**2. Overview of the Study Area and Research Methods**

#### *2.1. Overview of the Study Area*

Shaxi Ancient Town is situated in Dali, Yunnan Province, China (See Figure 1). In 2001, the WMF (World Monuments Foundation) identified Shaxi as "the only ancient market on the Tea Horse Trail that still survives". In 2002, it was included on the World Endangered Architectural Heritage List [18]. It is incorporated as "a Yunnan province famous historical and cultural town", "a nationally famous historical and cultural city", "a famous tourist town in Yunnan", "108 Chinese village business cards", and "the village directory of Chinese rural cultural heritage monuments". This study is based on the "Historic Town Plan of Shaxi" from 2005. The plan shows where the old town reserve is. The region of protection (36.11◦ 11–26.19◦ N, 99.45◦–99.58◦ E) has an area of 8.4 hm2. Moreover, it is situated in the North Temperate Cool Layer at an average height of 2100 m. It has an average annual temperature of 12.3 ◦C, yearly sunshine hours of 2400 h, and annual precipitation of 790 mm [19]. The protected area centres on Xingjiao Temple, Sifang Street, and Ancient Theatre. South and North Guzong Lane are next to it, and traditional buildings are around it [20]. The share of conventional architecture is also relatively high. The population comprises Han, Bai, Yi, Lisu, Naxi, and other ethnic groups [21]. Bai accounts for 85 per cent of the entire population and is the largest ethnic group [22]. Bai is the fifteenth most significant ethnic minority in China. Thus, this region's traditional Bai architecture represents ancient Shaxi's lucky culture.
