people come and go 2️⃣ Yujin Bridge and Heipi River🌉 · At 7 a.m., the bridge is shrouded in mist, like a fairyland · In the evening, shepherds drive their flocks across the bridge, as if time flows back a hundred years · Local artists often sing Bai tunes by the bridge, offering free listening to the most authentic folk songs 3️⃣ Sideng Street and Ouyang Courtyard🏮 · Visit the well-preserved horse inn courtyard to feel the scene of horse caravans resting in the past · Every wood carving on the lintel tells a story; pay attention to the plaque with the four characters “Reading and Farming” 4️⃣ Friday Market🛍️ · If time allows, be sure to come on Friday · Local grandmas carry baskets to shop; mountain produce is fresh and cheap · Try freshly baked milk cake and buy some handmade tie-dye fabric ✅ Hidden experiences 1️⃣ Vanguard Bookstore and Poetry Tower📚 · A bookstore transformed from an old granary, hidden on the edge of the ancient town · Climb the nearby Poetry Tower to overlook the entire Shaxi basin · Read a poem about Shaxi at the top of the tower and feel the fusion of words and scenery 2️⃣ Mid-mountain Coffee☕ · Located in Hualong Village, accessible by walking or riding a shared bike · Facing a whole field of rice paddies and distant mountains, the view is unbeatable · Order a cup of Yunnan small bean coffee and watch the clouds roll by 3️⃣ Shibao Mountain Hiking🥾 · A half-hour drive from Shaxi, explore Tang and Song dynasty stone caves · You might encounter playful mountain monkeys along the way; remember to secure your belongings ✅ Food recommendations 1️⃣ Local cuisine🍲 · Authentic milk cake: crispier than Xizhou baba, rich in milky aroma · Tu Ba Wan: essential for local celebrations and funerals, can be booked for experience at guesthouses · Mushroom hotpot: fresh mushrooms during the rainy season, incredibly delicious 2️⃣ Xiang 12 Western Restaurant🍔 · Unexpectedly authentic Western food in Shaxi · Reservation required; signature beef burger is limited daily ✅ Itinerary suggestions One-day tour Ancient Opera Stage → Sideng Street → Yujin Bridge → Ouyang Courtyard → Vanguard Bookstore Two-day deep experience Day 1: Ancient Opera Stage → Sifang Street → Sideng Street → Yujin Bridge sunset Day 2: Friday Market → Mid-mountain Coffee → Shibao Mountain or surrounding villages 💡 Practical tips · Transportation: Carpool from Dali costs about 80 RMB per person; booking round-trip vehicles is recommended · Accommodation: Book in advance; recommended are Jixia Mountain or Shiran Mountain Lodge for a full experience · Photography: Best light is early morning and evening; white or red clothing is suggested for portraits · Network: Signal is weak in some areas, perfect for putting down your phone and enjoying the moment Standing under the starry sky of Shaxi, I suddenly understand—some places don’t exist for check-ins, but for the soul to find a resting place. Shaxi, a place where once you arrive, you want to stay an extra day, and once you stay an extra day, you don’t want to leave.