Xizhou Ancient Town - A historic town of Dali
Xizhou Ancient Town is located north of Dali city in Yunnan Province, China, nestled beside the vast Erhai Lake. For a long time, it has been known as an ancient town rich in the historical legacy of the Dali region, once the center of the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms for many centuries.
Historically, Xizhou was a key trading hub along the ancient route linking Yunnan with Tibet and Southeast Asia. Thanks to its strategic location, the town gradually flourished, becoming home to many wealthy merchant families. The ancient houses, stone-paved streets, and intricately carved wooden gates that remain today are traces of that prosperous era.
Despite many historical changes, Xizhou has preserved much of its original town layout. Whitewashed walls, grey-tiled roofs, and winding narrow alleys create a quiet, contemplative beauty that feels distinctly different from the modern world outside.
A peaceful morning on the ancient streets
If you happen to visit Xizhou early in the morning, before tour groups arrive, you can experience the town in a very different atmosphere. The soft morning light gently touches the white walls and ancient tiled roofs, making the entire space feel slower and calmer.
The stone-paved streets running through rows of old houses remain mostly empty. Occasionally, you might see a passerby walking by, or a wooden door opening to begin a new day. The morning air carries a rare sense of stillness, only the light breeze rustling through trees and the soft sound of footsteps echoing against the stone.
At that moment, Xizhou reveals its most authentic beauty. Without noise or crowds, the ancient town feels like a quiet pause in the journey of exploring Yunnan.
Bai architecture – The distinctive character of Xizhou Ancient Town
One of the elements that makes Xizhou truly special is its traditional Bai architecture - the cultural heritage of the Bai ethnic community that has lived in the Dali region for generations.
The ancient houses here typically feature whitewashed walls, grey-tiled roofs, and spacious inner courtyards. The entrance gates are intricately carved with decorative patterns, showcasing the craftsmanship of local artisans while also reflecting the Bai people's aesthetic values.
The architectural space in Xizhou is designed in harmony with nature. Trees are planted among the houses, and the white walls stand out beautifully under the soft morning sunlight, creating a scene that feels both historic and peaceful.
It is precisely this blend of traditional architecture and natural landscape that has made Xizhou Ancient Town one of the most well-preserved places to experience the architectural culture of the Bai people in Yunnan.
The slow rhythm of life in the Ancient Town
Unlike many other popular tourist destinations, daily life in Xizhou remains relatively calm and unhurried. Locals continue their routines within the familiar streets of the ancient town, maintaining a simple and relaxed rhythm of living.
In the morning, a few small shops begin to open, and modest street vendors appear along the narrow streets. Locals walk by, chat with neighbors, and prepare for their day as part of their everyday routine.
Tourism has arrived in Xizhou, but it has not completely transformed the town’s pace of life. The town still feels like a place where people genuinely live, rather than just a destination for visitors. Perhaps that is why Xizhou always leaves travelers with a sense of warmth and comfort.
When the Ancient Town becomes a keeper of cultural memory
Over time, Xizhou has become more than just an old town. It now serves as a place where many cultural values of the Dali region are preserved. Traditional architecture, local customs, and the community life of the Bai people continue to exist within this historic space.
The narrow streets, old rooftops, and carved wooden gates are not merely aesthetic features, they quietly tell stories about how people once lived and built their communities.
While many places have changed rapidly with modern development, Xizhou has managed to preserve a piece of its past. This careful preservation is what makes the town a meaningful destination for those who want to explore the culture and history of the Dali region.
Conclusion
Unlike many other ancient towns that are crowded with visitors, Xizhou carries a distinctive charm, quiet, gentle, and unhurried. In the soft light of morning, the old streets, tiled roofs, and green trees appear like a timeless painting.
Along the journey of exploring Yunnan, Xizhou may seem like only a small stop. Yet it is precisely this peaceful atmosphere that makes people remember the town as a rare corner where the calm rhythm of the past still quietly lives on.
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CREDIT:
- Photography: Luan Nguyen
- Content: Hoài Hà
- Design: Phuong Nguyen
