Xizhou Ancient Town

I stumbled upon Xizhou during a solo trip and ended up staying two nights. The guesthouse run by a local family was warm and welcoming, and the home-cooked dinner with grandma’s pickled vegetables was unforgettable. Walking the quiet streets at dusk with hardly any tourists felt like stepping back in time. If you want a real taste of Yunnan’s heritage away from loud bars and souvenir stores, this is the place. Can’t recommend it enough!

Incredible spot for photography! The morning light hitting the white-washed walls and flying eaves is just magical. I especially loved the old market square where locals sell fresh produce and homemade pickles. One tip: go early before the tour groups arrive. Every corner feels like a postcard. The entrance fee is super cheap and there’s a wonderful little museum about Bai culture. Definitely a must-see in Dali area.

Absolutely loved this place! Xizhou is a hidden gem – far less crowded than Dali, but just as beautiful. I spent hours cycling through the rice paddies surrounding the town, then sat in a courtyard cafe sipping local pu'er tea. The combination of ancient architecture, slow pace, and friendly locals made it a highlight of my Yunnan trip. Highly recommend renting a bike and exploring the countryside nearby. 5 stars!

I spent a pleasant half-day wandering around Xizhou. The Bai-style buildings with their colorful murals are really photogenic, and I enjoyed watching the tie-dye artisans at work. My only small gripe is that the street food options were limited and a bit overpriced compared to Dali old town. Still, it’s a nice escape from the crowds and feels more authentic than the bigger tourist spots. Would come back for the calm atmosphere.

The old town itself has a nice, laid-back vibe and the architecture is well preserved. However, I was a bit disappointed by the commercialization – every second shop was selling the same souvenirs, and a few vendors were quite pushy. Also, some of the smaller alleys were littered with trash, which killed the charm a little. It’s still worth a short visit if you're in the area, but don’t expect an untouched ancient experience.

```json
[
{
"username": "Travel_Junkie_88",
"content": "Xizhou is a hidden gem! The old streets are so well-preserved, and the Bai architecture is stunning. We wandered around for hours, taking photos of the intricate wooden carvings and colorful murals. Stopped by a local tea house and had the most amazing pu'er. Definitely the highlight of our Yunnan trip!",
"rating": 5
},
{
"username": "Mimi_Loves_History",
"content": "I really enjoyed the quiet atmosphere here compared to Dali Old Town. The morning market was lively but not chaotic. The only downside was that some of the smaller alleys felt a bit neglected, with trash here and there. Still, the traditional courtyards and the folk museum made it worth the visit. A solid experience overall.",
"rating": 4
},
{
"username": "R.Wilson",
"content": "Honestly, I was a bit let down. The place is hyped up as 'authentic', but it felt like some sections were being rebuilt in a Disney-fied way. The food stalls all sold the same overpriced snacks, and we got charged extra for sitting down at a 'historical' teahouse that clearly catered only to tourists. Not terrible, but I wouldn't go out of my way for it.",
"rating": 3
},
{
"username": "Nomad_Sam",
"content": "Xizhou stole my heart. I spent three days just cycling around the rice paddies outside the town and dipping into tiny temples. The locals are incredibly friendly—one old woman even invited me into her courtyard to show me her garden. The crisp mountain air, the smell of woodsmoke in the evening... pure magic. Can't recommend it enough!",
"rating": 5
},
{
"username": "SunsetChaser_22",
"content": "If you go in the late afternoon, the light hitting the white-washed walls is absolutely golden. The iconic corner tower is a perfect spot for sunset photos. We also tried the famous Xizhou baba (the fried bread) from a vendor near the square—so delicious and flaky. Every corner feels like a painting. |
"rating": 5
}
]
```

Xizhou is charming but I left with mixed feelings. The preserved courtyards are beautiful, but many are now turned into expensive tea houses that require a purchase to even walk in. I felt rushed by a vendor who kept following me trying to sell tie-dye. On the plus side, the bike ride from Dali along Erhai Lake to Xizhou was gorgeous. The town itself... meh. Good for a quick afternoon stop, not a destination.

If you're a photographer, bring a wide-angle lens! The market square at sunrise is magic – old men playing cards, women carrying baskets, and that golden light hitting the white walls. I also walked out to the rice fields behind the town and got some stunning shots of the pagoda silhouette. The town itself is well-preserved but felt a bit 'staged' in places. Still, highly recommend for the visual experience.

Xizhou exceeded my expectations! The highlight was the Zhang's courtyard house – the guide explained the family history and the meaning behind the paintings. I also did a tie-dye workshop at a local studio and came home with a beautiful scarf. The local specialty bread (baba) is incredible, especially the sweet version. Only downside: the public restrooms could be cleaner. Still, a solid 4-star experience.

Nice place but way too touristy for my taste. Main street is lined with identical souvenir shops and loud music. The famous corner tower is nice for a quick photo but you can't really enjoy it with the constant flow of selfie sticks. Had a decent bowl of rice noodles near the square, but everything felt overpriced. Worth a half-day visit if you're in the area, but don't expect a peaceful ancient town experience.

Absolutely loved Xizhou! The old Bai architecture is stunning, and the morning market was a feast for the senses. I spent hours just wandering the quiet side alleys, taking photos of the intricate wood carvings. The fried milk fan was a surprising treat. If you're looking for an authentic slice of Yunnan away from the Dali crowds, this is it. Will definitely come back.

What a delightful surprise! I came for the architecture but stayed for the coffee culture. There's a hidden roastery off the main square that serves the best pour-over I've had in China. The owner sources beans from nearby plantations. Also loved the quiet afternoon sitting by the old camphor tree, watching locals play chess. Very photogenic and wonderfully relaxed vibe.

Honestly expected more. Xizhou feels like a watered-down version of Dali Old Town – same style but less character. The ticket for the historic houses is overpriced (60 yuan for a few empty rooms). The highlight was the peaceful Erhai Lake view from the northern edge. If you're tight on time, skip it and stay in Dali instead.

I've been to many ancient towns in Yunnan, and Xizhou stands out for its authentic Bai culture. The three-course tea ceremony at the old courtyard was a highlight – the host explained everything with such pride. The food here is also top-notch; try the local baba bread and the crispy pork. Only downsides: some roads are uneven and could be tricky for strollers or wheelchairs.

Xizhou is charming, but definitely more touristy than I expected. The main street is lined with identical souvenir shops, which gets old fast. However, the side alleys are peaceful and photogenic. I enjoyed the traditional tie-dye workshop – the owner was super passionate. Would recommend coming early morning before the crowds arrive. Worth a half-day trip from Dali, but not longer.

Absolutely loved wandering through Xizhou! The blend of Bai architecture and vibrant local life is mesmerizing. I spent hours just strolling the alleys, stopping at tiny courtyard cafes. The morning market near the square is a feast for the senses – fresh flowers, local snacks, and the friendliest vendors. Don't skip the old town walls for a panoramic view. A true gem off the beaten path.