Your ultimate guide to Yunnan’s ancient towns, ranked 💯🏮
As someone who loves exploring ancient towns, browsing handicraft shops, hunting for local snacks and souvenirs, and simply soaking in the architecture, I made it a mission to visit as many ancient towns in Yunnan as possible.
By the end of the trip... I think I had officially reached my "ancient town quota." 😂
1. Shuanglang Ancient Town
Rating: 2/5 ⭐️⭐️
- Beautiful views overlooking Erhai Lake. 🌅
- However, it felt much more commercialized and rebuilt than I expected.
- It didn't really give me the "ancient town" atmosphere I was hoping for.
2. Xizhou Ancient Town
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- One of the prettiest towns for photography.
- Don't miss the famous train tracks through the meadow — it's absolutely worth the visit. 🚞
- I found it more charming and picturesque than the other two ancient towns in Dali.
3. Dali Ancient Town
Rating: 3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
- I only managed to visit at night, so the streets were full of nightlife and very lively.🎶
- Huge ancient city with plenty to explore and lots of food options.
- Hidden gem: 巷子里 🍽️— a local-approved restaurant tucked away in an alley. A local even told us, "You made the right choice!" right before we entered.
- Our meal only cost ~S$11/pax and it was the best meal we had in Dali.
- The downside is that it's also the busiest and most commercialized ancient town in the Dali area.
4. Shaxi Ancient Town
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- My favourite ancient town in Yunnan.💯🫶
- Peaceful, quaint, and full of beautiful architectural details.
- This is also one of the filming locations for the C-drama Meet Yourself starring Liu Yifei and Li Xian.
- Since it's a little out of the way for travellers taking the direct train between Dali and Lijiang, it receives fewer tourists.
- I highly recommend making the detour — spending around 3 hours here is well worth it.
5. Lijiang Ancient Town
Rating: 3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Similar to Dali Ancient Town, it's extremely popular with tourists.
- There is a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the old town, but personally I found it a little underwhelming.
- The town is massive — you definitely can't cover everything in one day.
- I'd recommend researching which sections you'd like to visit beforehand, as different areas specialise in different things (photography, shoes, souvenirs, etc.).
- It is also the busiest and most commercialized ancient town around Lijiang.
6. Baisha Ancient Town
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Love, love this place. 💕
- I realised the towns I enjoyed most were actually the quieter, less touristy ones.
- Baisha is famous for traditional indigo dyeing, so you'll find plenty of shops selling beautiful indigo-dyed textiles, clothing, and handicrafts . Some even offer DIY dyeing workshops.
- Another highlight is the stunning backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. 🏔️
- Find a café ☕️ with rooftop access for some amazing photos.
7. Shuhe Ancient Town
Rating: 2/5 ⭐️⭐️
- To be fair, by this point we were honestly a little "ancient town-ed out." 🫣
- Although it's quieter than Lijiang Ancient Town, many of the shops felt very similar to those we'd already visited, so nothing really stood out.
- One thing I did notice was that there were noticeably more horse-drawn carriages 🐴 ferrying tourists around compared to the other towns.
Having explored several ancient towns in Yunnan, I found the diversity among them remarkable. Each town offers a unique blend of history and local culture, yet the visitors’ experience can vary greatly depending on how commercialized or tranquil the town is. For example, Shaxi impressed me deeply with its peaceful ambiance and rich architectural details, contrasting sharply with the bustling, tourist-heavy streets of Lijiang and Dali Ancient Towns. One highlight worth mentioning is the traditional indigo dyeing craft in Baisha Ancient Town. It’s not just a visual treat seeing the vibrant indigo textiles in the shops; participating in a DIY workshop can be a rewarding way to connect with local artisanship and bring home a personalized souvenir. I highly recommend seeking out these craft experiences as they offer a rich cultural glimpse beyond just sightseeing. Another suggestive tip is to visit these towns early in the day or during off-peak seasons to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the ancient ambiance. For photographers, Xizhou Ancient Town’s famous train tracks through meadows create stunning compositions, especially in golden hour light. While Shuanglang and Shuhe felt somewhat commercialized and repetitive in shops, they still provide beautiful scenery, like the views of Erhai Lake near Shuanglang. It’s important to balance your itinerary between popular spots and lesser-known gems to enjoy a diverse experience. Also, exploring local eateries like the hidden restaurant 巷子里 in Dali Ancient Town adds a memorable dimension to your trip; local recommendations often lead to the best meals at budget-friendly prices. Finally, if you’re a fan of Chinese dramas, visiting Shaxi Ancient Town offers a chance to see the filming location of "Meet Yourself," enriching your travel experience with contemporary cultural connections. Overall, my travels through Yunnan’s ancient towns taught me to appreciate quieter, authentic experiences while strategically visiting more popular locations for their iconic attractions. Combining practical tips with a spirit of curiosity will make your journey through these ancient towns truly unforgettable.
