【Dali】Mijing Village in the High Mountain Valley

🌿【Introduction: Overview of Mijing Village, Dali】 Mijing Village is located in Misha Township, Jianchuan County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, nestled in a high mountain valley at an altitude of 2,200 meters. It borders Shaxi Ancient Town to the east and Qiaohou Town, Eryuan County to the south. This thousand-year-old village is renowned as the "Salt Industry Hub of Northwest Yunnan" and was once a vital node on the ancient "Salt Horse Trail." The village preserves historical relics such as ancient salt wells, covered bridges, and the ancient stage of Zhaoying Temple. Mijing Village is a fusion of Bai culture and salt industry heritage. The annual "Farming Culture Festival" on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month attracts visitors with traditional activities like dragon and lion dances and Dian opera performances, earning it the reputation of a "hidden paradise in the mountains." 🕘【Opening Hours and Tips】 Opening Hours: Open all day (no walls or gates), but core attractions like Zhaoying Temple and the ancient stage are best visited from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (some indoor areas may close for midday breaks). Recommended Visit Duration: 2-3 hours (including cultural experiences). Tips: The village's stone-paved paths can be slippery—wear anti-slip shoes and avoid walking in the rain. Respect local religious customs; do not touch historical relics like salt wells or incense burners. During the Farming Culture Festival (eighth day of the fourth lunar month), the village gets crowded—plan your trip in advance. 💴【Ticket Prices and Updates】 Admission: Free; no entrance fee. Price Updates: As of July 2025, there are no price increase notices, but some experiential activities (e.g., Dian opera performances, salt-making workshops) may charge fees—inquire on-site. ⛺【Activities and Travel Guide】 Core Activities Exploring Ancient Salt Wells Highlights: Visit the village's last remaining ancient salt well ("Salt Goddess Well") to learn about traditional salt-making techniques. The deep well and vivid murals depict the history of the salt industry. Location: On the hilltop west of the village—a 10-minute uphill walk. Covered Bridge and Riverside Pavilion Highlights: The corridor bridge ("First Bridge of the Ancient Trade Route") spanning the Misha River and the riverside pavilion form the village's central scenery, which becomes dreamlike when illuminated at night. Photo Spots: Capture panoramic views from the bridge or reflections from the opposite bank of the pavilion. Ancient Stage of Zhaoying Temple Highlights: A century-old stage inside the Ming Dynasty temple showcases Jianchuan woodcarving's "Three Wonders" ("Fairy Windows," "Four-Layer Hollow-Carved Silk Balls," and "Fortune-Bringing Square Holes"). Dian opera performances are held here during the Farming Culture Festival. Cultural Experience: Book a session with intangible cultural heritage inheritors to learn about woodcarving (contact the village committee in advance). Farming Culture Festival (Eighth Day of the Fourth Lunar Month) Activities: Dragon and lion dances, "Fisherman, Woodcutter, Farmer, Scholar" performances, and Dian opera. Villagers wear ancestral face paintings to recreate the prosperity of the Salt Horse Trail. Recommended Itinerary Morning: Ancient Salt Well → Salt Goddess Temple → Covered Bridge. Noon: Enjoy Bai cuisine at a local farmhouse (e.g., sour-spicy fish, raw pork skin). Afternoon: Zhaoying Temple's ancient stage → Riverside Pavilion → Stroll along the Misha River. Evening: Hike to the hill behind the village for a sunset view. Travel Tips Transport: Village roads are narrow—walk or rent a local e-bike (~¥20/hour). Dining: No supermarkets in the village; bring snacks. Meals are available at farmhouses. Safety: No railings around the ancient salt well—keep a safe distance. 🚌【Transport Guide】 Recommended Transport Options Self-Drive Route: Dali Ancient Town → Dali-Lijiang Expressway → Jianchuan County → Misha Township → Mijing Village (~150 km, 3.5 hours). Road Conditions: Smooth on the expressway; the Misha Township to Mijing Village section has cobblestone roads with sharp turns—drive carefully. Private Car Book through Dali travel agencies or homestays (~¥500-800/day, including driver). Public Transport Take a bus to Jianchuan County, then transfer to a rural minibus to Misha Township, and finally walk or hitchhike to Mijing Village (time-consuming; not recommended). 👉【Itinerary Suggestions】 One-Day Trip Morning: Depart from Dali → Explore Mijing Village → Zhaoying Temple's ancient stage. Afternoon: Shaxi Ancient Town (1-hour drive from Mijing Village; visit Square Street and Yujin Bridge). Evening: Return to Dali. Two-Day Trip Day 1: Dali → Mijing Village (stay at a farmhouse; stargaze at night). Day 2: Visit Nuodeng Ancient Village (compare salt well cultures) → Yunlong Taiji Lock Water Landscape → Return to Dali. Accommodation Recommendations In Mijing Village: Simple homestays (~¥80-120/night; basic amenities for an authentic experience). In Shaxi Ancient Town: More options, like Shiran Mountain House or Absolute Art Inn (¥200-500/night). 🧡【Pre-Trip Checklist】 Essentials: ID card (required for some activities). Clothing: Sun-protective wear, warm layers (large day-night temperature swings), comfortable hiking shoes. Supplies: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, power bank, cash (weak mobile signal in the village). Photography Gear: Camera, telephoto lens (for architectural details), tripod (for night shots of the illuminated bridge). Cultural Prep: Research Dian opera or woodcarving in advance to enrich your visit.