In-depth Tour of Dali Xizhou Ancient Town

#September2025
Tucked away between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, Xizhou Ancient Town resembles a pastoral fairytale. Its whitewashed tiles and whitewashed walls, distinctive Bai ethnic minority dwellings, and boundless rice paddies weave together to create Dali's purest poetic beauty. Reflecting the traces of time, Xizhou Ancient Town retains the flavor of a slow-paced life, making it an ideal destination for a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Recommended Route: Starting from the ancient town entrance, stroll through Xizhou Old Street, admiring the well-preserved Bai ethnic architecture along the way. Explore distinctive alleyways, ancient houses, and teahouses, immersing yourself in the leisurely lifestyle of the residents. Visit a tie-dye workshop to experience the art of dyeing cloth and admire the diverse indigo-dyed works. Stroll along the farmland paths, gazing out at Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, and immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of Dali's countryside.

Must-Try Food: Don't miss the Xizhou Baba found on the street corner. Its crispy crust and warm bite are filled with the vibrant flavor of the old street life. In addition, food stalls throughout the ancient town offer Bai ethnic specialty rice noodles and fried milk fan, freshly made and authentic.

Recommended photo spots:
1. The blue bricks and gray tiles in front of Bai ethnic residences are incredibly photogenic.
2. The paths along the fields, with golden rice paddies behind them, are picture-perfect postcards.
3. Some century-old houses retain exquisite wood carvings and authentic furnishings.
4. Blue strips of cloth flutter in the breeze at the entrances of tie-dye workshops.
5. Experience the slow and beautiful atmosphere of teahouses in the bustling ancient streets.

Tips:
1. Xizhou is open year-round, but it's recommended to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
2. Wear comfortable shoes for easy walking in the ancient town, as most roads are paved with cobblestones.
3. Please allow approximately 1-2 hours for the tie-dye workshop experience; check workshop hours in advance.
4. Xizhou baba is best eaten fresh. 5. When taking photos, try to choose a sunny hour to enhance the vibrant colors of the countryside.

Notes:
1. The ancient town retains much of its original character, and some alleys are narrow, so please be mindful when entering and exiting.
2. Respect the customs of the local Bai people and do not enter their homes without permission.
3. Some old houses require a fee for viewing, so please inquire before entering.

#DaliSlowLife #BaiZhuFolkHouses #XizhouBaba #RuralAncientTown #Tie-DyeExperience