The forested trails of Shibaosan (石宝山, Shíbǎo Shān) nature reserve make for a pleasant day trip from Shaxi, especially for the concentration of Tang-era temples and carvings at the Shizhongshan Grottoes (石钟山石窟, Shízhōngshān Shíkū), which date back to the 8th-century Nanzhao kingdom and depict scenes of political and religious life. Also worth a visit is Baoxiang Temple (宝相寺, Bǎoxiāng Sì) for fantastic views of the rolling mountains beyond Shaxi. It costs ¥45 to enter Shibaoshan and an additional ¥40 to reach the "scenic spot" where the caves are. The price includes a 20km roundtrip by bus from Shaxi.
Shaxi Ancient Town Tourism Service Centre offers both tickets for ¥75. Alternatively, it's possible to walk 3.5km to the southeastern side of the mountain – near Shadeng village – and up to the Shadengqing viewpoint, where there's a pavilion. You can see the Shizhongsan Grottoes below you, but you can't descend to access them.
