1. Tour Overview
1.1 History of Shuhe Ancient Town
Shuhe Ancient Town(束河古镇), also renowned as Longquan Village, is located 4 kilometers northwest of the Old Town of Lijiang, Yunnan Province. The ancestors of the Naxi ethnic group migrated and settled here at the end of the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, so it has a history of thousands of years up to now.
Currently,there are well-preserved ancient roads and markets in Shuhe Ancient Town, with nearly a thousand traditional dwellings. The indigenous residents are mainly the Naxi ethnic group. It is one of the earliest settlements of the Naxi ancestors in Lijiang. Since the Ming Dynasty, many people have engaged in leather business and other handicrafts have also gathered in Shuhe,making it a thriving place. Gradually, Shuhe Ancient Town has become an important town on the Ancient Tea Horse Road and a center for Naxi cultural exchanges.
In addition, Shuhe is a living specimen of the Naxi ethnic group's transition from agricultural civilization to commercial civilization. It has precious cultural relics and buildings such as the murals and Dajue Palace in the Ming Dynasty, and Sansheng Palace in the Qing Dynasty. In 1997,Shuhe Ancient Town was listed as an important part of the "World Cultural Heritage" - the Old Town of Lijiang by UNESCO. In 2005, Shuhe Ancient Town was awarded as "China's Charming Town • Best Human Settlement Environment Town".
1.2 What To See In Shuhe Ancient Town
Shuhe Ancient Town unfolds a panorama of cultural and natural splendors. Here, tourists can immerse themselves in the unique Naxi culture and relish the tranquil rural life, like wandering in an idyllic dreamscape. There are several must-see attractions that beckon like jewels in a crown: Dajue Palace（大觉宫）with its ancient charm; Sansheng Palace（三圣宫）,exuding a sense of history; Sandie Spring（三叠泉）, gurgling with life; Sifang Street（四方街）,a bustling hub of activity; ancient stone bridges（古石桥）,standing as silent sentinels; Jiuding Longtan（九鼎龙潭）,a serene oasis; Feihua Touching Water (Xiaoping Bridge and Jubao Mountain小平桥，聚宝山), a place of enchanting beauty; and Qinglong Bridge（青龙桥）, a majestic masterpiece.
Moreover, Shuhe Ancient Town is not just a treasure trove of cultural landscapes but also a haven of diverse delicacies and handicrafts, waiting to be discovered and savored like hidden gems.Truly,whether you are a tourist with a passion for history and culture or a traveler enamored by natural scenery, Shuhe Ancient Town is an unmissable destination, a captivating haven that lures visitors with its irresistible charm.
1.3 How To Get There
With regard to transportation, there are diverse means to reach Shuhe Ancient Town.O ne can take a flight to Lijiang Sanyi Airport and subsequently transfer to an airport shuttle bus or taxi. Alternatively, arriving in Lijiang by train and then switching to public transport is also an option. For those traveling by car, they can directly access it via the Dali-Lijiang Expressway.These transportation modes offer convenient access alternatives for tourists, facilitating their exploration of the allure of Shuhe Ancient Town with greater ease.
1.4 Best Time To Visit
Shuhe Ancient Town is a destination for all seasons. However,the optimal time for visiting is spring (from March to May) and autumn (from September to November). During these periods, the weather is delightful, steering clear of the rainy season in summer and the coldness in winter,it is predominantly sunny with blue skies and white clouds, offering tourists an excellent travel experience.
2. Attractions Of Shuhe Ancient Town
2.1 The Museum of Ancient Tea Route 茶马古道博物馆
The Tea-Horse Ancient Road Museum, also affectionately known as Dajue Palace, is nestled in Shuhe Village, a mere 4 kilometers northwest of the enchanting Old Town of Lijiang. It forms an integral part of the architectural ensemble of the "Shuhe Courtyard" of the Mu's chieftain during the Ming Dynasty,standing as a magnificent and precious ancient edifice. Inside this remarkable structure, the Tea-Horse Ancient Road Museum unfolds as a captivating thematic museum centered around the Tea-Horse Ancient Road culture, the local customs of Shuhe and the rich culture of Pu'er tea.This museum holds the distinction of being the first in China dedicated exclusively to delving into and showcasing the historical and cultural splendor of the Tea-Horse Ancient Road.
