Dali , China

Dali XIzhou Ancient Town Private Tour

Active

4h - 8h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the charm of Xizhou Ancient Town and Bai ethnic culture on a guided tour from Dali. Visit the Yan Family's Courtyard, stroll through rice fields, and taste the classic Xizhou Baba.

Walk to the rice fields near the Linden Centre. Different seasons bring different beautiful pictures. In spring and summer, the rice seedlings are lush, like green waves rolling; in autumn, the rice ears turn golden, just like a golden carpet.

Strolling along the ridges of the fields, the gentle breeze blows, and the fragrance of rice, grass, and soil blend together. In the distance, the Cangshan Mountain is covered with a layer of greenery, and nearby, the brook flows gently, making you feel extremely comfortable.

Step into the snack street of the ancient town, where the hustle and bustle of life can be felt. Find an old store and order the classic Xizhou Baba.

Available options

Include Tie-Dyeing Experience

Tie Dyeing Hands-on Experience<br/>Duration: 8 hours

Include Dali Ancient City

Dali Ancient City<br/>Duration: 8 hours

Xizhou Ancient Town

Duration: 4 hours

What's included

English-speaking Private Guide

Transport

Customized Itinerary

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Arrive at Xizhou Ancient Town and step back into time. The bluestone-paved roads extend under your feet and the ancient stage stands quietly. With its upturned eaves, richly ornamented brackets, carved beams, and painted rafters, it fully displays the charm of Bai ethnic architecture. Choose a good angle and take pictures to capture these ancient moments.

Visit the Yan Family's Courtyard, which is a gem of Bai ethnic folk houses and perfectly showcases the layout of "Three Rooms with One Screen Wall" and "Four Courtyards with Five Skylights". The flowers, birds, fish, and insects carved on the wooden doors and windows, as well as the auspicious beasts on the stone railings, are all vivid.

Visit the Puzhen Bai Ethnic Group Tie-dyeing Museum in Zhoucheng. Under the guidance of professional staff, have an in-depth understanding of the historical origin of Bai ethnic group's tie-dyeing.

From the ancient origin legends to the modern inheritance and development, admire the exquisite tie-dyeing works and feel the charm of intangible cultural heritage art.

Try the hands-on tie-dyeing experience session. Under the guidance of the staff, try to design and make simple tie-dyed handkerchiefs or scarves, and leave with a unique travel souvenir.

Walk into the traditional alleys in Zhoucheng and look for a restaurant run by local families to taste one or two dishes from the characteristic "Eight Local Dishes", such as Hongqu Pork, and experience the flavor of traditional Bai ethnic group banquet dishes as well as the connotation of folk culture.

Stop 4

Take a in-depth stroll through Dali Ancient City on this half-day tour. Explore the ancient charm of Bai ethnic architecture, climb the Wuhua Tower overlooking the beauty of the ancient city, savor the blend of Chinese and Western cultures on Foreigners' Street, and enjoy the classic Bai ethnic cuisine to please your taste buds.

What's not included

Tips & Gratuities

Food & Drinks

Personal Expenses

Tie-Dyeing Hands-on Experience (CNY110)

French/German/Italian/Spanish/Russian/Malay/Indonesian/Thai/Viet Guide (extra)

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN EN

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Our guide will be carrying a card with your name.

About Dali

Dali is a picturesque city in Yunnan Province, renowned for its stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and the famous Erhai Lake. Nestled between the Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, Dali offers a blend of ethnic Bai culture, historic sites, and outdoor adventures, making it a must-visit destination in Southwest China.

Top Attractions

Cangshan Mountain

A stunning mountain range offering hiking trails, scenic views, and hot springs. The 19 peaks of Cangshan provide a breathtaking backdrop to Dali.

Nature Half day to full day Free to ¥100 for cable car

Erhai Lake

A large, picturesque lake offering water activities, cycling paths, and stunning sunsets. The lake is a major attraction and a hub for outdoor activities.

Nature Half day to full day Free to ¥150 for boat tours

Dali Ancient Town

A well-preserved ancient town with traditional architecture, bustling markets, and a rich cultural heritage. The town is a great place to experience the local Bai culture.

Historical Half day Free to explore, shopping and dining costs vary

Three Courses of Tea

A traditional tea ceremony performed by local Bai women. The ceremony involves serving tea in a specific ritual, offering insights into the local culture.

Cultural 1-2 hours ¥50-100

Xizhou Town

A charming town known for its well-preserved Bai architecture, museums, and cultural sites. Xizhou is a great place to learn about the Bai ethnic group.

Cultural Half day Free to explore, museum entry fees vary

Must-Try Local Dishes

Crossing the Bridge Noodles

A traditional Bai dish consisting of a hearty broth with various ingredients, served with rice noodles. The dish is named for the story of a scholar who prepared it to sustain himself while studying for exams.

Dinner Vegetarian options available

Erkuai (Yunnan Rice Cakes)

Thick, chewy rice cakes that can be fried, boiled, or steamed and served with various toppings. They are a popular street food in Dali.

Snack Vegetarian

Yunnan Ham

A type of cured ham that is a delicacy in Yunnan. It is often served as a snack or used in various dishes.

Snack Contains pork

Mushroom and Potato Hotpot

A hearty hotpot dish featuring a variety of mushrooms and potatoes, cooked in a flavorful broth. It's a popular dish in the colder months.

Dinner Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in Cangshan Mountain Cycling around Erhai Lake Boating on Erhai Lake Tea ceremonies Hot springs Lakeside picnics Visiting museums Exploring ancient towns

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

The weather is most pleasant during these seasons, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. It's the best time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Chinese (Mandarin)
Widely spoken: Yunnan dialect, Bai language
English: Limited

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Dali is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming local population. However, as with any destination, it's important to take precautions and stay aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour operators and guides
• Avoid unlicensed taxis

Getting there

By air

Dali Airport • 10 km from city center

By train

Dali Station

By bus

Dali Bus Station, Xiaguan Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and covers most parts of the city and surrounding areas.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Foreigners Street Xiaguan Erhai Lake Area

Day trips

Shaxi Ancient Town

90 km from Dali • Full day

A well-preserved ancient town on the old Tea Horse Road, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history and cultural heritage.

Lijiang

150 km from Dali • Full day or overnight

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved ancient town, stunning natural scenery, and rich Naxi culture.

Shuhe Ancient Town

150 km from Dali • Full day or overnight

A sister town to Lijiang Ancient Town, Shuhe offers a more relaxed and less touristy experience, with a rich history and cultural heritage.

Festivals

Dali March Fair • March Bai Ethnic New Year • Late February to early March (lunar calendar) Dali International Photography Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit the local markets early in the morning for the freshest produce and best selection
Learn a few basic phrases in Mandarin or the local Yunnan dialect to enhance your interactions with locals
Bring comfortable walking shoes, as Dali is best explored on foot
Try the local Bai cuisine, which is known for its unique flavors and ingredients
Visit the Three Courses of Tea ceremony for a unique cultural experience and insights into the local Bai culture