Xizhou Ancient Town: A Poetic Journey from the Former capital of Nanzhao to the rural areas of Cang and Erhai

The name of Dali - the lingering charm of the Nanzhao Royal City
Xizhou, formerly known as "Dali City" and "Shicheng". As early as the Tang Dynasty, this place was the third capital of the Nanzhao Dynasty and one of the political and economic centers of Yunnan at that time. Despite the changes of the monarchy and the relocation of the capital, the prosperous foundation and the regal air of "Dali City" were deeply imprinted in the genes of this land. The ancestors of the Bai ethnic group lived and multiplied here, creating a unique local culture. The center of the ancient town, Sifang Street, remains a place where people gather to this day. One can still faintly see the old scenes of merchants gathering and the bustling market in the past.

The Merchant Road - From the horse caravan Tuoling to the area of Fujia
The modern glory of Xizhou is an immortal legend written by the Bai merchant group:
The Rise of the Xizhou Merchant Group (Late Qing Dynasty and Early Republic of China) : The "Xizhou Merchant Group", represented by the four major families of Yan, Dong, Yin and Yang, rose rapidly. They expanded their business to Kunming, Shanghai, Hong Kong and even Southeast Asia, forming a vast commercial network and creating the miracle of "the richest in Yunnan", earning them the title of "the Jews of Yunnan".
Returning to their hometowns in glory and building mansions: Successful merchants brought their huge fortunes back to their hometowns, hired the best craftsmen, and combined the architectural wisdom of the Han and Bai ethnic groups in the Central Plains to build grand and elaborate mansions with elaborately carved beams and painted pillars. These buildings are not only symbols of the family's glory, but also have contributed to the reputation of Xizhou as the "Bai Ethnic Architecture Museum" today.
- Cultural Inheritance and Rebirth: Today's Xizhou, having shed the smoke of commercial warfare, retains the complete layout of an ancient town and the simple folk customs. In those exquisite courtyards, Bai families still live there, or they have been transformed into cultural inns, museums and workshops. Ancient traditions and modern life coexist in harmony.

> In-depth Understanding: Explore More Charming Ancient Towns and Ethnic Minority Cultures in China >> [Lijiang Ancient Town, Yunnan] [Xijiang Thousand Households Miao Village, Guizhou]

Natural creation - The ultimate framed view of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake
The backdrop of Xi Zhou is a vibrant oil painting jointly created by Cangshan Mountain, Erhai Lake and vast stretches of fertile land.

Cangshan Mountain serves as the screen and Erhai Lake as the mirror
- Rural scenery: This is the soul that sets Xizhou apart from other ancient towns. Stepping out of the deep alley, the view suddenly opened up before my eyes: in spring, there was a brilliant sea of rape flowers; in summer, there were waves of green rice; and in autumn, there were golden wheat fields. Amidst the crisscrossing paths, several iconic large green trees (such as the century-old banyan tree on the east bank of the ancient town) stand quietly, becoming the classic foreground for countless photographic works.
- Sea Tongue Ecological Park: Located at the northeastern end of Xi Zhou, it is a sandbar shaped like a tongue stretching into Erhai Lake. This is an excellent spot to enjoy the panoramic view of Erhai Lake, wetlands and Cangshan Mountain. Metasequoia glyptostroboides stand in rows, reeds grow thickly and birds rest here, brimming with wild charm and tranquility.

The colors of the four seasons, the lines of light and shadow poetry
The beauty of the countryside in Xizhou lies in its strong seasonality and temporality. In the early morning, a thin mist spread from Cangshan Mountain to the fields, and the sunlight gilded the screens of the Bai ethnic houses with golden edges. In the evening, the afterglow of the setting sun dyed the entire plain a warm yellow. People working in the fields led their horses along the ridges, forming a vivid picture of the countryside returning to grazing.

Humanistic Craftsmanship - A family Epic in Three Workshops and One Screen Wall
Every courtyard here is a three-dimensional history of the family's struggle and a textbook of Bai ethnic architectural aesthetics.

