Laomadian
Overview
Translated as "Old Horse Inn," Laomadian is a rustic lodging house in Shaxi originally used by traders traveling along ancient routes such as the Tea and Horse Caravan Trail and the Southern Silk Road.
Aided by the World Monuments Fund, Swiss and Chinese architects completely renovated the town of Shaxi to return this once flourishing trading post back to its original grandeur.
Featuring 9 modern rooms, open courtyards, a fusion restaurant bar, and itsown teahouse, Laomadian is a cozy, bucolic haven perfect for those wishing to absorb the stimulating atmosphere of China's rich history of bustling trade.
Travel Information
Location
Sideng Street, Shaxi Old Town, Jianchuan, Dali, Yunnan Province, 671302 China
How to get there?
Closest Airport
Dali Local Airport [DLU], 158km or 98mi from Laomadian.
Getting There From
Town of Jianchuan (32km or 20mi): By Mini-van, 45 minutes, CNY 5.
Xiaguan New Dali (158km or 98mi): Take regular coach bus from Dali Xiaguan North Bus Station to Jianchuan County; Get off at Town of Jianchuan or Town of Diannan, 3 hours, CNY 30-50. Then transfer from Town of Jianchuan as specified above. |
Dali Local Airport [DLU] (158km or 98mi): Taxi to Xiaguan New Dali, CNY 30. Proceed from Xiaguan New Dali as specified above. |
Lijiang (110km or 68mi): Coach bus from Lijiang to Town of Jianchuan, 2.5 hours, CNY 11.5. Proceed from Town of Jianchuan as specified above. |
Kunming (503km or 313mi): Limited daily flights from Kunming Wujiaba International Airport [KMG] to DLU, 40 minutes, CNY 400-600 per person. Proceed from DLU as specified above. | Frequent flights from Kunming to Lijiang, 40 minutes, CNY 500-900 per person. Proceed from Lijiang as specified above. | Coach bus from Kunming to Town of Jianchuan, 15 hours, CNY, 140.
Climate
Located in Dali County, Shaxi enjoys temperate climate, sunny days and fresh air all year round. However, daily temperatures fluctuate greatly, up to 10°C. Layered clothing is highly recommended for all seasons.
- Heaviest rain in summer, especially July. Driest in winter, especially January.
- Winter temperatures range from 5°C to 18°C (41°F to 64°F).
- Autumn & Spring temperatures range from 10°C to 23°C (50°F to 73°F).
- Summer temperatures range from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F).
Health
Given its relatively low altitude of 2,100m (6,890ft), people normally do not experience altitude symptoms in Dali.
Sun radiation is very strong all year-round. Sun protection is necessary to protect from burns and intense exposure. However, sun protection is needed to protect from intense sun exposure during outdoor activities.
Contact Information
Email: laomadian@gmail.com
Tel: +86 872.472.2666 (Lodge) | +86 872.472.2777 (Café)
Accommodations
Encircling a Qing dynasty courtyard, the lodge has 9 individually decorated rooms built from refurbished stables. The rooms preserve the rustic essence of Shaxi and are each equipped with Western amenities.
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Standard Room
Suitable for 2 persons. 15 to 20 square meters. Rooms equipped with either double twin beds or one queen-sized bed.
# of room: 6 -
Deluxe Room
Suitable for 2 persons. 26 square meters. All rooms equipped with queen-size beds.
# of room: 3 -
Dormitory
Suitable for 1 person. Perfect for backpackers, these comfortable twin-size beds are housed among three dormitory rooms with shared bathrooms.
# of beds: 10
For Deluxe & Standard rooms:
- Free Wireless & Broadband Internet
- Cable & Satellite television
- Multimedia center
- International Direct Dial (IDD)
- Complimentary afternoon tea
- Coffee machine
- Well-stocked refrigerator/pantry
- 24-hour hot water available upon request
- Prices inclusive of all service charges and taxes.
- Rates for Standard and Deluxe Rooms included Chinese or Western breakfast.
- Rate for Dormitory includes a simple Chinese breakfast.
- Extra bed is available at an additional charge per night. Only two of three of the Deluxe Rooms allow for extra occupancy.
- Crib is available at an additional charge per night.
- Laomadian does not accept credit cards on site. Please use this website to book online.
Facilities
- Library
- Bar
- Gym
- Pool
- Sauna & Spa
- Museum
- Boutique Shop
Located in an annex of the Laomadian compound, Laomadian Karma Café offers fine dining in a rustic setting. You will find the perfect fusion of Western and local Bai style cuisine. The restaurant also prepares the traditional Bai Eight-Bowl Banquet for groups upon request.
Day Experience
Shibaoshan Grottoes
Uncover the 1,300-year-old Shibaoshan Grottoes. These magnificent rock carvings showcase the dissemination of Mahayana Buddhism from Tibet to Yunnan province along the Tea and Horse Caravan Trail.
Explore Shaxi
Take a late-afternoon walk in the trading town of Shaxi. Until the middle of last century, Shaxi flourished thanks to its position on the Ancient Tea and Horse Caravan Trail and Southern Silk Road, along both of which goods and ideas were exchanged between southwestern China and Tibet, Burma and India. After years of neglect, Shaxi is now undergoing an extensive architectural renovation with aid from the World Monuments Fund.
Sident Market
Visit the Friday morning Sident market where locals from around the region come to trade animals, groceries, and handicrafts. Sident Market is the only existing trade market that traces its origins directly from the Tea and Horse Caravan Trail.
Circuits
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Follow in the footsteps of traders, winding through spectacular valleys lined with ancient sites and unique tribal cultures as you head deeper and deeper into the Himalayas. On this journey, you can explore Yunnan’s diversity, the ancient trading posts along the Tea & Horse Caravan Trail, meet ethnic minority communities, explore the region's botanical and geological wonders, and conclude in Shangri-la, a remote outpost of the deeply spiritual Tibetan world.
