Why is Napahai Lake So Special?

With a total area of 31.25 square kilometers and an elevation of 3266 meters, the state-designated wetlands area Napahai Nature Reserve is located in Shangri-la city, Yunnan province. Established in 1984, it is a wetland ecosystem protection zone to plateau seasonal lakes and marsh meadows. The natural reserve is flat, surrounded by mountains. When October steps in, flocks of black-necked cranes, bar-headed geese, white cranes, sheldrakes regularly come here looking for food and for fun.

Where is Napahai Lake – Location

Situated in north latitude 27 ° 49 ‘~ 27 ° 55’ and east longitude 99 ° 37 ‘~ 99 ° 40’, it is some 8 kilometers northwest of Shangri-La, Yunnan. It is about 400 km northwest of the capital, Kunming as the crow flies, and about 100 km northwest of the city of Lijiang as the crow flies.

Natural Resources

Grassland: Napahai Grassland is the largest one in Shangrila. Due to the humid climate, the local grass grows faster than other areas. Every year in May, Napa grassland is green while that in other area just begins to sprout. At the beginning of June, a variety of wild flowers open and flocks and herds have fun on the grassland.

Animals: Napahai Lake is a true paradise for all types of birds, most especially for water fowl, such as the black-necked cranes, the bar-headed goose – as well as a number of other species of geese – the common mallard, the Himalayan griffon, the egret and the white-tailed eagle.

How to Get to Napahai Lake?

►By Bus: Regular buses to Yila Grassland serve this route, departing for the nature reserve from the Dukezhong Ancient Town carpark, running between 9:00~18:00.

►By Car Rental: Tourists can rent a car to visit Napahai Lake which is very convenient to enjoy the scenery along the ring road and back to Shangri-La.

► By Bike: Rent a bike to ride along the ring road is also very popular and a good way to appreciate the scenery.

Main Attractions

► Napahai Lake

The verdant grasses sprawl on the earth like a greenish felt, flocks and herds here and there leisurely eating grasses on Napahai Lake.You find they mix with each other, and a flower of life is in blossom. In the west stand three snow mountains, they are not only a part of charming scene of southwest China, but also sign of tremendous vitality.

► Yila Grassland

In winter and spring, when the lake of the Napa sea shrank, it became a vast swamp meadow, of which the Yila grassland,  is the largest spring pasture in Yunnan.

► Gunyin Temple

Gunqin Temple Ruins is nestled among the tall old trees of one of the mountain peaks to the northwest. Gunqin Temple was built in the late Yuan dynasty and destroyed in the early Qing dynasty. Overlooking from the temple, you can have a panoramic view of Napahai grassland.

► Tibetan villages

There are a number of small to medium-sized Tibetan villages scattered around Napahai Lake where you can have a close-up view of life as it is lived today in a Tibetan village.

Recommended Visiting Route

Napahai Lake is not far from Shangri-la city including Songzanlin Monastery. If tourists want to travel there by car-rental, Napahai Lake could be one of the stops along with other scenic spots. Besides, another major way to visit the lake is to cycle around, which is about 40 kilometers long. It takes about three or four hours to complete one circle. The grassland, lake and snow mountain scenery along the road is very beautiful.

Note that one must ride along the lake clockwise, so that the west side of the ring road around the lake will be downhill, which can be easy for the cyclists. There will be some long uphill on national highway 214 back to Shangri-La city, so a multi-speed mountain bicycle can make the ride easier.

Best Time to Go

The best seasons for traveling to Napa Lake are summer and autumn. Every year in May and June, lush green pasture, various wild flowers blossoming, and yaks, horses roaming leisurely. When autumn and winter comes, the prairie is golden with snowcapped peaks of the distance reflected in the lake. The black-necked crane, yellow duck, bar-headed goose and other large birds circling above the surface of the lake and frolicking in the grass.

Attractions Nearby

► Songzanlin Monastery

Built in 1679, the monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple complex in Yunnan province and one of the famous monasteries in the Kang region, which belongs to the Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism of the Gelukpa order of the Dalai Lama. It is reputed as the Little Potala Palace due to its complex of Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Located in the capital of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, it is also the most important monastery in southwest China.

► Dukezhong Ancient Town

As one of the largest and best-preserved Tibetan residence groups in China, the 1300-year-old Dukezong Ancient Town, situated at Shangri-la County, Deqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, not only plays an important role in the Old Tea – Horse Road, but also serves as a corridor connecting Chinese and Tibetan language, people, religion and cultures. Until the fire disaster damaged the most of Tibetan dwellings in 2014, it still remains the traditional Tibetan architectural style.

►Pudacuo National Park

Pudacuo National Park is a 1,300-square-kilometre (500-square-mile) national park located in Shangri-La County, Yunnan. It is notable as the first national park in China to meet International Union for Conservation of Nature standards. As such they are part of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas World Heritage Site.

Useful Travel Tips

► Please bring altitude sickness medicine with you in case that you could not acclimatize to the high plateau when you are at Napahai Lake.

► Renting a bike to cycle around Napa Lake will be wonderful cycling trip for you.

► High uv on the plateau, if you ride along the lake, be sure to wear light, long-sleeve tracksuit and pay attention to sun protection.

► It will take a long time to ride, and there will be small shops on the road for supplies, but it will be more expensive. It is suggested to take water and solid food with you.

► Grassland is the collective property of Tibetan people. Don’t step on the grassland without permission, so as not to cause unnecessary trouble.

► There are a number of horse – riding routes for about 1 hour. 

Tours including Napahai Lake

1 Day Napahai Lake Cycling Tour with Tibetan Village and Songzanlin Monastery

6 Days Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Shangri-La Group Tour

11 Days Northwest Yunnnan Bird Watching Tour

14 Days Yunnan Cycling Tour from Shangrila to Lijiang and Dali

The news was updated on September 12, 2019.

When Rouhieh steps into classroom, she is always surrounded by her students and becomes the focus. Every time when she appears in the school where she works as a volunteer teacher, students hails her as a movie star.

Rouhieh from Canada is now a teacher in Yunnan University of Finance and Economy(YUFE) in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province. To teach more students English, the Canadian teacher has offered free courses in 24 primary schools in her spare time. In 2009, she received the Yunnan Friendship Award which was given by the provincial government for her contribution to the development of local education.

“Before coming to China, I was a doctor and my idol is Henry Norman Bethune. Now my job is an educator,” said Rouhieh.

Rouhieh has been to Zhuhai, Macau, Shenzhen, Fuzhou, Chongqing, Dalian and finally chose to live in Kunming. In 2005, she was recruited as an English teacher in the YUFE. “Kunming made me feel like at home,” she said.

In order to offer free English courses to more students, Rouhieh learned how to ride electric bike in Kunming. At the beginning, she was just like a saleswoman, knocking at doors of many schools to introduce her lessons. Since 2015, she has given free English lessons in 24 primary schools.

Read More: Henry Norman Bethune is an internationalist soldier, member of the Canadian Communist Party and a well-known thoracic surgeon. In 1938 he arrived in China with medical supplies and worked with the Eighth Route Army under the leadership of Mao Zedong and the Communist Party of China. He set up a mobile hospital and operated on soldiers close to the battlefield. His work helped save the lives of thousands in Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. In late 1939, aged 49, he died of blood poisoning after pricking his finger with a needle during surgery. In December 1939, Mao Zedong wrote an article “In Memory of Norman Bethune,” as a tribute to the doctor, and calling on the Chinese people to learn from his example. (From PLA Daily)

Source from http://english.yunnan.cn/html/2019/ethnics_0912/17716.html

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The Timeless Charm of Yunnan Tea Culture

Tea from the East has captivated the Western world for centuries, earning the moniker “Green Gold.” Originating in southwest China, notably Yunnan, a warm cup of tea with a hint of herbal fragrance remains the quintessential gesture of welcome for guests.

