Zhoucheng Village is a picturesque Bai minority village located about 23 kilometres north of Dali Old Town. It is the largest and the most northerly village of Dali Ancient City and famous for its traditional tie-dyeing handicraft, which has been practiced by local Bai people for over a thousand years.
It has earned the nickname of ‘the Hometown to Tie-dyeing.’The delicate and colourful dyeing process appeals to many travelers from both home and abroad. Visitors can observe the process of tie-dyeing, purchase handmade textiles and garments and even take part in a tie-dyeing workshop to create their own unique piece.
Tie dye is a traditional craft dating back to the end of the Ming Dynasty and the beginning of the Qing Dynasty. The production combines culture and art perfectly.
Material originally used was pure white cotton cloth with blue dye, but today the choices in both colour and design are richer and more varied than before. Greens, reds, and browns have been introduced in addition to the traditional blue. The designs are simple, inferring an idyllic pastoral life, and are made with dye that will never fade.
But even though the designs are simple, the process is anything but, as procedures are becoming more and more complicated with increased demand. Watching how the Bai people make their tie-dyed pieces is absolutely a must-see.
Nowadays, you can discover 250 sorts of production, with some of the products selling to Europe and the Americas. Famously known as the hometown of tie dyeing, Zhoucheng Village sees its locals of all ages tie dying skillfully. And you will be amazed to see this!
As well as tie-dyeing, travelers coming here can also enjoy traditional architecture, while absorbing the daily life of the Bai ethnic minority.
The architecture here is a typical “a reflecting wall while the other three serve as living spaces”, “quadrangle courtyard with two extra patios in the two sides” enclosed courtyard formed Bai local-style dwelling houses building.
Zhoucheng Village ,Zhoucheng Town, Dali city, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan province
1. From March to November is the best time to visit Zhoucheng Village.
