Shuhe Ancient Town Overview

Basic Information: 

● Chinese name: 束河古镇 (Shuhe Guzhen)

● Location: Lijiang City, Yunnan Province

● Area:  5 square kilometers  

● Population: 3000

● Zip code: 674100

● Dialing code: (+86) 0888

Brief Introduction

About five kilometers north from Lijiang Ancient Town, Shuhe Old Town, the geographical center of scenic spots of Lijiang, is one of the oldest habitats of Lijiang and well-preserved town on the Ancient Tea Route (茶马古道) showing the history of Naxi ethnic minority group from farming centralization to commercial centralization. An important part of the Lijiang Ancient Town area, both the towns were listed as World Cultural Sites by the UNESCO in 1997.

Brief History

Shuhe’s history dates back over a thousand years, from the time when this was an important stopover along the Ancient Tea Route. At the height of its prosperity, Shuhe was inhabited by various ethnic groups, and the mix of their differing architectural styles is what makes this an utterly breathtaking place. Thanks to tourism, the traditional method of building houses using mud-bricks, stone, and dark timber, is kept very much alive, and although you’ll be hard-pressed to find one dwelling which is more than 10 years old, the style and character is as authentic as can be.

Ethnic Culture

Traditional costumes and music of the Nakhi and Naxi people can be admired in Shuhe, where you’ll find colorfully-dressed locals partaking in nightly social dance meetings in the main square. The ill-informed may surmise that this is merely a tourist attraction, yet little do they know that the custom of socializing and dancing at day’s end has been an integral part of these ethnic cultures for centuries. 

Shuhe Highlights

Here are the highlights of a visit to Shuhe.

The Atmosphere

Strolling alongside crystal clear canals and admiring gorgeous shop-houses decorated with an abundance of flowers, is by far the very best thing to do in Shuhe. Every alleyway is adorned with lanterns and tea lights and the village exudes a most romantic feel, especially after the sun has set.

Central Square

Sifang Jie is the town’s main square, flanked on all sides by craft shops selling local specialties like handmade leather goods and wooden carvings. During the day you’ll see it filled with mini-vans which transport hundreds of Chinese tourists from nearby cites, yet at night the square really comes alive with live music, dancing, and socializing.

Qinglong Bridge

This is Lijinag’s oldest stone bridge and believed to be over 600 years old. The 25m long, 4.5m wide bridge is made of stones from nearby mountains, and built during the Ming Dynasty. It’s one of the few spots in town which are palpably ancient.

Dragon Pool

One of the most relaxing things about Shuhe is that no matter where you go, you are always accompanied by the soft, flowing sound of water running through the canals. Dragon Pool, the source of the town’s water, can be found at the end of the main road (towards the mountains) where you’ll find an insane amount of happy and very well-fed fish jumping down the pristine streams.

Shopping

Traditional Naxi woven fabrics, colorful leather handbags and shoes, as well as trinkets of all sorts... these are the souvenirs for which Shuhe is most famous. You’ll find shops in every alleyway, however the main thoroughfare leading to the square is home to the nicest (read-most expensive) boutiques in town. The Chinese have taken to commercialism like ducks to water, so shopping like crazy, and dining in style, is what they love most.

Eating & Drinking

Pub Street is home to the highest concentration of western-style bars and restaurants in Shuhe, although you’ll find local eateries brimming on every nook and cranny of the village. Prices here are much cheaper than in Lijiang’s Old Town, however the quality of food served is mediocre at best, especially in the Western-food department. You’ll be better off to indulge in a hot-pot, the local specialty, and do note that fancy establishments do not necessarily serve better food. Repeat business here is almost non-existent, so it’s actually the cheap and cheerful joints which take more care in their food preparation, to cater for the 3,000 or so inhabitants of the village.

Accommodation

Within the confines, or walls of Shuhe, you’ll find an abundance of gorgeous boutique hotels, hostels, and even a Banyan Tree Resort. If you want to save some dough, best to pick a guesthouse just outside of the village walls, where prices drop dramatically. As long as you are within walking distance this is a really great option. There are many who prefer to stay in Shuhe when visiting Lijiang, as this old town is more atmospheric in the evenings and accommodation more affordable. All of the guesthouses are built in the old Naxi architectural style and are insanely charming. Sleeping in an authentic Shuhe guesthouse is arguably one of the highlights of a stay in town.

