Lijiang & Dali | Become a travel expert with this super detailed guide!

Just back from Lijiang and Dali, I can't wait to share this super detailed guide! For just CNY 2,000+ per person, you can explore stunning hidden gems, take amazing photos, discover delicious food, and visit unique attractions. Save this now! --- Day 1: Lijiang Ancient Town, an encounter with romance Morning: Arrive at Lijiang Sanyi Airport and take the shuttle bus (CNY 20/person) directly to Lijiang Ancient Town. Check in to a characteristic guesthouse inside the ancient town. We recommend staying near Wuyi Street, with prices around CNY 150–300/night. After dropping off your luggage, take a stroll to Sifang Street and check out the Water Wheel. Afternoon: For lunch, we recommend "Ama Laba Ribs," approx. CNY 50/person. Afterwards, climb Lion Hill (free). Evening: For dinner, we recommend "88 Snack Shop," approx. CNY 40/person. Afterwards, experience the nightlife of the ancient town at Bar Street. --- Day 2: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain + Shuhe Ancient Town Morning: Purchase Jade Dragon Snow Mountain package tickets one day in advance on the WeChat mini program (CNY 140, including Glacier Park cable car and shuttle bus). Take a taxi or carpool to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain early in the morning (approx. 40 mins, carpool CNY 30/person). Take the cable car directly to Glacier Park and challenge yourself at an altitude of 4,680m. Noon: After descending the mountain, take the shuttle bus to Blue Moon Valley, where the lake water is crystal clear. Then, head to Yunshanping (cable car CNY 60) to see alpine meadows and snow mountain forests. Afternoon: Return to the city and head to Shuhe Ancient Town. Shuhe is quieter than Lijiang Ancient Town, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Evening: For dinner, we recommend "Xiaoguo Fan" in Shuhe Ancient Town, approx. CNY 50/person, to try the Naxi-style mini hot pot. --- Day 3: Shuanglang Ancient Town + Ideal Town, a dream trip by Erhai Lake Morning: Take the high-speed train from Lijiang to Dali (CNY 80, approx. 2 hrs). Upon arrival, go directly to Shuanglang Ancient Town (taxi approx. CNY 100). Shuanglang is a picturesque town by Erhai Lake. We recommend staying in a lakeside guesthouse, with prices around CNY 200–400/night. Noon: For lunch, we recommend "Fisherman's Courtyard" in Shuanglang, approx. CNY 60/person, to try Erhai fish and local specialties. Afternoon: Explore Shuanglang Ancient Town, visit Yuji Island and Nanzhao Style Island (tickets CNY 50), and experience the tranquility and beauty of Erhai Lake. Then, head to Ideal Town (free), known as the "Santorini of Dali," where the pure white buildings are perfect for photos! --- Day 4: Dali Ancient Town + Erhai Lake + Panxi Village Morning: Depart for Dali Ancient Town (taxi approx. CNY 80). We recommend staying near Renmin Road, with prices around CNY 150–300/night. Stroll along Foreigner Street and Renmin Road to experience the artistic atmosphere of Dali. Noon: For lunch, we recommend "Zaihuishou Cold Chicken Rice Noodles," approx. CNY 20/person. Afternoon: Rent an e-bike or bicycle (e-bike CNY 80/d, bicycle CNY 30/d) and head to Panxi Village (free) by Erhai Lake. Take photos at the famous S-bend! Cycle along Erhai Lake and enjoy the breeze and sunshine. Evening: Return to Dali Ancient Town. For dinner, we recommend "Stone BBQ," approx. CNY 50/person. Afterwards, find a quiet bar in the ancient town to enjoy music and drinks. --- Day 5: Return, fully satisfied Morning: Head to Dali Airport according to your flight schedule (taxi approx. CNY 80) and conclude your pleasant journey.