Dali Tie Dye Experience: Learn Traditional Bai Dyeing

Make tie-dye by hand in the village that invented it, then drift across Erhai Lake

A full-day private class in Dali where you learn traditional Bai tie-dye techniques in Zhoucheng village, visit the morning market in Xizhou, and take a boat across Erhai Lake to a fishing village. The guide speaks English and pickup is included from your Dali hotel. Entrance fees and water are covered.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Dali Old Townpassing by
2. Xizhou Town2h · entry included
3. Erhai Lake2h · entry included

Dali Old Town, Xizhou, Zhoucheng, Erhai Lake

• Pick up from hotel in Dali Old Town
• Stroll around Dali Old Town
• Transfer to Xizhou
• Visit Xizhou morning market and tea ceremony
• Visit Zhoucheng village and tie-dye workshop
• Boat trip on Erhai Lake to fishing village

The experience

You start in Dali Old Town, where your private English-speaking guide picks you up and drives 19 kilometres north to Xizhou, a preserved Bai minority town on the old tea-horse road. The morning market there fills with locals in traditional dress selling spices, fresh meat and produce. You'll watch the Three Course Tea ceremony and walk through courtyard homes built in the Bai architectural style that has survived centuries.

Then you move to Zhoucheng, the largest Bai village in the region and the birthplace of Chinese tie-dye. In a working workshop, you observe artisans dyeing and drying fabrics, then make your own tie-dyed piece using the intricate techniques that have defined this craft. The process (folding, binding, dyeing, unraveling) is hands-on. You leave with something you made.

The day ends with a short boat trip on Erhai Lake to Tianjingge Island, where the Cangshan Mountain Range rises across the water and birds move across the calm surface. Transportation, entrance tickets, two bottles of water per person, and the guide's time are included. Meals are not, though your guide can recommend places to eat.

What’s included

• Private English-speaking guide and driver.
• hotel pickup in Dali.
• entrance fees to Xizhou, Zhoucheng and Erhai Lake.
• two bottles of water per person.
• tie-dye materials and instruction in the workshop.
• boat trip on Erhai Lake.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00Last departure this season: 4 Feb 2027

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Wonders Of Yunnan Travel

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to make something with your hands rather than just see it, and if you travel as a family or small group. The private format means the guide paces the tie-dye instruction to your speed and answers questions without rushing others along.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Chinese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What exactly do I make in the tie-dye workshop in Zhoucheng?

You create a tie-dyed fabric piece using the traditional Bai batik method taught by local artisans in the workshop. The guide walks you through folding, binding and dyeing the cloth, and you take the finished piece with you.

Is the Three Course Tea ceremony something I participate in or just watch?

The Three Course Tea is a traditional Bai ritual you experience in Xizhou. The ceremony itself is a tasting of three different teas served in a specific order, each with its own flavor and meaning in local culture.

Does the price include lunch?

Meals are not included in the tour price, though your guide can recommend local restaurants in Xizhou or Zhoucheng where you can eat during the day.