Welcome to Shaxi China, a cultural treasure of the Teahorse Road in Yunnan

Located halfway between Lijiang and Dali, the Shaxi Valley is home to a beautifully preserved traditional way of life that offers a glimpse into a forgotten era. Shaxi has been protected from mass tourism due to its relative distance from popular destinations in Yunnan. That will change at end of 2013 when a new highway will make the driving distance to Shaxi under 90 minutes from both Lijiang and Dali. The local government, keen to protect Shaxi's unique cultural heritage, is working with an American conservation team that aims to create a sustainable travel strategy for the valley, encouraging activities that provide ownership opportunities for local families.

The Last unspoiled valley in China

Nestled deep in the Himalayan foothills, almost half-way between the tourist hot-spots of Dali and Lijiang, lies the tranquil Shaxi valley, a sun drenched, fertile plain that follows the gentle Heihui River, a lesser known branch of the Mekong. There is no pollution, no airport and no traffic jams, but these are more than made up for by quiet cobbled streets, spectacular local architecture and impressive courtyard homes. >> Read more

The historic place to stay in Shaxi

Congratulations to the Old Theatre Inn for it's astounding achievment of winning the TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice ranking #5 among all B&Bs/Inn in China in its first year of operation!

>> Take a virtual tour here

Beautiful renovated rooms at Old Theatre Inn

The Old Theatre Inn is Shaxi's premier boutique hotel, and is a registered historical landmark. It's unique theatre temple performances, homemade meals and friendly village staff make for an unforgettable China experience. This Summer the Inn is offering complimentary breakfast for all guests.

>> See more on the Old Theatre Inn

Vegetarian delight in Old Town

Hungry Buddha, a new style vegetarian restaurant by Mauro Anzideo opens near the East Gate.

>> Read more

Hong Kong International School learning adventure in Shaxi

In March, 9th and 10th grade students from Hong Kong International School spent 6 days in a tailor-made experiential learning program, in which they stayed with a local family and got a first hand look at Shaxi architecture, ecotourism, and sustainable farming.

>> Follow their story here.

Shrooms!

If you're a fan of mushroom hunting, Shaxi is your paradise. Check out this beautiful piece on the wonders of Yunnan mushrooms by Beth Kracklauer and Anna Lindquist in Saveur Magazine.

Must read travel article on Shaxi Yunnan

Here's a beautifully written piece on Shaxi from GoKunming with some incredible photos by Yereth Jansen.

Ginkgo Partner Chris Barclay on "Sustainability"

Shaxi Market listed by World Monuments Fund

The Shaxi Market Area, located in China's Yunnan Province on the historic Tea and Horse Caravan Trail that links Tibet with Southeast Asia, is the most complete surviving example of a trading center along this route. The Shaxi Market contains an intact theater, guesthouses for merchants, a temple precinct, and is surrounded by protective gates >> read more

Pear Orchard Temple restoration near completion

Sino-American Conservation Group, The Ginkgo Society have leased the rights to historic Ci Yin An (the Pear Orchard Temple) in Diantou Village, Shaxi. With a complete renovation scheduled for completion by May 2013, the temple will continue to serve as a community centre and Shaxi Visitor's Centre, with a teahouse and vegetarian dining. >> Read more

Preserving a way of life in Shaxi

Shaxi's recent temple and market square restoration by architect Jacques Feiner with funding from the Swiss government, has breathed new life into this ancient caravan town and won a Unesco Award of Distinction for cultural heritage preservation. >> Read more

Recommended for Travelers to Dali: The Linden Centre

The Linden Centre is one of Yunnan's most impressive historical courtyards that now serves as a luxury hotel and cultural center. Located three hours away in the Village of Xizhou, it's a must-visit for travelers heading on to Dali from Shaxi.

The Tea Horse Road

The vestigial cobblestone path lasts only 50 feet, climbs a set of broken stairs, then once again disappears, swept away by years of monsoonal deluges. I carry on, entering a narrow passage where the sidewalls are so steep and slippery I have to hang on to trees to keep from falling into the bouldery creek far below. >> read more