Best Time to Visit

The entire area around Lijiang can suffer from harsh winters, even though this is actually the best time to visit Shuhe as crowds will be almost non-existent. If you want to set off on hikes to nearby mountains, then best you visit in May or June, when you’ll also find flower-filled plains at their very most colorful best.

The rain season from June to September can be a little bothersome, if only for the fact that cobblestone streets are remarkably slippery during rains.

Admission Info

The four entrances into town are adorned with a ‘toll booth’, where a ¥ 50 fee may or may not be collected, depending on whether the attendant has shown up for the day. If you’re staying within the town’s perimeters you will not be required to pay the entrance fee, although the attendant may insist on calling your hotel to confirm your accommodation.

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Common Q&A for traveling to Yunnan

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  • icon
    10. Are there any day trip or excursions from Yunnan I shuold consider?
    icon

    Yunnan offers a variety of options for a one-day tour. You can explore the ancient towns of Lijiang and Dali, which are steeped in history and culture. The Stone Forest and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain provide stunning natural scenery. For those interested in local culture, there’s the Pu’er tea culture or coffee tours. The Nujiang Grand Canyon offers breathtaking views and outdoor activities. Each destination has its unique charm, making your one-day trip in Yunnan unforgettable.

  • icon
    9. What are the best options for accommodation in Yunnan?
    icon

    Yunnan offers diverse accommodation options across its vast region. In Kunming, downtown areas feature convenient transportation and luxury hotels, while lakeside resorts near Dianchi Lake provide family-friendly stays with scenic views.
    In Dali, seaside B&Bs along Erhai Lake are top choices, with designer hotels in Shuanglang and Caicun offering rooms with star-gazing bathtubs. The ancient town preserves Bai-style guesthouses with traditional courtyard architecture.
    Lijiang’s Shuhe Ancient Town showcases Naxi-style courtyard inns, while Dayan Ancient Town suits nightlife lovers. Luxury resorts at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain’s base provide floor heating and oxygen supply.
    In Shangri-La, Tibetan-style boutique hotels within Dukezong Ancient Town offer family rooms and oxygen equipment, just steps from the Prayer Wheel.
    Xishuangbanna’s rainforest treehouse hotels blend Dai architectural elements with modern design, featuring private pool villas immersed in tropical flora. Before booking your Yunnan tour, let us know your preferred hotel class (3 star, 4 star, or 5 star) and we can provide a list of hotels for your reference.

  • icon
    8. How do I get to Kunming Yunnan from other parts of China and overseas?
    icon

    Kunming as the capital city of Yunnan Province is well connected to other parts of China by air and train, with regular flights and high-speed trains available from major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Singapore, Thailand, the U.S. and other countries. If you have specific travel ideas or transportation preferences, our travel experts are happy to help you arrange the best transportation option for your needs.

  • icon
    7. What is the best time of year to visit Yunnan?
    icon

    Peak Seasons: March-May (spring blooms) & September-November (stunning autumn colors), pleasant climate (15-25°C), ideal for outdoor activities, and vibrant festivals (Water-Splashing Festival, Torch Festival).
    Winter (Dec-Feb): Escape cold in Xishuangbanna (25°C+), witness mirror-like Yuanyang Terraces, enjoy snowscapes at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, with off-season discounts.
    Summer (June-Aug): Some rainfall, but Kunming, Dali, and Lugu Lake remain comfortably cool.
    Recommendations: Spring/autumn for photography, festivals for cultural experiences, winter for budget travel.

  • icon
    6. What are the must-see attractions in Yunnan?
    icon

    The must-see attractions in Yunnan can be categorized into three types: Natural Landscape, which includes Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Stone Forest, Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest, and Pudacuo National Park; Historical and Cultural, covering Lijiang Ancient Town, Dali Ancient Town, and Chongsheng Temple Pagodas; and Special Experience, featuring Lugu Lake and Tengchong Volcano and Hot Sea.

  • icon
    5. How long should I spend in Yunnan?
    icon

    The amount of thime you should spend in Yunnan depends on your travel plans and interests. A typical intinerary includes 8 to 12 days to visit the major attractions in Yunnan, but it is possible to spend more time if you want to explore the city and its surrounding areas in more depth.

  • icon
    4. Can I Make Changes My Reservation After Booking?
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    Explanation of Itinerary Adjustments:
    Adjustments Before the Tour Begins:
    Prior to the start of the tour, customers can request itinerary adjustments at any time. However, as adjustments may involve rebooking transportation, accommodations, tour guide services, and attraction tickets, customers will be responsible for any associated costs. We will do our best to assist with the adjustments, but we cannot guarantee that all requests will be fully accommodated.

