[2025 Dali Attraction] Travel Guide for Archway in Xizhou Ancient Town (Updated Jan)

#chinatrip Xizhou Ancient Town is more than just a historic site; it’s a living cultural hub. From the moment I arrived, the welcoming atmosphere of the Bai people made my visit extraordinary. I explored the intricately carved wooden doors and gazed at the hand-painted murals that told tales of the Bai heritage. The highlight of my trip was watching a live demonstration of tie-dye art. The process, using natural indigo dyes, was mesmerizing. Rows of deep blue fabric drying under the sun created a picture-perfect moment. Walking through the town’s peaceful courtyards and scenic bridges felt like a retreat into another world. 📷Photo-worthy spots: The stone bridges and courtyards surrounded by traditional Bai architecture. 💡Pro tip: Visit during the local market days to experience authentic Bai culture.

Architecture Xizhou Ancient Town is located to the west of Cangshan Mountain and to the east of Erhai Lake. It is home to a large number of traditional Bai buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, most of which are laid out in the "three rooms and one screen wall" or "four rooms and five courtyards" style. Yan Family Courtyard, for example, is made up of several quadrangles with exquisite wood carvings and flying eaves, showcasing the unique charm of Bai architecture and telling stories of a thousand years of history. Natural Scenery The scenery here is picturesque all year round. In spring, you can admire the sea of rapeseed flowers, while in autumn, you can enjoy the rice fields. There are also natural attractions such as Wangu Bridge and Yudai Road nearby. With Cangshan Mountain behind and Erhai Lake in front, the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains makes you feel as if you are in a paradise, fulfilling all your pastoral fantasies. Ethnic Customs As a Bai settlement, Xizhou is rich in ethnic customs. You can see elderly people in Bai costumes and small shops selling Xizhou baba everywhere. Here, you can also taste Bai three-course tea and experience traditional tea culture. Bai tie-dyeing and other intangible cultural heritage also demonstrate the profound cultural heritage of the ethnic group. Food Culture Xizhou baba, a famous local snack, is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a variety of flavors such as salty and sweet. It is a must-try for tourists. In addition, there are other specialties such as rushan, Bai sauerkraut fish, and raw skin, which are unforgettable. Leisure Life Xizhou Ancient Town is not overly commercialized, and life moves at a slow pace. Here, you can sunbathe in Sifang Street or have a cup of coffee by the fields, feeling the quiet flow of time, forgetting the troubles of the world, and enjoying the peace and tranquility.

This was a lovely walk through the old town where we found many stores and markets run by locals who shared their art, handmade products and delicious snacks and drinks with us. You can walk through the rice fields for a beautiful photo with the mountain in the back drop. You can also find many local ladies who will approach you to braid your hair with feathers or colorful strings! You can definitely spend a full half day here walking around through the museums and stores. #dali #dalitravel #xizhou #tripblazers #summervacation