Located just 4 kilometers from Lijiang Ancient Town, Shuhe Ancient Town (束河古镇) is a serene and picturesque destination that perfectly embodies the charm of traditional Naxi culture. Nestled between mountains and rivers, the town features quaint, well-preserved agricultural residences that create a tranquil and original atmosphere, making it feel even more peaceful compared to its bustling counterpart, Lijiang.
One of the most beautiful spots in Shuhe is the area around Qilong Bridge, where the stone-paved bridge spans the gentle waters of Qilong River. This scenic setting evokes the essence of “small bridges and flowing water,” capturing the idyllic rural landscape. Shuhe is not only one of the earliest settlements of the Naxi people but also the birthplace of the Mu family chieftains, allowing visitors to experience the most authentic aspects of Naxi customs and traditions.
The town exudes a laid-back vibe, with various fruits and vegetables soaked in spring water displayed along many streams, their vibrant colors enticing visitors to sample them. Adding to the charm, many restaurants and bars keep their beers and beverages chilled by immersing them in baskets of water, utilizing the icy meltwater from the nearby snow-capped mountains as their natural refrigerator. Whether you’re strolling through its tranquil streets or enjoying the local cuisine, Shuhe Ancient Town offers a delightful escape into a world of history and nature.
Travel Information about Shuhe Ancient Town
Ticket Information and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: 88 yuan (includes horseback riding and guided explanation).
Opening Hours: Open all day.
Best Time to Visit
Shuhe Ancient Town boasts beautiful scenery throughout the year. However, the peak tourist season is from May to October, during which prices rise and the town can become crowded. It’s advisable to avoid visiting during this time if you’re looking for a more peaceful experience.
Access to the Scenic Area
Location: 4 kilometers northwest of Lijiang Ancient Town.
Shuttle Bus: Buses from Lijiang New Town regularly head to Shuhe.
Public Bus: You can take bus routes 6 or 11, alighting at Shuhe Upper Village or Shuhe Road Intersection stops, and then walk to the town.
Taxi: A taxi ride from Lijiang to Shuhe Ancient Town takes about 20 minutes.
Van: You can also catch a van from the parking lot next to the Shangri-La Avenue Observation Hotel.
Attraction Ratings
- Cultural Experience: ★★★★
- Special Features: ★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★
- Scenic Beauty: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★
- Adventure: ★
Highlights of Shuhe Ancient Town
Sifang Street in Shuhe Ancient Town
Sifang Street in Shuhe Ancient Town is a vibrant square reminiscent of the famous Sifang Street in Lijiang Ancient Town. Like its counterpart, this square features a water channel that allows for regular cleaning, maintaining its charm and cleanliness.
The street is paved with smooth, timeworn stones, which have been polished by the footsteps of countless visitors, serving as witnesses to the town’s rich history. This historical backdrop narrates the stories of Shuhe’s past prosperity to anyone who walks by.
During market days, Sifang Street comes alive with activity. Shops line the square, showcasing ancient wooden facades and blackened stone fronts. The weathered stone-paved pathways and the elderly sitting leisurely nearby create a picturesque scene, embodying the town’s rustic character. This space captures the profound emotions and memories of the Shuhe people, making it a special place to experience the essence of the ancient town.
Jiuding Longtan
At the heart of Shuhe Ancient Town lies a serene body of water known as Jiuding Longtan (Nine Ding Dragon Pool). Surrounded by lush green trees, the pool features crystal-clear spring water where colorful fish can be seen swimming. The gentle flow of water spilling from the pool meanders along the pathways of the village, creating a tranquil sound that enhances the natural beauty of the area. Adjacent to Jiuding Longtan are two ancient buildings: Longquan Temple and Sansheng Palace:
Longquan Temple is a small courtyard-style temple with a symmetrical and harmonious structure. The main hall, though not imposing in height, contains distinctive murals from the Ming Dynasty depicting Buddhist themes, making it a significant cultural site.
Sansheng Palace, also situated beside the pool, follows the traditional courtyard layout. On moonlit nights, it was a popular spot for ancient scholars and poets, who would ascend to the upper floors to admire the moon and compose verses. These gatherings have become a cherished part of local lore, celebrating the artistic spirit that once flourished in this picturesque setting.
Qinglong Bridge
Qinglong Bridge is renowned as the most picturesque area in Shuhe Ancient Town. Constructed during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, this bridge boasts a history of over 400 years. It stands as a significant architectural symbol from the height of the Mu clan’s power, constructed entirely from stone, and is recognized as the most notable ancient stone bridge in Lijiang. The bridge reflects Shuhe’s important role in the historical economic and cultural landscape of the region.
Historically, Qinglong Bridge served as a crucial passage along the Ancient Tea Horse Road, facilitating the passage of countless caravans traveling to the distant regions of Tibet. The bridge’s surface has weathered the elements over the centuries, resulting in a worn and mottled appearance that still retains its grand presence and profound sense of history. Standing on the bridge, one can almost hear the echoes of horse hooves resonating through time, transporting visitors back to an era of bustling trade and vibrant cultural exchange.
