Xizhou Wheat Field Miniature Train

I've watched "Meet Yourself" countless times and have always longed to visit Dali. Finally arrived at this windy place for my third stop✨ Coincidentally, like Xu Hongdou, I also used to work in the hotel industry. This time, I'm heading to Dali with the relaxed mindset of someone who just quit their job. Day 4: Mile to Dali, 12:18 PM–3:56 PM, CNY 189.5 🏨 Accommodation: Chose a guesthouse near Erhai Lake in Caicun. Stayed for three consecutive nights for CNY 500+, a 3-minute walk to the lake. The best surprise was the balcony, which has a direct view of Erhai Lake. The landlady was wonderful; she took me to the nearby markets and restaurants in the evening, all within a 5-minute walk. I told her about my plans for the next day, and she even helped me rent an electric scooter🛵. Day 5 In the morning, I walked to the Erhai lakeside, felt the sea breeze, quietly watched the lake, and took deep breaths of fresh air🌊. After having breakfast at a nearby market, I hopped on my electric scooter (CNY 40/day) and set off for Xizhou Ancient Town. ✅ Spent about 4 hours leisurely exploring Xizhou Ancient Town, hitting all the spots on the loop: Zhengyi Gate → Sifang Street → Jiaqiangji → Corner Building → Tiangong Workshop → Xizhou Wheat Fields → The "Meet Yourself" Tree → Xixiufang, and finally back to Zhengyi Gate, completing the loop. Tried local delicacies: Xizhou Baba (flatbread), Jiahua flower cakes, grilled rushan (cheese), and Maoxijia BBQ🥩. 💡 A memorable moment at Xixiufang: I ran into a foreign couple here who bought a pair of embroidered items. The shop owner communicated with them in fluent English the whole time, calm and natural. Seeing this firsthand, I deeply felt the importance of learning English well, which gave me a little motivation✨. 💡 Practical tips: I read in many guides that some restrooms in Dali aren't very clean. While exploring Xizhou, I recommend the restrooms at the Tourist Center and near the wheat field train—they are clean and hygienic. Try to avoid the public restrooms inside the ancient town. Also, a parking tip✨: Attractions like Xizhou, Langqiao (Corridor Bridge), and Panxi S-Bend have guided parking areas that charge CNY 3 per visit. ⚠️ Key point: You don't have to be guided to the paid areas; you can find compliant, free parking areas where parking is allowed to save on this cost. ✅ Langqiao (Corridor Bridge) | The filming location where Xu Hongdou rode a pony. I stayed here for half an hour to soak in the scenes from the show. ✅ Panxi S-Bend | Many people rent bicycles to ride around the lake, but I chose to sit quietly by the water, listen to music, and enjoy the moment. A warm little thing: I lent my power bank to a couple nearby, and they used their camera to take a photo of me📸. ⏰ Full-day itinerary timeline: 10:00 AM Depart from guesthouse 👉 45 mins to arrive at Xizhou Ancient Town 👉 20 mins to Langqiao 👉 30 mins to Panxi S-Bend 👉 20 mins to return to guesthouse 7:00 PM Arrived back at the guesthouse safely. In the evening, the landlady prepared a sumptuous dinner. I really felt the hospitality of the landlady from Shandong❤️. That's it for today's journey✨. Tomorrow, I'll continue to unlock more of Dali and see another side of Erhai Lake🌊.

