Exploring Xizhou Ancient Town and Erhai Lake in Yunnan,China

I visited an Ancient Town in China but things didn’t go as planned (Xizhou, Yunnan)

Destination:ChinaProvince:YunnanCity:Dali
I visited an Ancient Town in China but things didn’t go as planned (Xizhou, Yunnan)
Yasmine’s Journey2026-01-2420 min

In this episode, we’re leaving Dali, heading out to explore the landscapes and towns around. The roads take us to Erhai Lake and Xizhou Ancient village.

--- Yasmine’s Journey
January 24, 2026, Winter in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:00departure to countryside
  2. 00:18scooter snafu explained
  3. 02:30heading to Sizu Village
  4. 04:22lake perspective opens up
  5. 07:21robot cafe misfire
  6. 09:21strawberry taste test
  7. 12:36Baba snack shop visit
  8. 16:15coffee shop discovery
  9. 19:43safety and Alipay shop

A day trip from Dali to Erhai Lake and Sizu Town combines scooter troubles, scenic lake views, and immersive Bai culture, with fresh strawberries, Baba bread, a

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1When renting a scooter, expect deposits to vary and be prepared for non payment methods like WeChat or local cash; compare prices to avoid overpaying (00:30)
  2. Tip 2Use the Erhai side viewpoints for photography, and consider staying nearby to wake up to sunrise over the lake (04:50)
  3. Tip 3Try Baba salty and sweet versions right where they were invented in Sizu Town for authentic flavors and quick queues (12:50)
  4. Tip 4Look for cafes with local bean varieties and ask about origins to understand the coffee culture in Dali-Yunnan (17:40)

In this episode from Yasmine’s Journey, the adventure moves from the bustling streets of Dali toward the quieter landscapes around Erhai Lake and the ancient town of Xizhou. The start is rocky, as they can’t rent a scooter and even a popular robot juice stand feels questionable in price and quality. Yet the day unfolds with sweet discoveries: strawberries picked fresh from local fields, a neighborhood scooter hunt that yields a workable ride, and the joy of finally reaching the west side of Erhai Lake where the scenery opens up, boats drift by, and birds skim the water. Community spirit shines through as locals help with the scooter search, a vendor shares family recipes, and a man invites them to the strawberry fields, making the trip feel intimate and authentic. The journey delves into the culture of the Bai community in Sizu Town, where whitewashed houses, blue decorations, and wooden carvings frame daily life, and where the signature Baba snack is born. The vlog captures contrasts:

More about the current video:( 10 / 10 )

I visited an Ancient Town in China but things didn’t go as planned (Xizhou, Yunnan)

In this episode from Yasmine’s Journey, the adventure moves from the busy streets of Dali to the quieter landscapes around Erhai Lake and the ancient Bai town of Xizhou. The day starts with frustration as they can’t rent a scooter and encounter a too-good-to-be-true juice machine that turns out to be a tricky tourist trap. Yet locals help negotiate a fair scooter, saving the trip, and the west side of Erhai Lake reveals its vast beauty. They stroll viewpoints, hike into the scenery, and marvel at boats and birds along the water. A robot cafe and a roadside strawberry stand add whimsy and local flavor, with strawberries that prove crunchy and sweet, bought directly from farmers who welcome a photo and a chat. In Sizu Town, the Bai culture comes alive through the iconic Baba snack, made fresh in a yard shop with a salty and a sweet version, both worth trying. A coffee stop introduces bean varieties and a simple Americano that satisfies a chilly afternoon, while a small Alipay pay shop reinforces China’s safety and trust in communal spaces. Through it all, Yasmine reflects on the warmth of local people, the value of buying local produce, and the sense of security that makes travel in this region feel unique. The episode closes with a souvenir hat purchase and a reminder to savor every moment, from the lake’s tranquil edge to the vibrant street life nearby, as they continue their Yunnan journey.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: Is it safe to explore Erhai Lake area by scooter as a foreign traveler?
A: From the vlog, yes, with careful planning: negotiate deposits, ensure a reliable scooter, and be mindful of parking and access rules around viewpoints and lagoons.

Exploring Xizhou Ancient Town and Erhai Lake in Yunnan,China

In this episode, we’re leaving Dali, heading out to explore the landscapes and towns around. The roads take us to Erhai Lake and Xizhou Ancient village.

Erhai Lake and Xizhou Ancient Town Travel Guide to Yunnan’s Bai Heart

Yasmine’s Journey dives into a misadventure on a route from Dali toward the scenic outskirts of Yunnan. The episode follows a day of leaving Dali and making their way to Erhai Lake and the ancient town of Xizhou, inviting viewers to explore tranquil landscapes and traditional villages. The tone suggests a travel diary filled with discoveries about rural China, local scenery around Erhai Lake, and the charm of Xizhou Ancient Village, while hinting at the unpredictability that can come with exploring less-touristy countryside routes. Overall, the video blends landscape shots, cultural glimpses, and a traveler’s personal experience as the group navigates roads, temples, markets, and rural life around Dali and Xizhou. Watchers can expect a visually rich journey through a less-commercial side of Yunnan, contrasted with the region’s iconic lake views and centuries-old village architecture.

Attractions in this video: Erhai Lake, Sizu Town, Xizhou Ancient Town, Baba Snack