XIZHOU
Nearby Xizhou
Surrounding Xizhou are various villages each unique for their own cultures. Try biking through a few once in a while to see the different feel they each have. Some notable ones include:
Zhoucheng
Famous for it's tie-dye, also has a big market. If you are interested in purchasing some tie-dye, make sure to visit the Lanxu (蓝素) shop (They also have a store in Xizhou if you do not get the chance to visit their main store in Zhoucheng). Mr. Jake, who is a staff member there, can speak some English and explain to you the process of natural tie-dye if you would like. Xiaobai 小白, who is the owner of the Lanxu shops, can sometimes be seen in Zhoucheng or other times in their shop in Xizhou. Mr. Jake can also help you determine the difference between chemical and natural tie-dye, so if you dared to buy a tie-dyed piece before your visit to Lanxu beforehand, give it to Mr. Jake to tell you which kind it is! (Natural tie-dye is better and I really suggest you do not buy any pieces before going to Lanxu).
Aside from the tie-dye, the market is a cool spot to visit on your way to and back from Lanxu. A lot of foods and produce is sold there and it is a spot worth checking out if you have the time.
Shacun
A fishing village near Erhai, a popular attraction is the cormorant fishing (though it will seem disturbing to certain people). It is very quiet and has a different atmosphere than Xizhou, so if you are up for a more quiet place to walk around Shacun is a good place for you.
Dali Old Town
A giant tourist attraction and very developed, it is a very busy place and quite different than what its name suggests. It is a touristically developed spot, so it will not seem as traditional or quiet as Xizhou. Good for eating Western food and good dessert, but other than that Dali Old Town will offer overpriced souvenirs. Also, beware of pickpocketing! Good restaurants include the Bad Monkey, Stella's Pizzeria, and the Sweet Tooth. You will notice the sudden price difference from the food offered back in Xizhou when you look at the menus of the restaurants in Dali Old Town.