A highway is expected to be built within three years to replace the tortuous mountain path leading up to Shaxi, shortening the dizzying trip from one hour to 20 minutes.

The trip to the ancient township from Dali airport will take just two hours then, says Pu.

The authorities have earmarked a total of 60 million yuan ($9.12 million) over 2014-2016 to improve the township's sewerage and for building restoration.

Major folk celebrations by Bai people will also be promoted as tourist attractions.

Among the celebrations is the Prince Fair on the eighth day of the second month of the lunar calendar, which this year falls on March 16, when locals dress their children and follow the Prince's Parade featuring dragon or lion dancing troupes.

Another spectacular event is the annual singing fair from the 27th to the 29th days of the seventh month of the lunar calendar (Aug 29-31) at the Shibao Mountain nearby. Then, nearly 100,000 people, mostly from the Bai group, show off their vocal skills.

In ancient times, this event used to be a matchmaking event.

The mountain is also home to hundreds of monkeys and about a dozen ancient grottoes.

Currently, Lijiang with its natural landscape is the big tourist draw in Yunnan, but the township, which is just a 90-minute drive away offers a touch of ancient folk customs.

So, if you are looking for something different and want to sample a slice of ancient Chinese folk culture, try Shaxi.