Shaxi - Yunnan Province

Located halfway between Lijiang and Dali deep in the foothills of the Himalaya, the villages of the Shaxi Valley are set in a sun-drenched fertile plain that follows the gentle Heihui River, a lesser known branch of the Mekong. The Old Town of the main village has a beautifully preserved main square surrounded by traditional buildings made of stone or wood, with a handful of local restaurants serving food and drinks. The area has very productive agricultural lands, and the surrounding farms, villages and surrounding hills offer great opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding.