Xizhou Ancient Town
Xizhou Ancient Town is located in the north of Dali City, with Cangshan Mountain to the west and Erhai Lake to the east. It is a place with rich history and culture and beautiful natural scenery. Here is a travel guide for Xizhou:
Transportation Guide
From Dali Railway Station: Take Bus No. 8 to Xiaguan North Bus Station, then transfer to a bus to Xizhou. It takes about 50 minutes to reach Xizhou.
From Dali Ancient Town: Take a northbound bus on Dali Road outside the Wind, Flower, Snow and Moon Hotel. It takes about 30 minutes to reach Xizhou, and the fare is about CNY 6.
From Lijiang: Take a train to Dali, then follow the above instructions to reach Xizhou.
From Shuanglang: Take a minibus to Xizhou, the Ancient Town, and Xiaguan. The fare is generally CNY 8–10.
From the airport: You can charter a car to Xizhou for about CNY 150.
Travel Guide
1. Haixie Park: Xizhou's 270-degree sea view is the only place on the west bank of Erhai Lake where you can see the sunset over Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. It is 3 km from Xizhou Square Street, a 15-minute bike ride, or a 40-minute walk. The best time to visit is in the morning to see the sunrise and in the evening to see the sunset.
2. Xizhou Streets and Alleys: Xizhou's "Eight Alleys in the City" include Square Street, Shiping Street, Shishang Street, Shihu Street, Fuchunli, Caiyun Alley, Dajie Alley, and Dyeing Alley. Each street sells different things, so you can choose according to your preferences.
3. Xizhou Courtyards: Xizhou has many old houses, such as the Yan Family Courtyard and the Yin Family Courtyard. These are great places to learn about Bai-style residential architecture and history and culture.
4. Xizhou Attractions: These include the Eight Mothers Temple, Jiutan God, Shihuang Hall, and Ziyun Mountain Temple, which showcase Bai culture and traditional crafts.
5. Rural Scenery: Xizhou's rural scenery is also a highlight, where you can feel the tranquility and harmony of the countryside.
6. Cycling Tour of Ancient Villages: Cycling enthusiasts can rent a bicycle or electric scooter to tour the ancient city and Erhai Lake and experience a different way of traveling.
Food Recommendations
Xizhou Baba: Also known as Posu, it is a wheat cake with excellent color, aroma, and taste, and is a popular snack in Dali.
Rushan: A fan-shaped dairy product that can be eaten raw, fried, grilled, or even cold.
Xizhou Old Popsicle: A homemade popsicle made by local residents with simple ingredients and processes, but all made from original ingredients.
Accommodation Suggestions
Dali Xizhou Ancient Town Yunnongli Hotel: Elegant, quiet, and comfortable, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the tranquility of rural life.
Dali Xizhou Traveler Shangju Hotel: Offers afternoon tea and breakfast, allowing you to enjoy delicious food while experiencing the charm of a historic house.
Xizhou Ancient Town is a place full of history and cultural charm, perfect for a leisurely visit to experience the local customs and culture. We hope this guide will help you plan your trip to Xizhou.