The Tea-Horse Ancient Road, one of the most ancient passageways on the Chinese mainland, rivals the Northern Silk Road and the Southern Silk Road in its grandeur and historical significance. A visit to this museum is like embarking on a journey through time, offering you an in-depth and profound understanding of the captivating culture of the Tea-Horse Ancient Road and the unique local customs of Shuhe.
2.2 Sifang Street 四方街
Sifang Street: It is not only the commercial center of Shuhe Ancient Town, but also a great place for tourists to experience the folk culture of the Naxi ethnic group. Here was a place for caravan traders to deal in furs and leather goods before, but currently it has become a gathering place for various shops, tourists can appreciate folk performances of the Naxi ethnic minority and taste authentic Naxi cuisine here.
2.3 Shilian Temple 石莲寺
Shilian Temple is located in the western mountain of Songyun Village in Shuhe. The mountain is named Shilian Mountain. According to the records of legend, there was a cave on Shilian Mountain,the cave entrance just like the wide-open mouth of a tiger and the clansman consider it ominous. So a temple was built at the cave entrance named Shilian Temple. At the foot of the mountain to the temple, there are many plants growing on the stone walls on both sides,which look like lotuses stretching to the surroundings of the stone walls,so it named Shilian Mountain. When climbing up to Shilian Temple,tourists can overlook Shuhe Ancient Town, the scenery is very beautiful.
2.4 Qinglong Bridge 青龙桥
It was built in the Ming Dynasty with a history over 400 years and attracted countless tourists with its polished flagstone road.
Most importantly, it is an integrated part of the Ancient Tea-Horse Road and an iconic building during the heyday of the Mu's chieftain. Its design and construction reflect the glory of the period of the Mu's chieftain. The central axis of the bridge is directly facing Jubao Mountain, reflecting the cultural and power symbols at that time. As an important part of the Ancient Tea-Horse Road, Qinglong Bridge also witnessed the ancient trade and cultural exchanges.
In addition to its historical value, the natural landscape of Qinglong Bridge is also a major feature of Shuhe Ancient Town. Every spring, the willows nearby the bridge grow new buds,forming the beautiful scenery, which is named"smoky willows and flat bridge"(烟柳平桥), attracting many tourists to come and watch. In addition, Qinglong Bridge is open to the public all day long and is free of charge, so it has become a very popular tourist attraction.
2.5 Long Pool(Dragon Pool) 九鼎龙潭
When you walk about a hundred meters northwest along Shuhe Street in Lijiang, which runs through the north and south, you can see the famous scenic spot in Shuhe - Jiuding Longtan. Locals also call it "Longquan". It is located in the center of the ancient town and is an artificial lake.The spring water here is crystal clear and as green as grass. It is also a major feature of Shuhe Ancient Town. The area around the lake is shaded by green trees and is also a good place for residents and tourists to relax. What is worth mentioning is that it is open to the public all year round, from 00:00 to 24:00 from Monday to Sunday. Jiuding Longtan is two semicircular small stone ponds with a pavilion built between the two ponds. Actually, it is the best place to view "Jiuding Longtan". Tourists will have an ultimate visual experience when they view it from here.
2.6 Sansheng Palace 三圣宫
Sansheng Palace, located next to Jiuding Longtan, it is named after the adjacent Longquan Lake. It was built in the Ming Dynasty and is one of the buildings with a long history in the ancient town.At the same time,it is also a Taoist temple in the Qing Dynasty. Because there is a statue of Guanyin in the main hall, a statue of Sun Bin in the south wing room, and a statue of the Dragon King in the north wing room,it is thus named "Sansheng Palace". Sansheng Palace is composed of a pavilion and an exquisite quadrangle courtyard. The pavilion is actually a bridge spanning over the Longtan. Facing east and west direction, it divides the Longtan into two parts,making it not only the access to the palace but also a place for viewing the scenery and enjoying the cool wind. The quadrangle courtyard is located to the north of the pavilion,built against the mountain with an orderly arrangement. In addition,it is composed of the main hall, two wing rooms and a water tower. These facilities are not only an important place for local residents to worship Buddha and pray for blessings but also a good place for literati to enjoy the moon. Therefore,it has the reputation of "watching the moon at Longmen". When tourists step into this palace, the best thing they can do is to pray for their families.
