Renliyi Village of Xizhou Town in Dali City
Renliyi Village, located in Xizhou Town, Dali City, is a picturesque village nestled in the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province. It lies approximately 5 kilometers north of the Xizhou Town government, accessible via an asphalt road, and is about 37 kilometers from the city center, making it a convenient destination for visitors.
Cultural Geography
Renliyi Village is bordered to the east by Erhai Lake (洱海) and to the west by Cangshan Mountain (苍山). It is 4 kilometers south of the Xizhou Town government and connects to the Butterfly Spring Scenic Area (蝴蝶泉景区) to the north. National Highway 214 (214国道) and the Dali-Lijiang Highway (大丽公路) run through the village, providing convenient transportation. The village is a Bai ethnic community characterized by a high population density relative to its land area.
Historical Significance
The village has a rich history, with architectural resources that reflect its cultural heritage. The traditional Bai-style houses, featuring intricate wooden carvings and unique roof designs, are a testament to the local craftsmanship. Renliyi also embodies the Bai people’s customs, festivals, and lifestyles, making it a significant site for cultural tourism.
Economic Development
Renliyi Village has evolved economically, with resources for traditional agriculture, livestock, fishing, and emerging commercial sectors such as tourism and service industries. The introduction of ecological tourism and cooperation with enterprises has revitalized the local economy, enabling villagers to enhance their livelihoods.
Flower Sea Economic Belt Boosts Rural Tourism
A New Landmark in Xizhou
In Dali’s Xizhou Town, Renliyi Village is home to the Flower Language Ranch (花语牧场), covering an area of 358 acres. This scenic site, characterized by its pastoral landscape and harmonious ecological environment, has become a key driver for local rural tourism. It showcases the principles of leisure agriculture and ecological conservation, effectively increasing villagers’ income through agritourism, leisure vacations, and sales of local specialty products.
Li Birong (李必荣), the Party Secretary of Renliyi Village, recalls that traditional agriculture could no longer meet the villagers’ income expectations several years ago. In 2015, the village partnered with Dali Haoshanshui Agricultural Planting Co., Ltd., adopting a “village-enterprise cooperation” model to jointly develop the Flower Language Ranch, injecting new economic vitality into the village.
Features of the Flower Language Ranch
The ranch includes various functional areas, such as:
- Central Garden: A beautiful area filled with diverse flowers.
- Lawn Area for Horses: Space for horse riding and relaxation.
- Velvety Crape Myrtle Area: Featuring stunning crape myrtle flowers.
- Children’s Playground: A fun area for kids with various attractions.
- Fruit-Picking Area: Visitors can pick fresh fruits directly from the trees.
Additionally, the ranch offers afternoon tea, flower cake-making workshops, and pottery experiences. These initiatives enrich visitors’ experiences while providing employment opportunities for locals. Villagers actively participate in the ranch’s operations and maintenance, effectively promoting local economic development and enhancing living standards.
Li emphasized that the introduction of enterprises has provided a platform for the village, crucial for attracting more tourists. Since 2016, the Flower Language Ranch has welcomed approximately 300,000 visitors and achieved sales revenue exceeding 7 million yuan. With the ranch’s full completion, annual visitor numbers are expected to surpass 500,000, with projected sales revenue exceeding 10 million yuan. This further validates the significant potential of the flower economy in promoting rural tourism and increasing villagers’ income.
Scenic Beauty of Nature
A Blooming Attraction
Whether you live in Dali or are visiting, how can you resist admiring the vast flower sea under the blue sky and white clouds, next to Cangshan and Erhai? Every photo taken here feels like a cinematic masterpiece.
In Renliyi Village, the Flower Language Ranch spans over 300 acres and features more than 60 varieties of flowers, attracting numerous visitors. Various flowers bloom vibrantly; upon entering the ranch, you’ll first see beautiful Dahlias (大丽花), followed by Zinnias (百日草), Sage (鼠尾草), and Verbena (柳叶马鞭草). These flowers are in full bloom, adding to the visual splendor.
Flower Varieties
The ranch cultivates a diverse range of flowers, including:
- Fragrant Lilies (香水百合)
- Giant Onions (大花葱)
- Hyacinths (风信子)
- Tulips (郁金香)
- Dahlias (大丽花)
- Violets (紫罗兰)
- Lavender (薰衣草)
- Colorful Calla Lilies (彩色马蹄莲)
- Icelandic Poppies (冰岛虞美人)
- Snapdragons (金鱼草)
- Willow Herbs (柳叶马鞭草)
- Sage (鼠尾草)
- Foxgloves (毛地黄)
- Ornamental Roses (观赏玫瑰)
- Morning Glories (牵牛花)
- Pansies (三色堇)
- Wildflower Combinations (野花组合)
These flowers bloom in different seasons, ensuring that the ranch is always vibrant and colorful.
Facilities and Activities
In addition to the flowers, the ranch features numerous facilities for photo opportunities, including popular characters like Minions (小黄人), Doreamon (叮当猫), Snow White (白雪公主), and the Seven Dwarfs (七个小矮人), which are particularly loved by children. There is even a large yellow duck and playground equipment, with sunshades set up on the expansive grass for visitors to relax.
The Flower Language Ranch also includes areas for visitors to interact with animals, fruit-picking zones, a poppy garden (虞美人花园), a lily garden (百合花园), a tulip garden (郁金香花园), a lavender garden (薰衣草花园), a fishing pond, and a sandy beach at Moon Lake (月亮湖). The ranch boasts blooming flowers year-round, with different species blossoming in various seasons.
Aerial Views
The ranch offers stunning aerial views, showcasing the colorful flower fields against the backdrop of the blue sky, creating picturesque scenes perfect for photography.
Cultural Significance
The Flower Language Ranch is not just a floral paradise; it also serves as a filming location for the television drama “National Action” (国家行动), attracting fans and tourists alike. It provides a unique blend of nature, culture, and entertainment, making it a popular destination.
Visiting and Getting There
Address
Renliyi Village (仁里邑村), Xizhou Town (喜洲镇), Dali City (大理市), Yunnan Province (云南省), is located opposite the Renliyi Primary School (仁里邑完小) along Provincial Road 221 (221省道).
Tips: For self-driving visitors, you can reach the Flower Language Ranch by inputting its name into navigation apps.
Entrance Fee and Hours
- Entrance Fee: 30 yuan per person (children under 1.2 meters free).
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM (open on holidays).
Travel Tips
- The flower sea is prominently situated along the Dali-Lijiang highway, marked by a large sign, making it easy to find.
- There is a designated parking area nearby, ensuring convenient parking for visitors.
- Best visiting time is during spring and early summer when most flowers are in bloom.
- Bring a camera for stunning photo opportunities and consider visiting during weekdays to avoid crowds.
Renliyi Village and the Flower Language Ranch represent the beauty of Yunnan’s natural landscape while showcasing the cultural richness of the Bai ethnic group. It is a perfect destination for those seeking a blend of scenic beauty, cultural experiences, and recreational activities.
