Dali Travel Guide: A Poetic Journey of Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon

Dali Travel Guide: A Poetic Journey of Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon Dali, an ancient city nestled between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, is synonymous with "poetry and distant lands" for countless travelers. The "wind, flowers, snow, and moon" - referring to the wind of Xiaguan, flowers of Shangguan, snow of Cangshan, and moon over Erhai - paint Dali's most captivating portrait. Whether you're a couple seeking romance or a traveler yearning to unwind, Dali fulfills all your travel dreams. This guide will introduce you to Dali's most exquisite scenery, authentic experiences, and practical travel advice. I. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Erhai Lake Tour Erhai Lake is the soul of Dali, and touring around it is a must-do experience. You can choose: - Cycling: Recommended route is the Erhai West Line Ecological Corridor (46km from Yangnanxi to Taoyuan Pier), passing Fenxi Instagram-famous S-curve, Caicun Pier, Xizhou Ancient Town, and more - Self-driving: East Line Lake Road (Xingsheng Bridge → Lixiangbang → Wenbi Village → Wase Town → Xiao Putuo → Shuanglang Ancient Town), where you can capture photos with a "Seine River" style - Boat tour: Board at Xiao Putuo to experience the charm of the tiny "Erhai Seal" island, or sail to Nanzhao Cultural Island 2. Cangshan Mountain Exploration Cangshan has nineteen peaks and eighteen streams, offering various experiences: - Take the Gantong Cable Car for a bird's-eye view of Erhai Lake, visit Zhenlong Chess Board and Cangshan Grand Canyon - Hike the Jade Belt Path (6-8 hours) to enjoy the knife-edge ridge scenery - Visit Jizhao Temple, "China's most beautiful nunnery," with its courtyard full of succulents and delicious vegetarian meals 3. Ancient Town Strolls - Dali Ancient Town: Climb Wuhua Tower for a panoramic view, shop for handicrafts on Fuxing Road, and listen to folk music at Honglong Well at night - Xizhou Ancient Town: Admire Bai minority residences, enjoy rapeseed flowers in spring, golden rice fields in autumn, and experience tie-dye crafts - Shuanglang Ancient Town: Stay in lakeside guesthouses, visit Yang Liping's Sun Palace, and enjoy the "Cangshan and Erhai scenery at Shuanglang" sunset 4. Cultural Sites - Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas: Dali's landmark, the best spot to photograph the pagodas' reflection - Chicken Foot Mountain: A famous mountain where Han and Tibetan Buddhism coexist, with sunrises as spectacular as Mount Emei's Golden Summit - Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils Film City: Dress in ancient costumes for martial arts photos and experience the "Zhenlong Chess Board" murder mystery game II. Hidden Gems Exploration 1. Maer Mountain Flower Sea Every March to April, rhododendrons and horse bell flowers bloom together, more stunning than Wuliang Mountain Cherry Valley yet less known 2. Cibi Lake and Liyuan Village A hidden paradise at the source of Erhai Lake, with thousands of pear trees blossoming in March, boat rides feel like traveling through a painting 3. Shaxi Ancient Town The only surviving ancient market on the Tea Horse Road, preserving the appearance of Lijiang from 20 years ago, with cobblestone streets and ancient stages telling stories of bygone days 4. Zhoucheng Tie-Dye The homeland of Bai minority tie-dye art, visit the Puzhen Tie-Dye Museum and make your own tie-dye cloth III. Food Map 1. Special Snacks - Xizhou Baked Baba (both sweet and savory flavors) - Grilled Milk Fan (rose jam flavor is the most classic) - Cold Chicken Rice Noodles (perfect for summer heat relief) - Weishan Fire Baba and Ersi (soft rice noodles with fragrant meat) 2. Must-Try Dishes - Sour and Spicy Fish (Erhai carp with sour papaya, tangy and appetizing) - Bai Minority Shengpi (roasted pig skin dipped in special plum sauce, locals' favorite) - Clay Pot Fish (perfect combination of fresh Erhai fish and mushrooms) - Wild Mushroom Hot Pot (best during the rainy season from June to October, taste nature's bounty) 3. Recommended Restaurants - Jinsheng Youyuan Grilled Fish Restaurant (in Dali Ancient Town, good value for money) - Haidong Eggplant BBQ (in Xiaguan District, featuring special barbecue) - Baba stalls at Xizhou Ancient Town's Four-Square Street (the most authentic Xizhou Baba) IV. Accommodation Suggestions 1. By Erhai Lake - Longkan Pier: Close to the ancient town, combining lake views and convenience, ideal for watching sunrise - Shuanglang Ancient Town: Concentration of high-end lakeside guesthouses, recommend Yang Liping Art Hotel 2. Dali Ancient Town - Boxinyunshe·MCA: Bai-style courtyard, offering views of both Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake - Near Bedsheet Factory Art District: Gathering place for young artists, vibrant nightlife 3. Unique Choices - Nuodeng Ancient Village: Experience a thousand-year-old village, stay in traditional houses and taste Nuodeng ham - Zhukulashan Village: Coffee plantation deep in the mountains, experience Yi minority mountain village life V. Practical Tips 1. Best Seasons - April: Lunar March Street ethnic festival, high probability of seeing Cangshan's "Jade Belt Clouds" - November to March: Seagull wintering season, Xiao Putuo and Longkan Pier are popular spots for bird watching - Avoid the rainy season in July and August when some mountain roads may be impassable 2. Transportation Guide - Around Erhai Lake: West Line recommended for cycling (cars cannot enter the ecological corridor), East Line suitable for driving - Walking is sufficient within the ancient town; charter cars or take direct buses to surrounding attractions - Direct buses from Dali Airport and Railway Station (Xiaguan) to the ancient town 3. Important Notes - Strong UV radiation, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are essential - Bring enough water and food for Cangshan hiking, be aware of altitude sickness - Respect Bai customs, don't touch drying fabrics in tie-dye workshops Copywriting Inspiration: "In Dali, time stands still, peaceful and serene. Those who haven't been to Dali yearn for it; those who have been can't forget it. This is a gentle city where the wind of Xiaguan, flowers of Shangguan, snow of Cangshan, and moon over Erhai are so beautiful that they need no embellishment to captivate visitors." "Waiting for someone who loves food and fun - is it you? There's a place that gives you 100 reasons to pack your bags and set off again, whether you've visited once or ten times. That place is Dali!" Whether chasing the sunrise over Erhai Lake, getting lost in the ancient town's alleys, savoring authentic Bai cuisine, or exploring little-known hidden gems, Dali always surprises you. Take this guide and embark on your journey of wind, flowers, snow, and moon!