Xizhou Ancient Town

Historical Overview
Founded during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), Xizhou rose to prominence in the Qing Dynasty as a bustling commercial center. Merchants from Sichuan, Tibet, and even India and Persia gathered here, establishing wealthy families known as the "Eight Great Clans." These clans constructed grand residences blending Han, Bai, and European architectural styles. The town’s decline in the 20th century inadvertently preserved its historic core, making it a rare surviving example of a pre-modern Chinese trading hub. Today, Xizhou’s heritage sites, including the 700-year-old Yangjuan Temple and the Zhoucheng Zaodi Market, continue to honor its legacy.

Architectural Layout
The town’s layout follows a traditional grid system, with:

• Main Street (Sifang Street): The bustling heart of Xizhou, lined with shops, cafes, and workshops.
• Residential Quarters: Over 100 preserved Bai courtyard houses, featuring intricate woodcarvings, painted eaves, and moon gates.
• Key Structures:
  • Yan Family Compound: A 19th-century mansion with European stained-glass windows and Bai-style murals.
  • Yang Family Compound: A Qing-era residence known for its "Walk Through Corridors" connecting 18 courtyards.
  • Zhaozhao Temple: A 14th-century Buddhist-Daoist temple with a three-tiered pagoda.

Major Attractions

1. Sifang Street Market: A lively morning market selling local produce, handicrafts, and the famous Xizhou baked cake (Xizhou Baba).
2. Tie-Dye Workshops: Learn to create Bai-style tie-dye fabrics, a UNESCO-listed craft.
3. Yan Family Compound: Explore the fusion of Bai and European architectural elements.
4. Yang Family Compound: Marvel at the "Walk Through Corridors" and garden pavilions.
5. Xizhou Museum: Displays artifacts from the Ancient Tea Horse Road and Bai cultural relics.
6. Zhaozhao Temple Pagoda: Climb the 13-story pagoda for panoramic town views.

Cultural Experiences

1. Bai Three-Course Tea Ceremony: Participate in a traditional tea ritual symbolizing bitterness, sweetness, and reminiscence.
2. Tie-Dye Crafting: Create your own scarf or tablecloth at workshops like Blue续 Store.
3. Bai Folk Music: Attend performances featuring the ancient Dongjing music, a UNESCO Intangible Heritage.
4. Market Visits: Join locals in bargaining for spices, textiles, and handmade jewelry at Sifang Street.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Half-Day Tour:
   Sifang Street Market → Tie-Dye Workshop → Yan Family Compound → Xizhou Museum.
   Highlights: Market shopping, craft workshop, and historic mansion tour.

2. Full-Day Tour:
   Morning: Sifang Street Market → Tie-Dye Workshop → Yang Family Compound.
   Afternoon: Zhaozhao Temple Pagoda → Bai Three-Course Tea Ceremony.
   Highlights: Architectural exploration, cultural rituals, and temple views.

3. Overnight Stay:
   Day 1: Full-Day Tour + Evening Bonfire Party with Bai folk songs.
   Day 2: Cycling Tour to nearby Erhai Lake villages.
   Highlights: Immersive cultural experience and lakeside scenery.

Practical Information

• Entrance Fees:
  • Yan/Yang Family Compounds: ¥20 each.
  • Zhaozhao Temple: ¥10.
  • Combined Ticket (5 Sites): ¥100 (includes museums and pagoda).
• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM–6 PM (sites may close earlier in winter).
• Transportation:
  • From Dali: 40-minute bus ride (¥7) or 1-hour taxi (¥80).
  • From Lijiang: 2-hour bus via G214 (¥40).
  • Bike Rental: ¥20–50/day for Erhai Lake cycling loops.

Best Time & Tips

• Peak Season: March–April (peach blossoms) and September–October (cool weather).
• Avoid Crowds: Visit early (8–9 AM) or late afternoon (4–5 PM).
• Essentials:
  • Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets.
  • Try Xizhou Baba (baked cake) with local rose jam.
  • Respect Bai customs: Remove shoes before entering temples.
• Prohibitions: Photography inside temples without permission.