Living Inside a Painting | I Immerse Myself in the Romance of Dali · Xilinyuan

🏯🌾 Homestay Introduction
Xilinyuan originates from the residence of Mr. Yang Pinxiang, one of the "Four Great Families and Eight Middle Families" of the Xizhou merchant guild. This mansion, built in 1947, is a nationally protected key cultural relic and is considered a representative work of Bai ethnic architecture. After careful protective restoration by the Lin couple, it has now become a unique homestay that integrates history, architecture, culture, and local experiences, mainly including Yang Pinxiang’s residence in Xizhou and the rammed earth hotel in Shaxi.

🌟 Key Highlights
1. The Beauty of Century-Old Bai Architecture: Experience the classic Bai residential layout of "Three Lanes and One Screen Wall" and "Four Courtyards and Five Skylights." Admire exquisite wood carvings, stone carvings, paintings, and the magnificent "Three Water Drops" gate tower (one of Xizhou’s three treasures).
2. Immersive Cultural Experience: Xilinyuan is known as a "cultural dream blooming in the rice fields." The homestay organizes rich cultural activities such as tours of the Xizhou morning market, baba (rice cake) making, Bai ethnic three-course tea tasting, Cangshan mountain hiking, and opportunities to listen to Mr. Lin Deng share his stories about China.
3. A Blend of East and West in an International Atmosphere: As a cultural exchange platform, it attracts travelers from around the world, creating a unique ambiance.
4. Excellent Location:
- Xizhou Branch (Yang Pinxiang Residence): Located in Chengbei Village of Xizhou Ancient Town, facing endless rice fields with a distant view of Cangshan Mountain. About 17 km from Dali Ancient City and 3 km from Erhai Lake.
- Shaxi Branch (Rammed Earth Hotel): Hidden beside Shilong Village in Shibao Mountain Forest Park, nestled by mountains and water, secluded and tranquil, with only 10 villa rooms overlooking lake and mountain scenery and Bai ethnic villages.

🛏️ Room Experience
· Xizhou Branch: Features 16 rooms combining traditional Bai style with modern comfort, equipped with locally crafted wooden furniture, Chinese-style bedding, and decorations collected by the owner.
· Shaxi Branch: Only 10 independent villas built with traditional rammed earth structure and modern wabi-sabi design; some rooms have scenic terraces overlooking forested mountains or lakeside villages.

🍽️ Dining Experience
· Enjoy meals blending local specialties (such as Xizhou baba and wild mushroom hotpot) with Western flavors in sunlit dining rooms or terraces.
· The lake-view restaurant and outdoor dining area at the Shaxi branch offer especially outstanding views.

🏮 Cultural Activities and Facilities
Xilinyuan offers much more than accommodation, providing rich cultural facilities and activities:
· Free Activities: Architectural tours of Xilinyuan and visits to the Xizhou morning market are signature experiences.
· Paid Experiences: Participate in Bai three-course tea ceremonies, baba making classes, Cangshan hiking, tea picking, and other in-depth experiences.
· Public Facilities: Includes a library, tea room, bar, children’s playroom, billiards room, and more.
· Special Festivals: Opportunities to join local festivals such as the Torch Festival and Rice Planting Festival.

🦋 Practical Information
· Booking and Prices: Room rates start at about 1500 RMB; booking is recommended through official channels or Trip.com.
· Transportation: Self-driving or hotel shuttle services are recommended (Xizhou branch offers paid airport/station pickup).
· Suitable For: Culture lovers, travelers seeking deep experiences, families with children, and those looking for a peaceful retreat.
· Special Note: The Xizhou branch is a protected cultural relic site, so soundproofing may be limited. Guests with very high requirements for sleep environment are advised to choose second-floor rooms or consult the hotel.