Shitoucheng (Stone Village) is set on the Yangtze River basin in China’s Yunnan Province. Remote and seldom visited by Westerners, this is a great side trip for tourists who crave the historic atmosphere of Lijiang but could do without the crowds.
The village clings impossibly to a steep hillside. As the name suggests, it is characterized by traditional stone houses lining flagstone roads. Practically every home enjoys a view of the distant mountain peaks, and a handful of these houses have been converted into guesthouses with basic amenities.
There is a parking area outside of the village, and visitors have to descend a short trail to the stone gates. The city center is hemmed in by high stone walls with hollowed out gun ports that were once used for protection against bandits. Locals are used to receiving a light influx of tourists, but guides are important as few can speak English.
Getting There & Away
Most visitors arrive via Lijiang, which can be reached from Kunming via a short, 30-minute flight. From Lijiang, buses connect to Shitoucheng via Baoshan County. The ride through the mountains can take as long as 8 hours, but is well worth it as a means to escape the package tourists. From Baoshan County, the bus to Shitoucheng (1 hour, 30 minutes) lets passengers off about 300 feet uphill from the city gates.
Things to Do
Shitoucheng Attractions
- History and Culture Museum
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This new facility has a modest collection of artifacts that are relatively young compared to this ancient village.
Side trips from Shitoucheng
- Naxi village
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A short hike along the trail from the city gates leads to a traditional naxi village that serves as a popular daytrip destination.