Lijiang: Shuhe Ancient Town Reveals a Quiet, Stunning Beauty

Heading north from Lijiang Ancient Town, follow the road along the east side of Zhongji Lake for about four kilometers, and you'll see a dense cluster of villages at the foot of the mountains on both sides. This is Shuhe Ancient Town, known as the 'Home of Clear Springs.'

Lijiang has three ancient towns: Dayan, Shuhe, and Baisha. Dayan is very lively, with a bustling nightlife and everything you could want. At two in the morning, many shops in Dayan Ancient Town are still open—for me, it's a bit too commercialized. Baisha, on the other hand, remains an undeveloped ancient town, preserving its rustic charm—a perfect place for those seeking tranquility. Shuhe falls somewhere between Dayan and Baisha: there's plenty to explore during the day, and at night, if you want quiet, it's absolutely no problem. This time, I followed the Yimei Yexingjia itinerary and visited all three towns. Honestly, I prefer the feel of Shuhe and Baisha.

Compared to the overly commercialized Dayan Ancient Town, I might prefer the preserved simplicity of Shuhe. Though it's bustling, you can still find a peaceful spot.

In the Naxi language, Shuhe is called 'Shaowu.' Because the village lies at the foot of Jubao Mountain, which resembles a towering peak, the village took its name from the mountain, evolving into 'the village below the peak.' It was one of the earliest settlements of the Naxi people in the Lijiang Basin and a well-preserved important town on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. So you can still find many elements of horses here.

From time to time, horse riders pass through the ancient town, trying to attract customers. But personally, I prefer to stroll slowly, stopping now and then to take photos.

There are also all sorts of delightful elements—Totoro, wooden horses, succulents, flowers... everything that artsy, fresh-style enthusiasts love is here!

In Shuhe Ancient Town, there are many fruit vendors. I don't know if it's due to the fertile soil, but the fruits here look so fresh and juicy.

This copywriting, haha~

In Shuhe, you can see ancient houses, taste delicious food, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon. Read a book, sip tea, reflect on life, or bask in the sun on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. Or just wander aimlessly, shopping for various tourist souvenirs. You could also stay in a small, rustic inn, or take photos—natural and cultural charm can be found everywhere.

The small stream is fed by the melting snow from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, flowing straight down. The water is clear and cool, and merchants soak their food in it, using it like a natural refrigerator—very eco-friendly.

Even the dogs look full of happiness~

Sifang Tinging is the center of the town. Every now and then, free folk song and dance performances are held, and tourists love to stop and watch.

At the archway at the entrance to the ancient town, there is an area of wishing wind chimes... They tinkle in the sunlight, sounding very pleasant.

Everyone has written down their beautiful wishes...

Shuhe Ancient Town's restaurants are also a highlight in Lijiang. The ambiance is truly wonderful—far better than the restaurants in Lijiang Ancient Town. Not only is the environment nicer, but the prices are also much more affordable. Among the restaurants in Shuhe Ancient Town, my favorite is Fuxian Xiaoguo Fan. It's beside a small stream, with many flowers planted at the entrance. The best seats are on the second-floor balcony. They serve a wide variety of delicious food at reasonable prices. No wonder it's the most popular restaurant among celebrities in Lijiang!

Transport Tips: Located about four kilometers northwest of Lijiang Ancient Town. From Lijiang, you can take a bus or a taxi to Shuhe. Taxis usually charge 20 yuan without using the meter. You can also rent a bicycle and ride from Lijiang, which is especially suitable for young people and couples.

Best Season: All year round. Spring is blooming with flowers, summer is cool for escaping the heat, autumn is crisp and clear, and winter has plenty of sunshine—all are good choices.

Suggested Visit Duration: 4–5 hours

Ticket Price: 40.00 yuan

Opening Hours: Open all day

Address: Shuhe Road, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province

Travelogue Directory: 1. Shuhe Ancient Town Travel Information Hotel Index Strategy Index Airfare Index Website Navigation Travel Index Cruise Index Corporate Travel Index Joining Cooperation Distribution Alliance Friendship Links Corporate Gift Card Procurement Insurance Agency Agency Cooperation Hotel Partnership Destination and Scenic Area Cooperation More Cooperation About Ctrip About Ctrip Ctrip Hotspots Contact Us Career Opportunities User Agreement Privacy Policy Business License Security Center Ctrip Content Center Intellectual Property Trip.com Group Algorithm Disclosure