2026 Dali Textile Retreat trip

2026 Dali Textile Retreat trip

Embark on a journey to nourish your soul in the heart of nature and culture. In the enchanting town of Dali, where 25 ethnic minorities live harmoniously, you'll immerse yourself in the arts and crafts that have thrived here for centuries. Explore the walled old town from the Ming dynasty, where traditional Bai homes and towers stand as symbols of inclusiveness and peace.

Born and raised in this magical place, I invite you to experience the surprises and goodness that Dali offers. From the serene lake to the majestic mountains, from the intricate family looms to the inspiring museums, this journey is about more than just seeing—it's about creating. Engage in hands-on crafts and let your creativity flow, bringing to life the things you've long desired.

Routing：

Day 1

We will meet at Dali Airport, where the exciting journey began. We will travel together to my family resort in the Dali old town from the Airport. After arriving at the hotel, take your time to unpack and we will have a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Day 2

We will start the first day with visiting an amazing indigo farm run by my friend Xiao Bai. We will drive to the Xiao Bai’s studio afterwards called Lanxu, where we will uncover first-hand the indigo vat making process from local receipt, and explore use of natural dyes made from indigenous plants and flowers.

Day 3

We will visit ZhouChen village again, and we will visit YunZuo bai embroidery studio, and learn traditional embroidery techinques from the maste in the morning.
We will enjoy traditional Bai lunch at the embroidery studio, and you will have a traditional bai people three course afternoon tea at the studio.

Day 4

We will be visiting famous indigo village ZhouChen and meeting some artisans and craftspeople. We will also visit my family's indigo workshop, and have a briefing introduction of Zha Ran Bai people’s shibori techniques. You will use all the techniques learnt from the previous session, immerse yourself in the local surroundings and just enjoy creating! We will use my family's traditional courtyard as the creation base for the indigo sessions.

Day 5

Visit Xi Zhou village 喜洲古镇匠志集: local folk art museum, understanding different traditional handicrafts in the area, and learning about traditional woodblock printing Jiama. We will have the chance to learn woodcarving silks from Jiama teacher and carving your own woodblock.

Day 6

Having a break, we will now go explore nature, just relaxing and reflecting during our cable car to the local Cangshan Mountain, where there are a lot of buddhist temples. We will able to have vegetarian lunch at the temple. We will visit the Three pagoda in the afternoon then wander in the Dali old town afterwards.

Day 7

We will partake in a wool felt making workshop with Master Yang in a over 100 years old Bai courtyard, to understand the culture behind wool felt making and its various products. You’ll be making your own wool felt small rug as well as using rice flour to draw and create a design of your choice on your felt work. After the workshop, we will go to visit XiZhou village, and you will have time to walk around enjoying

Day 8

We will visit Diao Cao Cun, a traditional Yi village located in the mountains. They will welcome us with their traditional dance and lunch, and we will learn traditional bracelet making techniques from Yi ethnic minority. You will also be able to try on Yi traditional clothing even their wedding outfit and have some wearing traditional clothing while learning the craft. It’s a feast day of crafts and food.

Day 9

We'll visit a nearby Dali Pu’er tea workshop, where you’ll immerse yourself in the art of tea. Experience a traditional tea ceremony, savoring the rich flavors and calming aromas. Then, engage in a hands-on session to craft your own tea block, a special memento from this trip that you can take home as a reminder of the serenity and creativity found here.
Let this day be one of quiet reflection, as you connect with the essence of Dali through the ancient and soothing ritual of tea.

Day 10

We will visit Dali Dreamstone Museum in the morning. We will go back to the hotel and set up the farewell exhibition event - curating all the creations during this trip together at Water Edge hotel, and inviting all the teachers through the journey to join in for the farewell party at 6 pm with a food buffet.

Day 11

It’s time to say goodbye, packed full of inspiration and fully charged for your next life adventure! We will arrange airport transport for everyone. And will see you in London sometime again hopefully!

Felt making workshop at Mater Yang’s 500 years old family courtyard in Jin Gui Si village

An indigo stitch resisted cloth making in progress

This is a trip for discovery, reflection and inspiration, nourish yourself in the nature and learn from local crafts people in Southwestern China Dali town. Immerse yourself in the arts and crafts activities and using your hand to create, create things that you desire for long time.

In an 11-days textiles retreat, we touch this land with our own hands, cultivating a blue forest by the Lake with love and craftsmanship

Photos by @Ming Tang-Evans

Stitch resist “Zha Ran” textiles factory in WeiShan village

Learning Jia Ma woodcarving to create your own Bai god

Learning traditional Bai embroidery with local artisans

“I realised that building a bridge is important to be able to join places, but really, the most important part is the people on either side, without them, without people crossing the bridge has no meaning. ”

— Yiran (Founder of Yi Crafts)

Learning weaving on a 100 years old loom with Bai lady

Visiting felt making family in Jin Gui Si village

Visiting Dali Folk Arts & Crafts museum in Xi Zhou village

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