- Yan Family Courtyard (Museum) : The residence of Yan Zizhen, a leading figure of the Xizhou merchant Group, is the pinnacle of Bai ethnic residential architecture. It is arranged in depth from north to south, forming a layout of "six contracts for spring". The internal courtyard, featuring "three wards and one screen wall" and "four courtyards and five courtyards", progresses layer by layer, with upturned eaves and corners. The wood carvings, stone carvings and painted decorations are exquisitely crafted. Today, as a museum, it showcases the history of the Yan family and the culture of the merchant groups.
Dongyuan (Dongjia Courtyard) : Another representative large courtyard, with a grand architectural scale and well-preserved. Its screen walls are tall and richly painted, and it is especially renowned for its elaborately carved wooden gate towers. The courtyard is lush with green plants, has a serene environment and a relatively low degree of commercialization, allowing one to better experience the original atmosphere of a large mansion.
- Rotating Corner Tower (Yang Pinxiang's Residence) : Located at the crossroads in the center of the ancient town, it is a uniquely shaped arc-shaped arcade building that combines Chinese structure with Western window and door styles. It is a witness to the integration of Chinese and Western architectural cultures and also a landmark check-in spot in Xizhou.
The Bai ethnic group's residential complex: Strolling through the ancient town's Shiping Street, Ranyi Lane and other alleys, one can see ordinary Bai ethnic houses everywhere. The blue tiles and white walls, along with the painted screens (inscribed with family precepts such as "Pass on Integrity to the Family" and "Purple Qi Comes from the East"), and the flowing water in every household and the cultivation of flowers all reflect the cultural traits of the Bai people, who love life and attach great importance to family traditions.

Photography Secrets:
The farmlands outside the ancient town are the top choice for shooting large-scale photos of Cangshan Mountain, local residences and seasonal colors, especially the rice fields and large green trees on the east side of the ancient town, which are classic shooting spots.
At the end of the Sea Tongue Park lies an excellent spot for photographing Erhai Lake, withered trees and the expansive water scenery.
Inside the Yan Family Courtyard and Dong Yuan, it is suitable for shooting architectural details, courtyard light and shadow, and humanistic themes.
At the corner of the roundabout building, you can capture the interwoven scenes of the architecture and local life, which are full of a sense of story.

Five must-do things to unlock a Complete journey to Xizhou
Try a freshly baked Xizhou pancake
Experience: Sweet and salty in taste, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Near Sifang Street, there are several time-honored brands (such as Fuxing Broken Crispy Rice Cakes). Usually, you need to queue up, but the freshly baked taste is definitely worth the wait. This is the first step to getting to know Xizhou through your taste buds.
2. Visit a century-old mansion
- Core: At least choose one courtyard (the Yan Family Courtyard Museum is recommended) for a thorough visit. Invite a guide or read the introduction carefully to understand the family stories, feng shui considerations and the cultural code of the Bai ethnic group behind the architectural layout.
3. Have a hands-on tie-dyeing experience
- Location: There are many tie-dyeing workshops in the ancient town, such as "Lanxu", etc.
- Experience: Under the guidance of the teacher, personally tie, dye and unthread a piece of white cloth with needles and threads to transform it into a unique blue and white pattern work, and deeply understand the charm of this national intangible cultural heritage.
4. Ride a section of the rural Erhai Road
Route: Rent a bicycle or electric bike from the ancient town and ride eastward, passing through the boundless fields, all the way to Haituo Park.
- Experience: Feeling the gentle breeze caressing your face and taking in the breathtaking views of Cangshan Mountain, Erhai Lake and the idyllic countryside is the most free and pleasant part of your trip to Xi Zhou.
5. Have a meal of Bai ethnic group's three-course tea
- Venue: Some large courtyards or tea houses offer performances.
Experience: "Bitterness, sweetness, and aftertaste" is not merely a tea drink, but also a Bai ethnic hospitality etiquette that embodies the philosophy of life. With the Bai ethnic group's song and dance performances, the cultural experience becomes more complete.

