Xizhou Ancient Town
Xizhou Ancient Town, located 18 km north of the more famous Old Dali Town, is a living museum of Bai ethnic culture and one of Yunnan’s best-preserved historic heritages. Xizhou old town offers a glimpse into farming traditions, displays of ethnic handicrafts, and the profound cultural heritage accumulated over millennia.
For travelers on their Dali travels and Yunnan tours, Xizhou old town is definitely an unmissable chapter: Wander its cobblestone lanes far from the crowds, feel the wave of wheat, discover exquisite Bai people’s building complex, savor the iconic Xizhou baba flatbread, and feel the rhythm of life at the vibrant Xizhou morning market.
Xizhou Ancient Town Facts
What to See in Xizhou Old Town
In Xizhou Old Town, whether you’re seeking cultural depth, architectural beauty, or simply a peaceful escape, it will deliver an experience that captures the timeless heart of Yunnan. Here are the things that you cannot miss.
>> Recommended 3 Days Dali Old Town Tour with Xizhou & Zhoucheng
Marvel at Bai Architectural Masterpieces
The soul of Xizhou old Town is its architecture. Actually, Xizhou Bai ethic village preserves the largest and finest collection of Bai ethnic group residential architecture. For over a millennium, it has been a major habitat for the Bai people, evolving from a Nanzhao Kingdom military hub into the famed “Birthplace of Bai Merchants”.
In Xizhou ancient town, the Yan Family Courtyard stands as a stunning testament to Bai craftsmanship and merchant wealth—about 2,000 m² complex where you can wander through multiple courtyards adorned with intricate woodcarvings, marble inlays, and traditional frescoes. Their legacy is a townscape featuring over 150 well-preserved Bai-style homes from the Ming and Qing periods, with 151 historic courtyards officially protected as a National Key Cultural Relic Complex.
View the Golden Wheat Fields
The landscape of wheat filed surrounding the Xizhou ancient town is famously picturesque. Every May, the wheat turn golden, marking the most beautiful time of the year. Renting a bicycle or taking the quaint tourist train are kinds of nice choices which allows you to glide past vast. For a stunning view, find one of the rooftop cafés overlooking the sea of traditional grey-tiled roofs towards Cangshan Mountain. The Tian Coffee Shop will satisfy your photography needsTop things to Do in Xizhou Ancient Town of Dali
Though small, Xizhou ancient town offers every tourist a unique experience: craft your own Bai ethnic handicrafts, savor traditional delicacies at its morning market, and rent a bike to ride around the Erhai lake.Immerse in Bai Ethic Culture
In Xizhou old town, there is a place perfect for those who wish to personally experience making traditional Bai ethnic handicrafts: Heritage of Artisans. Folk Art&Crafts Centre of Dali. Here you can make your own Jia Ma printings or tile cats- the guardian in Bai ethic’s convention.Another thing that you cannot miss is to experience tie-dye. For recommendation, Lanxu Traditional Tie-Dye Shop is a popular handmade store in Xizhou ancient town. In the workshop, you will be guided by the local Bai people to make tie-dying bags. The price of this experience is around 100-200 yuan per person.
Taste Authentic Bai Flavors in Xizhou’s Morning Market
If you’d like to experience a culinary journey, you have to try to go to Xizhou morning market. It’s a sensory feast where locals gather to sell fresh produce, spices, and handmade snacks. The morning market is the perfect place to observe daily Bai life and pick up unique local products. The market’s location is near the southern gate of Xizhou ancient town, here your visit is incomplete without trying Xizhou baba: a savory or sweet flaky bread. Also you can start your morning with a bowl of hot and spicy Yunnan rice noodles.
Remember to bring some cash just in case.
Take A Bike Ride around The Erhai Lake
Surrounded by Erhai Lake, Cangshan Mountain, and the Yangbi River, Xizhou old town also features stunning natural landscapes. Travelers are encouraged to take a leisurely bike ride around the town and enjoy the scenic beauty. As you traverse the Xizhou ancient town and its winding country lanes, you'll arrive at the heart-shaped Haishe Wetland Park. You can rent a bike, cycling along the way, enjoying the scenic beauty of Dali’s mountains and lakes.How to Get to Xizhou Old Town
Reaching Xizhou Town from Dali is straightforward. The most common route is from Old Dali town to Zhoucheng Village area, which includes Xizhou old town. Besides, you can also choose to take a bus from Dali railway station to Xizhou ancient town.
Take A Bus to Xizhou Old Town
The most convenient method is to take buses depart from Cangshan Gate of Old Dali Town:one of the Top 10 Ancient Towns of China directly to Xizhou ancient town. In Dali ancient town’s parking lot, you can find lots of white buses. Take the buses heading from Xiaguan to Eryuan, Xiaguan to Shuanglang, or Xiaguan to Butterfly Spring are all available for boarding. The journey costs around 7-10 yuan per person and takes approximately 30 minutes.Take A Bus from Dali Railway Station
If you depart from Dali railway station, first take bus No. 8 from Dali railway station to North Bus Terminal for 3 yuan, then purchase a ticket from North Bus Terminal to Xizhou ancient town for 8 yuan.Private Transportation to Xizhou Old Town
For maximum flexibility, go to Xizhou ancient town by a taxi for the day is popular. The drive from Dali Old Town takes about 20-30 minutes and the price for private transportation is around 60-80 yuan.How to Plan a Dali Tour with Xizhou Ancient Town
A well-rounded Yunnan tour could well connect the rich history of Old Dali town, the beautiful lakeside views of Erhai Lake, the majestic scenery from the top of Cangshan Mountain, and the chill vibe of Shaxi ancient town. Here are some of the suggested itineraries that included Xizhou ancient town.
