GGuest UserShaxi is a place where you can enjoy pastoral scenery, pristine nature, and relax. Here, you can not only experience the history of the Ancient Tea Horse Road but also see the blue sky and white clouds of the countryside, with the wind rustling through the trees. Shaping Village, Beilong Village, and Hualong Village surround Shaxi Ancient Town. Shaping Village is located north of the ancient town, a 7-8 minute drive away. Each village has its own unique characteristics, and there are electric shuttle buses between them for 20 yuan per vehicle. If you want to avoid the hassle of price gouging and crowds in the ancient town, I recommend staying in one of these three villages. It's convenient for getting around and allows you to deeply experience the quiet rural life.
I stumbled upon an introduction to Cunshang Village Homestay and was immediately drawn to this hidden gem in the countryside. The owners, Dahua and his wife, are both hospitable and attentive, and the quality of the homestay is evident in every detail: the decor not only features the characteristics of Bai ethnic minority houses but also reflects a natural, unspoiled feel. Different colored soil is used to decorate the walls, the succulents in the courtyard are full of life, and the air is filled with the fragrance of magnolia and osmanthus blossoms.
The room's decor was eco-friendly and convenient, with the natural wood walls and floors complementing the surrounding environment perfectly. The Kohler bathroom fixtures were spotless, and the floors were vacuumed and then manually wiped with cloths – the cleanliness rivaled that of a five-star hotel. Although the room didn't have a TV, isn't the point of traveling to such a place to fully immerse oneself in rural life? It's also worth noting that the guesthouse's shampoo and shower gel are biodegradable products with natural essential oils, and Dahua thoughtfully provided soap powder containing baking soda.
Every morning, Mrs. Dahua makes handmade bread and Shaxi-style rice noodles for guests. We were also fortunate enough to sample Shaxi specialties like bean noodles and fried dough sticks. The courtyard also offers lunch and dinner, a fusion of Chinese and Western cuisine, with harmonious food presentation. Even without dining in a restaurant, you can experience the flavors and aromas of local cuisine and the sophistication of a Michelin-starred restaurant. Mrs. Dahua's cooking not only prioritizes health, using less oil and salt, but also perfectly brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Dahua himself has many years of outdoor experience. The only slight regret was that we didn't get to meet him this time because he was leading a hiking trip. However, he was incredibly thoughtful, carefully recommending transportation tips, a guide to Shibao Mountain, and recommendations for nearby restaurants.
I must say, the trip to Shaxi was the most successful part of the entire trip. Especially the few days spent at the village guesthouse, I experienced the tranquility of Shaxi and witnessed Dahua's family's earnest attitude towards life.
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