Lijiang Baisha Ancient Town is the true escape paradise, sitting under the snow-capped mountains all afternoon without wanting to leave
Escape the crowded city crowds and dive into Lijiang Baisha Ancient Town, where you’ll be healed into speechlessness—the snow-covered Jade Dragon Snow Mountain above, the mottled light and shadow on the bluestone pavement below, the casual chats of Naxi elders and the gentle chimes of wind bells by your ears. Here, you don’t need to do anything; just find a tea stall by the window and sit all afternoon. Even time slows down—this is what Lijiang should really be like!
As a seasoned traveler who has been to Lijiang three times, honestly, compared to the commercialized Dayan Ancient Town and the crowded Shuhe, Baisha Ancient Town is the hidden treasure at the foot of the snow mountain. It is Lijiang’s oldest ancient town, without overdeveloped trendy shops or constant hawking, only the original ecological atmosphere of Naxi life. Every step feels like entering a fairy-tale slow life.
Must experience: Living poetry under the snow mountain
Find a scenic tea stall and take in the whole snow mountain
The core ritual of coming to Baisha is to find a tea stall with a view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain! No need to deliberately check in at trendy shops; just wander into a small alley, and many local shops have excellent views. Order a pot of Yunnan Pu'er or rose tea, paired with a few handmade flower cakes, sit on a bamboo chair, and look up to see the unobstructed Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The snow on the peak glistens in the sunlight, smoke curls from distant rooftops, and the breeze carries the fresh scent of grass and trees. At this moment, all anxiety melts away.
Recommended to head straight to the alleys around [Sifang Street], such as Zhongyi Alley and Taiping Alley. Most shops here are single-story houses, and the terraces or window seats on the second floor frame the snow mountain and ancient town together perfectly. No filter needed for photos; every shot looks like wallpaper-level masterpieces. Tea seat prices are mostly 30-50 RMB per person, with unlimited time to sit—super cost-effective, worth staying all afternoon.
Stroll through deserted alleys and encounter authentic local life
Baisha Ancient Town is not large. The main street is the shops around Sifang Street. Walk a few steps deeper, and you’ll find quiet alleys with fewer people. The bluestone pavement is polished shiny by time, flanked by traditional Naxi wooden houses with green plants climbing the walls and potted plants grown by elders at the door. Occasionally, you might see Naxi grandmothers in traditional dress embroidering at the door or villagers slowly walking by with baskets on their backs. Without tourist disturbance, only the truest life atmosphere remains.
Highly recommend the alleys near [Baisha Murals], which are far from the bustling main street and preserve the most original look of the ancient town. Afternoon sunlight filters through leaves, casting mottled shadows on the ground. Occasionally, you can hear chanting from afar—quiet and healing, perfect for slow walks, emptying your mind, and feeling the town’s slow rhythm.
Check in at lesser-known photo spots to avoid crowds and get great shots
You don’t need to look hard for photo spots in Baisha Ancient Town; every corner is scenic. But these few lesser-known spots will make your photos stand out:
- [Baisha Archway]: The iconic building at the town entrance, with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain behind it. Standing under the archway with the snow mountain as the background, you can capture the grandeur of the ancient town and snow mountain together;
- [Along Yuhu Road]: There are many original farmlands and woods by the roadside. In spring, green wheat shoots; in autumn, golden rice fields, paired with the distant snow mountain, it looks like a fairy tale world;
- [Old houses’ wooden doors/windowsills]: Many old houses have wooden doors and windowsills full of character. Paired with flowers or greenery, photos taken here are full of life and artistic vibes.
Photo tips: Wear light-colored or ethnic-style clothing, avoid strong midday light, choose early morning or evening for softer light and better shots; avoid peak crowds on the main street, walk into alleys for more empty, cinematic photos.
In-depth guide: Food, accommodation, and travel tips
Must-eat food: Authentic flavors hidden in the ancient town
Baisha Ancient Town’s food is not as flashy as Dayan Ancient Town’s, mostly local home-style dishes with authentic taste and affordable prices:
- [Naxi native chicken rice noodles]: Many local shops in the town serve this, 15 RMB per bowl. The chicken broth is rich and fragrant, the rice noodles chewy, served with mint, cilantro, and chili oil. Simple and delicious, a local breakfast favorite;
- [Handmade flower cakes]: Different from commercial brands in the city, shops here bake fresh on the spot, 10 RMB for 3 pieces. The crust is crispy, filled with rose petals, sweet but not greasy, with a faint floral fragrance, perfect as souvenirs;
- [Grilled milk fan]: A common roadside snack, 5 RMB each. The milk fan is grilled to a crispy golden brown, wrapped with rose sauce or sugar. Crispy with a milky aroma, a Yunnan specialty worth trying;
- [Wild mushroom hotpot]: If you’re with a group, try the wild mushroom hotpot. The broth is made from various wild mushrooms, fresh and flavorful, paired with local native chicken. Nutritious and delicious, about 60 RMB per person to eat to fullness.
Transportation guide: The most convenient ways to get there
- From Lijiang Ancient Town: Take bus No. 6 directly to Baisha Ancient Town entrance, about 30 minutes, fare 2 RMB; or carpool for about 15 RMB per person, 20 minutes, more flexible and convenient;
- From Lijiang High-Speed Rail Station: Take bus No. 18 to Lijiang Ancient Town, then transfer to bus No. 6 to Baisha Ancient Town, about 1 hour total; or take a taxi directly, about 50 RMB, 40 minutes;
- Within the ancient town: The town is small and walkable. Stroll slowly and soak in the atmosphere; no need for transportation.
