Xizhou Old Town



Xizhou, aside from Dali, is a great place to observe the typical Bai Minority folk culture and architecture.
People nowadays regard Xizhou as a town that is famous for the Bai minority culture. The old houses and
streets are well preserved.

Historically Xizhou is the essential place for military affairs during the period of Nanzhao Kingdom.
Because of its favorable geographical situation, the town used to be a commercial centre before 1949
and there were more than 140 national capitalist families among whom the Yan's, the Dong's, the Yin's
and the Yang's were the biggest ones in capital.

Xizhou Town is composed of more than 88 compounds of this kind, the houses here show the strong
and unique Bai national characteristics in their painted roofs and pillars, and upturned eaves. Walking along the slate road, sauntering though
the winding alleys, visitors can have a good look at the delicate and intricate designs on the walls. hese residence generally have carved beams,
turned up eaves, with the splendid of their green, gold, blue and white paint.

The Square Street is the center of Xizhou Town. It is a small square surrounded by shops. There in the square stands the recently-built Civilization
Torii. Several ancient toriis erected in the square and were called Success Torii, which derived its name from the fact that villagers who had
achieved success in the national examinations were privileged to engrave their names on the torii. It had been built after several scholars in the
town had achieved success in the Ming Dynasty.

There are numerous Bai festivals are held in Xizhou, almost one major festival in each month. One of the most worth mentioning counts the "Three
Spirits Festival" in April, while local youngsters gather together to choose their lovers and future spouses. During the festival, local people perform
all manner of Bai folk dances by wearing their traditional costumes.

In Xizhou , visitors also have the opportunity to appreciate the genuine tea ceremony of the Bai minority.
Sandao Tea (Three Course Tea) is a must-drink. It consists of bitter tea, sweet tea and aftertaste tea,
indicating the whole life of the people. Xizhou is an ideal tourist destination for people who want to
experience a different way of life.