📍Address Xizhou Town, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, on the west bank of Erhai Lake, about 20 km from Dali Ancient Town 🎫Admission The main street area of the ancient town, the popular corner building, and the wooden boardwalk in the rice fields are all free to enter, no reservation required Yan Family Compound adult ticket is 25 yuan, full-time students and seniors aged 60–64 get half-price tickets, and seniors aged 65 and above are free. Puzhen Tie-Dye Museum is 25 yuan. The rice field mini-train is 35 yuan per person. These items are optional. Remember to bring your ID. ⏰Visiting time A full-day visit is recommended. Enter at 8:30 AM and stay until 7:00 PM to watch the sunset over the rice fields. Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day are the best times to see the rice fields turn golden. Explore ancient architecture and experience intangible cultural heritage during the day, and enjoy the golden rice waves beneath Cangshan Mountain in the evening. If you have time, stay overnight in the ancient town to experience the quiet autumn night 🚗Transportation Driving: Navigate to Xizhou Ancient Town Zhengyi Gate or the South Area parking lot. Parking is 10 yuan per entry with no time limit. Parking is limited during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival peak season, so arriving early is recommended. Motor vehicles are prohibited on the stone roads inside the ancient town. Public transport: Take the intercity minibus from Cangshan Gate in Dali Ancient Town. It costs 8–10 yuan per person. Buses depart frequently and take about 30 minutes to reach Xizhou Zhengyi Gate directly. The last bus is at 8:30 PM. E-bike riding: Renting a bike in Dali Ancient Town costs about 60 yuan per day. Enjoy the sea views along the West Erhai Lake Loop Road and stop by Panxi S-Bend. It offers great freedom, but e-bikes are not allowed in the core streets of the ancient town. Taxi: A one-way trip from Dali Ancient Town to Xizhou is around 35 yuan. Carpooling with others is more cost-effective. 🎑Mid-Autumn Festival & National Day limited events On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, a giant moon installation will be set up in the rice fields, creating a great atmosphere for moon viewing and photos. Rice harvest themed activities: Experience rice harvesting, scarecrow making, and catching fish in the rice fields for an immersive experience of Bai farming culture. Bai folk performances: Enjoy rotating performances of the King's Whip dance, Dabenqu rap, and ethnic song and dance. There is also a Bai long-table banquet market selling local agricultural products and handmade crafts. Nighttime rice field concerts and open-air movies under the stars, with the evening breeze and the scent of rice flowers, create a romantic atmosphere. Intangible cultural heritage market: Stalls featuring tie-dye, Jiama woodblock prints, and handmade embroidery, where you can try your hand at crafts. ✨Must-visit attractions Popular corner building: A landmark of Xizhou, this curved old residential building with yellow walls is best visited before 9:00 AM when there are few tourists, making it easy to take great photos without crowds. Yan Family Compound: An old residence of Bai merchants on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. It features classic Bai architecture with three rooms and a screen wall, and four courtyards with five skylights. Admire the exquisite wood carvings and paintings, and enjoy free guided tours to learn about Bai history and culture. Puzhen Tie-Dye Museum: Experience intangible cultural heritage tie-dyeing using natural Isatis root dye. Make your own square scarf or canvas bag to take home. Linden Centre yellow walls and rice fields: A filming location for "Meet Yourself." The yellow walls paired with thousands of acres of golden rice fields, backed by Cangshan Mountain, make it the ultimate spot for autumn photos. Rice field mini-train: Ride through the golden sea of rice for 20 minutes. It has a Ghibli-esque pastoral vibe. If you prefer not to pay, you can walk along the free wooden boardwalk in the fields. Sifang Street: The heart of the ancient town with a century-old banyan tree. It is a daily gathering place for locals, full of life and bustle. Explore snacks and view old Bai architecture. 🍜Food recommendations Xizhou Posu Baba: The town's signature food. Available in savory (scallion and meat filling) and sweet (rose and brown sugar) flavors. The crust is layered and crispy. Look for the time-honored shops in Sifang Street that bake them fresh. Amaying Pea Jelly: A popular local snack that is sour, spicy, smooth, and refreshing. A must-try while exploring the town. Cold chicken rice noodles, grilled milk fan (cheese), and milk fan sachima can be found everywhere on the street for eating on the go. Bai Eight Bowls: The top choice for a full meal. Traditional dishes like red yeast rice pork and steamed pork with tofu skin are perfect for group dining. Erhai sour and spicy fish, water snowflake vegetable, and mint pork ribs are local farmhouse dishes. Local restaurants cost about 60–90 yuan per person. Rice jelly shrimp and osmanthus yogurt are great for quenching thirst and cooling down while exploring the rice fields. 