Exploring Tea Gardens

The Chinese character for tea has been in use for over a millennium, though its pronunciation varies across dialects. Known as “cha” in Mandarin, it becomes “chai” in Russian and Hindi, and “te” in English, French, Spanish, and Italian, reflecting its journey from Fujian’s tea merchants.

Yunnan’s Diverse Tea Gardens

Yunnan boasts extensive tea plantations across its 16 prefectures, from Pu’er and Xishuangbanna in the south to Honghe and Wenshan in the southeast, extending west to Lincang, Dehong, Baoshan, and Dali. The province features over 3 million hectares of tea plantations, with notable examples like the Mengku Tea Garden in Shuangjiang, Lincang, a UNESCO GIAHS candidate.

Ancient Tea Legacy

Yunnan is home to some of the world’s oldest tea plants, including the 800-year-old “king tea tree” in Xishuangbanna and an ancient specimen in Zhenyuan, Pu’er, dating back 2,700 years. Emerging ecological tea gardens intercrop tea with soybeans, peanuts, and oriental cherries for pest control and aesthetic appeal.

The Birth of Pu’er Tea

Unique to Yunnan, Pu’er tea is available in raw and ripe forms, each with distinct flavors and processing methods. Its fermentation process allows Pu’er to age like fine wine, enhancing its complexity over time.

Yunnan’s Tea Industry

In 2017, Yunnan’s tea-growing area reached 413,300 hectares, producing 380,000 tons annually, second only to Fujian. Tea plays a central role in Yunnan’s 25 ethnic minority cultures, epitomizing hospitality through ceremonies like Dali’s Three Course Tea, symbolizing life’s bitterness, sweetness, and surprises.

Fostering a Thriving Industry

Yunnan aims to transform tea into a hundred-billion RMB industry, focusing on Pu’er, black, and green teas. Conservation efforts include legislative protections for ancient tea trees and zoning systems to preserve biodiversity. Future plans involve integrating IoT into tea gardens for improved management and quality control.

Future Prospects

By 2022, Yunnan plans to expand its ecological and organic tea gardens, aiming to lead China’s tea production while promoting sustainable development and cultural tourism.

Why is Dukezong Ancient Town So Special?

Dukezong is a Tibetan town in Shangri-la County, Deqin Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan. As one of the largest and best-preserved Tibetan residence groups in China, it is over thirteen hundred years old, which not only plays an important role in the Old Tea-Horse Road, but also serves as a corridor connecting Chinese and Tibetan language, people, religion and cultures. 

Where is Dukezong Ancient Town – Location

Situated at an altitude of 3,200m above sea level, Dukezong Ancient Town, 700km from Kunmin, located in the Shangrila City. 

History and Culture

The pronunciation of “Dukezong” in Tibetan has two meanings: Castle built on Stone and Moon City. In Tang 676AD – 679AD, the king of Tubo established Shenchuan Chief Military Commission in Weixi, and set up Guanzhai in Daguishan Mountain with numerous stones, named Dukezong. 

According to the Tibetan Buddhist scriptures, there is a lost city named Shambhala in the snow mountains, shaped like an eight-petal lotus flower; so Dukezong Ancient Town is laid out in this design. During the construction, the craftsmen found a type of local white clay can be used as the coating of house facades so created the white house wall we can see today. Covered in the bright moonlight, the old town takes on a silver sheen on clear nights, hence the name “Moonlight City”. 

For those Horse Caravan who pass through the ancient tea-horse road, Dukezong ancient city is the important tea-horse interchange trade thoroughfare of Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet, and also the last stop of Old Tea – Horse Road. 

From the ceaseless up-and-down undulations of paved roads, you can still find the faint imprints. In 1688, when Dalai Lama requesting mutual trade in Jinsha River, the Qing government granted to set up market in Shangri-La; since then Dukezong has become an important trade market of Yunnan-Tibet where many merchants gathered and mining industry boomed. 

During the Anti-Japanese War, the Japanese aggressors occupied Burma and cut off Burma transportation, a large number of material assistance can only arrived in Kunming across the Himalayas from Lhasa by northwest Yunnan, the county also became a transit point to Yunnan, Tibet and India trade.

In 2001, Dukezong was approved as a famous historical and cultural town in Yunnan province. In January 2014, a fire lasting over ten hours broke out destroying most of the town. A number of cultural relics, precious Thang-gas and Buddhist artworks were burned in the fire, plus some Tibetan-style buildings and precious historical sites. On New Year’s day of 2016, Dukezong was officially reopened to the public.

How to Get to Dukezong Ancient Town?

People in Shangri-La City can walk to Dukezong Ancient Town directly.

Main Attractions

Guishan Park: Built in the reign of emperor Kangxi, the park is built leaning the hill. Chaoyanglou, has three floors and at the top floor of the building people can have a panoramic view of the Dukezong Ancient Town. At the foot of hill, there is an ancient well providing drink water for the townspeople. 

Giant Prayer Wheel: The giant prayer wheel in Shangrila is reputed as the largest one in the world for its 21 meters in height and 60 tonnes in weight. Because of its size and weight, the prayer wheel is to be spun by multiple people. It’s a must-see attraction of Shangrila tour. 

Moon Square: At the north side of Moon Square stand Diqing Red Army Long March Museum(open time: 10:00 – 17: 00) and Diqing Museum(08: 30 – 18: 00) which deserve a visiting. 

Square Street: Square Street, at the heart center of the old town, is the main tour area gathering a maze of cobbled lanes, white stupas, renovated tourist shops, café, bars, etc. Further away from the square street, the narrow winding lanes will give you a quieter shelter and unveil you more authentic local touch with the unrestored structures and real local life. The main town square is a snack and bauble market during daytime and a lively dancing place for Tibetan locals at night. 

Best Time to Go

It is suitable to visit Dukezong Ancient Town all year round but summer is the best time. Take enough clothes to keep warm due to the great time differences between day and night. 

Accommodate at Dukezong Ancient Town

Most of the dwellings in the ancient town have been converted into inns, restaurants and shops. Most of the inns are featured with Tibetan characteristics, and the price is slightly more expensive than those in the new town. 

Attractions Nearby

►Songzanlin Monastery

Songzanlin Monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple complex in Yunnan Province. It is called the Little Potala Palace. In 1993, it was listed as a Key Provincial Protection Unit of Cultural Relics by the government of Yunnan Province. It is said that the Fifth Dalai Lama decided the location though divination and gave the name—Gedansongzanlin. At its height, the monastery housed 2,000 monks. Now about 700 monks live there or around the region.

►Pudacuo National Park

Pudacuo National Park is a 1,300-square-kilometre (500-square-mile) national park located in Shangri-La County, Yunnan. It is notable as the first national park in China to meet International Union for Conservation of Nature standards. As such they are part of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas World Heritage Site.

►Napahai Lake

With a total area of 31.25 square kilometers and an elevation of 3266 meters, Napahai Nature Reserve is located in Shangri-la city, Yunnan province. Established in 1984, it is a wetland ecosystem protection zone to plateau seasonal lakes and marsh meadows. It is also the wintering habitat of migratory birds such as black-necked crane, yellow duck, bar-headed geese, etc. 

