The Travel Diary of Douzi: A Slow Travel Guide to Cangshan, Erhai & Shaxi Ancient Town

Meta Description: Discover the magic of slow travel through Dali, Cangshan, and Erhai with Douzi's intimate diary. Explore Shaxi Ancient Town, horseback riding, local cuisine, and self-discovery tips in this SEO-optimized travel guide.

Introduction: The First-Time Wonder of Slow Travel

Sitting on the long-distance bus, the scenery outside the window unfurled like a slow-moving scroll. I suddenly realized: everything before me — the rolling mountains, the unfamiliar fields, the villages I'd never seen — I was encountering for the very first time in my life. That wonderful sense of "firstness" is perhaps what travel is all about. When you find yourself in a completely unknown world, every frame carries the warmth of novelty, every breath is steeped in the scent of the unfamiliar. In that moment, you truly feel alive.

This journey began in Chengdu, passed through Shaxi in Jianchuan, then Dali's Old Town, raced along the lakeside highway, and finally left its footprints at Haishe Park, Jizhao Nunnery, and Bolo Temple. This wasn't a checklist-style trip. It was an experiment in slow living — a chance to make peace with myself, with my partner, and with time itself.

Preparing for Your Shaxi & Dali Trip: Essential Travel Tips

Transport and Route Planning: Avoid Our Mistake

Getting to Shaxi Ancient Town is not exactly convenient. We booked our "Chengdu–Dali" flights before realizing that Shaxi is actually closer to Lijiang. If you're planning to visit Shaxi, make sure to plan your route in advance. Don't make the same detour we did. [Link: How to get from Lijiang to Shaxi Ancient Town]

Packing Essentials for Yunnan's Variable Climate

• Sunscreen: The UV rays here will make you question your existence.
• Jacket: The temperature swings between day and night are brutal. A jacket could save your trip.
• Umbrella: Blocks the sun and shields you from rain — two birds, one stone.
• Face masks: The climate is dry. Hydration is everything.
• Sunglasses, hat: Essential for nailing that travel look.
• Insect repellent: Don't ask why. Ask the mosquito bites all over my body.

Camera Gear for Travel Photography

We brought a Sony A7R2 (with 85mm and 35mm prime lenses), a Sony RX100 compact camera, our phones, and two Manfrotto tripods — one large, one small. Prime lenses for portraits? Absolutely unbeatable. [Link: Best camera gear for travel photography in Yunnan]

Douzi's Travel Outfit Tips: How to Dress for Stunning Photos

People always ask me on social media: "Do you plan your outfits before every trip?" As someone who genuinely loves fashion, I can tell you — absolutely yes.

My rule is simple: first, research the architecture and vibe of the destination. Then, factor in the weather and temperature. Finally, pack clothes that match the local character. Follow this formula, and your photos will rarely miss the mark.

To me, Dali feels like an artsy city — with Cangshan Mountain at its back and Erhai Lake at its feet, it's one of the best places in China for travel photography.

Clothing: July means summer, so dresses were my go-to. They photograph beautifully and require zero coordination effort. But no matter what — bring a jacket. The temperature drops at night, and you can use it for sun protection too.

Accessories: Hats, sunglasses, canvas bags. You can't travel without sunglasses and a hat — you'll thank me when you're posing for photos. My favorite is a big, practical canvas bag: roomy and photogenic.

Shoes: Travel means walking — a lot. Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. I usually bring only 1–3 pairs, making sure they match most of my outfits. When you're on the road, happiness comes first.

Shaxi in Jianchuan: An Unexpected Gem on the Ancient Tea Horse Road

From Downpour to Sunset: A Miracle at Yujin Bridge

One hour earlier, it was pouring. Then, in the blink of an eye, the sun came out. The innkeeper recommended we head to Yujin Bridge to watch the sunset. Shaxi Ancient Town is small, he said — we'd get there in no time. But we, two directionally challenged souls, still managed to take a wrong turn. After some detours, we finally made it. Standing on the bridge, the view instantly melted away all our exhaustion. This is a bridge worth lingering on. Click, click, click — photo time.

Shaxi was a key stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, so horse riding is available. 60 yuan for 30 minutes — pretty cheap, right?

A 100-Yuan Beef Hotpot That Left Us Stuffed

As darkness fell, hunger struck. We walked into a restaurant called "Longfeng Ruiying Qingzhen Niurou" (a halal beef joint). The owner was incredibly warm and welcoming — and she was also the chef. Impressive, right?

We ordered a two-person beef hotpot (mildly spicy), which came with one plate of beef, one plate of lotus root and potatoes, and one plate of mixed greens. We were starving, and seeing only three plates made us nervous. Back in Chengdu, we'd order about ten dishes for two people! The table next to us ordered a plate of century eggs. We exchanged a look and reached a silent agreement: "Boss, we'll take a plate of century eggs too!"

You can guess what happened next — we ate until we were stuffed. And the total? Just 100 yuan! We couldn't even finish the rice noodles under the century eggs. The owner's "two-person hotpot" was no joke.