🗺Recommended itineraries Relaxed half-day route: Enter at Zhengyi Gate > Take photos at the popular corner building > Taste local snacks at Sifang Street > Visit Bai residences at Yan Family Compound > Linden Centre yellow walls > Walk along the wooden boardwalk in the rice fields and wait for the sunset. In-depth one-day slow travel route: Enter the ancient town at Zhengyi Gate at 8:30 AM > Take photos at the corner building in the morning without crowds > Have breakfast at Sifang Street > Listen to a guided tour at Yan Family Compound > DIY tie-dye at Puzhen Tie-Dye Museum > Have a Bai lunch in the town > Explore the rice field area in the afternoon, optionally take the mini-train or walk along the ridges > Visit the intangible cultural heritage market and experience farming activities > Watch the golden sunset over the rice fields in the evening. On Mid-Autumn night, you can also check out the giant moon installation and rice field concerts. 🏞Nearby attractions Panxi S-Bend: A popular spot on the West Erhai Lake Loop Road, a 10-minute drive from Xizhou. Cycle along the Erhai Lake ecological corridor and watch the shimmering lake. Haishe Ecological Park: A wetland on an Erhai Lake peninsula with lush greenery. It is perfect for walking and viewing the lake, with a great autumn atmosphere. Zhoucheng Tie-Dye Village: Very close to Xizhou, this is the home of Chinese tie-dye. See large pieces of tie-dyed fabric drying and immerse yourself in Bai tie-dye culture. Dali Ancient Town: 20 km from Xizhou. It is lively at night. You can plan to visit Xizhou during the day and head to the ancient town for the night market in the evening. 💡Travel tips The temperature difference between day and night in Dali in autumn is large. UV rays are strong during the day, so be sure to use sun protection. It cools down in the evening, so bring a light jacket. Passenger traffic is huge during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival. It is recommended to go to the popular corner building spot in the morning to avoid peak tour group times. There are many mosquitoes in the rice field area, so carry mosquito repellent. Wear comfortable flat shoes as the field paths have soft soil. Rainfall is unpredictable, so carry light rain gear. It is not recommended to wear light-colored shoes in the fields. Rice harvesting time is affected by the weather. You can check the status of the rice fields before you travel. If you want to see the complete golden rice waves, prioritize the first half of the holiday.

Xizhou is located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain. It is a thousand-year-old Bai ethnic town, with traditional Bai-style houses and streets on one side and endless rice fields on the other. The breeze ripples through the rice waves, and there is a popular rice field mini train, creating a healing rural atmosphere. It’s a hidden gem town you can’t miss on your Dali trip. 📋 Basic information 📍 Address: Xizhou Town, Dali City 🎫 Ancient town streets are free; separate tickets required for places like Yan Family Courtyard ⏰ Open all day. Rice field mini train runs 9:00 AM–6:00 PM 🚗 Transportation From Dali Old Town: about 30 minutes by bus or carpool; you can also ride an electric bike and enjoy views of Erhai Lake along the way. Self-driving: Xizhou has parking lots, but spaces are limited during peak season. 🚂 Rice field mini train Location: Northeast side of the ancient town. Navigate to “Xizhou rice field mini train.” It’s a 5–10 minute walk from Xilinyuan yellow wall. Ticket price: About 35 yuan for adults. Free for children under 1.2 meters. One round takes about 20 minutes, with stops for photos. Experience: You can ride the mini train through the sea of rice or stand on the white window-frame viewing platform to photograph the rice fields and the passing blue mini train. It has a strong Studio Ghibli vibe. Season tip: Rice fields are lush green in July and August; golden wheat fields in March and April. The mini train temporarily stops during harvest season. 