Former Residence of Shali in Baisha Old Town, Lijiang
Overview
The Former Residence of Shali (沙蠡的故居) is located in Baisha Old Town (白沙古镇), Lijiang (丽江), Yunnan Province (云南省). This historic site is currently managed by Shali’s (沙蠡) brother, Monastery Zhong (和尚忠). The courtyard features various works by Shali, and the walls are adorned with photographs of Monastery Zhong and visitors. Here, visitors can purchase a unique drink created by the owner, hawthorn juice (海棠果汁), for 10 yuan per cup. The quaint courtyard exudes a rustic charm typical of Naxi (纳西族) farming houses.
Monastery Zhong, an elderly gentleman, shares delightful anecdotes about his childhood with Shali. Enjoying a cup of hawthorn juice made by him, visitors find the sweet and refreshing drink leaves a lasting impression. Monastery Zhong takes pride in the residence’s history, revealing that the building is around 200 years old, making it the oldest structure in the town. While he acknowledges that there were older buildings, some over 300 years old, they have since been demolished. He expresses a sense of pride in this old house, stating that while new buildings may be comfortable and beautiful, the true treasure lies in history, reflecting his foresight.
The courtyard is decorated with various ethnic ornaments, creating a film-like ambiance.
About Shali
This residence is dedicated to the memory of Shali (沙蠡), a notable Naxi writer born as Monastery Geng (和尚庚) in 1953 and passing away in 2008. He was a member of the Chinese Writers Association (中国作协) and served as the Chairman of the Lijiang (丽江) Federation of Literary and Art Circles. Shali published numerous works throughout his career. He held several significant roles, including secretary of the Youth League Committee, deputy editor-in-chief of a university journal, and executive director of the Yunnan Provincial Federation of Literary and Art Circles. He was also a member of the Lijiang Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (政协).
Shali began publishing his work in 1979, became a member of the Chinese Writers Association in 1995, and joined the Chinese Federation of Literary and Art Circles in 2003. His literary contributions include 41 works encompassing long, medium, and short novels, essays, poetry, criticism, and documentary literature, totaling approximately 30 million words. His notable awards include:
- The National Junma Award for “The Great Earthquake” (《大地震》).
- The second prize of the Provincial Government’s Literary Fund for “A Yi Dan” (《阿一旦》).
- The first Military Literature Collection Award in Yunnan Province for “The Sound of the Yulong Gun” (《玉龙枪声》).
- The National Ethnic Literature 50th Anniversary Essay Award for “Three Essays” (《散文三章》).
- The third prize in the National Huaxia New Poetry Competition for “The History of the Naxi People” (《纳西人的历史》).
Visiting Information
- Duration: Visitors typically spend 1-3 hours exploring the residence and engaging with Monastery Zhong.
Transportation
- Public Transport: Take Bus Line 6 from the Guchengkou Station (古城口站) to Baisha Road Intersection Station (白沙路口站), which is just a short walk from the residence.
Admission Fees
- Please inquire at the site for specific details on ticket prices.
Opening Hours
- Monday to Sunday: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Location
- The residence is located at Baisha Old Town (白沙古镇), Lijiang (丽江), Yunnan Province (云南省).
How to Get There
To reach the Former Residence of Shali, visitors can take a taxi from Lijiang city center to Baisha Old Town. The journey takes about 30 minutes and offers scenic views of the surrounding areas.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for enjoying pleasant weather and avoiding crowds.
- What to Bring: A camera to capture the beautiful surroundings, some cash for drinks, and a notebook if you wish to jot down any thoughts inspired by the stories shared by Monastery Zhong.
- Cultural Etiquette: Engage with the local culture by listening to the stories and experiences shared by the residents, as this enhances the visit’s richness.
