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: --- **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). --- **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. --- **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. --- **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). --- **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. --- **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). --- **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. --- **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. --- 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! 🏞️🏞️