Pitfall avoidance guide: Don’t fall for these traps
- Avoid low-price tour groups: There may be low-price tour groups at the town entrance claiming “Snow Mountain + Ancient Town One-Day Tour,” but most take you to shopping stops, wasting time and offering poor experiences. Free travel is recommended;
- Ask prices before buying: Although prices are generally low, some shops may raise prices for tourists, especially for specialties and souvenirs. Always ask the price first and bargain appropriately;
- Don’t enter “private scenic spots” casually: Some villagers may lure you into so-called “private viewing platforms” charging 20-50 RMB, but many free spots in the town offer snow mountain views. No need to pay;
- Pay attention to sun protection and warmth: Lijiang is at high altitude with strong UV rays, so sunscreen is necessary even on cloudy days. Temperature differences between morning and evening are large, especially in spring and autumn. Wear a light jacket to avoid catching cold.
Best time to visit: When is the best time to go
- Spring (March-May): The farmland around the town blooms with flowers, paired with the snow mountain, the scenery is stunning, and the temperature is comfortable, perfect for photography;
- Autumn (September-November): Clear weather, crisp air, high visibility, with clear views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, ideal for outdoor activities;
- Avoid peak seasons (July-August, Chinese New Year): These times have many tourists, higher prices, and a lower quality experience. Try to travel off-peak.
The romance of Baisha Ancient Town lies not in crowded trendy spots but in its original ecology and slow pace. Here, you can put down your phone, escape the noise, daydream under the snow mountain, stroll through alleys, listen to the wind at tea stalls, and experience the purest Lijiang life. It’s not as lively as Dayan Ancient Town but has an unforgettable authentic atmosphere, perfect for anyone wanting to escape the city and find tranquility.
If you plan to visit Lijiang, don’t just focus on Dayan Ancient Town. Be sure to take a walk in Baisha Ancient Town. Trust me, this slow life will become the warmest memory of your Lijiang trip.
The famous "Baisha Murals" are the product of the great opening of the Naxi society in the Ming Dynasty. They are mainly concentrated in the Dabaoji Palace and the Glazed Hall, adjacent to the Baisha Jinxiu Art Academy. Its painting lasted for more than 300 years from the early Ming Dynasty to the early Qing Dynasty. The late Ming and early Qing dynasties were the heyday of Lijiang murals, which have a history of 500 years. Baisha is located about 16 kilometers north of Lijiang City, Yunnan. It is an ancient and beautiful town. It is the original settlement of the Naxi people in Lijiangba and the birthplace of the Lijiang Mu chieftain. It is the earliest political, economic and cultural center of the Naxi people and an important part of the world cultural heritage Lijiang Ancient City.
The authentic murals are in the last small courtyard. I have seen many photos taken in the comments, and they are all displayed in the "Wenchang Pavilion" in the front. This one was rebuilt later.
There is a 3A scenic spot in Baisha Ancient Town, Baisha Murals. It is worth visiting here. The murals are very famous. As the name suggests, it is necessary to take a few more photos. I like this place very much.
Baisha murals are located in Baisha Ancient Town at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain. You can take a taxi from Lijiang Ancient Town. Dayan Ancient Town, Shuhe Ancient Town and Baisha Ancient Town represent three levels of development, from high to low. Compared with the bustle and commercialization of Dayan Ancient Town, Baisha Ancient Town is still solemn and simple, and the towering Yulong Snow Mountain seems to be right next to it. The courtyard on the right hand side of the gate is the exhibition hall, which introduces Baisha murals and Jinsha River rock paintings. Baisha murals are precious works of art inherited by local Naxi people in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, integrating Dongba, Han, Tibetan and other cultures, with a wide range of themes. It is a pity that the iconic Dabaoji Palace was not able to see its true appearance this time because it was under renovation, but I also saw a 1:1 copy in the exhibition hall, and I could take pictures, but I couldn't take pictures of the real thing. The ticket will enjoy a 10 yuan discount in Yunnan Province before the end of 2020, and we were not asked to pay the ancient city maintenance fee.
Near the entrance of Baisha Town, there are two pavilions under renovation, so they cannot be visited. Recently, the ticket price is 10 yuan per person. Those with senior citizen cards can enter for free. After entering the gate, there is a green area, and the buildings of several pavilions are very historical. It is mainly murals, which are not well protected, and photography is not allowed. There are not many people in this classic, and there are occasional group tourists. Compared with commercial attractions, it is recommended to come here. Bus No. 6 can go directly here (about 15 minutes apart), there are horses and cattle along the way, and the scenery is good.
This is a valuable ancient cultural relic in Baisha Ancient Town. On the walls of some temples there are 53 murals from the Ming and Qing dynasties, made by local ancient artists. For some reason, tourists have to pay 50 yuan for cultural relic protection to see these cultural relics.
Baisha Ancient Town is free, but you need to buy an additional 20 yuan ticket to visit Baisha murals. There are two important buildings under maintenance and not open to the public, so we only visited some of the murals. The themes of the murals are all related to Buddhism. They were built in the Ming Dynasty and used natural minerals as pigments. Most of them have fallen off due to the age, but you can still see the general pattern.