    Adjustments After the Tour Has Begun:
    Once the tour has commenced, any adjustments to the itinerary will need to be negotiated based on the specific circumstances. Since some services may have already been provided and cannot be refunded, customers will still be responsible for any additional costs incurred due to the adjustments, including but not limited to transportation, accommodation, tour guide, and ticket fees. We recommend carefully confirming the itinerary before the tour begins to avoid unnecessary adjustments and costs.
    We are committed to providing you with a satisfying travel experience. If you have any requests for adjustments, please communicate with us promptly, and we will do our best to assist in resolving the issue.

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    3. What Is your Cancellation Policy?
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    Our booking policy is designed to offer you flexibility and peace of mind. Here are the details regarding cancellation:
    Unpaid Bookings: You can cancel your booking at any time before payment without incurring any fees.
    Paid Bookings:
    Cancellation more than 3 months before departure: After deducting a small administrative fee, we will refund the full amount of your payment.
    Cancellation within 3 months of departure: We will refund any amounts that have not yet been incurred.
    We understand that travel plans can change for various reasons, and our policy aims to provide you with the greatest flexibility and protection. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us at any time. We are here to serve you.

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    2. What Payment Methods Do you Accept?
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    Customers can choose from a variety of payment methods to ensure a convenient and secure payment process:
    Bank Transfer: We support transfers in USD, EUR, or CNY to meet the needs of customers from different countries and regions.
    Online Payment: We offer multiple convenient online payment options, including PayPal, WeChat Pay, Alipay, and Credit Card payments (supporting major credit cards from most countries).
    No matter which payment method you choose, we will ensure the security and convenience of your transaction. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, and we will provide you with detailed payment guidance.

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    1. How Do I Book A Trip with Your Agency?
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    Customers can easily browse through the attractions and tour itineraries that interest them on our website. If you are interested in a particular tour, please feel free to contact us via the following methods:
    Email: contact@yunnanexploration.com
    WhatsApp: +86-18088242690
    Our professional sales team will provide you with personalized recommendations for attractions and tour itineraries. Once you are satisfied with the tour arrangement, our team will book the entire itinerary for you, including transportation, accommodation, and all relevant services such as attraction tickets, ensuring a worry-free travel experience. We look forward to serving you!

  • icon
    Yunnan Tours FAQs – Plan Your Yunnan Tours Worry Free
    icon
    1. How long should I spend in Yunnan?

    The amount of time you should spend in Yunnan depends on your travel plans and interests. A typical itinerary includes 8 to 12 days to visit the major attractions in Yunnan, but it is possible to spend more time if you want to explore the city and its surrounding areas in more depth.

    1. What are the must-see attractions in Yunnan?

    The must-see attractions in Yunnan can be categorized into three types: Natural Landscape, which includes Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Stone Forest, Xishuangbanna Tropical Rain forest, and Pudacuo National Park; Historical and Cultural, covering Lijiang Ancient Town, Dali Ancient Town, and Chongsheng Temple Pagodas; and Special Experience, featuring Lugu Lake and Tengchong Volcano and Hot Sea.

    1. What is Stone Forest?

    A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is known for its unique karst topography. The limestone here has been shaped into a variety of unique peaks, pillars, and shoots over hundreds of millions of years by the erosion and weathering of water and wind, forming a natural labyrinth of stone.

    1. What is the best time of year to visit Yunnan?

    Peak Seasons: March-May (spring blooms) & September-November (stunning autumn colors), pleasant climate (15-25°C), ideal for outdoor activities, and vibrant festivals (Water-Splashing Festival, Torch Festival).

    Winter (Dec-Feb): Escape cold in Xishuangbanna (25°C+), witness mirror-like Yuanyang Terraces, enjoy snowscapes at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, with off-season discounts.

    Summer (June-Aug): Some rainfall, but Kunming, Dali, and Lugu Lake remain comfortably cool.

    Recommendations: Spring/autumn for photography, festivals for cultural experiences, winter for budget travel.

    1. How do I get to Kunming Yunnan from other parts of China and overseas?

    Kunming as the capital city of Yunnan Province is well connected to other parts of China by air and train, with regular flights and high-speed trains available from major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Singapore, Thailand, the U.S. and other countries. If you have specific travel ideas or transportation preferences, our travel experts are happy to help you arrange the best transportation option for your needs.

