Route: Dali Ancient Town – Zhoucheng Bai Ethnic Village – Xizhou Ancient Town – Lijiang
Driving Distance: Xizhou Ancient Town to Lijiang Ancient Town, approximately 185 kilometres
Driving Time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes under normal traffic conditions
Transportation: Private vehicle; no high-speed train service is arranged today
Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Lijiang Ancient Town or Shuhe Ancient Town
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart from Dali Ancient Town at approximately 08:30 for Zhoucheng Bai Ethnic Village, one of the best-known Bai communities near Dali.
Arrive at approximately 09:00 and spend the morning learning about the traditions and daily life of the Bai ethnic group. Walk through the village to see traditional Bai residences, decorative courtyard walls and local workshops before joining an authentic indigo tie-dye experience.
Zhoucheng Bai Ethnic Village is particularly famous for Bai tie-dye, a traditional craft that uses hand stitching, folding, binding and natural indigo dye to create distinctive blue-and-white patterns. Guests may observe local artisans at work and produce a small handmade piece as a personal souvenir.
At approximately 11:10, continue by private vehicle to Xizhou Ancient Town. Arrive at around 11:30 and explore the historic streets, traditional Bai architecture and local market atmosphere.
Visit the Yan Family Courtyard, one of the best-preserved examples of Bai residential architecture in the area. Its carved wooden doors, painted walls and interconnected courtyards illustrate the artistic style and former prosperity of prominent Bai merchant families.
Enjoy lunch in Xizhou Ancient Town and taste local specialities such as Xizhou Baba, a traditional baked flatbread available with savoury or sweet fillings.
At approximately 13:30, depart from Xizhou Ancient Town and travel north by private vehicle to Lijiang. The journey normally takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, although traffic may be heavier during weekends, national holidays and peak tourism periods.
Arrive in Lijiang at approximately 16:30 and complete the hotel check-in. After a short rest, begin an evening walking tour through Lijiang Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stone-paved lanes, canals, bridges and traditional Naxi architecture.
Visit Sifang Square and the Large Waterwheel, two of the most recognisable landmarks in the old town. Continue through the illuminated streets, where traditional houses have been converted into cafés, restaurants, handicraft shops and small boutique hotels.
Enjoy dinner in Lijiang Ancient Town before returning to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Golf: No golf round today
Overnight: Boutique hotel in Lijiang Ancient Town or Shuhe Ancient Town