Shaxi Ancient Town | A Three-Day, Two-Night Escape into the Wind-Blown Past

| A three-day, two-night journey into the wind-blown past. Nestled between Dali and Lijiang in Yunnan lies the tranquil and serene Shaxi Ancient Town, a place that feels like life in its purest form. After the hit drama *Meet Yourself* aired, this ancient town gained widespread popularity, attracting countless visitors. If you're looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle, Shaxi Ancient Town is the perfect choice. Here’s a super-detailed three-day, two-night travel guide to Shaxi!

Transportation Guide

1. **Self-Drive**: Navigate directly to "Shaxi Ancient Town." The scenic route feels like driving through a painting. Note: After exiting the Dali-Lijiang Expressway at Diannan, the mountain roads are winding—drive carefully.
2. **Carpooling**: Find carpooling options at bus stations or hostels in Dali or Lijiang (¥80–100, ~2 hours). A great way to meet new friends—perfect for social butterflies!
3. **Public Transport**: Take a bus from Dali/Lijiang to Jianchuan Bus Station (¥35, ~3.5 hours), then transfer to a green minivan to Shaxi (¥13, 40 minutes). Not ideal for those with heavy luggage due to the transfers.

Itinerary

- **Day 1: First Impressions of the Ancient Town**
Morning: "Fly" from Dali or Lijiang to Shaxi (~2 hours), check into a pre-booked guesthouse, and rest to shake off travel fatigue.
Afternoon: Explore the ancient town—stroll along Sideng Street’s red sandstone paths, touch the marks of time, and admire the wood-carved gate of Ouyang Courtyard. Sit on a bench at Square Street to slow down, then imagine past performances at the ancient stage. Dive into Pioneer Bookstore, sip a rose latte, and mail a postcard to your future self.
Evening: Try local Muleteer cuisine—recommendations include mint-fried ribs and sour papaya fish, so flavorful you’ll "stomp your feet!" Walk under the stars—you might even spot a shooting star.

- **Day 2: Nature and Culture**
Morning: Visit Yujin Bridge at dawn to see herders leading horses through the mist—a scene straight out of a painting. Then hike lightly to Shibao Mountain’s Tang-Song era grottoes (wear non-slip shoes!).
Afternoon: Try Bai tie-dyeing with indigo to create a unique scarf. Enjoy Yunnan coffee at Hillside Café while overlooking the town’s tiled roofs and rice fields—pure bliss.
Evening: Gather around a stove for tea, listen to guesthouse stories of ancient muleteers, and savor a mouthwatering matsutake ham chicken hotpot.

- **Day 3: Market Treasures and Farewell**
Morning (Fridays only): Hunt for treasures at Shaxi Market—wildflowers (¥5/bundle), handmade wool felt (¥10), and embroidered pieces by Yi grandmothers.
Afternoon: Grab a peppercorn-cashew ciabatta at Cosmic Bakery (closed Sundays) for the road. Snap a photo with the *Meet Yourself* dog at Zuozuo Café for a cute trip finale.
Evening: Pack up, but don’t forget to glance back at Yujin Bridge’s sunset—a memory to cherish forever.

Food Recs

1. **Mushroom Hotpot**: A must-try in Yunnan! Wild mushrooms brew a broth so delicious you’ll "swallow your tongue."
2. **Mint-Fried Ribs**: Crispy outside, tender inside, with mint cutting the grease—so good you’ll "slap your thigh."
3. **Sour Papaya Fish**: Spicy-sour broth with tender fish—awakens your taste buds instantly.
4. **Rose Milk Fan**: Crispy cheese rolls with sweet rose jam—a crunchy, iconic Yunnan bite.

Stay Suggestions

1. **Absolute Art**: Like "earth’s lungs," with a starry bathtub and rammed-earth walls (~¥600/night).
2. **May Read**: Budget-friendly (~¥150/person), with a pear tree for free fruit—"fruit freedom" unlocked!

Tips

1. **Transport**: Avoid unlicensed taxis—unsafe and overpriced. Stick to official options.
2. **Sun Protection**: High-altitude UV is fierce—hat, shades, and sunscreen are a must, or you’ll turn into a "little charcoal."
3. **Cash**: Some elderly vendors only accept cash—bring small bills to avoid regret.

Shaxi is a hidden utopia, free of urban noise, where life is pure and beautiful. Slow down, feel the wind, the sun, and life as it’s meant to be!