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Rural village in China with rows of houses and olive trees, low mist over fields, and distant hills fading into the clouds
Cozy lounge with open sliding doors showing a lakeside view, mountain ridges and tall reeds outside in China
Modern courtyard with a large rectangular opening in a wooden wall, gravel ground, and green mountains rising under a bright sky
Seated Buddha statue with a raised hand in a carved grotto, surrounded by intricate rock reliefs and smaller seated figures
Stone arch bridge over a river in Shaxi, with mountains behind and a lone traveller standing on the bridge deck
Speckled guinea fowl line up on a garden path in Shaxi, with yellow flowers, leafy fence, and trees in the background
Evening exterior of modern terraced buildings blending into hillside greenery at Linden Centre eco retreat in Dali, Yunnan
Rural village in China with rows of houses and olive trees, low mist over fields, and distant hills fading into the clouds
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Rural village in China with rows of houses and olive trees, low mist over fields, and distant hills fading into the clouds
Cozy lounge with open sliding doors showing a lakeside view, mountain ridges and tall reeds outside in China
Modern courtyard with a large rectangular opening in a wooden wall, gravel ground, and green mountains rising under a bright sky
Seated Buddha statue with a raised hand in a carved grotto, surrounded by intricate rock reliefs and smaller seated figures
Rural village in China with rows of houses and olive trees, low mist over fields, and distant hills fading into the clouds
Cozy lounge with open sliding doors showing a lakeside view, mountain ridges and tall reeds outside in China
Modern courtyard with a large rectangular opening in a wooden wall, gravel ground, and green mountains rising under a bright sky
Seated Buddha statue with a raised hand in a carved grotto, surrounded by intricate rock reliefs and smaller seated figures
Stone arch bridge over a river in Shaxi, with mountains behind and a lone traveller standing on the bridge deck
Speckled guinea fowl line up on a garden path in Shaxi, with yellow flowers, leafy fence, and trees in the background
Evening exterior of modern terraced buildings blending into hillside greenery at Linden Centre eco retreat in Dali, Yunnan
Walkers on a forest terrace near Shaxi along the ancient Tea Horse Road, with dense hillside greenery around them in Dali
Minimalist bedroom at Linden Centre in Shaxi, Dali, with a made-up bed, sofa seating and floor-to-ceiling garden windows
Sunset aerial of Shaxi eco-retreat buildings above a river and valley town in Dali, Yunnan, framed by green mountains
Stone steps and sheltered courtyard leading to modern rooms at Linden Centre eco retreat in Shaxi, Dali
Misty morning view from a modern timber terrace at Shaxi eco retreat in Dali, Yunnan, with mountains fading into fog
Comfortable double bed and seating beside an open balcony with mountain greenery at Linden Centre eco retreat room, Dali
Buddhist grotto temple rooflines built into the rocky cliff at Shaxi in Dali, part of the Ancient Tea Horse Road retreat
Shaxi pond and village rooftops at Linden Centre eco retreat in Dali, framed by green mountains and cloudy sky
Backpackers on a wooded trail with mountains in view during a private Northern Yunnan car-and-driver trip in Dali
Tour group walks along a stepped path past houses in Shaxi, Dali, with misty mountains in the background
Visitor looking at painted statues and temple structures inside Buddhist grottoes in Shaxi, Dali, Yunnan’s stone caves
Hillside eco retreat buildings near Shaxi, Dali, nestled among dense trees and terraced greenery under cloudy skies
Terraced resort courtyard with flowering shrubs and a stone walkway leading past views of rolling mountains at Linden Centre, Dali
Sunlit reading area with bookshelves and window views of green hills at Linden Centre eco retreat in Dali

2D1N Shaxi Eco Retreat | Ancient Tea Horse Road & Buddhist Grottoes

Stay at eco-friendly hotel, guided exploration of Tea Horse Road & grottoes
Group size
Up to 2 guests
DURATION
2 days 1 night
Booking type
Private trip
MEET UP
At location
Group size
Up to 2 guests
  • Experience highlights
  • Itinerary
  • Inclusions
  • Accommodation
  • Availability
  • More Info
  • Host
A guided journey through Shaxi’s ancient town & grottoes
Step off the beaten path and explore Shaxi, one of the last surviving market towns along the ancient Tea Horse Road — a historic trading route that once connected Yunnan to Tibet. Unlike more commercialised old towns, Shaxi remains quietly lived-in, where cobbled streets, old caravan inns, and temple courtyards still reflect its past.One of the highlights is Shibao Mountain, home to a series of rare Buddhist grottoes carved directly into the cliffs over 1,000 years ago. These intricate stone carvings, set against a dramatic natural landscape, offer a glimpse into a lesser-known chapter of China’s Buddhist heritage that few travellers get to see up close.Shaxi’s revival story is equally compelling. Once at risk of disappearing, the town has been thoughtfully restored with a focus on preserving its original architecture and way of life. Today, it offers a rare chance to experience rural Yunnan as it is — not staged, but evolving — where Bai communities continue their traditions while adapting to modern life.What to ExpectWalk through Shaxi Old Town, including Sideng Square and the historic Yujin BridgeVisit Shibao Mountain to see ancient Buddhist grottoes carved into the cliffsExplore Bai villages and learn about local culture and daily lifeExperience a community gathering with Bai songs and dance (if available)Stay at a thoughtfully designed eco-hotel that blends modern comfort with traditional craftsmanshipGood to KnowThis is a private 2-day, 1-night experience, with all transport and some meals includedThe hotel and most activities are accessible, but some walking on uneven paths or stone terrains is involved—good footwear is recommendedThe bonfire evening and dances depend on group size and weather conditionsEntrance fees to local sites and attractions are included, but supplementary costs (like souvenirs or extra activities) are notMake sure to bring cash for local purchases and any additional donations at temples or villagesPrepare to embrace slow, scenic exploration—this isn’t a rushed tour but a chance to really connect with place and people

