Things to do in Shaxi
Shizhong Grottoes in Shaxi Yunnan
Shaxi Shibaoshan grottoes (Shibaoshan 石宝山)
The Shibaoshan rock carvings are over 1300 years old and evidence of the spread of Mahayana Buddhism into Yunnan from Tibet. Representations of the bodhisattva Guanyin and other Buddhist images are carved into the rocky mountainside. Spend a day at the grottoes or just hike around the temples through the lush forest - perhaps you'll be lucky enough to come across a group of monkeys. Go to the historic site by vehicle (40 minutes) or take the scenic 2 hour hike from the Old Theatre Inn.
Shaxi Friday Market in Sideng 沙溪及市
The Friday market in Shaxi's Sideng Square is one of Yunnan's finest. On this day, minority peoples of the Yi and Bai come down from their mountain villages dressed in their finest attire. The market serves as both a meeting place for friends and family as well as a place to trade for goods hard to come by in the mountains. The animal market is one of the most interesting features. Pigs, cows, goats, sheep, ducks, and chickens are traded openly in a large field adjacent to the main road.
The Shibaoshan rock carvings are over 1300 years old and evidence of the spread of Mahayana Buddhism into Yunnan from Tibet. Representations of the bodhisattva Guanyin and other Buddhist images are carved into the rocky mountainside. Spend a day at the grottoes or just hike around the temples through the lush forest - perhaps you'll be lucky enough to come across a group of monkeys. Go to the historic site by vehicle (40 minutes) or take the scenic 2 hour hike from the Old Theatre Inn.
Shaxi Friday Market in Sideng 沙溪及市
The Friday market in Shaxi's Sideng Square is one of Yunnan's finest. On this day, minority peoples of the Yi and Bai come down from their mountain villages dressed in their finest attire. The market serves as both a meeting place for friends and family as well as a place to trade for goods hard to come by in the mountains. The animal market is one of the most interesting features. Pigs, cows, goats, sheep, ducks, and chickens are traded openly in a large field adjacent to the main road.
Restored Shaxi temple in Diantou Village that offers local organic cooking
Shaxi Pear Orchard Temple and Organic Restaurant 沙溪慈荫庵
In addition to offering a fascinating glimpse into local Bai folk religion with its four active shrines, the Pear Blossom Shaxi organic restaurant at the recently restored Pear Orchard Temple in Diantou Village offers authentic Shaxi local cooking in an active Buddhist temple. Specialties include:
In addition to offering a fascinating glimpse into local Bai folk religion with its four active shrines, the Pear Blossom Shaxi organic restaurant at the recently restored Pear Orchard Temple in Diantou Village offers authentic Shaxi local cooking in an active Buddhist temple. Specialties include:
- Fresh, handmade "Buddha's Hand" pizza
- 10 kinds of handmade jiaozi (dumplings)
- Sweet and savory baba (a Shaxi spcial flat bread)
- Farm to table organic vegetables and fruits
- Fresh goat cheese dishes - must try!
- A great selection of Chinese and imported wines from around the world courtesy of Torres China.
Yunnan mushrooms
Yunnan Mushroom Picking in Shaxi 云南松茸
The matsutake mushroom - 'pine mushroom' in English and 'songrong' in Chinese - is one of the most sought-after mushrooms in the world. Most of the world's supply, the Japanese being the largest consumers, comes from Shaxi's surrounding mountains. Between the months of July and October, go on mushroom hunts with local experts. The mushroom gatherers will take you deep into the hills and teach you how to discover and distinguish between a diverse species of native mushrooms.
The matsutake mushroom - 'pine mushroom' in English and 'songrong' in Chinese - is one of the most sought-after mushrooms in the world. Most of the world's supply, the Japanese being the largest consumers, comes from Shaxi's surrounding mountains. Between the months of July and October, go on mushroom hunts with local experts. The mushroom gatherers will take you deep into the hills and teach you how to discover and distinguish between a diverse species of native mushrooms.
Shaxi Italian pizza and pasta at Tumu Kitchen
Happy hour at Tom's Kitchen 土木厨房
If you're looking for wonderful Italian Shaxi pizza, this is the best place in Shaxi. Tom, an chef from Luxumbourg. has created a happy and unique pizza kitchen in Shaxi with Tumu Kitchen. Tom also serves pasta and steak in addition to wonderful value wines from South America, Europe and China. There is no better Shaxi pizza kitchen than Tumu's in old town. Tumu Kitchen is also the best vegetarian restaurant in Shaxi Old Town. You can also order take away dishes including his delicious Italian Shaxi pizza. Come for an amazing experience at Tumu Shaxi pizza kitchen!
Here is a sample of the menu:
If you're looking for wonderful Italian Shaxi pizza, this is the best place in Shaxi. Tom, an chef from Luxumbourg. has created a happy and unique pizza kitchen in Shaxi with Tumu Kitchen. Tom also serves pasta and steak in addition to wonderful value wines from South America, Europe and China. There is no better Shaxi pizza kitchen than Tumu's in old town. Tumu Kitchen is also the best vegetarian restaurant in Shaxi Old Town. You can also order take away dishes including his delicious Italian Shaxi pizza. Come for an amazing experience at Tumu Shaxi pizza kitchen!
Here is a sample of the menu:
- Margherita pizza 45
- Italian raw Parma ham pizza 70
- Italian salaimi pizza 60
- Cheese pizza 65
- Mushroom pizza 55
- Homemade basil pesto pasta 38
- Tenderloin steak (with baked potato and yoghurt dip) 88
- Homemade vanilla ice cream
Best of Shaxi bars
Old Street Bar
One of the best places in Shaxi Old Town to people watch or have a secluded and private drinks experience. The Old Street bar is one of the earliest bars in Shaxi Old Town and is run by the charming Ji Ying, a Dongbei girl who is a wonderful hostess. Tell her Chris sent you if you want the private Japanese style room upstairs, one of the most romantic Shaxi bar experiences.
One of the best places in Shaxi Old Town to people watch or have a secluded and private drinks experience. The Old Street bar is one of the earliest bars in Shaxi Old Town and is run by the charming Ji Ying, a Dongbei girl who is a wonderful hostess. Tell her Chris sent you if you want the private Japanese style room upstairs, one of the most romantic Shaxi bar experiences.