Shuhe Ancient Town

丽江束河古镇

Yunnan, Lijiang★ 4.4·27.0058°N, 100.2617°E

Ticket Price

CNY 60 (includes all paid sites)

Duration

2-4 hours

Rating

4.4 / 5.0

About Shuhe Ancient Town

A quieter Naxi old town on the historic Tea Horse Road, a short distance from Lijiang's main ancient city. Cobbled lanes, running canals, leather workshops and the backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain give it a relaxed mountain feel.

Highlights

• Quieter Naxi old town on the Tea Horse Road, 4 km from Lijiang. • Cobbled lanes, canals and leather and tie-dye workshops. • Jiuding Dragon Pool and a mountain backdrop.

Suggested Route

Enter the north gate, stroll the canals to Jiuding Pool, then visit the workshops; 2-3 h.

Food & Lodging

Cafes and Naxi eateries; lodges and boutique inns sit within the town.

Facilities

Parking at the entrance, restrooms, shuttle from Lijiang, partial wheelchair access and a tourist center.

Travel Tips

Shuhe Old Town is mostly guesthouses, full of ethnic character—typically Naxi houses converted into courtyard-style wooden buildings. Staying in the old town is the only way to feel its relaxed, cozy atmosphere. Rapid development and competition have greatly improved facilities and service. Room rates range from tens of yuan to over a thousand; as of 2008 there were 700+ guesthouses (400 with licenses), with little practical difference. Mainstream rates run 70–200 yuan.

📅 Best Time & Crowds

Best season: Year-round (best March-May and September-October)

🏮Golden Week alert: May 1-5 and Oct 1-7 are China's biggest travel peaks — top attractions sell out days ahead. Book tickets the moment they open.

⏰Many museums and palaces close on Mondays (e.g. Forbidden City, National Museum). Plan around it.