🚶 Recommended routes ✨ Half-day easy route (most visitors’ first choice, 3–4 hours) Xizhou stone tablet check-in → popular corner tower → Sifang Street for food → Yan Family Courtyard (optional) → Xilinyuan yellow wall → rice field viewing platform + rice field mini train → stroll through rice fields with views of Cangshan Mountain ✨ Full-day in-depth slow travel route Morning: Justice Gate → corner tower → Sifang Street → Yan Family Courtyard to explore Bai architecture Noon: Enjoy Xizhou specialties in the ancient town Afternoon: Visit Puzhen tie-dye museum to experience Bai tie-dye; then head to the rice field area to check in at the viewing window frame, ride the rice field mini train, and walk along the field ridges Evening: Watch the sunset over the rice fields. The golden light on the rice is perfect for photos. 📸 Must-visit spots Xizhou stone tablet The iconic stone carving at the ancient town entrance. A must-check-in spot to start your Xizhou journey. Corner tower (L-shaped tower)⭐ Xizhou landmark with curved yellow walls and old residences. It’s best to visit before 8 AM to avoid crowds. Wide-angle photos look great, full of Bai architectural charm. Sifang Street The town center and market area with street food. Explore the old streets, buy small items, and experience the local life of Xizhou. Yan Family Courtyard A grand Bai merchant residence with typical “three lanes and one screen wall, four courtyards and five patios” Bai architecture. The wood carvings are exquisite, and you can learn about Bai history and culture. Tickets cost about 20 yuan. Xilinyuan yellow wall A popular rammed earth yellow wall with vast rice fields outside. Green in spring and summer, golden during wheat season. With Cangshan Mountain as the backdrop, the light and shadow at sunset are stunning. It was a filming location for the TV drama “To the Windy Place.” Rice field viewing window frame & rice field mini train⭐ A white square frame viewing platform with woven cushions. The frame captures the entire lush green rice field, distant Cangshan Mountain, villages, and the passing blue mini train. It’s the most popular photo spot in Xizhou. Even if you don’t ride the train, photos of the train passing along the field ridges are beautiful. Puzhen tie-dye museum You can visit to see the intangible cultural heritage of Bai tie-dye and DIY your own tie-dye cloth. It’s great for families and art lovers. 😋 Xizhou must-try foods Xizhou crispy baba: The town’s signature! Available in sweet (rose brown sugar) and savory (fresh meat and scallion) flavors. The crust is flaky and best eaten fresh from the oven. Found at old stalls on Sifang Street, about 10 yuan each. Grilled milk fan: A Dali specialty brushed with rose sauce, rich in milky flavor. Pea noodles and cold chicken rice noodles: Local snacks that are refreshing and help cleanse the palate. Bai-style sour and spicy fish and milk fan sachima are also worth trying. 💡 Practical tips The ancient town has stone slab roads, so avoid high heels. Wear comfortable flat shoes. The alleys are complex, so follow the signs. Best photo times: 8–10 AM and 4–6 PM for soft light and great shots of rice fields and yellow walls. Midday sun is strong and can cause overexposure. Outfit suggestions: Light-colored cotton and linen clothes or dresses paired with a straw hat blend well with the rice fields and white walls. In summer, the sun is strong over the rice fields, so use sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Watch your step on the field ridges. Main street shops charge premium prices. For snacks, look for old shops frequented by locals. You can combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Haizhi Ecological Park.

Wheat Field Cafe – Dali (Xizhou) แค่ลมพัดผ่านทุ่ง…ทุกอย่างมันช้าลงเองแบบไม่รู้ตัว 📍 พิกัด: Xizhou Ancient Town – Dali, Yunnan (ใกล้เมืองโบราณซีโจว) ✨ ฟีลที่นี่ : · ทุ่งข้าวสาลีสุดลูกหูลูกตา · วิวภูเขา + ท้องฟ้าโล่ง · ร้านสไตล์สวน + วินเทจ เหมือนยุโรป แต่ราคาจีน อาหาร: · อาหารยูนนาน / คาเฟ่ · ชีสเค้กอร่อยมาก · เครื่องดื่ม + afternoon tea 💰 ราคา: · อาหาร ~89 RMB · เครื่องดื่ม ~50 RMB ราคาน่ารัก วิวหลักล้าน มุมถ่ายรูป: · กลางทุ่งข้าวสาลี• โต๊ะริมวิว · แสงเย็น = โคตรปัง 🧘♀️ ฟีลที่ได้: · นั่งกินข้าว + ดูวิว · ฟังเสียงลม + ธรรมชาติ · เหมือนได้ “พักใจจริง ๆ” เวลาแนะนำ: · เย็น / golden hour · แสงสวย + ลมดี ที่นี่ไม่ใช่แค่ “ร้านอาหาร” แต่มันคือ“ช่วงเวลาที่เราได้อยู่กับตัวเองแบบสงบที่สุด” #เที่ยวจะเครซี่ #คาเฟ่ห้ามพลาด #แจกแพลนเที่ยว #เที่ยวจีน #dali #ต้าหลี่ #cafe

