Hidden hot springs and Bai ethnic customs secret journey

Dali Eryuan County Travel Guide: Eryuan County, located in the northern part of Dali Prefecture, Yunnan, is known as the "highland water town" and "hot spring town". There is no hustle and bustle of Dali Ancient Town here, but it is hidden with clear lakes, natural hot springs, pastoral paintings and Bai ethnic customs. It is an ideal destination for those who seek niche and in-depth travel. The following is a practical guide to help you unlock the slow life in Eryuan.   1. Transportation Guide How to get there From Dali: Self-drive or charter car for about 1.5 hours (60 kilometers), via National Highway 214; take a bus from Dali North Station to Eryuan County (about 1 hour, fare 25 yuan). From Lijiang: Drive for about 2.5 hours (150 km), or take the high-speed rail to Heqing Station and then take a bus.   2. Recommended must-visit attractions 1. Hot spring healing trip Geothermal Hot Springs (Recommendation Index: ★★★★★) The largest open-air hot spring in Yunnan, with nearly a hundred special pools (milk pool, sulfur pool, rose pool, etc.). You can soak in the hot springs at night to enjoy the starry sky and experience the wild fun of "boiling eggs in hot springs". Tips: The ticket price is about 98 yuan per person. It is recommended to stay at the Bai courtyard-style hotel in the scenic area to enjoy unlimited hot spring bathing. Niujie Township Hot Spring Ancient Village (Recommendation Index: ★★★★☆) The natural hot springs in the primitive village are shared by villagers for generations. We recommend the "Huoyan Mountain Hot Spring Villa", which is cost-effective and allows you to experience the "down-to-earth" hot spring culture. Jiuqitai Hot Spring (recommended index: ★★★☆☆) It is said that there are nine natural fumaroles and the water is rich in minerals, which is suitable for health-conscious people. In the surrounding farmhouses, you can experience delicacies such as hot spring stewed chicken.   2. Secret place with beautiful lakes and mountains Cibi Lake (recommendation index: ★★★★★) The source lake of Erhai Lake, where you can take a boat to see the rare "water flower" Cibihua in summer (July-August). Liyuan Village is surrounded by lakes on three sides and shaded by century-old pear trees, making it a great place for cycling or picnicking. How to play: Take a boat to the "Shiwai Pear Garden" in the center of the lake (boat ticket is about 30 yuan) and visit the secluded ancient village. Eryuan West Lake Wetland (Recommendation Index: ★★★★☆) A national wetland that is more pristine than Dali's West Lake. You can row a wooden boat through the reed marshes, watch egrets flying, chat with fishermen, and experience the tranquility of "sailing on the blue waves". Niaodiao Mountain Hiking (Recommendation Index: ★★★☆☆) Alpine meadows and lakes complement each other, and you can encounter migratory birds in autumn. Hiking enthusiasts can choose a 6-kilometer loop (about 3,000 meters above sea level, so you need to bring a windproof jacket).   3. Cultural experience Fengyu Ancient Town (Recommendation Index: ★★★★☆) The "Peach Blossom Spring" described by Xu Xiake is full of literary and artistic atmosphere with its bluestone roads, Bai ethnic group tie-dye workshops, and the old supply and marketing cooperative bookstore (Dajiankou Ancient Village). We recommend visiting the "Tuibutang" art space. Food: Try the sweet rice wine and jelly made with rapeseed oil. Deyuan City Ruins (Recommendation Index: ★★★☆☆) At the ruins of the ancient capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom, history lovers can explore the remaining city walls, overlook the Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, and feel the vicissitudes of a thousand years. Torch Festival Carnival (June 25th of the lunar calendar) If it happens to be a festival, you can participate in the Torch Festival of the Bai ethnic group, do bonfire dances, smear black faces to pray, and experience the warm ethnic customs.   3. Eryuan on the tip of your tongue Must-try food Hot spring eggs: The eggs boiled in hot spring water at the roadside stalls in Niujie Township have tender whites and runny yolks. Eryuan Rushan: More mellow than Dali’s, it can be fried and sprinkled with sugar or grilled and smeared with rose sauce. Spicy and Sour Crucian Carp: Wild crucian carp from Cibi Lake, paired with local plum sour soup, is appetizing and delicious. Rawhide: A Brave Challenge! Traditional Bai pork dish, served with a special dipping sauce. Recommended restaurants Night market in the county town: Yuhu Road BBQ Street, try grilled milk fan and casserole fish. Farmhouse: "Fisherman's House" around Cibi Lake, serving freshly caught lake seafood and wild vegetables.   4. Accommodation Recommendations High-end experience: Geothermal Country Hot Spring Hotel (300+ per person, including hot spring ticket), private hot spring pool + Bai-style courtyard. Niche design: "Tianma Mountain Residence" in Fengyu Ancient Town, a rice field view B&B, suitable for relaxing. Best value for money: Stay at the Farmhouse Inn by the West Lake (80-150 yuan per person), where you can see the lake from the window and taste home-cooked meals.   5. Practical Tips Best season: All seasons are suitable. Pear blossoms bloom in March and April, irises bloom in July and August, and the autumn colors are intoxicating in November. Tips for avoiding pitfalls: Some hot spring homestays have older facilities, so it is recommended to check reviews in advance; pay attention to the water temperature in wild hot springs to avoid burns. Environmentally friendly travel: Do not litter in the wetland protection area and respect the customs of the Bai village (such as not stepping on the threshold when entering the main room). Itinerary suggestion: 2-3 days of in-depth tour, combined with Dali or Shaxi Ancient Town, to experience "fast travel and slow tour".   The charm of Eryuan lies in its simplicity without being overdeveloped. Here, time seems to be stretched out by the hot spring water. You may put down your travel guide, walk into a teahouse and listen to the old people telling stories about the main temple. Perhaps this is the unexpected surprise of the trip.