Taoyuan Village in Dali City

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Overview

Taoyuan Village (桃源村, Táoyuán cūn) is located in Xizhou Town (喜洲镇, Xǐzhōu zhèn), approximately 7 kilometers north of the town government and 40 kilometers from Dali City (大理市, Dàlǐ shì). The village has convenient transportation, with asphalt roads connecting it to nearby areas. The primary sources of income for local farmers come from the commercial beverage industry and construction.

Geographic Location

Taoyuan Village lies adjacent to Erhai Lake (洱海, Érhǎi) on the east, Zhoucheng (周城, Zhōuchéng) to the south, Cangshan Mountain (苍山, Cāngshān) to the west, and Shangguan Village Committee (上关村委会, Shàngguān cūn wěiyuánhuì) to the north. It comprises 9 villager groups and, as of 2006, had 632 households and a population of 2,658, all engaged in agriculture. The labor force totals 1,443, with 443 individuals working in the primary industry.

Scenic Beauty

Taoyuan Village, situated beside Erhai Lake, boasts stunning scenery. It has several lakeside guesthouses, such as “Linhai Muyu” (临海沐月, Lín hǎi mùyuè) and “Taoyuan Family” (桃源人家, Táoyuán rénjiā). These guesthouses often have designs that integrate with the water, offering beautiful views of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, making them ideal spots for sunrise watching. One notable hotel is the Athena Oriental Boutique Hotel (大理雅典娜东方精品酒店, Dàlǐ Yǎdiǎnnà dōngfāng jīngpǐn jiǔdiàn), where the friendly owner once invited us to visit when we couldn’t enter another guesthouse.

Cultural Significance

Taoyuan Village has not been fully developed, maintaining its tranquil charm, much like its name suggests—a “paradise on earth” (世外桃源, shìwài táoyuán). In November 2021, Taoyuan Village was included in the public recommendation list for Yunnan Province’s 2021 Beautiful Villages, and in December, it received the honor of being named a “Beautiful Village” in Yunnan Province.

Architecture and Lifestyle

As a Bai ethnic (白族, Bái zú) village, the architectural style features traditional Bai designs, including the “three halls and a screen wall” (三坊一照壁, sān fáng yī zhàobì). The Bai people primarily engage in rice farming, representing a typical agricultural community. The village’s layout and decorative elements reflect both Han Chinese influence and distinct Bai characteristics, with white walls, ornate doorways, and artistic decorations showcasing flowers, birds, and landscapes.

Best Season to Visit

Taoyuan Village enjoys a low-latitude plateau monsoon climate, making it suitable for visits throughout the year. The best times to explore are in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant, and the scenery is particularly enchanting.

Recommended Duration

3-4 hours

Language

Common languages spoken include Southwestern Mandarin (西南官话, xī nán guānhuà), Bai language (白语, bái yǔ), Yi language (彝语, yí yǔ), and Mandarin Chinese (普通话, pǔtōnghuà).

Major Attractions

1. Taoyuan Village (桃源村, Táoyuán cūn): Known for its beautiful lakeside scenery.
2. Xizhou Ancient Town (喜洲古镇, Xǐzhōu gǔ zhèn): A nearby historical town with traditional architecture.
3. Butterfly Spring (蝴蝶泉, Húdié quán): A local scenic area perfect for relaxation and photography.
4. Erhai Lake (洱海, Érhǎi): The primary attraction for boating and nature lovers.

Transportation

To reach Taoyuan Village, you can choose from various modes of transport:

• Public Transport: Buses run from Dali City to Xizhou Town, and you can take a taxi or walk to the village.
• Self-Driving: Drive from Dali City to Taoyuan Village, which takes approximately 40 minutes.

Culinary Recommendations

• Bai Cuisine (白族风味, Bái zú fēngwèi): Try local specialties such as pickled fish (酸菜鱼, suāncài yú), milk fan (乳扇, rǔ shàn), and clay pot fish (砂锅鱼, shāguō yú).

Travel Tips

1. Respect Local Culture: Be mindful of the customs and traditions of the Bai people while visiting.
2. Environmental Protection: Maintain cleanliness and avoid littering in natural areas.
3. Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen and stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities.
4. Photography: Taoyuan Village’s beautiful scenery and ethnic culture make it perfect for photography. Bring adequate equipment to capture memorable moments.
5. Souvenirs: Consider purchasing local handicrafts, such as Bai embroidery (白族刺绣, Bái zú cìxiù), silver jewelry (银饰, yínshì), and pottery (陶器, táoqì) as souvenirs.

By planning accordingly, you can enjoy a memorable trip to Taoyuan Village, experiencing the blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant ethnic culture.