Fanghe Inn: The Warmth of Wood

That night, we checked into Fanghe Inn, which cost 432 yuan. Clean room, warm wood tones, a comfortable bathtub — the decor was exactly our style. Experience rating: four stars. Recommendation rating: four stars.

Shaxi Ancient Town: Horseback Riding, Hualong Village, and a Teahouse in the Rain

The Sun Heard Our Call

We woke up early on the second day and headed out at 7:30 AM. The sky was completely overcast. We tried taking some photos, but the results were terrible. We even started arguing. And then — as if the sun had heard our plea — it miraculously peeked through the clouds. We were instantly thrilled!

After our photo session, we went back to the inn for breakfast, just in time. Then I sat in the courtyard writing my travel diary, looking up at the blue sky, listening to the sound of water dripping from the stone mill, with a gray cat wandering around my feet. Time flowed quietly.

My First Time on a Horse: Terrifying and Thrilling

Around 4 PM, we rode horses to Hualong Village, hoping to see Shaxi from above. It was my first time on a horse. The moment I got on, I felt completely off-balance, swaying left and right. The owner said, "The horse will rock as it walks — just relax and move with it. Don't be scared! Our horses are very gentle!" — Yeah, right! I was terrified!

When we reached the end point, the horse guide said we could walk a bit further for better photos. We figured, since we were already there, why not? After about five minutes, we found ourselves deeper in the woods. Nothing but trees on both sides. My feelings were mixed: turning back felt like a waste, but what if the view ahead was amazing? So we pushed on. The path got narrower. The trees grew taller and denser. The wind howled, making the branches creak. Even Pan, who's usually fearless, kept looking back. We both hid our fear, not wanting to scare the other. And then — before we knew it — we had walked all the way down the mountain! The sky was getting dark. Defeated, we sat on a rice paddy ridge, laughing about our non-disaster of an adventure.

Waiting for the Wind Inn: Warmth from a Chengdu Girl

This was the most comfortable place we stayed during the entire trip — Waiting for the Wind Inn, priced at 496 yuan. The innkeeper was a girl from Chengdu, and she ran the place beautifully. Experience rating: five stars. Recommendation rating: five stars.

That morning, we were woken up by Shaxi's rain. After a hearty breakfast, we sat in the tea room, brewing tea and waiting for the skies to clear so we could take photos. But by noon, the rain still hadn't stopped. We threw caution to the wind and went out in the rain anyway — and ended up taking a set of photos we absolutely loved.

Day Three in Shaxi: Learning to Slow Down

On the third day, I woke up at 8 AM and couldn't fall back asleep. I thought about getting up to edit photos or do something productive. Clearly, my mind was still restless. But Shaxi taught me something important: travel isn't about checking boxes. It's about letting the day unfold naturally.

I stayed in bed a little longer, listening to the rain on the roof. Eventually, I wandered downstairs for a simple breakfast of rice noodles and local tea. No plans. No schedule. Just being present. That morning, I learned that the best moments in travel often come when you stop trying to capture them.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the best time to visit Shaxi Ancient Town? A: The best time is from March to November, with July offering warm weather and lush landscapes. However, be prepared for sudden rain showers even in summer.

Q2: How do I get to Shaxi Ancient Town from Dali or Lijiang? A: Shaxi is closer to Lijiang. From Lijiang, take a bus to Jianchuan County, then a local minibus to Shaxi. From Dali, it's a longer journey via Jianchuan. Plan your route in advance to avoid detours.

Q3: Is horseback riding safe for beginners in Shaxi? A: Yes, the horses are gentle and well-trained. The cost is 60 yuan for 30 minutes. First-timers should relax and move with the horse's rhythm. The guides are experienced and supportive.

Q4: What should I pack for a slow travel trip to Dali and Shaxi? A: Pack sunscreen, a jacket for temperature swings, an umbrella, face masks for dry climate, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes. Dresses are great for photos in summer.

Q5: How much does a budget-friendly trip to Shaxi cost? A: A mid-range trip costs around 400-500 yuan per night for accommodation, 100 yuan for a hearty meal for two, and 60 yuan for horseback riding. Budget-friendly options are available for backpackers.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination

This trip taught me that slow travel isn't about seeing more — it's about feeling more. Whether it's watching the sunset from Yujin Bridge, laughing over a 100-yuan hotpot, or getting lost in the woods on horseback, every moment becomes a memory when you let go of expectations.

So pack your bags, leave your checklist behind, and let Cangshan and Erhai guide you. Hand in hand, laughing out loud — that's the real journey.

Ready to plan your own slow travel adventure? Start by [booking your accommodation in Shaxi Ancient Town] and [checking the latest travel tips for Dali]. Share your story with us in the comments below — we'd love to hear about your journey of self-discovery.

Follow Douzi's Travel Diary for more slow travel guides, outfit tips, and hidden gems across China.