Useful Travel Tips

►The ancient city of Dukezong was destroyed by fire on January 11, 2014. What visitors see may not match the description.

►The entrance of the Diqing Red Army Long March Museum is the central town hall built in the Qing dynasty, with the architectural style of Han, Tibetan and Naxi, which is of great appreciation value.

Tours including Dukezong Ancient Town

4 Days Shangri-la City Tour

5 Days Lijiang-Shangrila Tour

7 Days Shangrila Meili Snow Mountain and Yubeng Village Trekking Tour

8 Days Yunnan Classic Tour by Flight

8 Days Yunnan Classic Tour by High Speed Bullet Train

Dai Minority Garden(Dai Park)

Dai Minority Garden(傣族园)is in Ganlanba, which is located in the lower reaches of Lancang River, 40 kilometers from Jinghong City. In Dai language, it is called Menghan. There are hundreds of Dai households living in Ganlanba. Ganlanba is only 530 meters above sea level, being the lowest and hottest place in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture. A local saying goes that ”if Xishuangbanna is a beautiful green peacock, Ganlanba is its tail and Dai Park is the most eye-catching feather of Ganlanba”.

Why is Dai Minority Garden so special?

There are  5 villages in Dai Minority Garden(Manjiang Village曼将、Manchunman Village曼春满、Manting Village曼听、Manzha Village曼乍、Manga Village曼嘎). Dai Minority Park is famed as a ”village of imperial garden” with two main Dai villages and three smaller villages. One is Garden Village called ”Man Song Man”. Another is Flower and Fruit Village, namely ”Man Ting”. No matter which village you enter, you will find classical Buddhist temples and traditional bamboo houses of Dai people. Coconut palms, areca trees, mango trees, pineapple trees and other tropical trees can be seen in every corner of the village. Bamboo houses are enchanting framed by green trees.

It also offers traditional Dai culture. If you want to visit the Dai village, you are adviced to select special festival time such as the “Water Festival” in mid April. You can see rich and lively tradition activities, singing, dancing, you will also gain understanding of the simple Dai characters through attending these activities. Participate earthly when join the Water Festival, the wetter you get, the happier and better luck you will be!

Where is Dai Minority Garden?

Dai Minority Garden is in Ganlanba. Ganlanba is located in the lower reaches of Lancang River, 40 kilometers from Jinghong City. In Dai language, it is called Menghan. There are hundreds of Dai households living in Ganlanba. Ganlanba is only 530 meters above sea level, being the lowest and hottest place in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture.

How to Get to Dai Minority Garden?

By water: take ship at the pier of Jinghong and go down along the river to Ganlanba, 2-3 hours

By bus: there are many buses departuring from the bus station near the Shuyuan Hotel of Jinghong City, 8.5 yuan for ticket.

Main Attractions in Dai Park

● Yingbin Square(迎宾广场）

Yingbin Square is the place to give a Dai Ethnic welcome ceremony to tourist. They make us have a good impression of Dai Minority.

● Tasting Dai Food（品尝傣味）

In Dai Minority Garden, you will be able to enjoy unique Dai food, which has high reputation in Yunnan Province. Zhutong Fan (rice cooked in bamboo), Nanmi (喃咪), Bamboo Worms are highlights there. At night, visiting food stalls in Dai Minority Garden is a good choice. Local snacks (barbeque, New Year cake, e.g.) and tropical fruits are worth trying.

Festival and Activities

● Dai Nationality Opening the Door Festival and Closing the Door Festival.

Mid July, Mid October. Mid July, is Closing the Door Festival. Every body must go to the temple for divine blessing. Then until Opening the Door festival, couples could not hang out together, get married or go out.Mid October is Opening the Door Festival. The rainy season is over, couples could court one another and get married. There will be huge gathering at that day. It is also the harvest day.

● Water Splashing Festival

Water Splashing Festival is a traditional festival of Dai nationality. It is on the new year of Dai Calendar (in Mid June in Dai Calendar). People will water the Buddha in the temple and pour water to one another to show their sincere blessing and wash away their troubles. The grandest festival of the Dai is usually held along with activities such as dragon-boat racing, sending off skyrockets, and throwing love pouches. It is believed that everyone being splashed at will have good luck.

In Dai Park, you can enjoy the water-splashing every day. You might need to rent plastic tub and costume for water-splashing, it needs 40 RMB and 30 RMB for deposit, you can get deposit back after you return the tub and costume.

Introduction of Local Dai Culture

●Bamboo House

When entering the Dai village you will see many bamboo houses in front of your eyes. Living in the bamboo structure is the unchanged habit of Dai for over a thousand years. This construction suits the tropical rainforest climate in south Asia. The bamboo house come into two layers; the ground lever has fence, which use as the storage and a space for raising poultry.Upstairs is the place for living; every bamboo structure has a balcony, a big setting room lay with bamboo mat which is the place for eating, resting, and greeting the guests. There is a stove in the center of the room, Dai use it for cooking and heating the house. The setting room is connect with the bedroom and there are usually three to five rooms in the bamboo house.

● How to build a new house

Building new houses is their great event. Firstly they must select the location and make the base, then they must prepare pillars, when the wood for the pillar is identify, the villagers will spray water to bless it and by blowing bugler. The eight pillars must be divide into four “male pillars” and four “female pillars” and distinguish by male clothes and female clothes covered on the pillars.While the house is built, the people of the whole village will come and help. The owner will also prepare rich food and drink to entertain the villagers coming to help and the friends coming to congratulate. It is very warm and lively.

Best Time to Visit

Belonging to tropical rainforest climate, Xishuangbanna’s dry season is from November to April the next year and rainy season is from May to October. With annual average temperature of 21c, it has long summer and no winter. With cool and pleasant four seasons, the best time for traveling Xishuangbanna is from October to June the next year. 

● The Water-Splashing Festival,  the most important festival for the Dai People to celebrate New Year, is usually celebrated in the middle of April.

● Try to avoid Chinese public holidays, such as Labor Day (May 1st to 3rd) and National Day (October 1st to 7th). It is recommended that you start your day early so as to avoid crowds.

Useful Travel Tips

●It is better to prepare some mosquito products and sun block in case of insects and sunlight.
●Respect the local customs of Dai and other minorities. 
●Do not touch the head of local monks.
●It is better to take T-shirt, short and slippers becauce it is too hot in Xishuangbanna.

Yunnan, whose name literally means south of the clouds, is situated in the southwest of China. With over 2400 years of history, exotic indigenous cultural heritage, a pleasant climate and picturesque scenery, Yunnan is renowned tourist destination for millions of travelers every year. Yunnan is a perfect showpiece of China’s many natural wonders, rugged, wild, and unspoiled. Here we provide you the overview of Yunnan.

Population composition

Yunnan’s population is noted for the great complexity of its ethnolinguistic groups. Out of the total population, the Han (Chinese) form the bulk of both the city dwellers and the agricultural population on the plains and valleys devoted to rice cultivation. There are a large number of Hui (Chinese Muslims), the descendants of the immigrants sent in by China’s rulers to help govern the province after the 13th century. The non-Han population of Yunnan remains substantial; in addition to the Hui, it comprises more than 50 recognized ethnic minority groups, accounting for more than one-third of Yunnan’s population. In distribution, these groups are highly intermixed; not one county is inhabited by a single minority.

