Xizhou Town in Dali – the Famous “Museum of Bai Residence Architecture”

Written by Veronica | Updated February 05,2026

Xizhou Town is a thousand-year-old village in the Dali, Yunnan. Because of its well-preserved traditional architecture of Bai minority, which features a unique blend of Bai and Han Chinese styles, Xizhou is known as the “Museum of Bai Residence Architecture”. The town still retains the ancient Bai dwellings of different characteristics from the Ming, Qing and Republic of China.

Xizhou Town is also famous for its vibrant traditional markets, where visitors can find various kinds of local food materials, sample local delicacies, browse handmade crafts, and talk with the friendly locals dressed in beautiful traditional Bai costumes.

Xizhou Ancient Town is one of the most beautiful ancient towns in China, and one of the best places to visit for minority culture when you travel to Yunnan.

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• Fast Facts of Dali Xizhou Town:
• What Makes Xizhou Town Unique?
• Top Things to Do and See in Xizhou Town of Dali
• History of Xizhou Town
• What and Where to Eat in Xizhou Town
• Best Time to Visit Xizhou Old Town
• How to get to Xizhou Town
• Where to Stay and What to Eat in Xizhou Town
• Attractions Nearby Xizhou Town 

Fast Facts of Dali Xizhou Town:

• Chinese name:喜洲镇
• Location: north of Xiaguan Town and west of Erhai Lake, in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China
• Area: 81 km²
• Time Needed: approximately 3 hours
• Travel Essentials: About 18 kilometers away from Dali City or 19km from Dali Old Town, Xizhou Town can be easily accessibly by public bus, car, taxi or bicycle
• Highlights: Traditional architecture, local markets, local foods, and cultural heritage
• Best for: people interested in history, architecture, minority culture, and authentic local experiences

What Makes Xizhou Town Unique?

• A rare concentration of Bai courtyard residences: Xizhou has over 150 well-preserved Ming–Republic era Bai family compounds, including Yang Shiyun’s Seven-Feet Book Building, Zhao Tingjun Compound, and Yan Zizhen Compound.
• Distinct Bai residential architectural style: Layouts like “three houses and one screen wall” and “four houses and five courtyards” reflect Bai aesthetics, family organization, and local beliefs.
• Living local markets instead of tourist streets: Sifang Street and morning markets serve residents first, offering fresh produce, farm products, handmade items, and traditional snacks.
• Strong continuity of Bai daily customs: Traditional clothing, three-course tea, and tie-dye remain part of daily life, not staged for visitors.
• A natural setting between Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain: Nestled between Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain, Xizhou combines cultural exploration with lakeside views, farmland, and cycling routes.

Top Things to Do and See in Xizhou Town of Dali

Admire Ancient Architecture of Bai Minority

There are 88 Bai residential buildings in Xizhou Town, such as Yang Shiyun’s “Seven Feet Book Building” originated in the Ming Dynasty, Zhao Tingjun’s compound in the Qing Dynasty, and Yan Zizhen’s compound, Dong Chengnong’s compound, Yang Pinsheng’s compound and Yin Longju’s compound in the Republican Period.

The architecture of Xizhou shows the unique architectural aesthetics and wisdom of the Bai people in its layout and orientation. The decoration of the Bai people’s houses is also extremely exquisite, set ink painting, colour painting, wood carving, brick, clay sculpture, inlay and so on as a whole. Carved beams, overlapping arches and flying eaves, as well as the colourful decorative art of illumination walls and mountain walls, fully reflect the architectural talent and artistic creativity of the Bai people.

The complete and well-preserved Bai residential complex in Xizhou Town is the epitome of the historical development of Dali Bai residential architecture. It is the epitome of the historical development of Bai folk residence architecture, and it has a high historical, artistic and scientific value as it reflects the style and art of Bai folk residence.

Experience Local lifestyle at Local Markets

Another excellent way to learn more about the local culture and lifestyle of Xizhou Town is to visit the local food markets. Zhoucheng Market and Xizhou Morning Market are two of the most popular markets in the town.

Eat your way through the markets for Xizhou Baba, Milk Fan, Bait Dumpling, Yunnan Rice Noodle, Lemongrass Grilled Fish… while enjoying various gastronomic scenes.

Wear and Understand Traditional Bai Costumes

In Xizhou Town, the Bai people revere the colour white. White men usually wear white lapel coat, black collar coat jacket, or several pieces of leather, satin collar coat, commonly known as “three drops of water”. Bai women wear white blouses and red shoulders, or light-coloured blue blouses, plus black velvet blazers, with short embroidered waistbands, wide blue trousers, and embroidered “hundred-section shoes”.

When taking a trip to Dali, you can learn tie-dye and embroidery from local women.

Take Part in the Bai Three-Course Tea Ceremony

The Three Way Tea Ceremony is a hospitality ritual of the Bai people in Xizhou Town. The first tea is selected from the thicker and more bitter tea leaves, which are put into small sand canisters and roasted over a gentle fire, and then washed with boiling water. This tea, though fragrant called “clear and bitter tea”. The second tea, add brown sugar, milk fan, walnuts, sesame, sweet and delicious, called “sweet tea”. The third tea is mixed with honey and 4 to 6 peppercorns, which is sweet and bitter, with a hint of spicy flavour, is the “aftertaste tea”.

In Xizhou Ancient Town, you can also experience the unique festivals of the Bai people, such as the “Three Spirits Festival”, the “Lord of the World Festival”, etc.

Take in the Sheer Scenic Beauty

Surrounded by Erhai Lake, Cangshan Mountain, and the Yangbi River, Xizhou Town also features stunning natural landscapes. Travelers are encouraged to take a leisurely walk or bike ride around the town and enjoy the scenic beauty.

