Xizhou, a town in Dali, marked the last part of my time in Western China. The Bai ethnic minority group makes up a majority of the population in this area and their handicrafts, incuding sewn landscapes and portraits and a special tie dye technique, can be found everywhere - though beware of getting factory made products instead of handmade. In Xizhou, the people are laid back, the architecture remains intact (thanks to the government's protection) and the old alleyways are smattered with artisan coffee shops just waiting for a hipster to come along and Instagram it (just kidding, IG doesn't work in China). After learning about the area from the incredibly knowledgable staff at The Linden Centre, my final day in Xizhou included a bikeride around Erhai Lake and watching the sunset behind the mountains while sipping coffee with some new friends.

*The beginnings of thread for traditional sewing by Bai women, Xizhou, China*

*Visit to the rice noodle factory where steamed rice is put through a press and turned into various rice products, Xizhou, China*

*Tie dying technique class with Bai women, Xizhou, China*

*The colors of Erhai Lake, Xizhou, China*

*(One more photo from my bike ride around Erhai Lake for good measure) Xizhou, China*