People often say Dali is the ultimate destination for family vacations, but it wasn’t until staying at this hotel that I truly understood what effortless parenting on a trip means! Fall asleep surrounded by schools of fish, wake up to the sound of waves, and unlock slow family time at the foot of the snow-capped mountains—this is the right way to enjoy a vacation in Yunnan. This 5-day, 4-night family trip is relaxed with no rushing or early mornings, and you can set off easily without any complicated planning. Whether you have toddlers or older kids, everyone will have a great time. The hotel is located in the Haidong area with very convenient transportation, close to the airport and high-speed rail station, and only about an hour’s drive to Dali Ancient Town. The hotel offers only 21 unique underwater rooms, each floor revealing a different underwater view: the first floor lets you get up close to large marine creatures like sharks, groupers, and manta rays; the second floor encounters leisurely sea turtles; the third floor is surrounded by schools of tropical fish, immersing you in the romantic underwater world. The hotel is adjacent to the Ocean Park, providing a one-stop experience with diving, a children’s playground, pet interactions, and specialty restaurants, so traveling with kids is hassle-free and the kids will be so entertained they won’t want to leave. 5-day, 4-night effortless family itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Dali, check in to the Underwater World Check in in the afternoon, kids cheer nonstop watching big fish swim by the window, and at night lie in bed watching fish swim around, as if living in an underwater fairy tale castle. Admission tickets to the aquarium are included with the stay, and in the evening catch the mermaid show, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Day 2: Slow time in Dali, meet the Erhai sunset In the morning, visit Cangshan Farm to pick fresh flowers and DIY flower cakes with the kids, unlocking fun family crafts. In the afternoon, take the Xizhou small train through the wheat fields, enjoy a leisurely bike ride at Erhai’s S Bay, and wait for a stunning orange sea sunset—every photo is a healing masterpiece. Day 3: Dali → Shaxi → Lijiang, a journey full of romance In the morning, row a boat on West Lake, the source of Erhai, drifting through the reeds like stepping into an ink painting. In the afternoon, explore Shaxi Ancient Town, feeling the quiet charm of the old streets, and arrive in Lijiang Ancient Town in the evening, falling asleep to the glow of the ancient city lights. Day 4: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, unlock family time on the snow mountain In the morning, take the Yunshanping cable car up the snow mountain, visit the crystal-clear and stunning Blue Moon Valley, and enjoy the snow mountain scenery. In the afternoon, visit Yuhu Village for a Naxi ethnic home visit, dress the kids in traditional costumes, learn to write Dongba script, grind tofu by hand, and finish with afternoon tea at the snow mountain camp, unlocking healing moments on the alpine meadow. Day 5: Wake up naturally, leisurely return Sleep in comfortably, arrange airport transfer according to your flight time, and bring back wonderful memories to perfectly conclude this family trip to western Yunnan. Accommodations 🏨Ocean World Hotel Yunnan’s top family-friendly underwater-themed hotel, 21 exclusive underwater rooms with fish swimming right outside your window, walking distance to Ocean Park 🏨Hilton Hotel A mid-mountain scenic hotel at the foot of Cangshan Mountain, with panoramic views of Erhai Lake, exclusive children’s playground and family dining, a one-stop resort for family vacations 🏨Shuanglang Guishu Seaview Hotel A wild luxury seaside homestay in Shuanglang, private standalone villas with strong privacy, full family butler service, and Erhai Lake views right outside the door 🏨Qingpu Boutique Resort Hotel A rustic mountain homestay near Jizhao An Temple, hidden in the Cangshan forest, offering immersive family nature experiences and slow mountain life immersion ---

I'm back in Dali! 😊 This time I found new happiness again The wheat fields in Xizhou Ancient Town, Dali, are always so healing 💚 Golden waves of wheat paired with blue sky and white clouds Every shot looks like a Japanese-style masterpiece Little tip: wearing light-colored clothes will make your photos stand out more~ Sharing my Japanese-style girly outfit: White dress + woven straw hat Simple and fresh, perfect for photos 📸 Strolling through the wheat field I feel completely healed~ Moments like this Are why I love Dali so much 💖

🚂🌾 Ride the countryside mini train and enjoy the romantic rural scenery at Xizhou near Dali One of the must-try experiences when visiting Xizhou is taking a ride on the Xizhou Wheat Field Mini Train. This charming little train leisurely travels through vast green and golden fields, set against a backdrop of mountains and clear skies. It offers a serene, simple, and warm feeling of authentic Chinese countryside, located near the ancient town of Xizhou, not far from Dali. During the ride, you can capture stunning photos from almost every angle, especially in the evening before sunset. The golden light reflecting across the fields creates a romantic atmosphere reminiscent of a movie scene. Perfect for photography enthusiasts, couples, and families looking to enjoy a relaxing natural experience. The fare is affordable, the ride is short, but the memories will last a lifetime.

