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Lijiang, Shuhe & Baisha: Exploring Yunnan's Ancient Towns

More than just Lijiang - Discovering China's Authentic Ancient Towns (and traditional food)

Destination:ChinaProvince:YunnanCity:Lijiang

More than just Lijiang - Discovering China's. This was filmed by Feeding Foca - food-inspired travels. Watch the full journey and explore the filming details and destinations on this page.

We fell in love with these towns in Yunnan Province, let us show you why. Before visiting China, Vero just heard about the famous cities like, Beijing, Shanghai or Xian. But she has never heard of this magical region that is settled between China, Myanmar and Laos. I wanted to show her this region, to give her a nice surprise about how China can look like. And this town was especially a great experience. Welcome to the Old Town of Lijiang, Yunnan. But hold on, we will also show you the incredible towns of Shuhe and Baisha Ancient Town. December, 2024 | Shuhe, Baisha and Lijiang, China

--- Feeding Foca - food-inspired travels
February 7, 2025, Winter in China

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

Vero and Li explore three Yunnan towns: Shuhe, Baisha and Lijiang. They stay in Shuhe rather than the main Lijiang Old Town and visit three-eyed wells in its 800-year-old water system. The trip includes leather craftwork, Naxi language and culture, rice noodles and rose cakes, followed by a mushroom hot pot. In Baisha they find cafes, street food and baozi with pork and matsutake mushrooms. Their final stop is Lijiang Old Town, where local carpenters work without blueprints. The travelers recommend Shuhe and Baisha for a quieter stay and mention low-season access to Black Dragon Pool.

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More than just Lijiang - Discovering China's Authentic Ancient Towns (and traditional food)

Shuhe's water system and everyday life

Vero and Li travel through Yunnan, focusing on Shuhe, Baisha and Lijiang. Instead of staying in the busy main Lijiang Old Town, they choose a homestay in Shuhe, which they find more relaxed and less crowded. The town has a history of more than a thousand years and a water system that has remained functional for about 800 years. Three-eyed wells separate water uses: one is for drinking, another for washing vegetables and another for washing clothes. The travelers walk the streets, observe local residents, drink Pu'er tea and notice traditional leather craftsmanship. They also learn about Naxi language and culture while exploring.

Food, Baisha and Lijiang Old Town

Their food stops include Yunnan rice noodles, rose cakes made with edible roses and a mushroom hot pot with different flavors and textures. In Baisha, they find cafes, street food and local baozi, including a pork and matsutake mushroom variety. They describe Baisha as less affected by mass tourism and enjoy its relaxed pace. They also see Naxi letters and visit Lijiang Old Town, where beautiful architecture and carpenters' skills are on display; some builders work without blueprints. The trip includes a sunrise view over Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Vero and Li acknowledge that Lijiang Old Town can be crowded, while recommending time in Shuhe or Baisha for visitors who want quieter streets. They also note that low-season visits can mean no entrance fee at Black Dragon Pool.

Their final visits include Lijiang Old Town, where they admire the architecture and watch carpenters build without blueprints. The couple acknowledge that mass tourism has changed parts of Lijiang, and use Shuhe and Baisha as alternatives for a quieter stay. The route includes a sunrise view over Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and visits to local cafes and food stalls. They also note that a low-season visit can mean no entry fee at Black Dragon Pool. These practical and cultural details complement the meals and ancient water system, giving the trip a mix of history, food and everyday village life.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What was the most memorable part of your trip?
A: Vero and Li remember the sunrise over Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from their stay in Shuhe. They also mention the mushroom hot pot as a favorite meal, with its different mushrooms and flavors. The sunrise and food are two moments they recall from the trip.
Q: What was your favorite town?
A: Shuhe was their favorite town because it felt relaxed and had a balance of tourism and local life. They found friendly residents, a beautiful setting and a slower pace than the main Lijiang Old Town.
Q: What advice would you give to someone planning a trip to this region?
A: They recommend staying in Shuhe or Baisha rather than spending all your time in Lijiang Old Town if you want a quieter, more local experience. They also suggest trying the mushroom hot pot, walking through the old streets and allowing time to see local daily life.

Lijiang, Shuhe & Baisha: Exploring Yunnan's Ancient Towns

We fell in love with these towns in Yunnan Province, let us show you why. Before visiting China, Vero just heard about the famous cities like, Beijing, Shanghai or Xian. But she has never heard of this magical region that is settled between China, Myanmar and Laos. I wanted to show her this region,...

Exploring Yunnan's Ancient Towns: Shuhe, Baisha & Lijiang

Discover the hidden gem of Yunnan Province in China! Forget the bustling cities; this journey unveils the authentic charm of ancient towns like Lijiang, Shuhe, and Baisha. Explore captivating landscapes, rich culture, and delightful surprises beyond the typical tourist trail. Let's explore the magic of this region nestled between China, Myanmar, and Laos, where ancient towns and incredible experiences await!

Attractions in this video: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Black Dragon Pool, Three Eyed Wells