Shuhe was a delightful unexpected surprise, a recommendation I received when I was visiting Lijiang, to get away from the tourist crowds. A 30min taxi toward the northwest, and you’re there. It’s an ancient water town offering tranquility, peace, and quiet. A bit like Lijiang, it also offers long winding alleys with small water canals, with plenty of local shops, an amazing array of lovely cafes and small bars, leading all the way to the highlight with the oldest area near the mountains, which some nice views of the town from above.
Compared to Lijiang, it was very quiet, with the occasional exception of photographers chasing couples to take wedding photos. Wherever you point your camera, you’re gonna get almost postcard ready photos, and with the bright sun, blue skies, and colorful trees, it does give this ancient town almost a magical feeling.
Here is my summary of a very lovely day wondering around Shuhe in Yunnan China.
Let’s enter…
Horse/pony ride?
Gorgeous buildings…
And clear water flowing through the canals…
At the heart of town, is this gorgeous haven…
With these beautiful trees…
And lots of terrific restaurants…
Towards the mountains is the really old town…
And you have some old residence opening up their rooftops to visitors…
Which is the perfect spot for some wedding photos…
Old tea houses…
Lots of stone alleys to explore…
And you might wanna go up and explore the nearby hills a bit…
To get even better views of the area…
And find some weird things…
And wrap it up in the oldest section, with water reservoirs,
Making for some very green and peaceful surroundings…
A few more humorous wedding photos dressed up in traditional clothing…
And get a drink before heading back in one of the many bars/coffee-shops, some with wonderful live music or rocking locals just jamming…
Location:
One of the nicest experiences I’ve had in China, away from the tourist crowds, clean, beautiful, quiet…