Ethnic Minorities

Settlement patterns

More than one-fourth of Yunnan’s population is classified as urban; the rest is rural. Urban growth of Yunnan has been marked by the emergence of medium-sized cities rather than giant metropolitan complexes. Important cities include Kunming,Qujing; Gejiu, the “tin capital”; Yuxi, a growing city some 60 miles (100 km) south of Kunming; Dali, at the junction of highways to Tibet and Myanmar; Chuxiong, a rising herbal medicine maker located halfway between Kunming and Dali.

Ethnic groups are widely distributed in the province. Some twenty-five minorities live in compact communities, each of which has a population of more than five thousand. Ten ethnic minorities living in border areas and river valleys include the Hui, Manchus, Bai, Naxi, Mongols, Zhuang, Dai, Achang, Buyei and Shui, with a combined population of 4.5 million; those in low mountainous areas are the Hani, Yao, Lahu, Va, Jingpo, Blang and Jino, with a combined population of 5 million; and those in high mountainous areas are Miao, Lisu, Tibetan, Pumi and Drung, with a total population of four million.

Yunnan Culture by Region

• Kunming Culture
• Baoshan Culture
• Chuxiong Culture
• Dali Culture
• Dehong Culture
• Diqing Culture
• Honghe Culture
• Lijiang Culture
• Lincang Culture
• Nujiang Culture
• Pu’er Culture
• Qujing Culture
• Wenshan Culture
• Xishuangbanna Culture
• Yuxi Culture
• Zhaotong Culture

Most dialects of the Chinese language spoken in Yunnan belong to the southwestern subdivision of the Mandarin group, and are therefore very similar to the dialects of neighbouring Sichuan and Guizhou provinces. Notable features found in many Yunnan dialects include the partial or complete loss of distinction between finals /n/ and /ŋ/, as well as the lack of /y/. In addition to the local dialects, most people also speak Standard Chinese (Putonghua, commonly called “Mandarin”), which is used in the media, by the government, and as the language of instruction in education.

Yunnan’s ethnic diversity is reflected in its linguistic diversity. Languages spoken in Yunnan include Tibeto-Burman languages such as Bai, Yi, Tibetan, Hani, Jingpo, Lisu, Lahu, Naxi; Tai languages like Zhuang, Bouyei, Dong, Shui, Tai Lü and Tai Nüa; as well as Hmong–Mien languages.

The Naxi, in particular, use the Dongba script, which is the only pictographic writing system in use in the world today. The Dongba script was mainly used to provide the Dongba priests with instructions on how to carry out their rituals: today the Dongba script features more as a tourist attraction. Perhaps the best known Western Dongba scholar was Joseph Rock.

Literacy

By the end of 1998, among the province’s population, 419,800 had received college education or above, 2.11 million, senior middle school education, 8.3 million, junior middle school education, 18.25 million, primary school education, and 8.25 million aged 15 or above, illiterate or semi-literate.

Yunnan Dialect

Yunnan dialect, also known as Yunnan mandarin, is generally a northern dialect. The stationing of troops in Ming Dynasty played a decisive role in the formation of Chinese dialects in Yunnan. With the gradual enrichment of people’s historical and cultural knowledge, they finally understand that the formation of Yunnan dialect is closely related to the migration of the Han nationality and the formation of the ethnic pattern today. Yunnan dialect is actually the central plains Chinese dialect in history. studying these dialect words can explain many historical and cultural problems. Unfortunately, most of the recorded data have been lost in previous political movements, and only the existing sporadic records can be collated and explained to form this article. Because of the large number of ethnic minorities in Yunnan, the dialects in different regions will be different.

Yunnan Language Classification

Yunnan is the hometown of mountains and rivers. On this plateau, there are 26 ethnic groups living here, of which 25 are ethnic minorities, of which 15 are unique to Yunnan and none exist elsewhere. Let’s take a look at this unique ethnic group

Dai language

There are four different forms of Dai script: Xishuangbanna Dai script, Dehong Dai script, Dai tense script and Jinping Dai script. These four kinds of characters are all derived from the Indian alphabet, and have gradually formed different styles of characters through different development and evolution processes. After the founding of New China, some improvements have been made to the Dai and Dehong Dai languages in Xishuangbanna on the basis of the original characters. The improved Dai languages in Xishuangbanna, on the basis of retaining the original letter form and phonetic features, have added and deleted some letters according to the actual pronunciation, changed the tone symbols, and standardized the pronunciation of letters, the use of additional symbols and the writing rules.

Naxi language

Naxi language can be divided into eastern and western dialect areas. The eastern dialect area refers to the Naxi residential area east of Jinsha River, represented by the Mosuo language on Lugu Lake at the junction of Yunnan and Sichuan. There are about 50,000 people who speak this eastern dialect. The western dialect area includes the Naxi residential area west of Jinsha River, represented by the language of Dayan Town, Lijiang County, Yunnan Province. There are about 250,000 people who speak this dialect.

Yi language

The Yi language belongs to the Yi branch of the Tibeto-Burman language family of the Sino-Tibetan language family. The population in use is about 4 million. One of the original syllabic characters of the Yi people (some people also think it is ideographic). In 1975, Sichuan Liangshan Yi region formulated Sichuan’s “Yi Language Standard Pilot Scheme”, which identified 819 standard Yi characters. In 1980, the State Council approved its implementation in Sichuan’s Yi region (see Yi language). Yi language is abroad, mainly distributed in Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

Bai language

White is the language used by Bai nationality in China. It is mainly distributed in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province and neighboring counties, with a population of over 3 million. Belonging to the Tibeto-Burman language family of Sino-Tibetan language family, some people think that white language is a language of Yi language branch, some people think that it should become an independent language branch, and some people think that it is a language of Chinese language family. White is a tonal language, divided into Jianchuan, Dali and Bijiang dialects. Dialects are quite different and it is difficult to talk to each other.

The above is only an introduction to some minority languages. Yunnan has 15 unique minorities, each of which basically has its own language. For more information, please search this website or consult relevant staff.

News About Yunnan language

With the development of economy, more and more people are going out of the mountain to develop, thus causing the development of local languages.

In bingzhongluo township and pengda township in gongshan county, Nujiang prefecture, Yunnan province, a branch of the Nu ethnic group “along” lives there.

“Nu ethnic group has four branches, each speaking a different language. Aron language is the most endangered one.”  Researchers said that in 1960, when he first went to investigate, about 400 people could speak.  Today, only 100 people can speak, and all of them are old people. Only a dozen old people speak well, and young people do not speak.

Luoma Village, Longdi Township, Honghe County, Yunnan Province, is a village inhabited by the Hani people. There are currently 137 families in the village. Li Songmei, who works at the Honghe State Institute for Nationalities, also came out of the village. Some time ago she did a survey. More than 90% of the people over 35 in the village are still talking about hani language, but half of the people under 35 have already said nothing. “There are not ten people who can sing our nation’s wedding lament.”

