Shuhe Ancient Town is a tiny village located a couple of miles to the north of Lijiang, in Yunnan province. It looks like a smaller version of the old city of Lijiang and is one of the earliest settlements of the Naxi people built a thousand years ago as a crucial post on the Tea Horse Ancient Road. The town presents multiple cultural scenes, including unique folk customs, historical relics and beautiful natural scenery. 

The town is renowned for its network of waterways and bridges with the most crystal clear water running through in the most unpolluted form with the most eminent spot being Qinglong Bridge. It offers a special kind of charm if you are looking for a peaceful and less crowded environment yet it still provides a warm ambiance. It was UNESCO listed as a crucial part of Lijiang in the most authentic manner. 

Major attractions and activities to do on a visit

Shop till you drop at this ancient town for woven merchandise, wood carvings, jade, outfits, silverware, jewelry, fascinating paintings, Naxi style pottery and traditional clothes. You also get the chance to meet wedding couples dressed up to document their happiest moments and put them in pictures at the picturesque backdrop of the town. 

Shuhe locals still practice farming and you will clearly see this through the bountiful vegetable farms busy with farmers going through their daily procedures as you either walk or enjoy a horseback ride. Walking through this ancient town will leave you with an appetite especially because it is lined with a variety of restaurants and of course you wouldn’t leave without sampling their local mouthwatering delicacies as you wind up with live music performances spread out at the water creek restaurants.