Xizhou Ancient Town

Xizhou surprised me. Before coming, I thought it would be just another old town, but it felt totally different. If you walk past the main square, you get little alleys with running water, mossy walls, and old ladies drying crops in the sun. I had the famous Xizhou baba with the cheese version and watched the shopkeeper fold the dough. Simple and delicious. I also found a tiny courtyard cafe with a great latte and sat there for two hours writing postcards. Wish every town was this gentle.

This is the real ancient town if you ask me. Not as commercial as Dali. I joined a small walking tour arranged by my homestay and we visited a traditional Bai courtyard where a family still lives. The woodcarving on the windows and doors was so intricate. Also stopped at a tie-dye workshop and got to try dipping cloth in the indigo vat. The whole town has a very slow, human pace. Beautiful in every direction. I could have stayed for days.

Early morning in Xizhou was pure magic. The market was just waking up, with vendors selling flowers, vegetables, and the most amazing baba bread fresh off the stone griddle. I sat on a low bench with a cup of warm soy milk and watched old men play chess in the square. The sunlight hit the flying eaves of the Bai temples and there was almost nobody around. It felt like stepping into a living postcard. Xizhou isn't flashy, but that's exactly why I loved it.

Xizhou is a lovely break from the old town of Dali, and the white-washed walls with painted patterns are stunning. I enjoyed wandering through the alleys and seeing the old residential courtyards up close. We hired a local granny to show us around for a small fee and she pointed out things we would have missed. The only reason I'm not giving a 5 is that the smells from the horse carts can get intense in the afternoon, and some of the ancient experiences feel a bit staged. Still, a lovely half-day trip.

I really wanted to love Xizhou, but it felt a bit flat to me. The main street is pretty and the Bai architecture is definitely unique, but a lot of the old houses are now souvenir shops or locked up. We went in the afternoon and the crowd was thin, which was nice, but it also meant some food stalls were already closed. We paid to enter one courtyard house and honestly expected more for the ticket price. It's a nice escape from Dali's chaos, but I think half a day is more than enough.

We almost skipped Xizhou because it wasn't in our guidebook—so glad we didn't. Arrived right before sunset and walked straight to the wetland park at the edge of town. The golden light over the fields and the silhouette of Cangshan Mountain was unreal. Later, tucked into a courtyard restaurant and had a mountain mushroom hotpot for very fair price. Everything felt honest and peaceful. The best Dali-area experience we had, honestly.

I'm obsessed with traditional textiles, so Xizhou's tie-dye studios were my dream. Watching the ladies fold and stitch the cloth, then dip it into the indigo vats, was magical. I even got to make a small scarf and take it home. The town itself is laid-back and beautiful—whitewashed Bai houses with hanging corn, and not too many hawkers. The rice fields at the back are postcard perfect. This place gets my highest recommendation for handmade culture.

Honestly, Xizhou left me mixed. The old square is pretty, but the main street is now a corridor of identical souvenir stalls and selfie tour groups. There was road work near the temple, so lots of dust and no views. When I tried the local baba, it was cold and doughy. Maybe I came on a bad day, but I'd honestly tell friends to spend more time at the Xizhou rice fields just outside rather than the old town itself.

Enjoyed our visit, but I didn't love it as much as I expected. The old town is pretty and not as crowded as Dali, and I had a good time wandering the narrow alleys. However, the famous baba was a bit greasy for my taste, and some of the courtyards charge a ticket which feels a bit overpriced. Still, worth a half day if you're in Dali and want a quieter feel.

Cycled over from Dali old town through the fields, and Xizhou was the highlight. The rice paddies at the edge of town were glowing green in the morning light, and the air smelled of earth and fresh grass. Inside, the Bai courtyard houses are stunning—black and white panelled walls, delicate wood carvings, little turtle ponds. I sat down for an hour in a quiet cafe near the main square just watching locals play chess. If you like slow travel, don't skip Xizhou.

Xizhou exceeded all my expectations. The morning market is a feast for the senses – colorful vegetables, sizzling pancakes, and the smell of roasted tea. I bought a handmade tie-dye dress directly from the artisan for a steal. The town feels alive, not like a museum. Even the little canals with goldfish are adorable. Will definitely come back with more friends!

Hands down the best ancient town in Yunnan! Xizhou somehow keeps its soul despite the tourists. I loved the quiet alleys behind the main strip where old ladies sit embroidering. The fresh milk from the local dairy is a must-try – creamy and rich. Stayed at a family-run guesthouse and the host even taught me how to make rice noodles. Pure magic.

Honestly, Xizhou was a letdown for me. Maybe I came on a wrong day, but the main streets were packed with tour groups and selfie sticks. The famous 'corner building' is pretty but surrounded by vendors shouting at you. The local snacks were overpriced compared to what locals pay. I had a better time at a random village down the road. Not terrible, but definitely overhyped.

Xizhou is a charming little town, but I have to admit it felt a bit too commercialized in the main square. The tie-dye workshops are fun, though, and the price for a scarf was reasonable. I enjoyed cycling through the nearby rice fields more than the town itself. Worth a half-day stop if you're in the area, but don't expect a hidden gem – it's already on the tourist map.

Absolutely fell in love with Xizhou! The old streets are so well preserved, and the Bai-style architecture with those intricate flying eaves is stunning. I spent a whole morning just wandering around, stopping for a freshly made Xizhou baba – the crispy, flaky ones with brown sugar are life-changing. The vibe is much more authentic and laid-back than Dali Old Town. Definitely a highlight of my Yunnan trip!

Best decision we made on our Yunnan trip. Xizhou is peaceful, beautiful, and full of character. We joined a free walking tour led by a local guide who shared stories about the town's history and the Bai minority traditions. The architecture is stunning — I could spend hours photographing the flying eaves and painted murals. Had a lovely lunch at a family-run restaurant where they served home-style dishes with fresh herbs. Everything was perfect, even the weather! Five stars, no doubt.

What a gem! Xizhou Ancient Town feels untouched compared to other commercialized spots around Yunnan. The highlight for me was the former residence of a Bai merchant — the garden alone is worth the ticket. I also stumbled upon a tiny art studio where a local painter gave me a quick lesson on ink wash. Everyone was so warm. The slow pace, the sound of birds, the smell of wood and tea... pure magic. A must-visit for anyone craving real culture.

Absolutely fell in love with Xizhou! The cycling route from Dali through the rice fields to this ancient town was breathtaking. Once there, the Bai courtyards are like living museums — we visited one family house where the owner showed us traditional tie-dye techniques. Had the best 'ba ba' (flatbread) of my life from a street stall near the main square. The whole vibe is relaxed and authentic. Highly recommend spending a full afternoon here. Will come back!

Honestly, I was a bit let down. The town itself is cute, but it's swarming with tourists taking selfies in front of every door. I came expecting a quiet, authentic experience, but it felt more like a staged backdrop. The local food stall we tried was mediocre, and we waited 20 minutes for a simple noodle bowl. Not worth the detour from Dali if you're short on time. Maybe it's nice on a weekday, but my Saturday visit was a bust.

Xizhou is a charming little town with well-preserved Bai architecture. I loved wandering through the quiet alleys and seeing the old houses with their intricate wood carvings. The morning market is a feast for the senses - fresh flowers, local snacks, and friendly vendors. If you're looking for a break from the crowds of Dali, this is the place. The only downside is that some of the paid sites feel a bit overpriced for what you get. Still, a solid 4-star experience overall.

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.

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{
"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
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"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
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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.