Yunnan Culture by Region

• Kunming Culture
• Baoshan Culture
• Chuxiong Culture
• Dali Culture
• Dehong Culture
• Diqing Culture
• Honghe Culture
• Lijiang Culture
• Lincang Culture
• Nujiang Culture
• Pu’er Culture
• Qujing Culture
• Wenshan Culture
• Xishuangbanna Culture
• Yuxi Culture
• Zhaotong Culture

Manting Park

Manting Park, also called Chunhuan Park,（Chinese name: 春欢公园 or 曼听公园） is the oldest garden in Xishuangbanna area, which covers an area of 23,540 square meters. It used to be the imperial garden in ancient times. Its name “Chunhuan” in Dai language means “Soul”. The whole park can be divided into 8 sightseeing areas, they are National Cultural Square, Liana Zone, Tropical Orchid Garden, Peacock Garden, Lake Area and Buddhism Cultural Zone, Tree Planting Zone and Tea Garden. In the day time, people can appreciate the beauty of varied tropical plants and creatures, but at night, a different experience can let the tourists get a closer look of local customs and culture – Minority Dancing Show and Bonfire Party.

Why is Manting Park so special?

Manting Park boasts not only the unique natural scenery, but also artificial rare flowers and architecture. With the radiant and enchanting scenery, dense forest and a great variety of fruit trees, it is an ideal tourist attraction for people to go sightseeing. Manting Park is the oldest park in Jinghong with a history of over 1,300 years. Manting Park is the carrier of Dai culture. It is the main venue to hold grand ceremonies of Dai nationality. It was listed as a national 4A scenic spot in the year of 2009. 

Legend of Manting Park

In medieval times, it was where feudal leaders went to relax and enjoy themselves. Manting Park is also called ‘Chunhuan Park’ which means the place where people can have their soul relax and keep all the earthly cares out of minds. This name came from a legend: One day, the King of the Dai ethnic group came to visit this park with his princess. The princess then was so completely enthralled by the beauty of the sceneries here that she lost her soul and forgot anything else around her.

Where is Manting Park?

Manting Park, located in the southeast of Jinghong City in Yunnan Province, is about 2 kilometers (about 1.24 miles) away from the urban area of that city. It has an area of 115,400 square meters (about 28.5 acres). 

How to Get to Manting Park?

Travelers can take bus No.3 to Manting Park directly, or can go to there by taxi or motorbike since it is not far from the downtown.

Main Attractions and Things to Do 

● Bronze Statue of Premier Zhou Enlai （周恩来铜像）

Some historically meaningful attractions can also been seen in the park. As soon as visitors enter it, a bronze statue comes into view. It depicts Premier Zhou Enlai, dressed in Dai costumes with a water bowl in left hand and an olive branch in right hand, who once joyfully spent the Water-Splashing Festival with the Dai people in 1961. The statue commemorates that unforgettable day.

● Dodhi Trees Planted by the Princess of Thailand （菩提树）

On the left of the Zhou Enlai statue is the second historical attraction: two dodhi trees planted by the princess of Thailand symbolize the friendship between Thailand and China.

● Bamboo Shoots Pagoda（笋塔）

Besides, there is a Bamboo Shoots Pagoda moldered after Manfeilong White Stupa, a quadrangle pavilion, a hexagonal pavilion and a Dai-style pavilion. Within the Manting Park, Manting Village and Manlongkuang village are accessible for a visit.

● Free Life Lake (放生湖）

Tourists can paddle on the Free Life Lake to see wild pandas, wild pigs, snakes and birds, or just watch the Dragon-boat Racing.

● Wa Ba Jie Temple (瓦叭洁)

The major temple of Xishuangbanna -Wa ba Jie Temple(瓦叭洁), white stupa and octagonal pavilion can be seen in the Buddhist Culture Zone, where you can offer incense to Buddha, free captive animals and take a look at the Palm-leaf Scripture. The Black Forest offers you green grass, colorful blossoms and odd trees.

● Dai Culture (傣族文化）

Now, Manting Park is a place where visitors not only enjoy the scenes but also the traditional culture of the Dai. Buildings, such as the pavilions, possess the distinguished architectural features of the Dai. In its back, there is a temple called Jiebajie in Dai language. It is the most important place for Buddhists in Xishuangbanna to worship Buddhas. Some other various kinds of entertainments are available too, for example, the peacock park where peacocks strut and the elephant park where elephants do acrobatics. As a former royal park, its natural beauty is fascinating with the hard work of the gardeners. The green trees provide visitors cool shade to have a rest. Next to the park is a traditional village of the Dai where visitors could enjoy Dai Cuisine and get to know their tradition and custom.

● Bonfire party（篝火晚会）

Evenings there are even more enjoyable. Every night, there is a bonfire party from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm. During these three hours, visitors will have the chance to watch dances of the Dai, listen to people in traditional Dai costumes playing the Hu Lu Si (a kind of traditional musical instrument). In addition, several traditional activities are held every night. 

Manting Park is not about architecture and plantation, which are parts of why we love it, and it’s most common to enjoy yourself in the wonderful evening party held inside the park. The Dancing Singing Fire Evening Party of the Lancang-Mekong River showcases songs and dances of eight countries along the Lancang-Mekong River, which include China, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and performances given by minority nationalities of Dai, Jinuo, Blang, Lagu, Yao and Hani. The show integrates ethnic folklores, exotic performances and interactive activities, presenting audiences a multicultural Xishuangbanna.

After the performance is finished, people will go through the Black Forest to make wish by putting the water lanterns onto the Free Life Lake. Campfire and dance just go together: every Campfire Evening Party in Manting Park has proved it. Boys and girls of different ethnic nationalities dance around the campfire. Everyone could take part in. Here the hospitality and boldness of ethnic minority is revealed fully. A fantastic evening just slips away unwittingly.

Recommended Tour

4 Days XishuangBanna Wild Elephant Golf and Sightseeing Tour

Nearby Attractions

Xishuangbanna Primeval Forest Park

Xishuangbanna Primeval Forest Park, also called Xishuangbanna Virgin Forest Park,  is 8 kilometers east of the Jinghong City and north of the Lancang River. Situated in a river valley of 720 to 1,355 meters above sea level, the forest park has an area of 1,700 hectares of which 98％ is covered by trees, and is thus the largest comprehensive ecological place of interest in the prefecture. The park gives prominence to the features of primeval forest, wild animals and ethnic culture and custom. It is highlighted by three major themes: primeval forest, wild animals and ethnic folklore. And you can also enjoy and play a part in the local ethnic activities such as the Dai Water Splashing Festival, Aini capture marriage custom and the grand ethnic performances.

Jinghong Wild Elephant Valley

Jinghong Wild Elephant Valley Forest Park (Chinese name: 野象谷公园) is a special theme park for Wild Asian Elephant sightseeing and observing and rainforest sightseeing. Wild Elephants Valley covers an area of 369 hectares by the Sancha River in Mengyang Town, and is situated 47 kilometers north of the city of Jinghong. With hills rolling gently at an altitude ranging between 747 and 1055 metres, the valley is covered by tropical rain forests, crisscrossed by rivers and streams, and teeming with such endangered species as Asian wild elephants, wild oxen, green peacocks and monkeys.

Best Time to Visit

Belonging to tropical rainforest climate, Xishuangbanna’s dry season is from November to April the next year and rainy season is from May to October. With annual average temperature of 21c, it has long summer and no winter. With cool and pleasant four seasons, the best time for traveling Xishuangbanna is from October to April the next year. 

● The Water-Splashing Festival,  the most important festival for the Dai People to celebrate New Year, is usually celebrated in the middle of April.

● Try to avoid Chinese public holidays, such as Labor Day (May 1st to 3rd) and National Day (October 1st to 7th). It is recommended that you start your day early so as to avoid crowds.

Useful Travel Tips

●It is better to prepare some mosquito products and sun block in case of insects and sunlight.
●Respect the local customs of Dai and other minorities. 
●Do not touch the head of local monks.
●It is better to take T-shirt, short and slippers becauce it is too hot in Xishuangbanna.