Experience highlights

Stone lane lined with restored Bai houses and ornate temple roofs in Shaxi, Dali, as people walk past
Tranquil ancient market town
Modern courtyard with a large rectangular opening in a wooden wall, gravel ground, and green mountains rising under a bright sky
Stay in award-winning eco-friendly hotel
A porter carrying a large crate on a narrow stone lane in rural China, with village houses and trees in view
Local storytelling, Tea Horse Road charm
Seated Buddha statue with a raised hand in a carved grotto, surrounded by intricate rock reliefs and smaller seated figures
See ancient Buddhist grottoes
Rural village view near Shaxi in Dali, with fields, orchard trees and misty hills fading in overcast light
Visit authentic Bai village residences
Walkers on a forest terrace near Shaxi along the ancient Tea Horse Road, with dense hillside greenery around them in Dali
Unplug at stunning 2,600m mountain view

What You’ll be Doing

Day 1:

Explore Shaxi Old Town, Bai village, innovative rammed earth hotel & local culture

Day 2:

Visit Shibao Mountain and Baoxiang Temple, see ancient carvings and learn spiritual fusion
Show Details

What’s Included

One night of accommodation in Shaxi
Breakfast and dinner at Linden Centre
Day 2 packed lunch and snacks
Required entry fees during excursions
Transportation from Shaxi Old Town to Linden Centre Shaxi
Transfers to and from the experiences
Show Details

Where You’ll Sleep

Cozy lounge with open sliding doors showing a lakeside view, mountain ridges and tall reeds outside in China
Minimalist bedroom at Linden Centre in Shaxi, Dali, with a made-up bed, sofa seating and floor-to-ceiling garden windows
Stone steps and sheltered courtyard leading to modern rooms at Linden Centre eco retreat in Shaxi, Dali
Misty morning view from a modern timber terrace at Shaxi eco retreat in Dali, Yunnan, with mountains fading into fog
Wood-and-glass building facade at Linden Centre eco retreat in Shaxi, Dali, set on a stone base with large windows
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Standard Room
Sleeps 2 | 1 bed
From ¥4,099.4/room

Next Available Dates

Prices shown in USD
Select Time for 20 Jun 2026
Additional Information

Where we'll meet

Start Point

Meet-up at Shaxi Old Town(寺登街, 寺登街, 中国)
  • Start time is flexible. Do let us know which time you prefer
  • Notes: Meet in Shaxi Old Town during the day

End Point

  • End at Linden Centre Shaxi (石宝山, 中国)

Start & Ends

You can choose any start time. Just let your host know after booking.
10:30AM on Day 1 - 12:00PM on Day 2
10:30AM on Day 1 - 12:00PM on Day 2
10:30AM on Day 1 - 12:00PM on Day 2
10:30AM on Day 1 - 12:00PM on Day 2

Suitability / Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible
  • Infant seats available
  • Vegetarian food available
  • Halal food available
  • Child Friendly (No Minimum Age)

Cancellation & other policies

  • Cancellation

    Cancel 3 days before activity for a full refund

What to Pack

  • Cash (for local purchases & donations)
  • Casual clothes for activities
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Light jacket or sweater (cool evenings)
  • Rain jacket or poncho (in case of rain)
  • Sunscreen and hat
  • Water bottle
From
¥2,049.7
/person
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Meet your host

Since 2008, American couple Brian and Jeanee have called rural Yunnan home. Their dedication to China’s rich heritage and restoring a historic Bai courtyard in Xizhou, Dali, reflects their respect for local culture and community, inspiring trust in Linden Centre's authentic experience. But their vision never stood alone. Yujiang, and other young Chinese professionals who had studied and worked abroad, began returning and joined the Linden Centre. Together—with local communities and leaders—they’ve shaped Linden Centre into something truly special: an international perspective rooted in local identity.
Experience: 18 years
Speaks: Basic English, Fluent English, Chinese
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2D1N
|Up to 20 guests
2D1N Heritage Stay in Dali | Discover Bai Culture in Xizhou Old Town
Private trip
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