Shaxi Ancient Town Travel Guide | If you're thinking of going, save this recommendation

Shaxi Ancient Town originated during the rise of the Nanzhao Kingdom and is the only surviving market town on the ancient Tea Horse Road. It is also the ancient town where Xu Hongdou from 'Where There Is Wind' lived. The surrounding natural scenery is beautiful, and the town's architecture is quaint and full of character. It takes just an hour or two to walk through the entire town, but it's more suitable for settling down to relax and enjoy some slow time. 🚌Transport We went there from Jianchuan. Next to the Jianchuan bus station, you can find the green minivan heading to Shaxi Ancient Town. The fare is 20 yuan per person, and the ride takes about an hour. The van will take you directly to the Shaxi Ancient Town Visitor Center parking lot. For the return trip, you can follow the 084 county road out of the ancient town to the entrance, where you can catch a van back to Jianchuan. 💌Tip: The mountain roads are winding and can easily cause motion sickness, so it's a good idea to take some motion sickness medicine in advance. ➡️Tour Route in the Ancient Town Yujin Bridge - Nanzong Ancient Alley - Ancient Opera Stage - Xingjiao Temple - Sideng Street - Ouyang Courtyard - Shaxi Specialty Snack Market ⛰️Yujin Bridge The Yujin Bridge to the east of the ancient town is the best place to enjoy the natural scenery. Horses pass over the bridge, their bells ringing crisply. On a clear and sunny day, strolling along the Heihui River can cure all unhappiness. ⛰️Nanzong Ancient Alley A quaint and quiet alley, with traditional Bai ethnic houses and ancient-style shops on the side. There is also a Nanzhai Gate, an arched gate made of adobe, which is one of my favorite places in the ancient town. ⛰️Ancient Opera Stage With a stage in front and a pavilion in the back, this Kui Xing Pavilion-style building is the central area of the town. Next to it is Grandma A Rui's shop, and Shaxi's performance artist, the Shaxi Chaplin, often appears here. ⛰️Xingjiao Temple Built during the Ming Dynasty, it is currently the largest and most representative Buddhist Tantric 'Azha Li' temple in China. The sculptures at the entrance and the murals inside are rich in local characteristics and are treasures of ancient Bai ethnic art. ⛰️Sideng Street The main street of the ancient town, with low Qing Dynasty houses on both sides and Ming and Qing stone slabs underfoot. It's as if time has stood still, making this street seem unchanged from a hundred years ago. ⛰️Ouyang Courtyard A traditional Bai ethnic building, it is the best-preserved residence in the town and was once a horse inn. ⛰️Shaxi Specialty Snack Market Next to the visitor center parking lot, there are many local specialties, such as ersi, rice noodles, roasted ersi blocks, and grilled milk fans. 🕰️Opening Hours: Open all day 🌟Nearby Attractions: Shibaoshan, Jianchuan Ancient Town