XIZHOU
Survival Guide
Seasons
Besides being generally more rainy during June-September, Xizhou has good weather during most seasons, so the time period you choose to come really depends on what type of crops you want to see growing or the holidays that you may want to experience during your trip. Most people prefer to visit Xizhou during March or during the autumn months like September or October, but if you would like to catch the holidays and festivities a good time to visit would during January-March.
50s, 20s, and 5s in RMB
Currency
China shares the same currency in all provinces, so RMB cash works in Xizhou too. A good thing to have is pocket change, it is usually inconvenient to pay in 100s and will sometimes be frowned upon in the restaurants. So, to make lives easier for the cashiers, bring a change of 20s or 10s, as the food is generally very cheap in Xizhou.
Another thing that you may notice during your time in Xizhou is that coins are never used when paying, so you do not have to worry about them jingling in your pocket. Cards are not very useful in Xizhou unless you need to withdraw cash from your account, so do not be shocked when a waiter or cashier rejects your card!
Basic Language
If you are not participating in the activities the Linden Centre hosts, bringing a friend that speaks Chinese, or fluent in Chinese yourself, it would be a good idea to try to learn some basics before coming to Xizhou, as interacting with the residents here is a big part of having a good experience and learning more about the culture.
Here are some basics of Chinese:
Greetings
您好(nǐnhǎo)- Hello (to elders or people older than you)
早晨好(zǎo shǎng hǎo)- Good Morning
下午好(xià wǔ hǎo)-Good afternoon
晚上好(wǎn shàng hǎo)- Good evening
再见(zàijiàn )- Goodbye
Phrases
我的名字是(wǒ de míngzì shì)-My name is/I am called
谢谢(xièxiè)- Thank you
对不起(duìbùqǐ )- Sorry
我听不懂(wǒ tìng bù dǒng )- I do not understand
我不会讲很多中文(wǒ bù huì jiǎng hěnduō zhōngwén)- I cannot speak a lot of Chinese
Basic Questions
请问这个多少钱?(qǐngwèn zhè shì duōshǎo qián ?)- How much is this?
请问洗手间在哪里?(qǐngwèn xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ )- Where is the bathroom?
请问怎么能去...(qǐngwèn zěnme néng qù...)- How can I get to... (insert place)
Basic Directions
Xizhou is a small town, and generally, tourists will be able to find their way around the village after a few days. A good way to remember your directions is by looking at the Cang mountains! Lake Erhai faces across from the Cang mountains and is situated on the East, so the mountains are the west. If the mountains are on your left, then you are facing the North. If the mountains are on your right then you are facing the South.
When you go towards the West towards the mountain, you will notice that the land will seem to escalate. When heading towards the East towards Lake Erhai, you will notice that the land will slope downwards more.
Lake Erhai and a different mountain range.
Essentials to Bring
-Sunscreen
-Hand cream
-Waterbottle (do not buy single-use water bottles!)
-Hat
-Scarf
-Comfortable sport clothes
-Comfortable shoes
-Hiking boots (if going hiking)
-Bug spray! (The mosquitoes usually are lazy, but other times they will bite)
-Camera
-Lip Balm
-An open and curious mind!
DO NOT BRING List
-Smartphones (you will be able to enjoy your trip here much more, also, old phones like Nokia's are an exception)
-High heels
Old phones are okay to bring to Xizhou.
Lodging
Safety Issues & Health Issues
Xizhou does not have many safety issues besides the risk of getting lost while hiking in the Cang mountains, and tourists should also be careful when crossing roads (this is a basic piece of knowledge). Some health issues include high altitude sickness because Xizhou is situated 2000 meters above sea level, so tourists should always stay hydrated. The food can also be incredibly spicy at times, so in order to prevent upset stomachs tourists should stick to less extreme foods if they are not used to eating very spicy foods.
Spicy noodles served at the Golden Flower restaurant.
Yangzhuoran in the evening, the Linden Commons, and the entrance to the Linden Centre.
Stay at the Linden Centre for the best experience in Xizhou. Local activities are held daily that you can choose to participate in, and the food offered here is great as well. The Linden Centre is a national heritage site that allows you to have a comfortable stay while at the same time having you learn more about the culture. For more information on the Linden Centre, visit www.linden-centre.com
There are three Linden properties across Xizhou. One is the Linden Commons, another the Linden Centre, and finally Yangzhuoran, which is reserved for educational groups and programs like Microcampus. The Linden Centre and Linden Commons are available for tourists to stay at.
Tip: If you ever run out of something during the trip, the various stores around Xizhou will offer anything that you need.