I thought Xizhou Ancient Town was beautiful enough, until I went to Shaxi

Shaxi, a place where time slows down, doesn't have the bustling streets of Lijiang or Dali, only the impeccably clean blue sky and green mountains. The ancient town is small, with Sifang Street as the core of the town. You can stroll along the main stone-paved street at a leisurely pace, and it takes only an hour or two to finish. The alleys on both sides are filled with local residents' old houses, and cats and dogs can be seen everywhere, clearly enjoying their life here. The TV series 'Go to the Place with the Wind' made this place popular, but restrained commercialization has preserved the original appearance of the ancient town. Compared to checking off tourist spots, Shaxi is a place more suited for quietly experiencing with your heart. Waking up to the crowing of roosters, the first rays of morning sun on the windowsill, stepping out to see the working people and school-going children, and at night, walking under the dim streetlights on the stone-paved roads to watch the stars, this is the primal joy that Shaxi bestows upon people. During your days in Shaxi, all you need is to find a cozy little shop to eat something simple, chat with friends, or just sit idly in the breeze. You will find that what makes you linger is not only the picturesque scenery but also the attitude towards life that everyone here embodies.