Xizhou Ancient Town

Xizhou Ancient Town is a famous cultural town, enjoying the history of more than one thousand years. It was the center of west bank of Erhai Lake in terms of culture, politic and economy in the past. The elegant ancient town is like a architecture museum, covering typical Bai’ s residence houses of different dynasties. Xizhou is going to show you the Bai minority cultural, the local people’s daily life and natural beauty.

Why is Xizhou Ancient Town so special?

Walking along the slate road, sauntering though the winding alleys, visitors can have a good look at the delicate and intricate designs on the walls. 

The houses of local residents are characterized by a traditional Chinese rectangular courtyard with a screen wall facing the gate. On the screen wall there are usually four Chinese characters, reading ‘Qingbai Shijia’ (innocent family) or ‘Ziqi Donglai’ (Auspicious air comes from the East). Around them are landscape paintings and decorations with profusion of colors. The doors and windows are full of grills with auspicious paintings. In Xizhou, visitors also have the opportunity to appreciate the genuine tea ceremony of the Bai minority. Sandao Tea is a must-drink. It consists of bitter tea, sweet tea and aftertaste tea, indicating the whole life of the people.

Where is Xizhou Ancient Town?

Xizhou is located 20 km north of Dali old town and about 35 km from Dali new city, Xiaguan. It is located on a fertile plateau between the Mt. Cangshan range to the west and Erhai Lake to the east at an elevation of 2000 meters.

Distance from other attractions:

About 19 km from Cangshan Mountain.

About 6.9 km from Butterfly Spring.

About 16.3 km from Three Pagodas.

How to Get to Xizhou Ancient Town?

Taking midi bus from ancient city or Xiaguan to Xizhou, people can hail the bus along the Yunnan-Tibet Highway. From Xiaguan to Xizhou, there are 30 minutes. Xizhou is a short bus ride from Dali’s old town, accessible by buses from both the 214 highway and the Dali-Lijiang road (大丽路). Xizhou is small enough to walk through its entirety in a few minutes, but horse carts and bicycles are a popular mode of transportation. People can turn back in a day, but also can stay overnight in Xizhou and take part in the local evening party. And people can pay visit to Butterfly Spring and Zhoucheng city around.

History

Xizhou is an old town of long history. Early in Han Dynasty, it belonged to Yuyu county. In Nanzhao period, it had been a onetime capital, also named “Da Li city” or “Shi City ”. Xizhou also has a long history in business, according to the “Documentation of Dali County” in the early years of the Republic of China: “as for commercial mind, Xizhou people are the best”. Along more than one thousand years of the historical river, Xizhou businessmen had even left their tracks in southeast Asia areas like “Xunchuan” and “Luoguo”.

During Guangxu years of Qing Dynasty, the internationally famous “Xizhou Trade Caravan ” was established. There were more than 300 business groups, firms and commercial ports in many places around the world, for example, early in 1920s, the four great commercial families including Yong Changxiang, Xi Qingxiang, Hong Xingyuan and Fu Chunhe had already established businesses in Shanghai and Hongkong. Therfore, Xizhou has a title of “Minor Shanghai”.

Since Sui Dynasty, there had been thousands of scholars with official title. It was said by local people that “we have more than eighty second-grade successful candidates in the highest imperial examination, and numerous scholars at provincial and local levels”. 

Traditional Residences of Bai people in Xizhou:

Xizhou was once a commercial center of Yunnan, and the birthplace of Bai’s modern entrepreneurs. It is said that more than 140 wealthy families built their houses here, including the Yan’s, the Yang’s, the Dong’s and the Zhao’s. These houses are characterized by ‘three rooms and a wall screening’ and ‘four joints and five courtyards’. ‘Three rooms and a wall screening’ refers that every house boasts a major room flanked by two wing-rooms, and facing the middle room erects a wall screening for the house privacy. ‘4 joints and 5 courtyards’ means the houses have a central courtyard with rooms in all directions; other smaller four courtyards join the central one from four sides to make five courtyards.

Traditional Residences of Bai popple in Xizhou Old Town pay much attention to the decorations of screens, doors, windows, walls, flower terrace, arches over gateways. The center of the screen is often inscribed with four characters, or embedded with a marble. Doors and windows are mostly made of rare wood and carved with auspicious designs. Walls are painted with white lime and decorated with wash drawings. Arches over gateways with upturned eaves are exquisitely carved with great care and precision.

Even today in Xizhou Old Town, among the traditional Bai people’s residences with blue tiles and white walls, you can still find those of Ming Dynasty, Qing Dynasty and Republic of China period. There are, in total, 15510 Bai residences, among which 151 are century-old relics. These residences have well revealed Bai people’s social history, politics, economy, culture and art. Xizhou, a place of green mountains, clear waters, gentle wind and bright moon, is a true museum of Bai society.

Main Attractions

1.Seven Feet Study Building （七尺书楼）
Seven Feet Study Building is located in Xizhou Ancient Town Dajie Lane No.8, Dali Yunnan, where was a famous literati Yang Shiyun in Ming dynasty established around 1526 AD. The building is civil engineering structure, there are three big rooms. The rooms face to the east, all three are divided into two floors of upstairs and downstairs, doors and windows are carved with elegant design. Wealthier homes will often designate one wall to be a reflecting wall while the other three serve as living spaces (三坊一照壁). Seven Feet Study Building was repaired in Qing Qianlong years and years of the republic of China has repeatedly, but the whole building still preserved in the Ming dynasty architectural style.

Yang Shiyun did not seek fame and wealth, he thought that wealthy person who even tie myriads of strings of cash around the waist, only stayed in that seven feet grave after the death. So the posterity called the house he lived in “Seven Feet Study Building”. After Yang Shiyun died, his thereafter successively repaired it repeatedly in Qing dynasty Qianlong years and years of the republic of China. And it is very famous in Dali spots in Yunnan.

2.Yan Family Compound （严家大院）

Yan Family Compound, a well preserved and partially renovated structure in the town square. The compound has been converted in a museum of Xizhou’s history and Bai architecture. This site was the original residence of Yan Zizhen, a wealthy businessman from the early 20th century, and is a pristine example of high Bai architecture. 

3.Yang Family Compound （杨家大院）

Yang Family Compound is located in Dali attractions Yunnan – No.19 Ranyi Lane, Xizhou Ancient Town, is architecture at the early stage of the Qing dynasty. Yang Family Compound’s layout is a typical Bai courtyard building of “a reflecting wall while the other three serve as living spaces”, “quadrangle courtyard with two extra patios in the two sides”, which focuses on symmetry. In the courtyard there is reflecting wall facing east, under reflecting wall there is flower-stand with all sorts of flowers and trees in order to beautify the environment. Right in the front is main house, left and right sides is wing.

Yang Family Compound is the art of solidified way, which formed a unique scenery line. In Yang Family Compound, tourists can drink three-course tea, look at the Dali Bai nationality song and dance performances “rattle stick dance”, “welcome dance”, “straw hat dance” and “hand towel dance” and so on.

Recommended Tours

1 Day Dali City Highlights Group Tour

1 Days Dali Ancient Culture Tour with Dali Old Town, Three Pagodas, Xizhou, Zhoucheng and Erhai Lake

2 Days Dali City Tour from Kunming by Speed Train

4 Days Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Group Tour

Best Time to Visit Xizhou Ancient Town

March to May is the best time to visit Xizhou Ancient Town. There are many festivals and events of Bai nationality in March to April every year, traveling during time tourists can appreciate full-bodied ethnic customs.

