Dajuegong Mural in Shuhe Old Town, Lijiang

Where is Dajue Palace

Dajue Palace is located beside the ancient street of Shuhe Village, 7 kilometers northwest of Lijiang City. It is a courtyard and the main hall in the north. Although it is not tall, the building structure is well-balanced, the four-corner room is tall, the arch structure is curved, and the forehead beam is decorated with Various bird and animal reliefs. Dajue Palace is a private residence of a local Chieftain, and it was later transformed into a mural exhibition hall. In the entire small courtyard, the antique, traditional arched architectural style is no different from that of the Central Plains.

The Dajue Palace mural

The Dajue Palace mural is located in the main hall of the courtyard. The hall is dimly lit, but it is still possible to distinguish the murals on all sides. At present, there are only 6 faces in the Dajue Palace murals, a total of 21 square meters, which are the same as the murals of Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes. The picture is different from the Baisha Dabaoji Palace murals. It is a unique and it is another treasure of the Lijiang murals of the Ming Dynasty.

As an important part of Lijiang murals, the murals of Dajue Palace were formed during the Ming Dynasty. More than 400 years that the time did not smother these fine works of art, especially in Yunnan.

Dajuegong Mural in Shuhe Old Town, Lijiang

Going to see these murals, although it is not rich in Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, its drawing is also very delicate and exquisite. It is said that the Dajue Palace murals are painted by the famous Jiangnan painter Ma Xiaoxian. A Jiangnan painter came to the border of the motherland, which shows the influence of the ancient Tea Horse Road and the strong commercial atmosphere in Lijiang.

The formation and preservation of the Dajue Palace murals has to mention the ancient tea-horse road. As another form of the Silk Road, and the ancient tea-horse road has strengthened the connection between Yunnan and Southeast Asia and West Asia, and also strengthened the exchange of Buddhist culture. Of course, Yunnan has promoted Buddhism since the Tang Dynasty. It is the best testimony that many emperors of the Dali Kingdom finally converted to Buddhism.

How to get to Shuhe Ancient Town from Lijiang

1. Daily shuttle buses depart from Lijiang Ancient City to Shuhe Ancient Town, a great convenience for travelers.
2. Visitor also can take a taxi there, which takes about 20 minutes, or they can bike, which takes about 1.5 hours.

 Take bus no. 11, and get off at Shuhe Crossing. Then turn left and walk around 10 minutes.
 Take bus no. 6, and get off at Shuhe Shangcun Station.
Take a taxi. The fare is around CNY 20.
 Ride a bicycle to reach there. It takes around 40 minutes from Lijiang Old Town.

Dajuegong Mural in Shuhe Old Town, Lijiang

‣ Best Time to Visit

● The peak period for visiting Shuhe Ancient Town is from May to October. Actually, Shuhe is worth visiting during any season, so if you do not want to experience a crowded scene, avoiding that period might be a good option.

Recommended Tour with

1 Day Lijiang Cycling Tour from Lijiang Old Town to Shuhe, Baisha and Yuhu Village

Shuhe Ancient Town Accommodation

Shuhe Ancient Town is an important constituent part of Lijiang Ancient City, a world cultural heritage site in China. There are many high-quality hotels in the old town although the quantity is not as good as that of Lijiang Old Town. Shuhe old town is much more tranquil than Lijiang Old Town, less crowded and less noisy, and the air is very good at the foot of the mountain. Follow Yunnan Exploration to discover the best hotels in Shuhe Old Town such as Banyan Tree Lijiang.

1.Lijiang Conifer Lishui Yangguang Hotel(康年丽水阳光酒店)

At Lijiang Conifer Lishui Yangguang Hotel, the excellent service and superior facilities make for an unforgettable stay. The hotel offers access to a vast array of services, including 24-hour room service, casino, facilities for disabled guests, Wi-Fi in public areas, car park.

Add: Entrance of Shu He Ancient Town, Suburbs, Lijiang, China

2. Lijiang E-Outfitting Boutique Hotel(丽江首译精品客栈)

Lijiang E-Outfitting Boutique Hotel also offers many facilities to enrich your stay in Lijiang. While lodging at this wonderful property, guests can enjoy 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour front desk, express check-in/check-out, luggage storage.

Add: No.35 Qingyun Village, Shuhe Old Town, Lijiang, China

3.Banyan Tree Lijiang(丽江悦榕庄)

Located in Shuhe Old Town, Lijiang, Banyan Tree offers a relaxing retreat away from the city. Surrounded by fresh mountain air and green landscapes, the property features luxurious accommodations with traditional Naxi-style décor and free Wi-Fi in all areas.

Add: No.1, Yuerong Road, Shuhe Old Town, Lijiang, China

4.The Bivou Lijiang(佖屋酒店)

Only a short 1-minute stroll from Shuhe Ancient Town, The Bivou features accommodations in local and modern styles combined together. Blending in by making use of the barbecue facilities, lazing in soothing massage, going horse riding or enjoying a fun time with your children at kids’ club seems like a nice getaway. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas.

Add: 16 Zhonghe Cun, Shuhe Old Town, Lijiang, China

5.K2 International Youth Hostel(束河K2国际青年旅舍)

K2 International Youth Hostel Lijiang offers a comfortable setting while in Lijiang. It also provides luggage storage, a 24-hour reception and wireless internet. Lijiang Sanyi Airport is a 55-minute drive from K2 International Youth Hostel Lijiang. Black Dragon Pool and the Dongba Culture Museum are just a short drive from the hostel.

Add: No. 1 Guailiu Lane Kangpu Road, Shuhe Old Town, Lijiang, China

Dajuegong Mural in Shuhe Old Town, Lijiang

Travel Tips

Altitude Sickness

The altitude is about 2,400 meters or about 7,800 feet. Some people may get some altitude sickness. So take it easy the first day or two.

What to Pack

Travel light when strolling in the old town. Bring a camera with you that you can take photos along the way. Sunlight is very strong in Lijiang, wear sun protection such as hats, sunglasses and use sun block, etc.

Entertainment

Do not miss the bars in Lijang. They are a part of life. The bars in Shuhe Old Town is more quieter than Lijiang old town. 

Dining

In Shuhe Old Town, some small restaurants are also surprising. The famous local dishes includes Chickpeas Bean Jelly, Lijiang Salted Pork Ribs, Naxi barbecue and other Lijiang delicacies.

Hotels

Just like Lijiang Old Town, Shuhe Old Town has many high-qualify hotels or hostels for you to choose from. The recommended hotels are Banyan Tree Lijiang, Lijiang Conifer Lishui Yangguang Hotel, etc.

Other Tips

1. If you plan to travel to Lijiang during the peak tourist season (Spring Festival, May Day, Summer holiday, and National Day holiday), be sure to reserve a room in advance.

2. There used to have carriages getting in and out of this town, so be careful.

3. It is best to wear cloth shoes or sneakers when walking in the old town, because they are all slabstone path, it is easy to twist your feet with high heels.

4.Take rain gear when you visit in the rainy season, and the slabstone path are slippery after the rain. Pay attention to that.