Learn to Make Tie-Dye by Yourself

Xizhou is a center of Bai tie-dye. And this unique dyeing technique is a national intangible cultural heritage craft with over 1,000 years of history. Visitors can join workshops in the town, following the guide of local artisans to make their own scarves, bags, or handkerchiefs. In Bai culture, Blue-and-white patterns symbolize purity, and each piece is one of a kind. Experiences last about 1 hour, and it normally coast ¥30–80. The eventual work can be a memorable souvenir.

Experience the Life and Culture of the Bai Minority at Sifang Street

Sifang Street is the social and market hub of Xizhou, and it still mainly serves locals. In morning markets, merchants will come to sell fresh produce, dairy, and Bai snacks, while surrounding historic buildings show classic Bai residential styles. Walking through the street, visitors can observe authentic daily routines and local crafts.

History of Xizhou Town

Xizhou Town has a rich history which can back over a thousand years, and it has served as an important cultural and commercial center in the Dali region. It was historically a key hub for the Bai people, they settled here, lived here, and also developed their distinctive architectural style and customs in this area. Over centuries, Xizhou flourished under the Dali Kingdom and it survived the later Ming and Qing dynasties, maintaining its status as a prosperous town with deep cultural roots.

It is located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain, and it’s also quite near the Erhai Lake. This location has made Xizhout an ideal spot for agriculture, trade, and cultural exchange. The town’s well-preserved Bai residences and public buildings reflect the artistic and social values of the Bai community, you can closely appreciate their intricate woodwork, stone carvings, and colorful murals if visiting here. Today, Xizhou stands as a living testament to the Bai people’s long history and their enduring cultural heritage.

What and Where to Eat in Xizhou Town

Xizhou cuisine is something that you cannot miss. It reflects Bai agricultural traditions and local ingredients, and it focus on providing a taste of freshness, balance, and natural flavors. Most authentic food experiences are often found at local markets and small family-run eateries.

• Xizhou Baba: Crispy outside, soft inside.It’s basically a flatbread with savory or sweet fillings.
• Milk Fan (Rushan): It’s a fermented dairy Often being grilled or fried, served with sugar or honey.
• Bai-style Dumplings: This is a kind of lightly seasoned dumplings with meat, vegetables, or herbs.
• Yunnan Rice Noodles:A traditional and one of the most iconic and famous Yunnan food.People usually have it with fresh herbs, broth, and local toppings.
• Lemongrass Grilled Fish: Fresh fish grilled with lemongrass and local spices.

Best Time to Visit Xizhou Old Town

When to travel to Xizhou in Dali? Xizhou Town is at its most beautiful from March to May and September to November when the weather is mild and the temperature is about 20 degrees. Enjoy yourself the blooming flowers, clear blue skies, fresh air, and beautiful rice fields.

For those in the known, Xizhou is beautiful all year round, with local festivals in the summer and winter to be explored with unique experiences.

How to get to Xizhou Town

Whether you are in Dali Old Town or Dali railways station, it is easy for you to get to Xizhou Ancient Town.

• By Plane: If you travel to Xizhou Town from other cities in China, take a flight toDali Airport, which is only 30 kilometers away. From the airport, take a taxi or regular bus to Xizhou Town directly.
• By Train: China’s HSR network has reached Dali. From Guilin, Chengdu, Chongqing, Nanning, and major cities in Yunnan, you can take a bullet train to arriveDali Railway Station. From the railway station, which is about 18km away from Xizhou Town.
• By Bus: It is the most economic way. Dali is connected by bus to major cities of Yunnan, including Kunming, Lijiang, and Shangri-La. From Dali City Bus Station to Xizhou Town, it takes about 30 minutes by bus.
• By Car: To have more flexibility and convenience for exploring the town and nearby attractions, travelers are suggested to rent a car to get to Xizhou Town.

Where to Stay and What to Eat in Xizhou Town

Where to Stay

Xizhou Town provides all different accommodation choices, some of the most popular types are the charming guesthouses and boutique inns that blend traditional Bai architectural style with modern comfort. Staying in a traditional Bai courtyard home is highly recommended for an authentic cultural experience. Popular options include family-run guesthouses that offer personalized service and the chance to learn about Bai customs firsthand. However, if you prefer the modern style hotels, there are still plenty of them, which are also attached with a sense of local culture.

What to Eat

• Xizhou Baba: A savory stuffed flatbread, crispy outside and soft inside.
• Milk Fan: A refreshing fermented milk dessert, which is unique to the Bai people.
• Bai-style Dumplings: Flavorful dumplings, and they are often filled with local herbs and meats.
• Yunnan Rice Noodles: A famous and widely-liked staple of the region, and it has so many variations.
• Lemongrass Grilled Fish: Fresh fish marinated and grilled with fragrant lemongrass.

Attractions Nearby Xizhou Town

If you are planning a trip to Dali and wondering what else to add for your Dali tour with Xizhou Town, below are some great recommendations.

• Dali Ancient Town: Located about 19kilometers from Xizhou Town, Dali Old Town is one of most famous ancient towns in China and one of the best things to do in Yunnan. This charming historic town is home to a wealth of ancient architectures, streets, temples, and markets, and is a UNESCO World Heritage.
• Erhai Lake: 20 kilometers from Xizhou Town, Erhai Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in China. There are different ways to explore Erhai Lake, from a boattrip and fishing to biking and walking. Don’t miss the nearby Bai ethnic villages.
• Cangshan Mountain: 30 kilometers from Xizhou Town, the 4122-meter Cangshan Mountainis one of the highlight attractions in Dali. Take cable car or hike to the top of Cangshang Mountain, to enjoy a full view of the beautiful and pastoral Dali.