📍Location: Dali Xizhou rice field train OMG! I found a real-life fairy tale world in Xizhou✨ Who gets it, fam! This little train is just too cute💖 Two vintage trains shuttle on the hour through thousands of acres of rice fields Choose between adorable red-and-white carriages or steam locomotives The tracks wind through the mountains and fields, with Cangshan Mountain in the distance Bai ethnic houses dot the landscape, making every shot wallpaper-worthy! Blue sky and white clouds + lush green rice waves, straight out of the camera with a Japanese healing movie vibe🎬 🚂 Ultimate travel tips: 1. Best photo time: 3–6 PM⏰ The soft slanting sun isn’t harsh, and golden light on the rice ears is stunning! 2. Must-visit photo spots📸: ✓ Open-air spot at the train’s rear (360° unbeatable view) ✓ Track depth shot (snap when the train approaches) ✓ Overhead platform shot for a full train panorama 3. Don’t rush to take photos!📱 It’s best to ride a full loop first and enjoy the scenery The train moves super slowly, a 15-minute healing journey The sound of wind rustling the rice waves truly soothes the soul💚 4. Outfit tips: Light-colored dresses or Japanese-style uniforms work perfectly Straw hats and woven bags add the perfect finishing touch✨ There’s no city noise here Only the gentle song of the rice waves No crowded crowds Only the whispers of distant mountains and the murmur of the wind... 🎫 Tips: · No need to queue for tickets in winter · For photos without people, visit on weekdays · Tickets cost about 80 yuan (great value!) · Remember to bring sunscreen and sunglasses Don’t just visit the ancient town when you come to Xizhou This little train is the hidden must-visit spot!

Stroll through the Labyrinthian old streets in Dali, soak up the atmosphere of a bustling area alive on its own right and admire the vast lake presenting you with abundant photo opportunities. But don't you DARE skip this place... Don't you dare! Or do. I'm not your mother. Once you've navigated through the beautiful ancient streets and seen the streams, the shops, the lanterns, the cobbles... step into this verdant land, stunning in it's simplicity and yelling for you to immerse yourself within it! Insta-friendly places usually turn me off quicker than a fart under the duvet. However, the personality of this train-centric rice field is alluring and actually very special. You see, despite the many social influencer types, the place gets more appealing with their presence. This place is a haven for photos. It's story begs to be told. You pose like a moron. You watch others pose like a moron. You take six hundred and two photos. But you never feel like it's excessive. And you start to understand the logic of influencers... even if only for a fleeting moment. You can ignore the vainglorious, dodge the crowds, sidestep the posers and allow yourself to be free in this charming and almost spiritual place. The mountain backdrop reminds me of a scene from The hills have eyes, no... The sound of music! The dramatic scenery is one that will play on repeat in your memory bank for years to come. Although touristy, hire a horse. Take a slow stroll and soak up the sights. Walk off the path, get stuck, find good photo spots, pose, breathe in the cool, clean air. Admire the collision of mother nature and humanity and let go of your prejudices. There's something childishly fun about finding a quiet spot, waiting for your desired colour train, then take photos and high five the passengers. Hours were spent here. And they were hours well spent. My children still reminisce about the magical train fields and the horse rides and the mountainsides. And memorable moments are what it's all about. In a touristy area, in an Instagram world, this old sceptic found peace and, despite the abundance of people, never once felt overwhelmed or crowded. A final recommendation... don't queue up for two to three hours to ride a train slowly around a rice field to take pictures of a rice field. Do what we did. Walk slowly around a rice field, take pictures of the train and become the rice field my friend.

