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Explore the unique Bai culture of Shaxi Village in Dali when visiting Yunnan Province. Discover the village and the local temple which is filled with activities. Also keep yourself entertained with the Bai cultural musical and dance performances. What’s more take a calligraphy and painting lesson with the local experts at the Old Theatre Inn. You can further explore the village either by taking a hike through the fields of barley and red sorghum where you can admire the wonderful landscape of nature. Also don’t miss the opportunity to wander the Friday Market and buy the famous mushrooms!
Shaxi was once a famous and historical market and was a major trading point of the Ancient Tea Route during the Tang Dynasty. The Sideng Market Square in Shaxi was once the busiest economic center but today what is left is the Friday Market where the Bai and Yi Ethnic Minority Group gather to sell their livestock and vegetables. The World Monuments Fund listed Shaxi as one of the 100 most endangered sites in the world. Therefore, Shaxi has undergone massive efforts to preserve ancient architecture and culture. Past the East Gate is the ancient Yujin Bridge, a favorite of visiting artists and a vital crossing point in this complex network of ancient trade routes.
The Shibaoshan Grottoes are reputed as the best preserved national Buddhism heritage site in China. The temples are located high in the mountains and has numerous shrines and waterfalls. The temple complex consists of Boxiang Temple, Shizhong Temple, Haiyunju Nunnery and the stone grottoes. For those who are active trekking up the mountain is always a challenge. There are also shuttle buses available at Baoxiang Temple and Shizhong Temple where tickets costs 15 Yuan.