The Bai culture of Shaxi offers many unique experiences for guests. Village and temple activities, musical and dance performances as well as caligraphy and painting lessons are all possible through Old Theatre Inn local experts.
We highly recommend the cooking school at Pear Orchard Temple where guests can source ingredients from Friday market or local farms and then preare and eat their creations at the temple..
The valley floor of Shaxi is surrounded by the remnants of fruit and nut orchards that are great for exploring on short day hikes. Sheltered groves of lofty pines make great spots for picnic lunches before venturing along the mule trails, amid fields of barley, chilies and red sorghum. Guests can tour of the many picturesque villages either by bike or on foot. Wherever you go in Shaxi guests will encounter many different domestic animals which kids will especially enjoy.
Shaxi is famous for mushrooms, which can be found at Friday market, though many guests like to forage and bring back to the hotel where chef Jipin expertly prepares them. Matsutake and porcini when in season are a luxurious treat.
At one time the small square was home to a bustling market nearly every day of the week, but this has now been relocated to the new part of town, and the ancient flag stones that surround the central pagoda tree are encouraging a new community of hikers, history buffs and eco-tourists. In the last century, Shaxi's Sideng market went from thriving economic center to a remote and inaccessible ghost town, but this national landmark is now undergoing a twenty-first century renaissance, and promises to become one of the most impressive attractions in all of Yunnan.
Out beyond the East Gate is the ancient Yujin Bridge, a long time favorite of visiting artists and a vital crossing point in this complex network of ancient trade routes.
The spectacular temples complexes and endless forested trails make Shaxi Shibaoshan worth much more than just a quick visit. Each temple is unique and the views from each are dramatically different, with pilgrims, nuns and local tourists worshiping and enjoying the brisk hikes and fresh mountain air.
We recommend a full day at Shibaoshan either hiking from the village of Shadengqing or the Pear Orchard Temple, where an ancient road ascends steeply to the parking area of the Shizhong temple grottoes.