Suggested tour route
One-day "Essence Stroll" Tour (Suitable for most tourists)
Arrive in the morning and enter the ancient town through Justice Gate → Walk to Sifang Street and taste Xizhou Ba Ba as breakfast → Visit the Yan Family Courtyard Museum (1-1.5 hours) → Stroll through the ancient town's alleys, admire the Bai ethnic dwellings, and take photos at the Roundabout Tower → Have lunch in the ancient town and taste Bai ethnic specialties (such as spicy and sour fish and milk fans) → In the afternoon, head to the fields on the east side of the ancient town. Take classic landscape photos (1 hour) → Rent a car and ride to Haituo Park for a visit (1.5 hours) → Return to the ancient town and experience handmade tie-dyeing (1 hour) → Enjoy the sunset by Erhai Lake or beside the fields in the evening, and then leave.
IntoTravelChina Tips: This itinerary is relaxing and rich, covering culture, cuisine, nature and experiences. Please pay attention to safety and sun protection when cycling.

Two-day "Deep Rural" Tour (Highly recommended for those who love tranquility and photography)
Day 1: Arrive in the afternoon and check into a characteristic inn within the ancient town or by Erhai Lake → Leisurely stroll around the ancient town, focusing on visiting the courtyards and alleys, and experience tie-dyeing → Enjoy dinner at the inn or a sea-view restaurant, and watch the sunset and afterglow over Erhai Lake.
Day 2: Get up early in the morning, enjoy the desolate rural mist and the light and shadow of the sunrise alone, and engage in in-depth photography creation → After breakfast, ride a bike to explore more distant villages and wetlands (such as Zhoucheng, famous for tie-dyeing) → After lunch, find a cafe or tea house facing the fields, read quietly and daydream, and enjoy the slow time → Leave in the afternoon with satisfaction and memories Or connect with the itinerary of Dali Ancient Town, the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, etc.
IntoTravelChina Advantages: We can book the most suitable accommodation for you, arrange the connection of all activities, and provide detailed hiking route maps and safety guidelines.

Professional Guide: IntoTravelChina can offer you a private customized itinerary, including a dedicated tour guide, transportation and activity arrangements, allowing you to enjoy a deep and worry-free trip. >> [Consult for Customization Now]

How to Get There: A Seamless Connection Guide
Xizhou Ancient Town is about 18 kilometers away from Dali Ancient Town and has very convenient transportation.
- Minibus/Shuttle bus (Economy Choice) : At the "March Street" entrance outside the Cangshan Gate (West Gate) of Dali Ancient Town, take the minibus bound for Xizhou. It will stop upon waving your hand. The journey takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Tourist Special Line/Scenic Area Direct Bus: There may be a special line bus from the Dali Ancient Town Tourist Center to Xizhou.
- Taking a taxi or a ride-hailing service (the most convenient) : It costs about 30 to 40 yuan to take a taxi from Dali Ancient Town, and the journey takes approximately 25 minutes.
- Cycling/Electric bike (free experience) : Tourists with good physical strength can cycle from the coastal west ecological corridor of Dali Ancient Town or the road to Xizhou. The scenery along the way is excellent and it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- By car: Navigate to "Xizhou Ancient Town Parking Lot". There are several parking lots around the ancient town.

Best visiting time
Xi Zhou is beautiful all year round, and its landscape changes with the growth cycle of crops.
- Spring (March to April) : The season when rape flowers are in full bloom, the entire field is golden yellow, making it the golden time for photography. The climate is pleasant.
- Summer (May to August) : The rice-growing season, the fields are a lush green, full of vitality. Although it is the rainy season, the Cangshan Mountain is shrouded in mist and clouds after the rain, presenting a unique charm. It is necessary to pay attention to sun protection and sudden showers.
In autumn (September to October), the rice ripens and turns golden yellow. The weather is clear and refreshing, and the sky is a deep blue, presenting another visual feast.
- Winter (November to February) : The weather is clear, the sun is warm, the fields are fallow, the view is wide and the visibility is high. The snow on Cangshan Mountain can be clearly seen, and there are relatively fewer tourists.

