Dali

Dali is best explored at a slower pace, with Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake forming its most iconic natural scenery. Here is a 3–4-day itinerary to help you plan your sightseeing order.

• Dali Ancient Town: Flagstone streets connect traditional Bai residences, while Renmin Road and Foreigner Street have a lively local atmosphere. In the evening, you can listen to folk music and browse the night market.

• Erhai Ecological Corridor: This is a popular cycling route on the west side of the lake. You can ride from Longkan Wharf to Panxi S Bay and enjoy the lake breeze and views of Erhai along the way.

• Xizhou Ancient Town: This town showcases Bai culture. You can visit the Corner Tower and the rice fields, try a tie-dye DIY activity, and be sure to sample freshly baked Xizhou baba flatbread.

• Shuanglang Ancient Town: Known as “the best town for views of Cangshan and Erhai,” it has lakeside lanes that are ideal for strolling. There are also many cafés along the shore, making it a good place to watch the sunset by the lake.

• Ideal State: Its blue-and-white buildings are built along the lake, earning it the nickname “Dali’s Santorini.” The afternoon light is especially suitable for photographing the buildings and lake views.

• Cangshan Mountain: You can take a cable car up the mountain and hike along Yudai Road through the surrounding clouds and mist, or head to Ximatan to look out over the entire Dali Basin.

3–4-Day Highlights Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival and exploring the ancient town: Arrive in Dali and check in, then spend the afternoon exploring Dali Ancient Town. Walk along Renmin Road and Fuxing Road, and try grilled rushan cheese and cold chicken rice noodles. At dusk, climb Wuhua Tower for a view over the ancient town, then visit the night market on Foreigner Street in the evening.

• Day 2: Cycling along the west side of Erhai: Head to Longkan Wharf in the morning to watch the sunrise, then cycle along the ecological corridor to Panxi S Bay. Visit Xizhou Ancient Town and have lunch there, with time to try Bai tie-dye. In the afternoon, you can drink coffee and relax near the rice fields.

• Day 3: Chasing the sunset on the east side of Erhai: Drive yourself or hire a car along the eastern lakeside road, visiting Shuanglang Ancient Town, Luwoshan Mountain, and the Rainbow Road in Wenbi Village. In the evening, watch the sunset from Ideal State or Yunxiang Mountain, with views of Cangshan, Erhai, and the city lights.

• Day 4: Paying respects at Cangshan and departing: Take the Gantong Cableway up Cangshan Mountain in the morning. For lunch, you can try vegetarian dishes or wild mushroom hot pot in the mountains. In the afternoon, visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple and experience the serenity of this thousand-year-old Buddhist center, then depart or continue to Lijiang depending on your schedule.

How to Choose Where to Stay

• Around Dali Ancient Town: The old streets and night market are just outside your door, with many local snacks and shops nearby. For convenient sightseeing and transport, consider an inn within a 10-minute walk of the South or East Gate. Avoid the bars on the main streets to reduce noise.

• By Erhai Lake (Caicun/Shuanglang): This area suits travelers who want to see the lake from their window and enjoy a resort-like atmosphere. Shuanglang’s waterfront guesthouses have good views but are more expensive, and advance booking is necessary during peak season. Caicun is closer to the ecological corridor, making it more convenient for watching the sunrise.

• Xizhou Ancient Town: Accommodation is relatively affordable and makes it easy to learn more about Bai culture. The area is quiet and suits travelers who prefer a slower pace and rural scenery.

Must-Try Foods

• Bai sour-and-spicy fish: Fresh fish from Erhai is stewed with sour papaya. The dish has a fresh, appetizing flavor and is one of the area’s signature specialties.

• Xizhou baba flatbread: Available in sweet and savory versions, it is crisp on the outside and tender inside when freshly baked. The savory version usually contains minced meat and costs 10 yuan each.

• Grilled rushan cheese: This is a common local snack in Dali with a rich milky flavor. It can be grilled or deep-fried and is ideal for people who enjoy dairy products.

• Cold chicken rice noodles: A bowl costs around 15 yuan on average in the ancient town. Shredded chicken is served with a special sauce, creating a tangy and spicy flavor that is especially refreshing in hot weather.

• Wild mushroom hot pot: The rainy season from June to August is the best time for wild mushrooms. They are delicious, but choose a licensed, reputable restaurant to avoid mushroom poisoning.

Practical Tips and Transportation Guide

• Transportation: Motor vehicles are not allowed on the west-side Erhai ecological corridor, so you can only use shared bicycles or shared electric bikes within the corridor. Electric scooters can be rented on the west side for 50–80 yuan per day. The roads on the east side are wider and better suited to self-driving or hiring a car. During peak season, driving around the lake is not recommended, as traffic jams and parking difficulties are common.
• Sun protection and warm clothing: Dali has strong ultraviolet rays, so apply sunscreen and wear a hat even on cloudy days. Temperatures vary considerably between morning and evening, so bring a light jacket or windbreaker in every season.
• Accommodation: When booking, be cautious about listings without real property photos, and confirm in advance whether heating or an electric heater is provided, especially in autumn and winter. Soundproofing in old houses in the ancient town may be poor, so light sleepers should ask the property about this beforehand.
• Photography: Paid photography services in scenic areas vary in quality and price, so choose carefully. Ideal State closes at around 17:00, so arrive before closing. Many cafés on the eastern route have a minimum spend; ask about it before entering.