Slow down and experience the villages of Dali, where the wind blows through the rice paddies.

Not cycling in Dali is like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. Xizhou, a Bai ethnic ancient town nestled between the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake, is a favorite destination for many young travelers. It's not as bustling as Dali Ancient City, but it offers the most healing countryside scenery and incredibly picturesque cycling routes. 🚴‍♀️ How to cycle? Where to start? It is recommended to start from Xizhou Ancient Town, where there are many rental shops offering a wide selection of electric scooters, bicycles, and mountain bikes. Here's a classic and easy loop route (2–3 hours): Xizhou Ancient Town → Haishe Ecological Park → Huanhai West Road → Xilinyuan Rice Fields → Back to Xizhou This route combines scenery, photo opportunities, and coffee shops. If you're not in a hurry, you can stop anytime to take photos, relax, or enjoy an iced Americano. 📍 Recommended spots: Haishe Ecological Park: Surrounded by water on three sides, it offers expansive views and is most beautiful and photogenic in the morning when there are fewer people. Huanhai West Road: The cycling conditions are excellent, and you can enjoy uninterrupted views of Erhai Lake, villages, and distant mountains. Near Xilinyuan: Vast rice paddies, stone slab roads, blue sky, and white clouds create a picturesque scene perfect for capturing magazine-worthy photos. ☀️ When is the best time to go? March–May: Flowers are in bloom, rice paddies are green, and the climate is most comfortable. September–November: Golden rice paddies and shimmering reflections on the water make this the favorite season for photographers. Avoid cycling at noon; mornings or evenings are cooler and offer better lighting. ⸻ 🎒 Cycling tips: Sun protection is essential! Sunglasses + hat + sunscreen are a must. Bring a bottle of water, as some sections of the route have no shops. If your focus is photography, light-colored clothing is recommended for a clean and refreshing look. Don't forget to bring a small gimbal or drone if you want to capture aerial shots or slow-motion videos. The wind in Xizhou ruffles your hair and touches your heart. Cycling around Erhai Lake isn't about covering a great distance, but about collecting every beautiful moment and creating lasting memories of this charming town.