    1. What are the best options for accommodation in Yunnan?

    Yunnan offers diverse accommodation options across its vast region. In Kunming, downtown areas feature convenient transportation and luxury hotels, while lakeside resorts near Dianchi Lake provide family-friendly stays with scenic views.

    In Dali, seaside B&Bs along Erhai Lake are top choices, with designer hotels in Shuanglang and Caicun offering rooms with star-gazing bathtubs. The ancient town preserves Bai-style guesthouses with traditional courtyard architecture.

    Lijiang‘s Shuhe Ancient Town showcases Naxi-style courtyard inns, while Dayan Ancient Town suits nightlife lovers. Luxury resorts at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain’s base provide floor heating and oxygen supply.

    In Shangri-La, Tibetan-style boutique hotels within Dukezong Ancient Town offer family rooms and oxygen equipment, just steps from the Prayer Wheel.

    Xishuangbanna‘s rainforest treehouse hotels blend Dai architectural elements with modern design, featuring private pool villas immersed in tropical flora. Before booking your Yunnan tour, let us know your preferred hotel class (3 star, 4 star, or 5 star) and we can provide a list of hotels for your reference.

    1. What types of cuisine can I expect to try in Yunnan?

    Yunnan cuisine is rich and diverse, and here are some recommendations.

    Kunming

    • Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles: A signature Yunnan dish, Jianxin Garden is a well-known local brand.
    • Steam Pot Chicken: A specialty from Jianshui, cooked in a unique steam pot to retain the tenderness of the chicken.
    • Wild Mushroom Hot Pot: A seasonal dish available during the rainy season, recommended at Jun Gu Restaurant.
    • Tofu Pudding Rice Noodles: A combination of rice noodles and tofu pudding, served with a tangy and spicy flavor.
    • Cracked-Skin Buns: Features a crispy, flaky outer layer and a savory filling.

    Dali

    • Sour and Spicy Fish: Made with fish from Erhai Lake and stewed with sour tamarind, offering a tangy and spicy flavor with a hint of fruity aroma.
    • Rushan Cheese: Best enjoyed grilled and dipped in rose sauce, with a rich dairy flavor and a slightly charred taste.
    • Shengpi (Raw Pork): Thin slices of roasted pork served with a spicy dipping sauce, providing a unique crispy and refreshing texture.

    Lijiang

    • Smoked Pork Rib Hot Pot: A warming dish with savory smoked pork ribs simmered in broth, perfect for cold winter days.
    • Chicken Bean Jelly: A versatile dish that can be enjoyed cold with a tangy and spicy flavor or fried for a crispy texture.
    • Naxi BBQ: Tender and flavorful roasted meats, often seasoned with chili powder.
    • Lijiang Buns: Available in both sweet and savory flavors.

    Shangri-La

    • Butter Tea: A rich and savory drink that helps combat the dryness of the high-altitude climate.
    • Yak Meat Hot Pot: Served with a Tibetan-style broth and accompanied by barley cakes.
    • Tsampa: A traditional Tibetan food made from roasted barley flour mixed with butter tea, convenient and filling.

    Xishuangbanna

    • Dai-Style Spicy Chicken Feet: A tangy and spicy dish with a chewy texture, enhanced by the addition of lemon and bird’s eye chilies.
    • Pineapple Rice: A sweet and fragrant dish made from glutinous rice steamed with pineapple.
    • Lemongrass Grilled Fish: Grilled to perfection over charcoal, infused with the aroma of lemongrass.

    Others

    • Tengchong Rice Noodles: A local specialty, best enjoyed at Da Jiu Jia.
    • Jianshui Grilled Tofu: A must-try at the Ximen Night Market.
    • Buluruda: A unique dessert from Mangshi.
    • Rose Jam Yogurt: Perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
    • Tamarind Juice: A distinctive local beverage.
    1. Are there any day trip or excursions from Yunnan I shuold consider?

    Yunnan offers a variety of options for a one-day tour. You can explore the ancient towns of Lijiang and Dali, which are steeped in history and culture. The Stone Forest and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain provide stunning natural scenery. For those interested in local culture, there’s the Pu’er tea culture or coffee tours. The Nujiang Grand Canyon offers breathtaking views and outdoor activities. Each destination has its unique charm, making your one-day trip in Yunnan unforgettable.