A trip to Xizhou, Dali: a leisurely half-day trip with a 77-year-old man, exploring popular online restaurants and tasting delicious food!

Number of days: 1 day
Time: January
Average cost: 100 yuan
With whom: and parents
Updated: 2021.10.06

In Xizhou, Dali, a 77-year-old woman enjoyed a leisurely half-day exploring popular online restaurants and tasting delicious food! During the warm winter of 2021, I took my 77-year-old mother-in-law on my first day of a leisurely tour of Dali. A visit to Xizhou Ancient Town, exploring popular online restaurants, and enjoying a leisurely half-day was just perfect.

After breakfast at Yuanwuwei B&B, I had originally planned to take my 77-year-old mother-in-law on a leisurely walk to Baohe Temple at the foot of Cangshan Mountain in Dali, where we'd enjoy a vegetarian meal. However, due to the Cangshan Mountain forest fire closure and the unsafe road leading to Baohe Temple, motor vehicles were prohibited. The round trip from the checkpoint to Baohe Temple is about 7 kilometers. Considering the elderly man might not be able to walk, we decided to take a half-day trip to Xizhou instead.

Baohe Temple on Cangshan Mountain in Dali:

Xiaojizu, also known as Baohe Mountain, is located at the southern foot of Lianhua Peak on Cangshan Mountain. Its three branches extend forward, while one branches rises back, resembling Jizu Mountain east of Erhai Lake, hence the name Xiaojizu. Within the mountain lies a tranquil temple called Baoqing Temple, surrounded by ancient pines and lush greenery. Later, due to the name of the mountain where the temple stands, it was renamed Baohe Temple.

Baohe Temple was originally built in the Tang Dynasty, and most of the existing buildings are modern reconstructions based on past structures. The temple, nestled against the mountainside, faces south and consists of the front hall (main gate), Guanyin Hall, Main Hall, and Wuji Palace. It boasts a magnificent and ancient atmosphere, and the surrounding trees, flowers, and plants add to its tranquility. My 77-year-old mother-in-law, a kindhearted woman, often visited temples in her hometown of Xiangyun to worship Buddha and enjoy vegetarian meals. This time, she was staying at my family's home in Dali for a few days, and I happened to be free to act as her guide, taking her on a leisurely tour. We had originally planned to take her to Cangshan Baohe Temple for worship and vegetarian meals, but for various reasons, we ended up visiting Xizhou Ancient Town instead.

Since ancient times, Xizhou has been known for its rich Xizhou, with sayings like "poor Dali, rich Xizhou" and "small Dali, big Xizhou." Xizhou has always been a vibrant place, emphasizing both culture and commerce. Xizhou Ancient Town boasts numerous ancient houses, courtyards, and former residences of historical and cultural figures, along with distinctive Bai architecture. These include the Qiao Family Compound, Yang Pinxiang's Residence (Xilinyuan Inn), the Dong Family Compound, and the Yin Mansion Compound.

We found a parking lot on Dali Road in Xizhou and parked. The 5 yuan fee seemed reasonable. After getting out of the car, I instructed the elderly driver to wear a mask and entered Xizhou Ancient Town through Zhengyi Gate. Thus began my leisurely half-day exploration of Xizhou Ancient Town.

During the epidemic control period, temperature checks and health code scans were implemented at the entrance. I walked slowly along the bluestone pavement toward Sifang Street in Xizhou Ancient Town. Shops lined the streets, though a few were closed, likely due to the pandemic.

We passed by the big banyan tree and Xizhou Primary School. Many vendors selling tie-dye handicrafts lined the streets, displaying them on the walls or in their shops, creating a beautiful sight. I also explained the Bai ethnic group's tie-dyeing techniques to an elderly person. I passed by the "Cooling Hut," a popular place selling delicious popsicles, but due to the cold weather, the doors were closed.

Once we were at Sifang Street, we found a warm, sunny spot for the elderly woman to sit while I went to buy some Xizhou baba. While savoring the authentic Xizhou baba, I also took the opportunity to introduce her to some of the surrounding ancient buildings.

After enjoying the food and resting up, we went to check in at the popular Yuanjiaolou. After passing the Round Corner Building and walking down, we arrived at the internet-famous wall (where Xilinyuan is located). After taking photos and checking in, I didn't forget to tell her about its history. However, the old woman was most concerned about the crops in the fields. She said that the rapeseed seedlings were planted too densely, which would affect their growth. When it comes to growing crops, the old woman is an expert, so I can only say it's fine.

The old woman was delighted by the horse-drawn floats in Xizhou Ancient Town. I invited her to ride on one and stroll around the town, but she declined when she heard it would cost money. Old people are used to being frugal and are reluctant to spend money when they go out to play. I agreed with her and she did as she pleased, continuing her leisurely tour of the ancient town. I continued my leisurely stroll through the ancient town. Tourists bustled along the streets, though far fewer than during peak season. From time to time, the cries of vendors echoed: those selling grilled "rushan," grilled tofu, rice noodle rolls, Xizhou baba... I'd originally wanted to buy some of each delicacy for the elderly woman to try, but she declined, saying she had a weak stomach.

I casually strolled through the streets of the ancient town, visiting popular check-in spots and sampling local delicacies. After walking nearly 6 kilometers, I saw that the elderly were almost exhausted, so I decided to return for lunch.

It was almost lunchtime, and I had originally planned to try raw hide, a Bai ethnic specialty. However, I worried that my mother-in-law, who was older, might not be able to handle it, so I decided to give it a try. I ordered three of her favorite dishes and three bowls of rice, for a total of 67 yuan.

After exploring Xizhou until 2 p.m., we leisurely returned to our accommodation at "Yuanwuwei B&B," concluding our first day of leisurely exploring Dali.

While we're still young, we should spend more time with our parents. Following their wishes and freely enjoying our leisurely journey is the greatest happiness.