Xizhou Ancient City

Introduction & Historical Significance
Nestled in Dali City, Yunnan Province, Xizhou Ancient Town is a nationally recognized cultural heritage site and a living museum of Bai ethnic culture with over 1,200 years of history. Originally established during the Nanzhao Kingdom (8th century) as a military and commercial hub, it later flourished under the Dali Kingdom and through the Ming-Qing eras. Known as the "Birthplace of Bai Merchants," Xizhou was home to the influential "Xizhou Business Guild" during the Qing Dynasty, with families like Yan, Dong, and Yang building grand courtyards that blended traditional Bai architecture with Han, Tibetan, and Western influences. The town’s 151 historic courtyards, including the Yan Family Courtyard (built 1920) and Dong Family Courtyard (1948), showcase Bai craftsmanship like "three- Fang - One- wall" layouts, intricate wood carvings, and marble inlay art. In 2001, the Xizhou Bai Ancient Architecture Complex was designated a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit.

Architectural Layout & Design
The 1.5 km² town harmonizes natural landscapes with human-made splendor:

• Yan Family Courtyard: A 3,066 m² complex featuring "six-in-one spring" courtyards, French-style villas, and "doctor’s mansion" gates with carved stone bases and flying eaves. Built by Yan Zizhen, a patriotic industrialist, it combines Bai "three- Fang - One- wall" and " four in five courtyard " layouts with Western decorative motifs.
• Dong Family Courtyard: A 1948 structure with "six-in-one spring" layouts, marble-paved courtyards, and a "general’s villa" in the back, reflecting mid-20th-century fusion design.
• Traditional Bai Residences: White-washed walls with ink-wash landscapes, decorative screen walls adorned with poetry, and timber-framed houses with bracket sets showcasing Bai carpentry.
• Historic Landmarks: The 700-year-old "Seven-Foot Book Pavilion," Qing-era Doctor’s Mansion, and the 19th-century Xiqing Xiang Merchant House.
• Modern Integration: Stone-paved lanes, ancient wells, and folk-culture squares with Tie-dye workshops, tea houses, and markets.

Major Attractions

• Yan Family Courtyard Museum: Explore the 24-room mansion with restored interiors, antique furniture, and exhibits on Bai merchant history (¥18 entry).
• Xizhou Old Street: A 400m pedestrian street lined with Bai snacks like Xizhou baba, silver shops, and traditional pharmacies.
• Hai Tong Peninsula: A scenic wetland with wooden walkways, bird-watching towers, and views of Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain.
• Butterfly Spring: Seasonal butterfly migrations and Bai folk performances in a forested valley.
• Zha Rong Workshop: Hands-on tie-dye and marble carving classes using traditional Bai techniques.

Ticket Information

• Free Entry: Town access is free 24/7; specific attractions like Yan Family Courtyard require tickets (¥18-35).
• Guided Tours: ¥100-200 for heritage walks, craft workshops, or architectural tours.
• Combined Tickets: Discounted packages (¥150-250) with Erhai Lake cruises or Cangshan Mountain cableways.

Transportation Guide

• Public Transit: Buses 4/8 from Dali Ancient City to Xizhou (¥10, 30 mins); Dali Railway Station to Xizhou via minibus (¥7, 40 mins).
• Self-Drive: 20-minute drive from Dali Old Town via G214 Highway; parking at North Gate (¥10/day).
• Local Access: Electric shuttles and shared bikes for exploring narrow lanes.
• Cableways: Connects to Cangshan Mountain for panoramic views.

Best Time & Tips

• Optimal Seasons: Spring (Mar-May) for azaleas and Festivals; autumn (Sep-Nov) for clear skies. Avoid summer rains and winter crowds.
• Photography: Dawn for misty courtyard views; Sunset for golden hour lighting on the wall and lake views.
• Cultural Etiquette: Remove shoes in temples; respect Bai customs during festivals like the Torch Festival.
• Packing: Sunscreen, hats, comfortable shoes, and layers for temperature shifts.
• Dining: Must-try dishes include Xizhou baba, Erhai fish hotpot, and Bai-style Sour Soup Fish.

Nearby Attractions & Itineraries

• Combined Tours:
  • Morning: Yan Family Courtyard + Xizhou Old Street + tie-dye workshop.
  • Afternoon: Erhai Lake cruise or Hai Tong Peninsula nature walk.
  • Evening: Dali Ancient City night markets or folk performances.
• Cultural Synergy: Pair with Shaxi Ancient Town for Tea Horse Road history or Xizhou Village for traditional Bai architecture.

Xizhou Ancient Town embodies the soul of Bai culture—where ancient architecture, merchant history, and natural beauty converge. As a UNESCO-recognized gem, it continues to inspire global travelers seeking authenticity and cultural depth in China’s southwest.