Shaxi upstay

So lucky to have met you here! My love for Shaxi all stems from this place. Meeting such a wonderful guesthouse owner was truly therapeutic!! The owner is a local Bai ethnic minority who loves life. This is the only guesthouse where they dare to use bath towels, because they're taken directly from the sterilizer!! You can feel how much care the owner puts into their cooking. The owner's wife is an amazing cook; we finished everything! She's proficient in both Chinese and Western cuisine! You don't need to think too much here; just enjoy life. Thanks again to the owner—and to our little boss for the gift! I hope to meet more like-minded people here. Hygiene: 5 stars! Facilities: 5 stars! Environment: 5 stars! Service: 5 stars!

A guesthouse that exceeded my expectations! The owners and their family were incredibly friendly and attentive, taking meticulous care of guests who had traveled from afar, always responsive to their needs. Both dinners were at the guesthouse; the ingredients were fresh and delicious. The restaurant had a wood-fired fire for warmth, creating a very cozy atmosphere. The owner is an experienced hiking guide. Hearing that I wanted to hike Tiger Leaping Gorge, he gave me a lot of helpful advice. Because I was worried about traffic, I planned to leave at 7 am the next day, and the owner even got up early to pack breakfast for me—so thoughtful! The cat in the yard is also adorable; its name is Mimi!

I was very satisfied with my stay in Dali. The guesthouse is near Erhai Lake, offering a wide view, especially beautiful at dawn and dusk. Even doing nothing but watching the lake and feeling the breeze from my room was very comfortable. The surrounding area is quiet, unlike the noisy and commercialized popular tourist spots, making it perfect for those who want a slow-paced and peaceful vacation. However, the location is relatively remote, making it not very convenient to get a taxi or go out to eat. It's more suitable for traveling by car or hiring a private car. Overall, the scenery and atmosphere are a big plus; it's a place where you can truly slow down. "Not the most convenient location, but it's a perfect place to daydream, watch the lake, and relax."

I arrived at the guesthouse on the afternoon of the 6th. Knowing I hadn't eaten lunch, the owner provided delicious sour soup rice noodles and mooncakes. After hearing my travel plans, the owner gave me suggestions that suited my tastes, so I impulsively decided to climb Shibao Mountain. Seeing I was traveling alone, the owner even accompanied me down the mountain. Along the way, we saw grottoes, smelled medicinal herbs, picked mushrooms, and even picked mosquito-repellent plants to tuck behind our ears. Then, standing halfway up the mountain, we admired the beautiful clouds and looked out over the entire Shaxi Town. The guesthouse owner patiently explained everything and shared interesting stories; it was incredibly fun. Furthermore, this is a guesthouse that promotes environmental protection. They don't provide disposable toiletries (toothbrushes). If you accidentally forget your toothbrush, you'll be lucky enough to receive a travel-sized toothpaste and toothbrush set as a gift—like me, I was so ashamed! Baking soda soap powder replaces regular soap, and the plastic bottles in the bathroom are biodegradable. The entire room was cozy, the bedding was comfortable, and a washing machine and dryer were provided. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention, the breakfast was also very plentiful and delicious! If you come to Shaxi, choosing to stay here will definitely give you a good night's sleep. You'll want to come back again and again. Even if you catch a cold while playing, it won't affect your love for this place.

Shaxi is a place where you can enjoy pastoral scenery, pristine nature, and relax. Here, you can not only experience the history of the Ancient Tea Horse Road but also see the blue sky and white clouds of the countryside, with the wind rustling through the trees. Shaping Village, Beilong Village, and Hualong Village surround Shaxi Ancient Town. Shaping Village is located north of the ancient town, a 7-8 minute drive away. Each village has its own unique characteristics, and there are electric shuttle buses between them for 20 yuan per vehicle. If you want to avoid the hassle of price gouging and crowds in the ancient town, I recommend staying in one of these three villages. It's convenient for getting around and allows you to deeply experience the quiet rural life. I stumbled upon an introduction to Cunshang Village Homestay and was immediately drawn to this hidden gem in the countryside. The owners, Dahua and his wife, are both hospitable and attentive, and the quality of the homestay is evident in every detail: the decor not only features the characteristics of Bai ethnic minority houses but also reflects a natural, unspoiled feel. Different colored soil is used to decorate the walls, the succulents in the courtyard are full of life, and the air is filled with the fragrance of magnolia and osmanthus blossoms. The room's decor was eco-friendly and convenient, with the natural wood walls and floors complementing the surrounding environment perfectly. The Kohler bathroom fixtures were spotless, and the floors were vacuumed and then manually wiped with cloths – the cleanliness rivaled that of a five-star hotel. Although the room didn't have a TV, isn't the point of traveling to such a place to fully immerse oneself in rural life? It's also worth noting that the guesthouse's shampoo and shower gel are biodegradable products with natural essential oils, and Dahua thoughtfully provided soap powder containing baking soda. Every morning, Mrs. Dahua makes handmade bread and Shaxi-style rice noodles for guests. We were also fortunate enough to sample Shaxi specialties like bean noodles and fried dough sticks. The courtyard also offers lunch and dinner, a fusion of Chinese and Western cuisine, with harmonious food presentation. Even without dining in a restaurant, you can experience the flavors and aromas of local cuisine and the sophistication of a Michelin-starred restaurant. Mrs. Dahua's cooking not only prioritizes health, using less oil and salt, but also perfectly brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients. Dahua himself has many years of outdoor experience. The only slight regret was that we didn't get to meet him this time because he was leading a hiking trip. However, he was incredibly thoughtful, carefully recommending transportation tips, a guide to Shibao Mountain, and recommendations for nearby restaurants. I must say, the trip to Shaxi was the most successful part of the entire trip. Especially the few days spent at the village guesthouse, I experienced the tranquility of Shaxi and witnessed Dahua's family's earnest attitude towards life.

After hiking back from Tiger Leaping Gorge and Baoshan Stone City, we finally stayed at Dahua's home in Murakami Village! The boss Dahua took good care of us throughout the journey, making us feel that hiking can be so comfortable and relaxing! The parent-child suite arranged by Dahua's home has a large bed, two small beds, and a special washbasin for children, which is quite nice! The toiletries without additives of plants, the rammed earth walls painted with rice soup, and the comfortable bedding are all amazing! The boss's wife's cooking skills are amazing, from French bread, Western desserts to local dishes! We ate a lot for two days! Drinking tea and basking in the sun in the courtyard, and drinking around the fire in the restaurant are a pleasant time~ Dahua and Dahua's wife, we will come back~ Hahahaha