, The Most Beautiful Town in Yunnan,

Shaxi Ancient Town (沙溪古镇), located in Jianchuan County, Dali, Yunnan, is a renowned historical site that once served as a vital trading hub on the Tea Horse Caravan Road. This town, nestled roughly halfway between Dali and Lijiang, offers a unique glimpse into China's rich history and culture. Key attractions include the 700-year-old theatre (寺登戏台), the scenic Yujin Bridge (玉津桥), the 600-year-old Xingjiao Temple (兴教寺), the magnificent Ouyang Courtyard (欧阳大院), and the vibrant Friday market (星期五市集), providing a comprehensive experience of ancient Chinese life. Shaxi was established around 700 AD during the Tang Dynasty as a bustling trade point along the Tea Horse Road, facilitating extensive commerce in tea and horses between China's tea-growing regions and areas rich in horses, such as Tibet and India. Despite the decline of trade along