Nearby Attractions

▪ Erhai Lake

This amazing lake lies next to the amazing historic sites in the Dali valley and the natural scenery and good hiking trails on Cangshan Mountain. The whole region is full of interesting and beautiful sites. 

▪Three Pagodas and Chongsheng Monastery

The magnificent Chongsheng Temple and the well-known Three Pagodas are the symbol of Dali.

Useful Travel Tips

Food in Xizhou Old Town:

Xizhou Cake is the most famous food in Xizhou. It is made of leaven flour, knead with vegetable, and added spring onion, Chinese prickly ash, and salted for a salt taste, or ham, diced meat, pork scraps and brown sugar for a sweet taste. Toast for ten minutes and it is served.

Shaxi Ancient Town (沙溪古镇)

Shaxi Ancient Town is a pleasant surprise between Dali and Lijiang. Shaxi Ancient Town is a famous attraction once played an important role as a bustling trade point on the Tea Horse Caravan Road. With the decline of the ancient Tea Horse Road, the town seems to have been forgotten. But this helps retain the original appearance of the small town. Many of the historical sites have been well preserved including Sifang Street, Xingjiao Temple, Yuxi Bridge and Ancient Opera Stage. Compared with other commercialized ancient towns in China, the undeveloped Shaxi Ancient Town is a better place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis and experience the quaint lives of local Bai People.

Why is Shaxi Ancient Town so special?

Shaxi Ancient Town, located between Lijiang Old Town and Dali Ancient City, used to be an important and prosperous hub along the ancient Tea Horse Road which refers to the international trade route with the caravan as the main means of transportation. The original appearance of the small town has been protected well. In 2001, its Market Square was added to the World Monuments Watch List of 100 Most Endangered Sites.The Friday Market of Shaxi is the only surviving market along the Ancient Tea Horse Road.

It has been put into the protection list of World Endangered Architecture.

Where is Shaxi Ancient Town?

Shaxi Ancient Town is located between Lijiang Ancient Town and Dali Ancient Town, which was a important hub of the ancient Tea Horse Caravan Road.

How to Get to Shaxi Ancient Town?

1.Get in Shaxi Ancient Town

For Shaxi is situated about 32km away from its center Jianchuan County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan province, there is no straight bus from Lijiang, Dali and anywhere of Yunnan except Jianchuan. So, if you are planning your tour to visit Shaxi Ancient Town from somewhere of Yunnan, you have to go to Jianchuan first.

A.Jianchuan to Shaxi:

When you arrived at Jianchuan, there is a minibus station on the right side out of Jianchuan Bus Terminal. The minibus in green color will drive you to Shaxi Ancient Town, which coasts you 13 yuan. Though the service time of the minibus is from 6:30 am to 7:00 pm, the bus departs whenever it is full with passengers. So try not to arrive in Jianchuan too late or else there may not be enough passengers to fill up the bus.

B.Lijiang to Jianchuan:

Shaxi is situated 96km around away from Lijiang. There is no straight bus or train available between the two places. Long distance bus service from Lijiang to Jianchuan runs every 40-60 mins from 8:20am to 5:30pm.

C.Dali to Jianchuan:

Shaxi is situated 118km around away from Dali. There is also no straight bus or train available between the two places, but long distance bus service from Dali to Jianchuan runs every 15-30 mins from 6:45am to 6:00pm.

Please Note: (1) The above information might be slightly changed according to practical situation, feel free to contact our professional travel expert for the detailed and newest information. (2) Due to the uncertainty and complexity of taking long distance bus, I will recommend our private car service for you, which will be arranged according to your need.

2.Get around Shaxi Ancient Town

It can be easily toured by walking at the main village of Shaxi (Sideng Street), While Hiking and Horseback Riding are the main options for a visit into the mountains around Shaxi.

History of Shaxi Ancient Tow and Tea Horse Caravan Road

Shaxi Ancient Town

In Tang Dynasty around 700 AD, Shaxi was founded as a trading point at the Tea Horse Road. People of the town not only sold a wide variety of homemade items at that time, but also opened their house and offered food to the passing caravans. Due to the prosperity of their business, the families renovated their house. The improving of living conditions then attributed to the flourishing of arts and centuries-old traditions. The meticulously kept houses decorated with family motto plaque and exquisite wooden carving products witnessed the affluence of Old Shaxi and Shaxi people. However, with the decline of the trade along the Tea Horse Road, Shaxi vanished from the sight of public, only the surviving Friday Market continued its vigor.

Tea and Horse Caravan Road

Tea Horse Road (茶马古道) earned its name from the large-scale commerce in tea and horse between tea-growing regions of China to places with plenty of horses. Tea was traded to Tibet and India while horses were brought to south of China at that time.

The development of large-scale commerce between the Chinese dynasties and Tibet probably dates to the Song dynasty (960-1279). And during the Qing dynasty (1644-1911), the tea trade between Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet continued to develop. Today there are still many people come to the Tea and Horse Caravan Road, not for business or trade, but for the culture and spectacular old buildings of the region. Friday market of Shaxi Ancient Town, for instance, has attracted numerous visitors around the world every year.

Main Attractions and Things to Do

1.Stroll at the Main Spot of the Town – Sideng Street (寺登街)

The existing Sideng Street, which was put on the World Monument Watch list of the 100 most endangered sites in 2001, is composed of four parts: old market square theater, Xingjiao Temple, Ouyang Courtyard, and Yujin Bridge.

Among the three parts, the old market square theater (寺登戏台)is in the center of Sideng Street. It is a perfect place for vibrant celebration of folk art that displays the culture and tradition of Shaxi.

2.Xingjiao Temple (兴教寺)

Xingjiao Temple (兴教寺), built in the Ming Dynasty, is the only Buddhist temple of Bai People. At present it functions as a museum that exhibits how the Shaxi Rehabilitation Project (SRP) has contributed to the renewal of Shaxi.

3.Ouyang Courtyard (欧阳大院)

Ouyang Courtyard (欧阳大院), the original homestead of the rich caravan leaders Ouyang family in times of the Tea Horse Road, is a superb example of three-in-one Bai folk architecture. Its wooden window shutters still open and close smoothly despite a century of use. Carving details throughout the residence remain intact and lovely despite their sometimes faded lacquer. People visiting the house are allowed to take photos of most of the common areas after paid a modest ten yuan fee.

4.Yujin Bridge (玉津桥)

Yujin Bridge (玉津桥) spans opposite the east gate of Shaxi Old Town. The ancient Yujin stone arch bridge built in the Qing Dynasty is about 6 meters high and 35.4 meters long. It is a perfect spot for photographers who want to capture a snapshot of Shaxi. This ancient stone bridge carries Shaxi’s history. Its surface is getting bumpy smooth by the touch of countless passing horses and travelers.

5.Attend & Witness the Vibrant Friday Market (星期五市集)

It is said that the market have been held on Fridays since 1415. Originally the market was a modest one. Locals gathered at the square outside of Xingjiao Temple to peddle homemade items to passing merchants who in turn traded goods from distant cities along the Tea Horse Road. But now it has grown into a massive affair.

