Xizhou Travel Guide

Xizhou’s centre is a compact town square (Sifang Jie) where the morning market, restaurants and the large marble gate sit; narrow lanes of Bai courtyard houses fan out from the square. The Linden Centre and several museums are a few minutes’ walk from the square. Most travellers base themselves around the square or choose accommodation a short bike ride toward the lakeshore.

Costs: Budget-friendly; many travellers can manage on a relatively low daily budget. - Budget guesthouses and street food keep daily costs low; day trips or guided tours raise the budget.

Safety: Generally safe - Xizhou is a quiet town with low violent crime, though standard precautions against petty theft apply at markets and transport hubs.

Best Time: March-May and October-November - Spring and autumn offer clear skies and comfortable weather; summers are warm and wet while winters are cool and dry.

Xizhou sits on a fertile plateau between the Cangshan range and Erhai Lake, about 20 km north of Dali Old Town. The town is the centre of a cluster of 13 villages and is home mainly to the Bai people, whose culture and architecture dominate the streetscape.

Historically Xizhou prospered on the Tea Horse Road and later became a regional centre under Nanzhao and subsequent dynasties; its merchants built ornate courtyard houses and marble gates that survive today. Many traditional compounds have been preserved or sympathetically restored, and the town still hosts a large daily morning market where farmers and artisans trade produce and handicrafts.

Visiting Xizhou feels slower and more local than Dali Old Town: narrow lanes, courtyards painted in Bai colors, temples such as Daci and community festivals give a strong sense of living tradition. Small museums and restored compounds tell the town’s story, while the nearby lake and mountains make it a convenient base for walking, cycling or short trips.

Come for the concentration of traditional Bai courtyard houses, the bustling morning market and the chance to experience Bai food and rituals such as the Three Course Tea. Xizhou is compact enough to explore on foot but also close to Erhai Lake and Cangshan, so it’s easy to combine culture with lakeside scenery. The town is especially rewarding for travelers interested in architecture, regional handicrafts and relaxed village life.

Xizhou has a mild highland climate with a distinct wet season in summer and drier, cooler winters. Plan visits for spring or autumn for the most comfortable weather and clearer views of Erhai and Cangshan.

Xizhou is easiest to reach via nearby Dali, which has rail and air links; from there Xizhou is a short road trip. Regular minibuses and taxis connect Xizhou with Dali Old Town, the airport and neighbouring villages.

• By Air: Dali Airport (DLU): Flights connect Dali with Kunming and other Chinese cities; from Dali Airport a taxi to Xizhou takes around 30-60 minutes depending on traffic and costs roughly 60-120 CNY, while shared minibuses are cheaper but slower.
• By Bus / Minibus from Dali City: Frequent minibuses and buses run between Dali Old Town and Xizhou in about 30-45 minutes; fares are modest (single digits to low double digits CNY). See local departure points in Dali for schedules.
• From Lijiang: Direct buses run between Lijiang and Dali region; expect a 2-3 hour journey to Dali followed by a short hop to Xizhou, or take an intercity bus that stops near the Dali area.

Xizhou is compact and most attractions are within easy walking distance of the square. For exploring the lakeshore or villages, bicycles, electric bikes and short taxi rides are common.

• Walking: The best way to see the town’s courtyard houses, market and temples is on foot; streets are narrow and suit strolling.
• Bicycle / electric bike: Renting a bicycle or an electric bike is popular for short trips to the lakeshore and nearby villages; expect daily rental rates in the tens of CNY.
• Taxi / ride-hailing: Local taxis and app-based ride services operate from Dali and Xiaguan; short trips within the district are inexpensive but confirm the fare before starting.
• Guided tours and minibuses: Local day tours and shared minibuses are a convenient way to visit Erhai, Cangshan and Zhoucheng tie-dye workshops if you prefer organized transport.

Food is a highlight in Xizhou: street stalls in the square serve Xizhou baba and local snacks, while small family restaurants offer Bai specialties and simple noodles. Teahouses and bakeries sell the Three Course Tea and regional dairy products handed down from Mongol traditions. Eating locally is inexpensive and is the best way to sample authentic Bai flavors.

Xizhou is quiet after dark with low-key bars, teahouses and occasional live music at guesthouses. For livelier nightlife and more dining choices head 20 km south to Dali Old Town.

The morning market is the main shopping draw for produce, dried goods and everyday crafts. Look for Bai textiles, tie-dye pieces from nearby Zhoucheng and marble carvings; buy directly from artisans when possible to support local workshops.