Overview
Xizhou Ancient Town is the oldest and best-preserved Bai ethnic architecture town in Dali, boasting a history of over a thousand years. Characterized by the traditional Bai residential style of "three courtyards and one screen wall" and "four courtyards and five patios," it features exquisite architecture, a tranquil atmosphere, and is more pristine than Dali Ancient Town.
Suggested visit time: 2.5–3 hours. Best times to visit: 7:30–10:00 AM and 4:00–6:30 PM, when there are fewer tourists and the lighting is soft, perfect for photography. The best seasons are March–May and September–November, when the weather is comfortable and the rural scenery is beautiful. Visitors can stroll along the ancient streets, visit the Yan Family Courtyard to learn about Bai culture, take photos of the popular corner tower and yellow ancient walls, experience Bai tie-dyeing, and taste the local specialty, Xizhou Baba (a type of pancake). The surrounding rice paddies and field trails are perfect for leisurely exploration.
How to Get There
From Dali Old Town: Take a minibus/rural passenger bus directly to Xizhou from outside Cangshan Gate. The fare is 7-10 yuan, and the journey takes 30-40 minutes, arriving directly at the entrance of the old town. A taxi or ride-hailing service costs about 30 yuan and takes about 25 minutes. Renting an electric bicycle takes about 1 hour, offering scenic views of Erhai Lake and the surrounding countryside. From Dali Station (Xiaguan): Take bus No. 8 to Dali North Bus Station, then transfer to a bus to Xizhou. The fare is 8-10 yuan, and the journey takes about 1 hour.
Recommended Itinerary: Zhengyi Gate Entrance → Sifang Street Center → Yan Family Courtyard → Ancient Alley Residences → Popular Corner Tower → Xilin Garden Yellow Wall → Surrounding Rice Paddy Landscape → Old Town Exit. The entire route is on foot, with a smooth and direct path.
What to Expect
The ancient town of Xizhou is primarily characterized by smooth stone-paved walkways with minimal stairs, making it convenient for passengers with luggage, wheelchairs, or strollers. The town boasts well-equipped amenities, including Bai ethnic restaurants, cafes, specialty snack shops, tie-dye workshops, souvenir shops, and creative cultural stores. Public restrooms are plentiful, evenly distributed, and mostly clean and tidy. Road signs are clear, and some shops and attractions have simple English signage. The overall pace is slow, the level of commercialization is moderate, and the environment is quiet and comfortable, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll.
Practical Tips
- Best times to take photos: 8-10 am and 4-6 pm, when the light is soft and there are fewer people.
- Xizhou Baba comes in both savory and sweet varieties; I recommend trying the time-honored "Suxiangyuan" brand.
- For a more immersive experience, consider staying overnight in a guesthouse to enjoy the deserted streets of the ancient town in the early morning.
- Sunscreen is essential! The UV rays are strong in Dali, so hats and sunglasses are a must.
