Zhoucheng Village in Dali is a Bai ethnic village in Yunnan Province, China, located 23 km (14 miles) north of Dali Ancient Town. It is home to more than 1,500 Bai residents, making it the largest Bai village in Dali and China. The village quietly sits amongst Erhai Lake, Cangshan Mountain, and Butterfly Spring, has the most serene natural landscape.
Zhoucheng Village is most famously known as the “living fossil of Bai folk culture.” Ethnic customs such as weaving, embroidery, tie-dyeing, and the three-course tea have been handed down from generation to generation in this small village. Many people travel to Dali to witness the ingenuity of Bai folk arts.
Fast Facts about Zhoucheng Village
- Location: Zhoucheng Village, Xizhou Town, Dali, Yunnan Province, China
- Opening time: All day
- Ticket price: Free
- Recommended visit time: half a day
- Best time to visit: All year round, especially spring and fall
- Suited to: Anyone who is interested in ethnic minority culture and lifestyle
What to See and Do in Zhoucheng Village
Learn about Bai Tie-Dyeing Art
Zhoucheng Village has had a thriving textile industry since Tang Dynasty. Bai people consider their tie-dye art a gift of the beautiful nature surrounding them. A saying goes “Water streams down the 19 peaks of Cangshan Mountain into the 3,000 homes of Dali, each practicing their own weaving and dyeing.” Tie-dye is every child’s first gift, every bride’s wedding present, and the link between generations.
Bai tie-dye mainly focuses on indigo-dye using vegetations like isatis root and Lithospermum as natural dye. People first sew the design onto the white cloth and tie a series of knots to make certain patterns. They then put the cloth into the vat for repeated soaking and dyeing, during which different patterns are formed. Finally, they dry the cloth in their homes or near the streets.
Experience the Art at Puzhen Tie-Dye Workshop
In Zhoucheng Village, you can experience local tie-dyeing art for yourself. Puzhen Tie-Dye Workshop is a large local workshop with a long history. There’re three sections including an exhibition on the history and artifacts of tie-dye, a section for experiencing the process, and a section showcasing finished products.
You can be involved in the process yourself learning from local elders. Admire the beautiful blue fabrics drying in the wind while having a coffee in the sun. You can make a purchase to support the local community and bring them home as meaningful souvenirs of your Yunnan Dali trip.
Appreciate Bai Architecture
There’s a saying that sums up Zhoucheng village nicely, “Stone walkways are paved in front of every house, and water flows before every door.” Traditional residential houses are connected by quiet alleyways. Life in Zhoucheng village is simple and authentic.
The liveliest part of the village is the old theater stage area. Built in 1895 in Qing Dynasty, its architecture is full of antique charm that reflects the rich culture of Bai people. The two large trees in front of the stage are the feng shui trees of Zhoucheng Village. Under them is the square where important public events take place. People gather there to celebrate festivals, to sing and dance, and put up markets.
Best Time to Visit Zhoucheng Village
The pleasant Yunnan weather makes it suitable for visits all year round. Zhoucheng Village is especially beautiful in spring and fall. In the spring, the vast rapeseed fields in the village are in full bloom. The tie-dye cloths are gorgeous against a sea of yellow flowers. And Dali in the fall has a lot of clear days with comfortable temperatures.
How to Get to Zhoucheng Village
Getting to Dali, Yunnan
There’re two major ways to get to Dali, Yunnan, by flight and by train.
If you’re traveling to Yunnan directly from your home country, your best option is to fly into Kunming Changshui International Airport, the largest and busiest airport in Yunnan. Then take a high-speed train to Dali. Dali Huangcaoba Airport, or Dali Fengyi Airport, is about 13 kilometers (8 miles) from Dali city center. It offers flights to and from many major Chinese cities.
You can also take a train to Dali Railway Station from other cities in China like Kunming, Chongqing, Guiyang, and Chengdu.
Getting to Zhoucheng Village
The best way to get to Zhoucheng Village from is by taxi or private car which takes about an hour from the city center.
Dali Attractions nearby Zhoucheng Village
Dali Ancient Town is a historic town with rich minority culture. Take some time to explore the ancient city wall, historical landmark buildings, and the historic streets.
Erhai Lake is the most well-known landmark of Dali. It’s the best place to relax yourself and experience the life of a local.
Cangshan Mountain is a magnificent mountain range with many peaks and streams. You can hike up there to see temples, waterfalls, wildflowers, forests, and many rare plants and animals.
Butterfly Spring is the gathering place of thousands of beautiful butterflies every spring. It is a gorgeous spot with natural sceneries and a romantic Bai legend.