Tea Horse Road Museum
The Tea Horse Road Museum in Shuhe Ancient Town was originally a secondary residence of the Mu clan in Lijiang and has previously served as a school. The museum’s building is well-preserved, having sustained only minor damage during the 1996 earthquake. Within the museum’s courtyard stands an ancient peach tree, characterized by its gnarled branches. Every year, about a week before the Qingming Festival, the tree bursts into bloom, creating a stunning display of pink blossoms that carpet the courtyard.
Inside the museum, visitors can find six murals that are exemplary of Ming Dynasty wall art, similar to those found in Baisha. These murals are recognized as a provincial cultural heritage and are among the last surviving examples in Yunnan. Surrounding the museum are buildings that served as the teaching facilities for Shuhe Primary School during the Republic of China era, which have been preserved as an important site for understanding the historical and cultural significance of the Tea Horse Road.
Tea Horse Road
The Tea Horse Road refers to an informal international trade route that existed in southwest China, primarily utilizing horse caravans for transportation. It served as a corridor for economic and cultural exchange among the various ethnic groups in the region. This route is uniquely distinguished as one of the most breathtaking and culturally rich travel paths in the world, embodying an abundance of untapped cultural heritage.
Baisha Ancient Village
Baisha Ancient Village is recognized as the birthplace of the Naxi people and was once home to the Mu clan, who built their residences and villas here. The village boasts several well-preserved ancient structures from the Ming and Qing dynasties, including the notable Dabaojigong Palace and Yufeng Temple.
What truly sets Baisha apart is its exquisite murals, which uniquely blend Han and Tibetan styles, making them treasures of mural art. The atmosphere in the ancient village is enchanting, reminiscent of Lijiang Ancient Town, with charming bridges, flowing streams, and a sky so blue it seems to bring tears to one’s eyes.
Baisha offers a tranquility that Lijiang does not possess, allowing visitors to witness the traditional labor and lifestyle of the Naxi people, which has remained unchanged for centuries. This serene village provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and daily life of the Naxi community.
Visitor Guide for Shuhe Ancient Town
Accommodation in Shuhe Ancient Town
Shuhe Ancient Town offers a variety of inns and guesthouses catering to different budgets, with some reaching up to three-star standards. Notably, guests can enjoy complimentary entry to the Shuhe Ancient Town scenic area by presenting their accommodation receipt.
Dodge Inn (躲起来客栈): Located at No. 37 Renli Road in Shuhe Ancient Town, Dodge Inn is somewhat secluded but conveniently close to Jiuding Longtan (Nine Dragons Pool). The second-floor rooms feature skylights, allowing guests to gaze at a sky full of stars at night.
Lishiman Inn (丽思漫客栈): Situated next to Shilian Temple in Songyun Village, this inn showcases a blend of European vintage and Naxi architectural styles. It’s designed to provide a relaxing atmosphere where guests can truly unwind and enjoy life to the fullest.
Culinary Delights in Shuhe Ancient Town
Nestled at the southern foot of Yulong Snow Mountain, Shuhe Ancient Town boasts a rich culinary scene that reflects its unique cultural heritage. One must-try dish is the rainbow trout (虹鳟鱼), raised in the clear, snowy waters, ensuring a fresh and flavorful experience. Another local specialty is Shuhe cold noodles (束河凉粉), made from locally sourced peas, which offer a delightful taste.
In addition to these signature dishes, visitors can enjoy a variety of traditional options such as farmhouse ham (农家火腿), stir-fried sauerkraut with potatoes (酸菜炒洋芋), and succulent pork dishes (大肉). The local cuisine also features rice sausages (米灌肠), butter tea (酥油茶), and unique treats like hawthorn cakes (海棠果) and water tobacco cakes (水烟粑粑).
For dining, Yi Restaurant (壹餐厅), located on Renli Road, specializes in Naxi cuisine, blending stylish decor with ethnic elements to create a welcoming atmosphere. Alternatively, Chengdu Kitchen (成都小厨房), situated by Feihua Chushui, offers robust Sichuan flavors, known for their bold and spicy profile, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate the intense tastes of Sichuan cuisine.
Shopping in Shuhe Ancient Town
Shuhe Ancient Town is renowned as the “hometown of leather,” making it an ideal place to seek out traditional leather workshops. Here, visitors can find exquisite handcrafted yak leather bags, a perfect choice for those looking to take home a unique piece of the region’s craftsmanship. Additionally, the town is known for its snowflake silver (雪花银), with silver bracelets being particularly popular among tourists.
Shuhe also offers charming souvenirs inspired by local culture, including bells reminiscent of the television series A Meter of Sunshine (一米阳光) and cow bone pendants engraved with Naxi blessings (刻有纳西文祝词的牛骨挂件).
Near the Sifang Street, you’ll discover a handmade craft shop called “Primitive Man” (原始人), which showcases a variety of local artisanal products. The items here are meticulously crafted, making it worth a visit for those who appreciate fine handiwork and want to explore the rich artistic traditions of the area.