A Hidden Paradise of Poetry and Dreams

Dali/A Date with Romance and Natural Beauty🌙 Dali, a place full of poetry and romance, is renowned for its "spring-like weather year-round, with flowers blooming in all seasons." With an average annual temperature of 16.2°C, you can enjoy pleasant weather whenever you visit. Here, you can stroll through ancient streets to experience the charm of history, or cycle along Erhai Lake to admire the stunning views of mountains and waters. Now, let's start your Dali journey with this travel guide! I. Itinerary Planning Day 1: First Encounter with Dali Ancient Town Morning: Arrive at Dali Fengyi Airport or Dali Station, take the airport bus or public bus to Dali Ancient Town, check in and take a short rest. Noon: Try local delicacies in Dali Ancient Town, recommended snacks include Rushan cheese, Rice Noodles with Cold Chicken, and Xizhou Baba. Afternoon: Walk around Dali Ancient Town, visit Wuhua Tower, Foreigner Street, Renmin Road, and other attractions to experience the leisure time in the ancient town. Evening: Find a small pub in the ancient town, listen to folk music, and experience Dali's nightlife. Day 2: Cycling Around Erhai Lake for Romance Early Morning: Head to Longkan Wharf to watch the sunrise, enjoy the stunning lake view, and interact with seagulls. Morning: Rent an electric bike from Longkan Wharf, ride along the Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor, passing through Panxi S-bend (a popular photo spot), Corridor Bridge (featuring the Lonely Tree and Leaning Tree, perfect for atmospheric photos), and finally arrive at Xizhou Ancient Town. Noon: Taste local food in Xizhou Ancient Town, such as Crispy Baba and Cold Shrimp, and visit well-preserved Bai-style residential buildings. Afternoon: Continue cycling to Haishe Ecological Park, a great place to get close to nature with its lush trees and clear lake water. Evening: Return to Dali Ancient Town, have dinner and rest early to prepare for the next day's activities. Day 3: Exploring Cangshan Mountain and Nature Morning: Take the Cangshan cable car up the mountain. Xima Pool cable car is recommended as it offers panoramic views of Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain, plus alpine azaleas (blooming from April to June). If you find Xima Pool cable car tickets expensive, you can choose Gantong cable car and hike along the Jade Belt Path to enjoy scenic spots like Qingbi Stream. Noon: Have lunch at a restaurant in Cangshan Scenic Area, try local specialties like Chicken Stew with Wild Mushrooms. Afternoon: After descending, visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, Dali's iconic landmark with three magnificent white pagodas, perfect for photography. Evening: Visit Xingsheng Bridge to admire its European-style architecture and watch seagulls, great for taking beautiful photos. Then return to your accommodation to pack and prepare for departure. II. Food Recommendations Mushroom Hot Pot: Don't miss the mushroom hot pot in Yunnan! Dianshifu Wild Mushroom Hot Pot near the South Gate of Dali Ancient Town offers rich and delicious soup base with various mushrooms, bringing happiness in every bite. Mint Beef Roll: One of the signature dishes at Sheng Restaurant, featuring tender beef with a refreshing sour and spicy taste, enhanced by the unique flavor of mint. Xizhou Baba: A specialty of Xizhou Ancient Town, crispy outside and soft inside, available in sweet (rose sugar filling) and savory (green onion and meat filling) versions, both worth trying. Rice Noodles with Cold Chicken: Smooth rice noodles with tender chicken and sweet and sour sauce, appetizing and satisfying. Grilled Rushan: Rushan cheese grilled until golden brown and sprinkled with sugar, offering a crispy texture with a perfect blend of dairy and sweet flavors. III. Important Notes Sun Protection and Moisturizing: Dali has strong UV rays, so bring high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats, and UV protection clothing. The climate is dry, so stay hydrated and bring moisturizing skincare products. Temperature Difference: Dali has significant temperature variations between day and night. Bring a thick jacket regardless of the season to avoid catching cold. Altitude Sickness: Dali is at a high altitude, and some people may experience mild altitude sickness. Avoid strenuous activities when first arriving, rest well, and seek medical attention if symptoms become severe. Cycling Around Erhai: While cycling around Erhai Lake is enjoyable, prioritize safety and follow traffic rules. Check the bike's condition when renting, plan your route and time in advance to avoid exhaustion or time constraints. If you prefer not to cycle, you can hire a car with a driver/guide to visit various attractions around the lake comfortably.