Cycling in Xizhou | Exploring villages, fields and Erhai Lake with Randy

” The charm of Xizhou lies in its diversity and profound cultural heritage. Through in-depth exploration, both outsiders and local residents can find their own unique experiences and insights in this land. Why not ride a bicycle with us and go deep into the surrounding villages and farmlands to experience the farming culture of Xizhou and the daily life of the Bai people. This is not only a scenic route, but also a path to get deeper into the culture and life of Xizhou. We can avoid the crowds of popular attractions and truly experience the tranquility and beauty of Xizhou. " - Randy

Randy's life record:

This is the world I see

Blooming Bicycle Diary

To learn more about Randy, click here

About me:

"My name is Randy. I used to be a primary school teacher. Now I work at Shengkai Bicycle Xizhou Store. I have lived in Xizhou for more than half a year. I like to walk around the streets."

Route Introduction:

After opening a shop in Xizhou for half a year, I found that during the peak tourist season, the wheat fields and the front of the big green trees in Xizhou are always full of people. Everyone needs to queue up to wait for the best camera position. Tourists who want to ride a bike basically go to the ecological corridor to ride and see the scenery. But in fact, the charm of Xizhou is far more than those popular attractions. Its true charm is often hidden in those unknown corners and details of daily life.

Xizhou farmland

A few times, my friends and I rode our bikes to nearby villages. We saw vast wheat fields along the way. There were no paths trampled by tourists. They should be the grain fields of nearby villagers. Seeing those farmlands reminded us that the farmlands in Xizhou are not only the scenery, but also the source of livelihood for the local people. There is a collection of farms in Xizhou, which details the farming culture of Xizhou, the working methods of local farmers, the use of farm tools, and the history of crop planting.

The farmlands on both sides of the road also plant different crops according to the seasons. In spring, there are green wheat fields, in summer, there are golden rice, and in autumn, lettuce is planted more. There are often large trucks waiting to load goods on the roadside. The ladies in the fields sit on small benches and chat while they bundle the lettuce and wait for the receivers to carry it. Trucks will transport the lettuce to supermarkets, hot pot restaurants, etc. This may be the modern continuation of farming culture.

This seasonal change also makes Xizhou's scenery full of dynamic beauty.

Psoralea corylifolia

As the iconic landscape of Xizhou, the big hollyhock tree looks small and cute from a distance, like a "broccoli", but when you get closer, its hugeness and antiquity will be revealed. This visual contrast will make people feel the wonder of nature and the precipitation of time. In fact, there are many big hollyhock trees in Xizhou. Before the TV series "Go Where the Wind Goes" became popular, the main function of the big hollyhock trees may be a place for villagers to gather and rest. Everyone chats and tells stories under the trees.

Bai Villages and Houses

We will pass by the Bai village when we walk through the wheat fields. There are many houses here that have been renovated to be more modern. The exterior is still in the Bai style, but the interior is more modern. This fusion may be the balance in the development of Xizhou's tourism industry - it preserves traditional culture while adapting to the needs of modern tourists. Walking into the village, you will still encounter many more traditional Bai houses. The exquisite hand-painted and relief carvings on the walls make people feel their attentive life. Sometimes you will also see vegetable stalls set up by villagers, and the customers may also be nearby villagers.

When riding, you will often meet Bai villagers who are taking a walk. They are wearing Bai costumes and will greet you with a friendly smile. You can feel their simplicity and warmth. The ladies often wear sunglasses. It is said that this is also a kind of Bai culture. Sometimes you can't help but think about their living conditions. In the evening, you will also meet horsemen and horses who are off work. During the day, tourists sit on the horses' backs, and the horses and horsemen make a living together. When they get off work, the horses carry the horsemen home, as if they are a family living together.

Erhai Lake scenery

After arriving at the beach, the view quickly widens. You can immediately see Erhai Lake, the trees in the sea, the people under the trees, and the mountains on the other side of the sea. The scenery of the seaside is never boring. This is not only a tourist attraction, but also a part of the daily life of local villagers. Villagers nearby will bring their children here to ride bicycles and play. The colorful boats parked on the beach are the tools used by fishermen to fish. Of course, there are also colorful tourists who feel the beauty here. Fishermen, villagers, and tourists share the gift of nature.

In general, the charm of Xizhou lies in its diversity and profound cultural heritage. Through in-depth exploration, both outsiders and local residents can find their own unique experiences and insights on this land. Why not ride a bicycle together and follow us to the surrounding villages and farmlands to experience the farming culture of Xizhou and the daily life of the Bai people. This is not only a scenic route, but also a path to get into the culture and life of Xizhou. We can avoid the crowds of popular attractions and truly feel the tranquility and beauty of Xizhou.

We hope we can be a bridge between tourists and local culture.

Activity time: 10:00-12:00

Meeting time: Shengkai Bicycle Xizhou Store

Strength: 10 km loop , can be completed by ordinary people

Age recommendation: 12 years and above

Prepare in advance: water, sunscreen, other personal items

The fee includes: guide, Giant mountain bikes, helmets, and cycling gloves

Not included: Local lunch (AA, 30-40 per person)