Major city · China
Shaxi沙溪
Give Shaxi 2 nights: one full day for Sideng old town and the Friday market, one for Shibaoshan. Skip it if you only have a Dali–Lijiang transfer day.
Shaxi is a small Bai valley town on the old Tea and Horse caravan road, 2 hours by bus from both Dali and Lijiang. The draw is the Friday market and the Sideng square, plus Shibaoshan's grottoes 12 km north. Two nights covers it; the town itself is walkable in an afternoon.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CNY
- Best months
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
- avoid Jun–Aug (rainy season), Chinese New Year week
- Airports
- LJG · DLU
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- China ↗Most nationalities need a visa, a unilateral visa-free entry (the list and end dates change) or the transit exemption below. Confirm your route on the official sites before you buy a ticket.
- China ↗Transit stay without a visa: up to 240 hours (10 days) for citizens of about 55 listed countries who pass through China to a third country or region, with a confirmed onward ticket and a stay inside the permitted area (Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei count as one area). It replaced the 144-hour rule in December 2024, which some older pages still quote. Use the transit lane at immigration, show the onward ticket, and check the current nationality list. Hong Kong and Macau count as separate regions; check whether your ticket qualifies.
- China ↗Foreign visitors must register their address with the police within 24 hours; hotels do it at check-in with your passport. Carry the original passport at all times: hotels, trains, museums, Tiananmen Square and police checks ask for it.
- China ↗Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with a foreign card before you fly. QR payment is the default in shops, taxis and many stalls, and some places refuse cash or a foreign card. Carry cash as a backup.
- China ↗Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and many news sites are blocked. Use an eSIM with roaming (it routes through your home network) or install and test a VPN before you fly; VPN sites and app stores are hard to reach inside China, and only government-approved VPNs are officially permitted.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Shaxi110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Shaxi, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Alipay and WeChat Pay accept Visa, Mastercard, JCB and Amex cards; single payments over ¥200 (≈ US$30) carry a fee of about 3% on a foreign card (smaller ones…China-wide
- SIM or eSIMA roaming eSIM from outside China routes traffic through its home network, so Google, WhatsApp and Instagram work without a VPN — the simplest setup.China-wide
- Tap waterNot for drinking from the tap; bottled water ¥2–5 (≈ under US$1), and kettles and free bottles in hotel rooms.China-wide
- TippingRestaurants: No tip; upmarket hotels add 10–15% service.China-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/C/I. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.China-wide
- SafetyShaxi is a small, low-crime valley town and safe for tourists.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are frequent and free; squat toilets outside hotels and malls.China-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 119 fire · 120 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums and palaces close on Mondays; the Forbidden City too (outside holidays).China-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportLJG Lijiang Sanyi (About 2 h by road to Shaxi; bus from Lijiang bus terminal, about 2 h).
- Getting aroundSideng is small enough to walk.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee¥15–30 (≈ US$3–5)
- Sit-down mealLocal restaurant meal¥30–50 (≈ US$5–7)
- Street or quick mealBowl of noodles¥10–20 (≈ US$2–3)
- Beerbottle in a café / can at a shop¥15–25 (≈ US$3–4)¥5–10 (≈ US$1–2)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week¥50–150 (≈ US$7–25)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per personCN¥60 (≈ US$9)
- Mid-range bedGuesthouse double room, a night, per roomCN¥250 (≈ US$35)
- High-end bedGuesthouse double room, a night, per roomCN¥575 (≈ US$85)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget CN¥180 (≈ US$30) · Mid CN¥320 (≈ US$45) · High CN¥600 (≈ US$85)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- LJG Lijiang Sanyi (About 2 h by road to Shaxi; bus from Lijiang bus terminal, about 2 h) · DLU Dali (About 2 h by road; buses from Dali bus terminal and Dali Old Town bus terminal)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Feb
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Mar
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Apr
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Avoid
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jul
Avoid
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Avoid
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Sep
not flagged
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Oct
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Dec
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jun (25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)), coolest Jan (−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C) low), wettest Jul (18 rain days), driest Dec (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Shaxi: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
3 rd
Feb
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
4 rd
Mar
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
5 rd
Apr
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
6 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
9 rd
Jun
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
14 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
18 rd
Aug
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
17 rd
Sep
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
13 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
9 rd
Nov
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
4 rd
Dec
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
2 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Sideng is small enough to walk. Bicycles rent near the main square for about ¥20 a day (check). Taxis or a hired driver reach Shibaoshan, 12 km north. Mountain trails east and west of the valley are unmarked: go with a guide or a local who knows them.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Shibaoshan (Stone Treasure Mountain)
goDoor to door: About 30 min each way
Taxi or hired car 12 km (7.5 mi) north on the Jianchuan roadTaxi or hired car 7.5 mi (12 km) north on the Jianchuan road
Entrance about ¥50 (check). Shizhong Temple has the densest stone carvings; Baoxiang Temple is further up. Watch the monkeys.
