Baisha is a small, pretty town of canals and cobbled alleys in northwest Yunnan. It is eight kilometers from Lijiang and is best known for its Baisha Frescoes. You can get in by bus from Kunming or fly to nearby Lijiang.
The old town of Baisha is one of Lijiang’s oldest, with many buildings dating from the early part of the Ming Dynasty. These include the Liuli Temple, Dabaoji Palace, and Wenchang Palace. Dabaoji Palace is home to the Baisha Frescoes, which are the main attraction of Baisha.
Dabaoji Palace is a stunning temple complex of various buildings and lanes and a backdrop of high mountains. It is split into two parts, one of cultural sites and the other folk residence. The frescoes are well kept along with the ancient Dongba hieroglyphs.
The old town also has a square with thoroughfares laced with old shops and houses. There is accommodation in Baisha and Lijiang is connected by bus numbers 6 and 7.
Getting There & Away
Most people arrive in Baisha via Lijiang, which is the main center in the region. It receives direct buses from Kunming and Dali. Trip time from Kunming is about 5 hours via the G320 and G214 highways. The bus trip to Baisha on bus numbers 6 and 7 is around 30 minutes. Flights arrive in Lijiang from Kunming’s international airport in under an hour.
Things to Do
Baisha Attractions
- Baisha Frescoes
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These world famous murals can be seen in the large dabaoji palace complex in the center of baisha.
Side trips from Baisha
- Hiking
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Baisha and lijiang are surrounded by mountains, with excellent hiking during the spring and fall - april/may and september/october.
Events
- Bangbang Festival (Stick Festival)
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Taking place in and around the town’s temples, this mid-january festival focuses on the naxis people.