Ancient Tea Horse Road: Weishan, Nuodeng, and Shaxi

An off-the-beaten-path slow route from Dali to Lijiang via the Nanzhao ancient town, a Bai ethnic salt village, and the historic Shaxi market.

Bypass the crowds of Erhai Lake and Lijiang by turning the 2-hour drive between them into a scenic journey along the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Discover Nanzhao ruins and local snacks in Weishan, stay in traditional Bai courtyards in Nuodeng, and explore the ancient market and Shibao Mountain grottoes in Shaxi. Note that mountain drives are long, and Nuodeng consists entirely of steep stone paths. This is ideal for travelers who have already been to Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang and love historic villages.

During the rainy season in July and August, the stone alleys of Nuodeng can be slippery, and mountain roads in Yunlong are prone to rockfalls.

Day by day

Day 1 · Dali Old Town and the Three Pagodas

Dali（Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple、Dali Old Town）

Take a taxi from Dali Railway Station to the Old Town (approx. 30 minutes). Walk within the Old Town, and take a 10-minute taxi to the Three Pagodas.

Stay: Dali Old Town

Day 2 · Xizhou Morning Market and South to Weishan

Dali（Xizhou Ancient Town） → Weishan Ancient Town（Donglianhua Village、Weishan Old Town、Gongchen Tower）

Drive from Dali Old Town to Xizhou (approx. 30 minutes), then continue via Donglianhua Village to Weishan (approx. 2 hours).

Weishan's local specialty noodles (Yibala and Ersi) are the top choices for breakfast.

Stay: Gongchen Tower Old Town Core

Day 3 · Weibaoshan Mountain and on to Nuodeng

Weishan Ancient Town（Weibao Mountain） → Yunlong（Nuodeng Ancient Village）

Visit Weibaoshan Mountain in the morning, then drive via the highway and mountain roads to Nuodeng in Yunlong (approx. 3 to 4 hours).

Nuodeng is only accessible on foot uphill; keep your luggage as light as possible.

Stay: Nuodeng Ancient Village

Day 4 · The Great Taichi Map to Shaxi Ancient Town

Yunlong（Nuodeng Salt Well、Yunlong Natural Taiji Diagram） → Jianchuan（Shaxi Ancient Town、Xingjiao Temple (Shaxi)）

Drive along mountain roads from Nuodeng to Shaxi (approx. 3 to 5 hours). You can see ancient bridges along the way; an early start is recommended.

Stay: Shaxi Sideng Street Old Town

Day 5 · Shibaoshan Grottoes to Lijiang

Jianchuan（Yujin Bridge、Shibaoshan (Shizhongshan) Grottoes） → Lijiang Old Town & Jade Dragon Snow Mountain（Old Town of Lijiang (Dayan)）

Drive from Shaxi to Shibao Mountain (approx. 30 minutes), then continue to Lijiang Old Town in the afternoon (approx. 2 hours).

The Shaxi Friday Market only takes place on Fridays; adjust your travel dates accordingly if you wish to see it.

Stay: Lijiang Old Town

Day 6 · Black Dragon Pool, Shuhe, and Departure

Lijiang Old Town & Jade Dragon Snow Mountain（Black Dragon Pool、Shuhe Ancient Town）

Walk from Lijiang Old Town to Black Dragon Pool (approx. 20 minutes), then take a taxi to Shuhe Ancient Town. Head to Lijiang Railway Station in the afternoon.