Jianchuan
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Local bus or taxi north, about 30–40 min
County town known for wood carvings; cheaper than buying the same pieces in Shaxi.
Bailong Tan (White Dragon Pool)
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h on foot each way
Walk or cycle about 8 km (5 mi) south of Sideng, uphillWalk or cycle about 5 mi (8 km) south of Sideng, uphill
Sacred spring pool that supplies the valley's drinking water; go on a bike.
Mapingguan Village
cautionDoor to door: About 1 h by car
Hired car or long hike, 15 km (9.3 mi) southwest of SidengHired car or long hike, 9.3 mi (15 km) southwest of Sideng
Old salt-tax checkpost on the caravan road; little infrastructure, arrange the return.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Sideng old town
The square and theatre stage; guesthouses in Bai courtyards, walk to everything.
Diantou Village
3 km (1.9 mi) north of Sideng on the valley road; quieter, near the Pear Orchard Temple.1.9 mi (3 km) north of Sideng on the valley road; quieter, near the Pear Orchard Temple.
Duanjiadeng Village
About 3 km (1.9 mi) north of the old town; rural guesthouses with valley views.About 1.9 mi (3 km) north of the old town; rural guesthouses with valley views.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ¥150–250 (≈ US$25–35) excl. bed
- Mid
- ¥250–450 (≈ US$35–65) excl. bed
- High
- ¥450 (≈ US$65)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse double room1 × 2 nights × CN¥250 | CN¥500 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × CN¥320 | CN¥1,280 |
| Bicycle hire, one day2 × CN¥20 · check | CN¥40 |
| Shibaoshan entrance2 × CN¥50 · check | CN¥100 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × CN¥100 | CN¥200 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | CN¥212 |
| Trip total≈ CN¥583 per person per day, bed included | CN¥2,332≈ US$350 |
2026 estimate in yuan; long-distance transport excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | ¥15–30 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Bowl of noodles | ¥10–20 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Local restaurant meal | ¥30–50 (≈ US$5–7) |
| Beer: bottle in a café / can at a shop | ¥15–25 (≈ US$3–4) / ¥5–10 (≈ US$1–2) |
| Bicycle hire, full day | ¥20 (≈ US$3) (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | ¥50–150 (≈ US$7–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Shibaoshan has monkeys near Baoxiang Temple that can be aggressive; minor injuries have been reported.
- Mountain trails are unmarked and easy to lose; hire a guide or ask your guesthouse.
- Some guesthouse and restaurant websites and phone numbers listed online are out of date; confirm before you rely on them.
- Altitude is around 2,100 m: pace the first day.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Fire
- 119
- Ambulance
- 120
Pocket card
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Shaxi沙溪
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
请到这个地址To this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Fire119
- Ambulance120
Embassy
No embassies in Shaxi; most are in Beijing with consulates-general in Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Kunming (check).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Dali → Shaxi: about 2 h; fare check locally
- Bus Lijiang → Shaxi: about 2 h; fare check locally
- Shuttle Dali ↔ Shaxi (Landscape Hotel): ¥80 (≈ US$12) each way, 09:00 and 15:00, book a day ahead (check)¥80 (≈ US$12) each way, 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM, book a day ahead (check)
- Horse trek to Shibaoshan: ¥120 (≈ US$17) per person round trip (check)
Say or show
- 你好 — Hello (nǐ hǎo)
- 谢谢 — Thank you (xièxie)
- 多少钱？ — How much is it? (duōshao qián)
- 不要 — I don't want it (bú yào)
- 厕所在哪里？ — Where is the toilet? (cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ)
- 可以手机支付吗？ — Can I pay by phone? (kěyǐ shǒujī zhīfù ma)
Download an offline map and set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you arrive: little English is spoken and few places take foreign cards.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Shaxi. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · avoid Jun–Aug (rainy season), Chinese New Year week · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for LJG and DLU: last bus times, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Sideng square, the east gate, the valley road north to Diantou.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Shibaoshan, Xingjiao Temple, Pear Orchard Temple) and eat pages with last orders.
- Friday market and Torch Festival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.