Baisha Ancient Town

Historical Overview
Founded during the Tang Dynasty (7th century), Baisha flourished as the capital of the Naxi-led Mu clan kingdom. The town reached its zenith in the Ming Dynasty when the Mu clan constructed elaborate residences and temples, blending Han, Tibetan, and Naxi architectural styles. Its decline began in the Qing Dynasty as Lijiang Old Town emerged as the new administrative center. Today, Baisha’s unspoiled streets and ancient murals—such as those in Dabaoji Palace—provide a rare window into the Naxi’s pre-modern way of life and their syncretic Tibetan Buddhist-Dongba faith.

Architectural Layout
The town’s layout follows a traditional Naxi grid, with:

• Main Street (Wenming Village): The historic core, lined with adobe houses, cafes, and workshops.
• Residential Quarters: Over 200 preserved Naxi courtyard homes featuring carved wooden lintels, stone foundations, and courtyard gardens.
• Key Structures:
  • Dabaoji Palace: A 14th-century lamasery housing Ming Dynasty frescoes depicting Tibetan Buddhist and Taoist deities.
  • Liuli Temple: Known for its "White Sand Murals," a UNESCO-listed masterpiece fusing Naxi, Tibetan, and Han artistic traditions.
  • Mu Family Manor: A Qing-era residence showcasing Naxi aristocratic life.

Major Attractions

1. Dabaoji Palace Murals: Vibrant 15th-century frescoes blending Tibetan Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian imagery.
2. Baisha Embroidery Institute: Watch artisans create Naxi brocade, a UNESCO Intangible Heritage.
3. Liuli Temple: Admire the "White Sand Murals" and participate in morning chanting with resident monks.
4. Mu Family Manor: Explore the ancestral home of the Mu clan, featuring a traditional Naxi kitchen and altar.
5. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Views: Hike to nearby villages for panoramic vistas of Yunnan’s sacred peak.
6. Baisha Farmers’ Market: Shop for local herbs, yak cheese, and hand-carved wooden crafts.

Cultural Experiences

1. Dongba Paper-Making: Craft paper from the bark of the daphne tree, used for Naxi religious texts.
2. Naxi Ancient Music: Attend performances of Baisha Xiyue, a 1,000-year-old musical tradition.
3. Murals Restoration Workshop: Learn conservation techniques from experts restoring Liuli Temple’s frescoes.
4. Tea Horse Road Museum: Trace the history of Yunnan’s ancient trade routes through artifacts and maps.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Half-Day Tour:
   Dabaoji Palace → Liuli Temple → Baisha Embroidery Institute → Farmers’ Market.
   Highlights: Murals, craft workshops, and local shopping.

2. Full-Day Tour:
   Morning: Dabaoji Palace → Liuli Temple → Mu Family Manor.
   Afternoon: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain hike → Naxi Ancient Music performance.
   Highlights: Cultural landmarks, mountain views, and traditional music.

3. Overnight Stay:
   Day 1: Full-Day Tour + Evening Bonfire Party with Naxi folk dances.
   Day 2: Cycle to Yuhu Village (home of botanist Joseph Rock) → Shuhe Ancient Town.
   Highlights: Immersive cultural experience and scenic cycling.

Practical Information

• Entrance Fees:
  • Dabaoji Palace: ¥30.
  • Liuli Temple: ¥20.
  • Combined Ticket (3 Sites): ¥50 (includes Mu Manor).
• Opening Hours: 8 AM–6 PM (sites may close earlier in winter).
• Transportation:
  • From Lijiang: 20-minute bus ride (¥2) or 30-minute taxi (¥25).
  • From Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: 40-minute shuttle (¥15).
  • Bike Rental: ¥15–30/day for cycling loops to Yuhu Village.

Best Time & Tips

• Peak Season: October–November (clear skies, harvest festivals) and March–April (blossoming cherry trees).
• Avoid Crowds: Visit early (8–9 AM) or late afternoon (4–5 PM).
• Essentials:
  • Wear layers for mountain breezes.
  • Try Naxi-style barbecue (kao rou) at street stalls.
  • Respect Dongba customs: Do not photograph sacred murals without permission.
• Prohibitions: Smoking inside temples and touching frescoes.