2.7 Sandie Spring 三叠泉
Sandie Spring,also known as Sanyan Well, is a unique well design in Lijiang. It embodies the ancient wisdom of water conservation.They are a part of the lives of local residents and an important window for tourists to understand Lijiang's culture and history at the same time.The design concept of Sandie Spring is that "Water benefits all things without competing." It reflects the emphasis on harmonious coexistence and resource conservation in Eastern philosophy.
2.8 Feihua Touching Water(飞花触水)、Small Flat Bridge(小平桥), Jubao Mountain(聚宝山)
These scenic spots have their own characteristics. Feihua Touching Water is famous for its natural beauty. Small Flat Bridge is a stone bridge with a long history. Jubao Mountain is a highland in the ancient town from where you can overlook the scenery of the entire ancient town. Shuhe Ancient Town has the most ancient stone bridges in Lijiang, these stone bridges span the streams and connect the main streets of the ancient town, reflecting the traditional architectural style of the Naxi ethnic group.If you like to appreciate antique Chinese-style small bridges and wonderful natural scenery, this is an excellent place to go.
3. Travel Essentials
3.1 What To pack
In Shuhe Ancient Town,the temperature is moderate during the day, but it is relatively cool in the morning and evening. Therefore, it is recommended to wear a portable jacket,that is easy to put on and take off so that you can adjust at any time according to the temperature change. In addition, due to the strong ultraviolet rays in Shuhe Ancient Town, it is recommended to prepare sunglasses and sunscreen to protect your eyes and skin.
March–May: It is recommended to wear lightweight clothing such as shorts and T-shirts and bring a thin jacket to deal with the temperature difference.
September–November:It is recommended to wear long clothes and trousers, a sweater and a jacket,also prepare a down jacket to deal with the lower temperature. For long-time walking tours, it is better to wear comfortable shoes. If you plan to engage in outdoor activities,you should consider bringing non-slip shoes.
In short, whenever you visit Shuhe Ancient Town, you should prepare clothing suitable for the local climate. Especially in winter, pay attention to keeping warm and preventing ultraviolet damage.
3.2 Food & Accommodation
Shuhe Ancient Town is a place full of culinary temptations. Tourists can taste various authentic delicacies here, the following are some recommended delicious food in Shuhe Old Town:
Braised Tofu: This is a kind of tofu with crispy skin and tender interior. Paired with dry seasonings and sauce,it tastes delicious and is one of the must-try delicacies in Shuhe Ancient Town.
Chicken Soup Rice Noodles: You can find many rice noodle shops in Shuhe Ancient Town, rice noodles in chicken soup are one of the representatives, the hot soup is paired with fresh chicken slices and vegetables, adding rice noodles eventually, the soup is delicious and flavorful, this mouth-watering dish is not to be missed.
Silk Stocking Milk Tea at "A Corner of the Sky for Cats": This is a must-visit coffee shop. It is renowned for its silky milk tea and guestbook in which tourists can leave stories and memories of their travels while tasting milk tea.
Wrapped and Roasted Mushrooms in Dai Flavor: This is an extremely delicious mushroom cuisine with original flavor. With fragrant lemongrass and green prickly ash, it will enrich your taste buds.
Dai Flavor Lemon Chicken Feet: The sourness of lemon is perfectly combined with the taste of canned pineapple, really refreshing and pleasant taste.
Lijiang Baba: There are two flavors to choose from, sweet and salty, it is absolutely worth a try.
Braised Pork Ribs With Lover's Plum: It is sweet and sour with the tender and extremely delicious pork ribs.
In addition to the above delicacies, there are many other dishes and snacks worth trying in Shuhe Ancient Town, such as cured pork rib hot pot, wild mushroom hot pot, iron plate tofu and so on. These delicacies allow people to feel the charm and historical atmosphere of the ancient town while enjoying the food, offering the explorers an in-depth and profound understanding of the captivating culture.
3.3 Entertainment
Shuhe Ancient Town is a place full of cultural atmosphere and historical heritage. It provides tourists a rich variety of entertainment activities, such as the torch parade and torch party during the Torch Festival (a traditional festival of the Naxi ethnic group), as well as ethnic dance performances and various cultural activities organized by the ancient town. These activities aim to let tourists deeply understand the Naxi culture and the history of the Ancient Tea-Horse Road,finally provide tourists with a visual and cultural feast.
