How to Plan a Xizhou Ancient Town Tour: A Complete 2025-2026 Itinerary with Dali and Beyond

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Dali Xizhou Ancient Town, with its quiet courtyards and elegant Bai architecture, feels like a dream caught between the mountains and the lake. This timeless village invites travelers to wander beyond the tourist trail and discover the living heritage of Yunnan. Planning a journey here, especially when paired with nearby jewels, offers a soulful, multilayered experience.

Here’s a detailed three-day itinerary to help you fully embrace the spirit of Xizhou and its surrounding wonders.

Day 1: Unveil the Spirit of Xizhou Ancient Town

Start your journey with Xizhou’s winding alleyways and poetic morning markets. Watch the Bai people carry bamboo baskets brimming with fresh greens, feel the rhythm of their daily life, and listen to the soft clatter of tie-dye workshops echoing across courtyards.

Visit historic courtyards like the Yan Family Mansion, and sip the famous “Three Courses of Tea” — each cup a metaphor for life’s bitterness, sweetness, and lingering aftertaste. Let time slow down as you explore Sifang Street and admire traditional architecture untouched by commercial waves.

Day 2: Glide Across Erhai Lake and Wander Shuanglang Village

On the second day, set your spirit adrift on Erhai Lake’s shimmering waters. A boat ride here offers a gentle conversation between mountain reflections and drifting clouds. After docking, cycle along the lakeside paths, breathing in the crisp air and stopping to watch fishermen casting nets against the sky.

Continue to Shuanglang Village, an artistic enclave that hums with creativity. Visit small galleries and lakeside studios, savor freshly grilled fish or prawns by the water, and pause at sunset to watch the lake melt into gold and silver.

Day 3: Dali Ancient Town and the Three Pagodas — A Walk into the Past

Conclude your journey in Dali Ancient Town, where cobblestone streets echo with stories of caravan traders and poets. Wander along Foreigner Street, browse vibrant market stalls, and sample local snacks that weave together Bai, Yi, and Han traditions.

Make your way to the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, a spiritual icon rising elegantly against Cangshan Mountain. Explore the temple grounds, where ancient tiles and prayer flags sway in the breeze. This final day offers a serene, reflective ending to your exploration of Dali’s cultural tapestry.

Extend Your Yunnan Odyssey: Connect with Other Enchanting Destinations

Beyond Xizhou and Dali, Yunnan unfolds like an endless poem. With LuxTourCN (LTC) as your guide, extend your adventure to uncover deeper layers of this mystical province.

Kunming (1–2 days)

The “City of Eternal Spring” enchants with the towering limestone formations of the Stone Forest and the tranquil ripples of Green Lake Park. Wander through the Flower and Bird Market to soak up the lively, fragrant atmosphere.

Lijiang (2–3 days)

Lijiang’s Old Town whispers ancient Naxi songs as you wander narrow canals and lantern-lit lanes. Visit Black Dragon Pool for poetic reflections of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, or venture up the mountain itself to breathe in the icy sky.

Shangri-La (2–3 days)

Up in the highlands, Shangri-La is a dream of gilded roofs and yak-grazed meadows. Explore the grand Songzanlin Monastery, marvel at Pudacuo National Park’s glassy lakes, and get lost in Dukezong Ancient Town’s prayer wheel alleys.

Optional Destinations for the Curious

Yuanyang Rice Terraces (1–2 days): A dawn among these sculpted terraces is a hymn to human ingenuity and patience. Watch the sun rise over mirrored paddies, each reflecting the sky like a patchwork of dreams.

Xishuangbanna (2–3 days): Venture south into lush, tropical Xishuangbanna. Discover rare orchids in the botanical garden, visit Dai villages alive with dance and song, and sip sweet tea under banana-leaf roofs.

Travel Seamlessly with LuxTourCN (LTC)

Travel in Yunnan is not merely a movement from place to place — it is a gentle unraveling of stories, a dance of mountains and water, and a quiet invitation to listen. With LuxTourCN (LTC), every transition becomes effortless, each moment deeply personal, and each corner of Yunnan unfolds like a hand-written letter waiting to be read.

Read More

How to Get to Xizhou Ancient Town from Dali: The Ultimate 2025 Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit Xizhou Ancient Town: When to Experience Bai Culture at Its Finest (2025 Guide)

Best Attractions Near Xizhou Ancient Town: Explore Beyond the Village (2025 Guide)