I'm so excited! Finally avoided the cookie-cutter tour groups in Lijiang and Dali! I absolutely love this stargazing study tour route. It's not just a boring lecture; it takes kids into the wild to play and stargaze. The pace is relaxed, so adults don't get tired, and the kids' eyes light up the whole time! 6 days, 5 nights, meeting in Lijiang and ending in Dali. It covers the observatory, canyons, snow-capped mountains, Bai ethnic intangible cultural heritage, and Erhai Lake seagulls all in one go. 🌌Itinerary: Just copy this ✅Day 1 Nationwide – Lijiang meeting point No need to rush to attractions upon arrival! Check in at the hotel, get study tour gear, and listen to the tour leader explain the itinerary. In the evening, take your time strolling through the ancient town and eating snacks. Stay at a Trip.com 5-diamond hotel for a comfortable start to your trip. ✅Day 2 Gemini Manor – CAS Gaomeigu Observatory This is an experience hard for regular tourists to get. Tree ring painting, star-finding class, solar observation, and a close-up look at the largest single-mirror optical telescope in East Asia. When it gets dark, we'll do deep-space observation together and learn about constellations in a place with no light pollution. Stay at an astronomy-themed inn at night, filled with little details related to the starry sky. ✅Day 3 Tiger Leaping Gorge – Yunji Snow Mountain Camp Go to Tiger Leaping Gorge to feel the power of the rushing river, and start a nature class at the snow mountain camp. Evening bonfire party, learn astrophotography from a teacher, lie under the snow mountain and watch the Milky Way—this experience is truly unforgettable! Stay at a luxury snow mountain homestay. ✅Day 4 Shaxi Shilong Village – Xizhou Ancient Town Switch to ethnic experience mode! Immerse yourself in Bai intangible cultural heritage: listen to the dragon-head sanxian, watch the Bawang whip dance, taste the three-course tea, and eat an authentic Bai family feast. Ride the pastoral train, stroll through the rice paddy alleys of Xizhou, and quietly feel the local life of the ancient town. ✅Day 5 Luge Park + Erhai Ecological Corridor A day the kids will love! Burn off energy with non-motorized luge karts and check in at the mountaintop observation deck. In the afternoon, head to Erhai Lake, enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea, and stroll along the corridor to feed the seagulls. At the end of the trip, receive a study tour commemorative certificate—social practice homework done! ✅Day 6 Free time Sleep in, explore the ancient town freely, pick out souvenirs, and then arrange your return trip—no need to rush. 💛Honest sharing Compared many Yunnan family tours; most are just rushing to check in at spots. What moved me most about this route is the ancient observatory spot. Being able to walk into a CAS observatory is rare for kids who love astronomy. Science, nature, and ethnic experiences are perfectly balanced. Private car travel means no need to worry about planning. It satisfies the child's curiosity, and we adults can enjoy the scenery and relax. ⚠️Travel tips ▪️The observatory and snow mountains are at high altitude; be sure to bring thick jackets and sunscreen ▪️Nighttime stargazing is cold; the tour leader will remind you about clothing in advance ▪️The route avoids popular crowds, has many niche spots, and is great for photos [Private Car Tour], [Customized Tour], and [Private Group Tour] are all available~ How to get the same itinerary 👇👇👇Tap [Chat with us] at the bottom left of the screen to get the plan

The most comfortable way to explore Xizhou, Dali by car is to avoid rushing. This one-way loop route has no backtracking and a relaxed pace. It balances rest, sightseeing, photography, and cultural strolling. It is perfect for families, couples, and road trippers looking to unwind, easily unlocking both the pastoral and ancient town charms of Xizhou. ✅ Optimal self-driving route: North City Parking Lot > Wo Xiang Coffee > Wheat Field Train > Xizhou Ancient Town > The "Meet Yourself" Tree Rest first, then explore. Transition from fresh pastoral fields to the bustling ancient town, and finish with healing scenery. The route is logical, avoids detours, and keeps the whole trip relaxed and fatigue-free. 1. Parking guide: North City Senior Association Surface Parking Lot, 10 yuan/time For self-driving, navigate directly to: North City Senior Association Surface Parking Lot, Xizhou Town, Dali City. Avoid the congested main entrance of the ancient town. There are plenty of surface parking spaces, transparent and affordable pricing, and no need to wait in line even on holidays. The parking lot is adjacent to the core pastoral area, within walking distance of all popular spots, eliminating the need for repeated driving and backtracking, which greatly enhances the self-driving experience. 