Accommodation options
- Characteristic Inns in the ancient town (Top choice for cultural experience) :
- Experience: Mostly transformed from traditional Bai ethnic old houses, with exquisite courtyards and a quiet and livable environment. One can deeply experience the serene atmosphere of the ancient town at night and in the early morning.
Suitable for: Culture enthusiasts and tourists seeking a quiet experience.
- Boutique Hotel by Erhai Lake/Beside the Countryside (View First)
- Experience: Usually located on the periphery of an ancient town, facing Erhai Lake or a vast expanse of farmland, it offers an unobstructed view. It has a strong sense of design and modern facilities.
Suitable for: vacation couples, family tourists, and photography enthusiasts.
- Dali Ancient Town Hotel (Convenient Link Tour) :
- Experience: A wide range of choices, a rich nightlife, and convenient dining. Take Xizhou as the destination for a one-day tour and leave early and return late.
Suitable for: Tourists who plan to visit multiple scenic spots centered around Dali Ancient Town.

IntoTravelChina Accommodation Booking Suggestions
Houses with views of the countryside or Erhai Lake are highly sought after, especially during peak seasons. By booking through us, you can not only lock in the room type with the best view in advance, but also be recommended the most suitable accommodation based on your needs (whether you prefer a strong sense of history or the ultimate natural scenery), and we will assist in arranging the connection from the station to the inn. [Click to contact IntoTravelChina Travel Consultant]

Extended Journey: A Loop Connecting the essence of wind, flowers, snow and moon
Xizhou is the core for experiencing the soul of Dali's rural life and the perfect starting point for exploring the diverse customs of northwest Yunnan.

5-day Panoramic Tour of Kunming, Dali and Lijiang: This is an efficient and essential route that connects the three classic destinations in Yunnan. From the Spring City and Flower Capital, the wind, flowers, snow and Moon to the Naxi Ancient Town, all can be enjoyed in one go. The itinerary can be planned as follows: Kunming (Stone Forest Wonders, Dianchi Lake Scenery) → Dali (Xizhou Ancient Town Farmland, Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor, Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple) → Lijiang (Dayan Ancient Town, Shuhe Tea Horse Heritage). Within five days, you will explore the karst landforms of Kunming, delve into the life of the Bai people in Dali and the poetic atmosphere of Erhai Lake, and finally arrive at the Naxi Cultural Center in Lijiang, experiencing the most core and diverse natural and cultural panorama of Yunnan. Check out the 5-day classic panoramic tour route of Kunming-Dali-Lijiang

6-day Charm Tour of Dali - Shangri-La: This is a profound journey that stretches from the gentle countryside of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake all the way to the sacred land of the snow-capped Tibetan region. The itinerary can be designed as follows: Dali (Xizhou Ancient Town, around Erhai Lake, Ancient Town) → Lijiang (as a transfer or for a short stop) → Shangri-La (Tiger Leaping Gorge, Dukezong Ancient Town Prayer Wheel, Songzanlin Monastery "Little Potala Palace", Napa Haiyila Grassland). This route will take you from the Bai ethnic rice fields and blue lakes at an altitude of 2,000 meters to the Tibetan plateau at over 3,000 meters, allowing you to experience firsthand the stunning changes from the Nanzhao customs to Tibetan beliefs, and from the idyllic pastoral scenes to the vast grasslands. Explore a 6-day in-depth journey from Dali to Shangri-La

The story of Xizhou Ancient Town is about the remnants of the royal city, the wisdom of the merchant groups, and more importantly, the eternal practice of the Bai people in creating a poetic life between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. IntoTravelChina is dedicated to creating in-depth, personalized and worry-free travel experiences in China. Our travel experts can help you
Tailor-made itinerary: Based on your interests and time, we design a perfect route covering Xizhou, Dali and even the entire northwest of Yunnan, balancing cultural exploration and natural leisure.
One-stop service: Handle special accommodation, exclusive vehicles, cultural activity experience reservations and professional photography guides.
Exclusive Experience: Arrange for non-tourist hours to visit the courtyard, communicate with Bai ethnic artisan families, have a private picnic in the countryside, and guide to the best photography spots, etc.

Let your trip to Xi Zhou be more than just a fleeting glimpse, but a profound dialogue between culture and nature that delves into the texture and awakens the senses.
Start planning your journey right away
Welcome to contact our professional travel consultants. We will provide you with a customized itinerary plan and quotation within 24 hours. [Click to contact IntoTravelChina Travel Consultant]