A Slow Tour of Xizhou: 100 Moments of Happiness

When there are too many people in Dali, I always like to hide away in Xizhou. Because the hustle and bustle here always dissipates with the sunset. Under the starry sky ✨, it returns to its tranquil state. When the morning sun moves to the corner building, the hustle and bustle of the city slowly awakens again~ 1️⃣ Strolling Through the Ancient Town in the Morning Light The morning is the best time to stroll through the ancient town. The sunlight shines on the bluestone road, which has been smoothed by time, reflecting a soft luster. When it's empty, you can finally feel the beauty of the corner building 🤏🏻. Bai grandmas carry their burdens and walk lightly to set up their stalls, proudly displaying the small objects they make~ At this time, the ancient town's background music is only the sound of birds and the bells of bicycles passing by~ 2️⃣ Experience Intangible Cultural Heritage at Jiangzhiji Jiangzhiji, where skills are valued, is probably the unique generosity and humility of Chinese craftsmen. Papermaking, incense making, Wamao (tile cat), weaving, tie-dyeing... This folk art museum not only comprehensively presents many of Yunnan's art and cultures, but also has a wealth of handmade experiences, allowing people to slowly calm down in the slow and meticulous work of their hands~ After visiting, don't forget to try the Bai Eight Bowls at Xixiaopu 😋 3️⃣ Go to the Rice Field Restaurant to See the Waves of Wheat My suggestion is to first have a delicious spring meal at the restaurant, then sit in the cafe for a while, watch the wind blowing through the wheat fields, and the little train chugging happily~ 4️⃣ Eat a Grilled Rushan Cheese from Xixi Milk The blueberry jam is made by the grandma herself. It's the best grilled Rushan cheese I've had in Yunnan~ 5️⃣ Go Cycling on the Erhai Ecological Corridor 🚴🏻‍♀️ This is a must-have for me every time I come to Dali. Walk through the large fields in the village for 20 minutes to Haishi Park. When the weather is good, the sunset clouds hang on the branches of the couple trees. It's nice to just quietly space out under the trees~ 6️⃣ Wait for a Wheat Field Sunset You can watch the sunset in the wheat fields of Xizhou or Kelizhuang. The afterglow of the setting sun dyes the wheat fields into large swaths of amber. As the crowds slowly disperse, you can deeply appreciate what a wild life is~ [Tips] 1️⃣ Travel without a trace, take photos in a civilized manner, do not 🙅🏻‍♀️ step on the wheat fields, and do not litter. 2️⃣ Kelizhuang charges a wheat field maintenance fee of CNY 10/person, which allows unlimited entry and exit on the same day. 3️⃣ Most restaurants in Xizhou close at 20:30 in the evening, so plan your meal time accordingly. 4️⃣ Most of the handmade stalls in the ancient town are handmade by grandmas. They are not obligated to make them, so you 🉑 can buy them as you please. 5️⃣ It is difficult to get a taxi on the Erhai Ecological Corridor at night, so it is recommended to arrange your time reasonably.