Dali, Yunnan Province

Xizhou Ancient Town: The Best Preserved Bai Architecture in Dali

Traditional Bai architecture

🏯Old Towns 🛤️Tea Horse Road(茶马古道)

Altitude

1,980m

Best Time

🌸 ☀️ 🍂 ❄️

Duration

~1 Hour

Ticket

Paid

Difficulty

Easy

ℹ️

About This Attraction

The Museum of Bai Architecture

Located approximately 18 kilometers north of Dali Ancient City, sandwiched between the shimmering Erhai Lake to the east and the majestic Cangshan Mountain to the west, Xizhou Ancient Town is celebrated as the "First Town of Bai Culture." Unlike the commercial bustle of Dali Ancient City, Xizhou offers a tranquil, authentic glimpse into the lives of the Bai people. It preserves the largest and most complete collection of traditional Bai residential architecture in China, earning it the reputation of being a "Living Museum of Bai Residential Architecture". Walking through its streets, visitors are surrounded by green tile-roofed white-walled houses, intricate wood carvings, and colorful paintings, set against a backdrop of rolling golden rice paddies and snow-capped mountains.

1.Architectural Masterpieces: "Three Lanes and One Screen Wall"

2.The architectural highlight of: Xizhou is the unique layout known as "Three lanes and one screen wall, four courtyards and five sky wells" (San Fang Yi Zhao Bi, Si He Wu Tian Jing). This design reflects both practical wisdom and aesthetic beauty.

3.The Yan Family Compound (Yan Jia Da Yuan): Located near Sifang Street, this is a prime example of Bai architecture. It features exquisite wood carvings, stone sculptures, and a fusion of traditional styles with a Western-style villa, showcasing the wealth and taste of the famous "Xizhou Commercial Gang".
4.The Dong and Yang Family Compounds: These deep courtyards are famous for their ornate gate towers and intricate corridors, offering a layered experience of the town's structural elegance.

The Legacy of the Xizhou Merchants

Xizhou's grandeur is deeply rooted in its commercial history. Dating back to the Sui and Tang dynasties, it was a military stronghold and commercial hub known as "Shicheng." During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the "Xizhou Commercial Gang" rose to prominence. These merchant families utilized the Tea Horse Road to trade as far as Southeast Asia, accumulating vast wealth which they invested into building the magnificent mansions that stand today. Sifang Street, the town's center, features the "Taming Fang" (Inscription Archway), recording the scholars and merchants who brought glory to the town.

5.Cultural Heritage: Tie-Dye and Festivals

6.Just north of the main town lies: Zhoucheng, known as the "Hometown of Bai Tie-Dye." Here, visitors can experience the intangible cultural heritage of tie-dyeing, where local artisans create indigo and white fabrics using ancient techniques attributed to the "Indigo Fairy". Culturally, the town is a cradle of Bai traditions, blending Benzhu (local lord) worship with Buddhism. Festivals like the "Raosanling" and the "Third Month Fair" bring the streets to life with singing, dancing, and the rhythmic "Overlord's Whip" dance.

Scenery and Cuisine

Beyond architecture, Xizhou is surrounded by idyllic pastoral scenery. Haishe Park (Sea Tongue Park) extends into Erhai Lake like a tongue of land, offering panoramic views of the water and mountains, perfect for cycling and photography. The culinary experience is equally rich; the famous Xizhou Baba (a crispy, layered pastry) and traditional "Three-Course Tea" (bitter, sweet, and aftertaste) provide a taste of local philosophy and flavor.

✨ Why Visit Xizhou

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A well-preserved Bai ethnic minority town with traditional courtyard architecture and cobblestone lanes.

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Historic Yan's Compound, a grand mansion showcasing intricate Bai woodcarvings and ornate gateways.

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The iconic Xizhou Baba, a local flaky pastry often filled with sweet or savory ingredients.

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Surrounding Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain vistas visible from the town's open fields and rooftops.

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A living community where local artisans practice tie-dye and other traditional Bai handicrafts.

Location & Nearby

📍 Dali, Yunnan Province • 🏔️ 1980m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Xizhou Travel Guide

Where is Xizhou Ancient Town located?

A: It is located about 18 kilometers north of Dali Ancient City, Yunnan Province, situated between Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain.

What is the architectural style of Xizhou?

A: It is famous for the traditional Bai style known as "Three lanes and one screen wall, four courtyards and five sky wells," featuring intricate carvings and painted walls.

What is the "Xizhou Commercial Gang"?

A: They were a powerful group of Bai merchants during the Qing and Republic eras who traded along the Tea Horse Road and built the town's grand compounds.

Can I experience Tie-Dye in Xizhou?

A: Yes, the nearby Zhoucheng village is the center for Bai Tie-Dye, where you can visit workshops and try the craft yourself.

What is the famous food here?

A: Xizhou Baba (a savory or sweet pastry) is the signature snack. You should also try the "Three-Course Tea".

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Xizhou?

We provide the original Chinese names and Pinyin to make your travel smoother. Since English is rarely spoken in remote parts of Western China, you can easily show these Chinese names to local taxi drivers, hotel staff, or police when asking for help, or copy-paste them directly into Chinese navigation apps like Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps.