“White sands”. Does the name Baisha spark your imagination? Baisha is a town of Shuangliu District in Chengdu. It holds a unique place in China’s history.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine Baisha as it was centuries ago. Baisha was once a bustling hub. It was the political center of the Naxi Kingdom. The Naxi people migrated here from the Tibetan plateau. They built a powerful kingdom. This kingdom eventually became part of the Yuan Empire.
Baisha played a key role in the Tea Horse Road. This was a vital commercial network. Tea and other goods passed through here. The Mu family administered Lijiang from the 14th century. Their birthplace was in Baisha.
Even today, Baisha retains its charm. It offers a glimpse into the past. You can see the unique Naxi handwriting. It is based on pictograms. These are called Dongba. Dongba encompasses Naxi culture, religion, and scripts. Tibetan Buddhism heavily influences them.
Baisha is made up of smaller towns. Sanyuan Village is the main one. Today, it is often called Baisha Old Town. For centuries, Baisha remained unchanged. Only recently have tourists begun to visit.
Cafés and guesthouses line the main road now. Old buildings have been renovated. Fortunately, original features have been preserved. Brick walls, wooden structures, and tile roofs remain. Small irrigation canals still flow.
Baisha still has a relaxed atmosphere. It also has remarkable views of the mountains. You can easily explore the main market square on foot.
A first stop should be Dabaoji Palace. Here, you will see large mural paintings. Some date back to the Ming dynasty. The frescos show human and divine figures. The styles combine Tibetan, Bai, Naxi, and Han traditions. The scenes depict religious tales. These tales come from Taoism and Tibetan Buddhism.
The adjacent courtyard displays artifacts. It illustrates the area’s history through the 19th century. One section is dedicated to Joseph Rock. He was an explorer and botanist. He spent years in Yunnan. His base was in Yuhu village. It is north of Baisha.
Another interesting place is the Naxi Embroidery Institute. It is north of the market square. The institute preserves local embroidery traditions. It provides employment for young people.
Ancient clothes adorned with jewels are displayed. These were imported from Tibet. Owners hid them for decades. They wanted to save them from political turmoil. Recent artwork is also on display. You can watch women practice embroidery. They also teach it to younger employees.
Baisha offers a rich experience. It blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Baisha provides a tranquil escape. It is far from the crowded tourist spots. Take your time to wander through Baisha. Imagine the generations who lived here. Feel the echoes of the Naxi Kingdom.