Renliyi Village of Xizhou Town in Dali City
Renliyi Village (仁里邑村), located in Xizhou Town (喜洲镇), Dali City (大理市), Yunnan Province (云南省), is a picturesque Bai ethnic settlement in the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州). It lies about 5 kilometers north of the Xizhou Town government and 37 kilometers from Dali’s city center, with convenient access via asphalt roads.
Cultural Geography
Renliyi Village is bordered by Erhai Lake (洱海) to the east and Cangshan Mountain (苍山) to the west. It sits 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) pass through the village, providing excellent transportation links. The community is densely populated relative to its land area and is known for its distinctive Bai culture.
Historical Significance
Renliyi Village has a rich history reflected in its traditional Bai-style houses, characterized by intricate wood carvings and unique roof designs. The village preserves the customs, festivals, and lifestyles of the Bai people, making it an important site for cultural tourism.
Economic Development
The local economy is based on traditional agriculture, livestock, and fishing, but tourism and service industries have grown rapidly. Ecological tourism projects and cooperation with enterprises have boosted the economy and improved villagers’ livelihoods.
Flower Language Ranch
A New Landmark in Xizhou
Renliyi Village is home to the Flower Language Ranch (花语牧场), a 358-acre rural tourism attraction combining pastoral scenery, ecological conservation, and leisure agriculture. It generates income through agritourism, vacations, and local specialty sales.
In 2015, the village partnered with Dali Haoshanshui Agricultural Planting Co., Ltd. (大理好山水农业种植有限公司) in a “village–enterprise cooperation” model to develop the ranch. This revitalized the local economy and provided new employment opportunities.
Features
The ranch consists of several themed areas:
- Central Garden – colorful flower displays.
- Lawn for Horses – riding and relaxation.
- Velvety Crape Myrtle Area – blooming crape myrtles.
- Children’s Playground – attractions for kids.
- Fruit-Picking Area – seasonal fresh fruit harvests.
Visitors can also enjoy afternoon tea, flower cake–making, and pottery workshops.
Economic Impact
Since 2016, the ranch has welcomed about 300,000 visitors, generating over 7 million yuan in revenue. Upon full completion, it is projected to host over 500,000 visitors annually and exceed 10 million yuan in sales, highlighting the strong potential of the flower economy for rural revitalization.
Scenic Beauty
Under the blue skies and white clouds of Dali, the ranch’s “flower sea” blooms across 300+ acres with more than 60 varieties, including Dahlias (大丽花), Zinnias (百日草), Sage (鼠尾草), and Verbena (柳叶马鞭草). Seasonal blooms ensure year-round color.
Flower Varieties
Key species include:
Fragrant Lilies (香水百合), Giant Onions (大花葱), Hyacinths (风信子), Tulips (郁金香), 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), Foxgloves (毛地黄), Ornamental Roses (观赏玫瑰), Morning Glories (牵牛花), Pansies (三色堇), and seasonal Wildflower Mixes (野花组合).
Facilities and Activities
Highlights include photo spots with Minions (小黄人), Doraemon (叮当猫), Snow White (白雪公主) and the Seven Dwarfs (七个小矮人), a giant yellow duck, animal interaction areas, a poppy garden (虞美人花园), lily garden (百合花园), tulip garden (郁金香花园), lavender garden (薰衣草花园), fishing pond, and Moon Lake (月亮湖) sandy beach.
Cultural Significance
The ranch has served as a filming location for the TV drama National Action (《国家行动》), adding cultural appeal to its natural charm.
Visiting Information
Address: Renliyi Village (仁里邑村), Xizhou Town (喜洲镇), Dali City (大理市), Yunnan Province (云南省), opposite Renliyi Primary School (仁里邑完小) on Provincial Road 221 (221省道).
Entrance Fee: 30 yuan/person (free for children under 1.2 meters).
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM (holidays included).
Travel Tips:
- The site is visible from the Dali–Lijiang Highway with a large roadside sign.
- Parking is available nearby.
- Best visited in spring or early summer for peak blooms.
- Weekdays offer fewer crowds and better photo opportunities.