2. Mid-trip rest: Wo Xiang Coffee (exclusive rest stop for road trippers) After a long drive, there is no need to rush to check in; this is the perfect place to rest. The shop is adjacent to thousands of acres of wheat fields, featuring both floor-to-ceiling windows and an open-air terrace with unobstructed views of the lush green fields. Sit down, order a drink, and soothe your driving fatigue. Escape the hustle and bustle of the ancient town and enjoy the pastoral tranquility. It is also a great photo spot without the crowds. You can capture healing shots of the little train passing through the wheat waves while sitting comfortably. 3. Pastoral sightseeing: Wheat Field Train It is within walking distance after your rest, making the route smooth and worry-free. In spring and summer, the wheat fields are lush and green, and the slow-moving field train creates a wonderful atmosphere. You can take a ride to immerse yourself in the pastoral scenery of Dali, or take photos at the popular white photo spot. It is less crowded, so you do not have to fight for angles, making it easy to take fresh and healing pastoral photos. 4. Cultural strolling: Xizhou Ancient Town Explore the ancient town after visiting the quiet pastoral fields to perfectly avoid the midday heat and peak crowds. The ancient town preserves complete Bai ethnic architecture and century-old streets. You can visit key spots like the Corner Building, the Linden Centre yellow walls, and Sifang Street. Stroll through the cultural and creative streets, taste authentic Xizhou baba (flatbread), and try local Bai snacks. Immerse yourself in authentic Bai folk customs and unlock the unique charm of half pastoral breeze and half human bustle. 5. Trip finale: The "Meet Yourself" Tree Finally, visit the "lonely tree" from the original filming location of "Meet Yourself," an iconic healing landmark in Xizhou. The solitary tree stands in the middle of thousands of acres of rice fields, backed by the Cangshan Mountains, with wind blowing through the wheat waves and a quiet, gentle landscape. The evening light is soft and there are fewer tourists, making it perfect for photos. End your trip with a gentle pastoral evening breeze that heals all your travel fatigue. Trip summary This self-driving route focuses on a relaxed, slow-paced tour, saying goodbye to rushed sightseeing. It scientifically plans the order of activities, balancing rest, sightseeing, photography, and cultural experiences. It is suitable for most self-driving tourists and is the preferred route for an in-depth tour of Xizhou.

Visiting Xizhou at the end of August, the summer heat has faded. The cool breeze from Cangshan Mountain sweeps across the fields, making the overall experience much more comfortable than in midsummer. This trip holds an old promise. We once agreed to come here together, ride the rice paddy train, and stroll through the paths and alleys, but in the end, I was the only one who embarked on this journey. The rice paddy train is a must-do in Xizhou. The train clatters slowly through the emerald green rice fields, with rice leaves swaying in the breeze on both sides, Bai ethnic houses scattered in the distance, and Cangshan Mountain floating in thin clouds. The ride takes about 20 minutes, and sitting at the back offers the best view. As the evening breeze fills the carriage, memories involuntarily flood back. I slowly let go; there's no need to dwell on regrets, just let the emotions stay in these waves of rice. Don't just rush through Xizhou Ancient Town. Walk on the bluestone paths to visit the Corner Building, buy a hot and crispy Xizhou Baba, and stroll along the field paths. The rice fields are still lush green in August, and there are fewer tourists compared to the summer peak, so it's not crowded—perfect for daydreaming and relaxing. 📝 Practical travel tips 🔹 Time: Experience the train after 4:00 PM in late August for softer light and better photos 🔹 Location: The train station is a few minutes' walk from the Linden Centre's yellow wall, easy to find 🔹 Pace: Avoid "check-in" style rushing; relaxed wandering is the right way to experience Xizhou Travel isn't always about chasing the hustle and bustle; sometimes, it's a conversation with oneself. Even though I couldn't share this scenery with that person, the gentle wind of Xizhou provides closure to the past. ✨ I'd like to ask everyone: do you bring memories with you when you travel?