Xizhou Ancient Town

Xizhou Ancient Town is a town in Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. To the east, it borders Lake Erhai; to the west, with Cangshan Mountain; to the south, it connects with Wanqiao; and to the north, with Shangguan. It has a length of 14 kilometers from north to south and a width of approximately 6 kilometers from east to west, covering a total area of 163 square kilometers. It is an old town with a long history and a deep cultural legacy. Xizhou Ancient Town attracts countless tourists with its unique Bai ethnic style and ancient architecture. Xizhou is one of the main centers of cultural fusion in southwest China, an important concentration of Bai culture in Dali, and a historical and cultural town of China. It manages several traditional Chinese villages, including Xizhou, Qingdong and Shangguan. Within its jurisdiction, there are national intangible cultural heritages such as Bai dyeing technique and paintings in Bai residences. Xizhou has more than 110 traditional buildings with Bai characteristics, such as Yan, Dong, Yang and Zhao mansions. In history, Xizhou had the reputation of "a family with three jinshi and four juren in the same exam," and in the modern era, it is known as the "homeland of four hundred teachers."

Main attractions: With the Square Plaza at its center, Xizhou extends north to the Tianzhuang Hotel, south to Fuchunli, Caiyun Street and Dyeing Lane, west to the middle of Shishang Street and east to the protected residences on either side from the town's east road, covering an area of approximately 17.32 hectares. Most of the protected residences are concentrated here, including Yan, Dong and Yang Mansions, which are listed as cultural relics protection sites of national importance.

1.Bai Residences

Xizhou is home to 88 Bai residences, with famous buildings from various historical periods. During the Ming Dynasty, there was Yang Shiyun's "Seven Foot Tower". In the Qing Dynasty, there was Zhao Tingjun's mansion. In the era of the Republic of China, there were mansions such as Yan Zizhen, Dong Chengnong, Yang Pinxiang and Yin Longju.

2.Butterfly Spring

Butterfly Spring is located 1 kilometer north of Zhou Village, Xizhou, on the west side of the Yunnan-Tibet Highway, under the Yunong Peak of Cangshan Mountain. It was originally called "Bottomless Pond." In the park, there is a stone with the inscription "Butterfly Spring" written by Guo Moruo. On the left, a poem about the Butterfly Spring written by Guo Moruo is engraved, and on the back, a passage from Xu Xiake's travel diary about his visit to the spring. Xu Xiake wrote in his diary: "On the tree above the spring, in April, flowers bloom that look like butterflies, with wings as real as those of living butterflies. In addition, there are thousands of real butterflies, hanging in clusters from the tops of the trees to the spring, fluttering in five colors. Tourists come in April to see them in groups and, in May, they are no longer seen".

3.Ancient Zhou Village

Zhou Village is located in the far north of Xizhou, on the slopes of Yunong Mountain, north of Xiayi Stream, south of Butterfly Spring, and facing Erhai Lake. The village is east of the ancient tea and horse route, with convenient transportation conditions. It is the largest ethnic natural village in Yunnan, with an area of about 2 square kilometers. The development and construction of the town adapts to the mountainous topography and along the ancient tea and horse route. The residences in Zhou are a living example of Bai architectural history, with houses notable for their unique styles, such as independent courtyards, standard courtyards, "three rooms with a screen" and "four courtyards with five heavenly courtyards".

4.Former headquarters of Central University of West China

In early April 1939, the Central University of West China moved to Xizhou, on the shore of Erhai Lake, under Cangshan Mountain. It used the temples of Dacisi, Yuhuangge, Qiguantang and Zhanggongci as its headquarters, officially starting classes on May 1. It offered faculties of arts, sciences and education. In April 1946, the university left Xizhou, moved to Kunming, then Changsha, and finally returned to Wuchang.

In short, Xizhou Ancient Town in Dali is a place full of charm. With its rich historical and cultural heritage, unique Bai ethnic style and beautiful natural environment, it is a tourist destination worth visiting. Here, you can appreciate the depth of traditional Chinese culture and enjoy the gifts and beauty of nature.