Xizhou
Review of
- Review updated on 24 avril 2024Photos of the town of Xizhou and around
Introduction of Xizhou
Xizhou, aside from Dali, is another great place to observe the typical Bai Minority folk culture and architecture. A characteristic Bai courtyard residence consists of rooms on three sides and a decorative screen wall on the south direction. These residence generally have carved beams, turned up eaves, with the splendid of their green, gold, blue and white paint.Xizhou is a very quiet and still uncrowded town. It has the advantage of preserving itself from mass tourism and one can observe a real local life, especially around the main square where families meet, where children like to play until after dark. Sit in a restaurant or cafe around the square, enjoy some fresh local beer, and watch the life around you.Fun Detail: Be careful, in the old town, there is no night lighting beyond the main square, so do not forget your phone or the flashlight provided by your hotel, this will help you orient yourself in the mazes of cobbled streets!
Historic of Xizhou
Historically Xizhou is the essential place for military affairs during the period of Nanzhao Kingdom. Its industrial and commercial business was under well development; was one of the most important trading centre among Yunnan.
Crafts in Xizhou
Xizhou is also home to embroidery and wax dying which can be used to make and decorate shoes, hats, clothing, tablecloths, tapestries and bed sheets. Have a walk in the Xizhou market, this bustling area show you all kinds of product from groceries and daily commodities to handicrafts etc. Yet, the most attracted point should be the experience of the traditional dressing of Bai minority women.
Festivals in Xizhou
There are numerous Bai festivals are held in Xizhou, almost one major festival in each month. One of the most worth mentioning counts the “Three Spirits Festival” in April, while local youngsters gather together to choose their lovers and future spouses. During the festival, local people perform all manner of Bai folk dances by wearing their traditional costumes.
Accommodations in Xizhou
The two most beautiful boutique hotels in the Dali region are located in Xizhou, namely the Linden Center and the Sky Valley Boutique Hotel. This is not surprising because the quiet and peaceful village of Xizhou is the ideal place for a beautiful hotel renovation in traditional residences, sometimes bought for a piece of bread but restored with great passion by these hoteliers investors.
Access to Xizhou
Xizhou Village is 20 kms from Dali Old Town. After Xizhou, Zhoucheng is another village where you can see houses with Bai architecture in very good condition. You can also combine the village tour with Erhai Lake or Cangshan Mountain, see Shaping Monday Market if you are there early in the week.
