Shuhe Ancient Town | Lijiang Shuhe Ancient Town

| Lijiang Shuhe Ancient Town. Shuhe Ancient Town in Lijiang is a famous historical and cultural town in Yunnan. It is quieter and more rustic than Dayan Ancient Town, making it ideal for travelers who enjoy a slower pace. Here is a practical guide:

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**1. Basic Information**
- **Location**: Gucheng District, Lijiang City, about 6 km from Dayan Ancient Town, 15 minutes by car.
- **Entrance Fee**: 40 RMB (may be free during off-season or early/late hours), some guesthouses can help waive the fee.
- **Best Season**: April to October (spring flowers bloom, autumn is cool), bring rain gear during the rainy season (July-August).

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**2. Transportation**
- **From Lijiang Old Town**:
- Taxi: about 20 RMB, navigate to "Shuhe Ancient Town North Gate or South Gate."
- Bus: take route 11 or 6 to "Shuhe Lukou" stop, then a 10-minute walk.
- **From Airport/Train Station**: taxi about 50 RMB/40 RMB, or take the airport shuttle bus and transfer to a bus.

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**3. Must-Visit Attractions**
1. **Sifang Street**
The town center, beautiful for photos in the early morning when fewer people are around; in the afternoon, there are often Naxi ethnic dance performances.
2. **Qinglong Bridge**
A stone slab bridge over 400 years old, with a smooth surface perfect for vintage-style photos.
3. **Jiuding Longtan**
Clear water with tea houses nearby where you can enjoy tea and the scenery.
4. **Tea Horse Road Museum**
Free admission, learn about the history and culture of the horse caravan.
5. **Feihua Touch Water Area**
Lively at night with bars and restaurants, the atmosphere is more relaxed than Dayan Ancient Town.

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**4. Unique Experiences**
- **Horse Riding on the Tea Horse Road**: about 200-300 RMB per person, with pristine scenery along the way.
- **Tie-Dye/Leather Craft Experience**: recommended at the old workshops on "Shuhe Leather Crafts Street."
- **Star Photography**: low light pollution in the ancient town, clear nights reveal the Milky Way (recommended near the North Gate).

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**5. Food Recommendations**
- **Naxi Cuisine**: try chicken bean jelly and cured pork rib hotpot (recommended "Daidai Mama" restaurant).
- **Snacks**: Shuhe cold jelly, rose baba (small stalls near Sifang Street).
- **Cafés**: "Tiandeng Coffee Memorial Hall," a century-old house converted café, perfect for relaxing.

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**6. Accommodation Suggestions**
- **High-end**: Pullman Resort Hotel (Chinese-style garden, pool facing the snow mountain).
- **Cost-effective**: Guesthouses within the ancient town (such as "Wubai" and "Mozhu Wanshe," prices 200-500 RMB/night).

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**7. Tips to Avoid Pitfalls**
1. Price comparison when shopping: silverware, tea, etc., are often overpriced; bargaining 30%-50% is common.
2. Sun protection: strong UV rays on the plateau require SPF50+ sunscreen and a hat.
3. Quiet policy: some guesthouses prohibit loud noise at night; respect local customs.

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**8. Nearby Excursions**
- **Baisha Ancient Town**: more original and natural, 15 minutes by taxi, with snow mountain murals to see.
- **Jade Dragon Snow Mountain**: about 1 hour by car, recommended for a day trip.

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Shuhe is suitable for a 2-3 day stay, wandering alleys by day and listening to folk songs by night, experiencing the true "slow Lijiang." If you have other needs (such as hiking routes or less-known photo spots), feel free to ask! 🏞️🏞️