Xizhou Ancient Town Private Tour (Half Day)

4 hours

Easy

Discover the charm of Xizhou Ancient Town and Bai ethnic culture on a guided tour from Dali. Visit the Yan Family's Courtyard, stroll through rice fields, and taste the classic Xizhou Baba.

Arrive at Xizhou Ancient Town and step back into time. The bluestone-paved roads extend under your feet and the ancient stage stands quietly. With its upturned eaves, richly ornamented brackets, carved beams, and painted rafters, it fully displays the charm of Bai ethnic architecture. Choose a good angle and take pictures to capture these ancient moments.


Visit the Yan Family's Courtyard, which is a gem of Bai ethnic folk houses and perfectly showcases the layout of "Three Rooms with One Screen Wall" and "Four Courtyards with Five Skylights". The flowers, birds, fish, and insects carved on the wooden doors and windows, as well as the auspicious beasts on the stone railings, are all vivid.


Stepping into the inner courtyard, the traditional costumes and daily necessities displayed in the folk custom exhibitions quietly tell the past of the Bai ethnic group. Observe them and immerse yourself in the ocean of culture.


Walk to the rice fields near the Linden Centre. Different seasons bring different beautiful pictures. In spring and summer, the rice seedlings are lush, like green waves rolling; in autumn, the rice ears turn golden, just like a golden carpet.


Strolling along the ridges of the fields, the gentle breeze blows, and the fragrance of rice, grass, and soil blend together. In the distance, the Cangshan Mountain is covered with a layer of greenery, and nearby, the brook flows gently, making you feel extremely comfortable.


Step into the snack street of the ancient town, where the hustle and bustle of life can be felt. Find an old store and order the classic Xizhou Baba. The sweet one is filled with rose and red bean paste. The fragrant flower flavor blends with the sweet red bean paste, and the outer crust is baked until it becomes golden and crispy.


The salty one is filled with minced meat and scallions, giving off a savory aroma. Then pair it with a bowl of cool shrimp. The soft "shrimps" float in the icy sweet sugar water, melting in your mouth immediately and bringing a refreshing coolness, making your taste buds cheer.

What's included?
    • English-speaking Private guide
    • Private Transport
    • Customized itinerary
    • French/German/Italian/Spanish/Russian guide (extra fee)
    • Malay/Indonesian/Thai/Vietnamese/Khmer guide (extra fee)
    Exclusions
      • Tips and gratuities 
      • Meals and beverages
      • Personal expenses
      Please note

        GENERAL OVERVIEW 

        • LOCATION: Xizhou Ancient Town is about 20km (12miles) north of Dali Ancient City, near the western shore of Erhai Lake.
        • CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE: Known for its well-preserved Bai architecture, vibrant markets, and traditional Bai culture, it’s often referred to as a “living museum”.

        BEST TIME TO VISIT

        • SPRING (March-May) and AUTUMN (September-November)
          • Ideal weather with clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
        • MARKET VISIT TIMING: Arrive early to catch the local market at its liveliest.
        • Avoid weekends or Chinese public holidays if you want a quieter experience.

        SEASONAL CONSIDERATIONS

        • SPRING (March-May): Bring light layers for cool mornings and evenings.
        • SUMMER (June-August): Summer can bring rain, so pack accordingly.
        • AUTUMN (September-November): Similar to Spring, with mild weather but cooler nights.
        • WINTER (December-February): Winter mornings and evenings can be chilly.
        • FESTIVALS: Check for local events of Bai Festivals, which can enhance your experience but also increase crowd levels.
        • ADVANCE BOOKING: Especially during peak travel seasons or public holidays.

        FOOD AND DRINK

        • LOCAL CUISINE: Try traditional Bai dishes like Rushan ( grilled cheese ), fried Erhai fish, or stuffed buns.
        • SNACKS AT THE MARKET: Sample local treats such as rice cakes or savory pancakes.
        • THREE-COURSE TEA: Don’t miss this Bai specialty at a local tea house.

        CULTURAL SENSITIVITY

        • RESPECT LOCAL CUSTOMS
          • Dress modestly when visiting tradition homes or attending ceremonies.
          • Avoid loud behavior to respect the peaceful village atmosphere.
        • PHOTOGRAPHY:  Always ask permission before photographing people, especially during ceremonies.

        PERSONALIZATION OPTIONS

        • CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY: Our private tours allow tailoring the schedule to your interests, such as focusing on architecture, culture, or photography.
        • ACTIVITY LEVEL: Ensure the tour suits your mobility and fitness level (e.g., more walking or relaxed sightseeing).


        What to bring

          CLOTHING ACCESSORIES

          • COMFORTABLE WALKING SHOES: Cobblestone streets and uneven terra require sturdy and comfortable footwear.
          • LAYERED CLOTHING: Temperatures can vary throughout the day, especially in Spring and Autumn. Bring layers to stay comfortable.
          • SUN PROTECTION: Sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen are essential, as the high-altitude sun can be intense.
          • RAIN GEAR (Seasonal): If visiting during the rainy season ( July-August ), pack a lightweight raincoat or umbrella.

          PRACTICAL ESSENTIALS

          • CASH: Smaller shops and markets in Xizhou may not accept credit cards, so carry sufficient cash (Chinese Yuan).
          • REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE: Stay hydrated, especially if exploring outdoors. Some accommodations and cafes offer refill stations.
          • A DAYPACK: Useful for carrying your belongings, snacks, and any souvenirs you might pick up.
          • PORTABLE CHARGER OR POWER BANK: Keep devices powered during long days out.
          • TRAVEL ADAPTER: If traveling from outside China, bring an adapter for Chinese sockets, (Type A,C, or I ).
          • SNACKS: Carry light snacks or energy bars in case you get hungry between meals during the tour.
          • SHOPPING BAG: Handy for carrying local crafts or food items from the market.

          HEALTH AND SAFETY

          • HAND SANITIZER AND TISSUES: Public restrooms may lack basic supplies.
          • FIRST AID KIT: Include band-aids/plaster, antiseptic wipes, and any person medications.
          • ALTITUDE SICKNESS REMEDIES (optional): While Xizhou’s altitude ( about 2,000 meters ) is manageable for most, bring remedies if you’re prone to altitude sickness.

          SOUVENIR SPACE

          • Leave some room in your luggage for local products like handmade textiles, tie-dye crafts, or traditional Bai snacks.
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