Friday must be the highlight of the week in Shaxi valley. Nearby residents in traditionally dressed will gather together along the curbside to offer a wide range of local items. Such as freshly made goats cheese, traditional Chinese medicine, drying tofu, wild mushrooms, etc. It seems there is nothing that isn’t for sale on Fridays in Shaxi. Even the hair can be cut and weighed in situ. If you come here on Friday, you should not miss this only surviving market of The Ancient Tea Horse Road.

6.Accept the Blessing of Shakyamuni Buddha during Taizihui Holiday (太子会)

Taizihui is the biggest traditional folk activity of Yi minorities held every year on the eighth day of the second lunar month. Taizi refers to Shakyamuni Buddha and the holiday held in order to get Taizi’s blessing. According to the legend, it is in that day Shakyamuni decided to be a Buddha and began to deliver all living creatures from torment.

7.Enjoy Dancing around Fires during Torch Festival (火把节)

Torch Festival is a major festival for the Bai and the Yi minorities around Shaxi. It is held every year from the 25th day (24th for Yi minority) of the 6th month on the lunar calendar. It is said that Torch Festival is rooted in the local agrarian culture. Farmers originally took torches into the fields in order to scare away birds and insects that might eat the valuable crops. And it gradually evolved into a grand festival for all general people.

During the festival, Yi and Bai people dressed in traditional costumes dancing and singing around big barn fires go on late in to the night. Large torches even up to 20 meters high.

Recommended Tours

1 Day Dali to Lijiang Tour with Shaxi Old Town and Shibaoshan Mountain

1 Day Shaxi Old Town and Shibaoshan Mountain Tour from Lijiang

2 Days Shaxi Old Town and Shibaoshan Mountain Tour from Dali to Lijiang

Best Time to Visit Shaxi Ancient Town

You can visit Shaxi Ancient Town between February to May since Shaxi enjoys the favorable climate and tranquil environment. The 8th day of the 2nd month on the lunar calendar can be the ideal time to enjoy the Taizi Festival, which is the grandest featival of Shaxi.

Accommodate at Shaxi Ancint Town

There are many inns, guesthouses and folk houses of various standards in and around Shaxi Ancient Town. For your ease of reference, below are the recommended inns & guesthouses.

Five-star:

Shaxi Old Theatre Inn (沙溪古戏台会馆): A beautiful restored boutique heritage hotel, housed within an authentically preserved eighteenth-century temple theatre courtyard complex. The local partner, Mr. Wu speaks English, French and Chinese.

Landscape Hotel Shaxi (兰林阁颂曲): The hotel has its own bar, garden and restaurant and features a 24-hour front desk and an ATM for guests. Breakfast is available every morning, and includes continental, American and Asian options.

Four-star:

Dali Shaxi Cato’s Inn (大猫驿客栈): Located 30m from the center scenic spot old market square theater, Dali Shaxi Cato’s Inn offers numerous leisure options including hiking and cycling. BBQ facilities, Luggage storage, free parking and laundry are also available.

Three-star:

Shaxi Xiaolazhe Yododo Inn (肖拉者游多多客栈): Conveniently located 500m from the Shaxi Old Town Parking lot, this inn offers public balcony to view the mountains. Shower facility, hairdryer, shampoo and body soap are also provided at this inn.

Nearby Attraction

Shibao Mountain (石宝山)

Shibao Mountain is 25 kilometers southwest of the Jianchuan County, and about 20 mins’ car ride from Shaxi Ancient Town. It is a famous Danxia landform mountain with famous Temples, Buddhist Grottoes and Golden Monkeys. Shibao Mountain earned its name from its turtleback-shaped cracks, which also look like lion, elephant and bell sometimes.

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• 1 Day Kunming Stone Forest Tour with The Flowers and Birds Market

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Napahai Lake in Shangri-La

Why is Napahai Lake So Special? With a total area of 31.25 square kilometers and an elevation of 3266 meters, the state-designated wetlands area Napahai Nature Reserve is located in...

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• Diqing
• Lakes and Ponds in Diqing
• Lakes and Ponds in Shangri-La
• Must-Visit Attractions
• Places for Birding Tours
• Pools and Reservoirs
• Shangri-La
• Three Parallel Rivers

Canadian teacher offers free English courses in Kunming

The news was updated on September 12, 2019. When Rouhieh steps into classroom, she is always surrounded by her students and becomes the focus. Every time when she appears...

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• Kunming
• Yunnan

Manring Hotel in Lijiang

Lijiang Ancient Town Manlin Hotel (丽江古城曼林酒店) opened in 2019 and is located at Annex Building, No. 1149 Shangri-La Avenue, Gucheng District, Lijiang (丽江古城区香格里大道1149号附楼). The hotel enjoys an extremely convenient...

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• Lijiang

Manring Hotel in Puer

Book the Manring Hotel in Puer and stay at cheap Inn and Guesthouse. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, nice entertainment and visit the popular tourist attractions around the Guesthouse....

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• Puer
• Simao District

Would you like a cup of tea?

The Timeless Charm of Yunnan Tea Culture Tea from the East has captivated the Western world for centuries, earning the moniker “Green Gold.” Originating in southwest China, notably Yunnan,...

Drinking Tips in Yunnan    Veiw

• Baoshan
• Dali
• Dehong
• Honghe
• Kunming
• Lincang
• Puer
• Wenshan
• XishuangBanna
• Yunnan

Dukezong Ancient Town in Shangrila, Diqing

Why is Dukezong Ancient Town So Special? Dukezong is a Tibetan town in Shangri-la County, Deqin Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan. As one of the largest and best-preserved Tibetan residence groups in China, it is over...

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• Ancient Towns in Diqing
• Diqing
• Shangri-La
• Three Parallel Rivers

Dai Minority Garden in Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna

Dai Minority Garden(Dai Park) Dai Minority Garden(傣族园)is in Ganlanba, which is located in the lower reaches of Lancang River, 40 kilometers from Jinghong City. In Dai language, it is called...

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• Dai Ethnic Minority
• Gardens
• Jinghong
• Must-Visit Attractions
• XishuangBanna

Yunnan People

Yunnan, whose name literally means south of the clouds, is situated in the southwest of China. With over 2400 years of history, exotic indigenous cultural heritage, a pleasant climate...

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• Yunnan

Yunnan Languages

Most dialects of the Chinese language spoken in Yunnan belong to the southwestern subdivision of the Mandarin group, and are therefore very similar to the dialects of neighbouring Sichuan and Guizhou provinces. Notable features found in man ...

Yunnan Facts    Veiw

• Yunnan

Manting Park in Jinghong City, Xishuangbanna

Manting Park Manting Park, also called Chunhuan Park,（Chinese name: 春欢公园 or 曼听公园） is the oldest garden in Xishuangbanna area, which covers an area of 23,540 square meters. It used to be the imperial...

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• Jinghong
• Parks
• XishuangBanna

Xizhou Old Town, Dali

Xizhou Ancient Town Xizhou Ancient Town is a famous cultural town, enjoying the history of more than one thousand years. It was the center of west bank of Erhai...

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• Ancient Towns
• Ancient Towns in Dali
• Dali
• Must-Visit Attractions
• The Ancient Tea Horse Road
• Xizhou Ancient Town

Shaxi Old Town, Dali

Shaxi Ancient Town (沙溪古镇) Shaxi Ancient Town is a pleasant surprise between Dali and Lijiang. Shaxi Ancient Town is a famous attraction once played an important role as a...

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• Ancient Towns in Dali
• Dali
• Jianchuan County
• Must-Visit Attractions
• Shaxi Ancient Town
• The Ancient Tea Horse Road