Xizhou (喜洲), Dali, Yunnan — Travel Guide
Xizhou is a Bai ethnic minority town located about 18 km north of Dali Ancient Town, on the western shore of Erhai Lake. Known as the “First Town of the Bai People,” it preserves some of the finest traditional Bai architecture in Yunnan.
🏛️ Top Attractions
| Attraction |
Highlights |
| Yanjia Dayuan (严家大院) |
Classic Bai courtyard house (“Three Rooms & One Wall” style) |
| Corner Building (转角楼) |
Iconic photo spot blending Bai & Western architecture |
| Xizhou Rice/Wheat Fields |
Stunning green (spring) or golden (autumn) landscapes |
| Xilin Academy Yellow Wall |
Popular backdrop for field photos |
| Haishe Park (海舌公园) |
Peninsula jutting into Erhai Lake, 15 min e-scooter ride |
| Blue Indigo Dyeing Workshop |
Hands-on tie-dye experience + terrace views over fields |
| 500-Year-Old Banyan Tree |
Landmark at the town entrance |
| Sifang Street (四方街) |
Town center & home of Xizhou Baba |
🍜 Must-Try Food
| Dish |
Description |
Price |
| Xizhou Baba (喜洲粑粑) |
Local flatbread — savory (pork) or sweet (rose jam) |
¥10–15 |
| Roasted Rushan (烤乳扇) |
Grilled milk fan with rose sauce |
¥5–10 |
| Cold Chicken Rice Noodles (凉鸡米线) |
Refreshing Bai-style cold noodles |
¥12–18 |
| Ama Ying Pea Jelly (啊马英豌豆粉) |
60-year-old shop, sweet-sour-spicy flavor |
~¥10 |
| Three-Course Tea (三道茶) |
“Bitter, sweet, aftertaste” — Bai cultural ritual |
Included in some tickets |
🚗 Getting There
| From |
Method |
Cost |
Time |
| Dali Ancient Town |
Minibus (flag down on Dali-Lijiang Rd) |
¥5–8 |
~40 min |
| Dali Ancient Town |
E-scooter / Taxi |
¥25–50 |
~25 min |
| Dali Ancient Town |
Bike |
— |
1–1.5 hrs |
| Dali Ancient Town |
Erhai Loop Bus |
¥15 |
— |
💡 Erhai Loop Bus Pass: ¥68/day or ¥98/3 days — includes unlimited loop bus + free town shuttle rides.
⏰ Best Time to Visit
-
Season: March–May is ideal (Bai festivals, green fields). September–November for golden wheat.
-
Time of day: 8:00–10:00 AM for fewer crowds and soft light. Most shops close by ~5:00 PM; the town is very quiet after 9:00 PM.
-
Duration: Half a day minimum; 1–2 days for a deep dive.
💡 Quick Tips
-
The old town itself is free — only specific courtyards like Yanjia Dayuan charge entry (¥48).
-
Don’t stay inside the old town with luggage — cobblestone alleys make dragging suitcases miserable. Stay just outside instead.
-
Corner Building is best photographed early morning or midday to avoid crowds.
-
Combine with Caicun S-Bend (磻溪S湾) on the same day — it’s nearby and great for sunrise.
-
December: Wheat fields are already harvested, so scenery is less impressive.
