# Ultimate Dali Travel Guide for Budget Travelers!

Hey everyone, I can't allow anyone to miss out on Dali! This guide covers attractions, food, and accommodation with a focus on value for money. Let's get straight to the good stuff! ## I. Attractions **Dali Ancient City: A Rendezvous with Art and Culture** During the day, stroll along the stone-paved streets as sunlight bathes the Ming and Qing-style buildings, perfect for photos. Check out the specialty shops and try the grilled milk fan with its blend of dairy and rose fragrance—so satisfying! At night, the ancient city comes alive with music flowing from bars. Find a spot, enjoy a drink, and soak in the amazing atmosphere! Admission: Free Hours: 24 hours **Erhai Lake: A Romantic Encounter** Erhai Lake is absolutely stunning! Rent an electric scooter and ride along the East Lake Road with Cangshan Mountain on one side and Erhai Lake on the other—the breeze on your face is so refreshing! Don't miss the sunrise at Longkan Pier, where the sun rises over the lake creating a sparkling surface that will leave you speechless. Also visit Shuanglang Ancient Town, sit by the lake and gaze at distant Cangshan Mountain—it's like time stands still. Admission: Free Hours: 24 hours **Cangshan Mountain: Touch the Beauty of the Clouds** You must experience the cable car on Cangshan Mountain! From the cable car, you'll get a breathtaking view of Dali City and Erhai Lake—the feeling is indescribable. The mountain scenery is also amazing, with many rare plants and animals. If you're physically fit, try hiking to experience nature's charm. Admission: Mountain entrance fee 30 yuan, cable car fees vary by route Hours: 08:30 - 16:10 **Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas: Dali's Landmark** As Dali's iconic attraction, the three white pagodas stand tall with Cangshan Mountain as a backdrop, creating a perfect picture. Here you can experience historical charm while taking stylish photos. Admission: 75 yuan Hours: 08:30 - 17:00 **Xizhou Ancient Town: Where the Wind Blows** As the filming location for "Go Where the Wind Blows," Xizhou Ancient Town is full of local life. The Square Street is bustling with various specialty snacks. You can also see vast rice fields swaying in the wind—perfect for photos. Don't miss trying Xizhou Baba with its crispy exterior and soft filling. Admission: Free Hours: 24 hours **Lixiangbang: Dali's Santorini** With white walls and blue tiles, this place is filled with romantic Mediterranean vibes, like being in Santorini. Walk along the steps and every shot looks amazing—perfect for couples. Admission: Free Hours: 24 hours **Xingsheng Bridge: Pretend You're in Europe** This European-style bridge has an exotic feel. Below is Erhai Lake, and in the distance is Cangshan Mountain. Take photos here and get European vibes without leaving China. Admission: Free Hours: 24 hours ## II. Food **Huoba Ersi: Start Your Morning with Energy** The soft texture of ersi paired with rich but not greasy huoba meat, plus cilantro and green onions—one bite brings pure happiness! Have a bowl in the morning and you'll be energized all day. Recommended shop: Any roadside stall will serve good quality **Cold Chicken Rice Noodles: Summer Heat Relief** The sweet and sour flavor stimulates your appetite. The rice noodles are smooth and chewy, the chicken is tender and juicy, and with various seasonings, you can't stop eating once you start. Recommended shop: Zai Hui Shou Chicken Rice Noodles (Renmin Road Branch 1) **Wild Mushroom Hot Pot: A Feast of Mountain Delicacies** How can you visit Yunnan without trying wild mushroom hot pot? Various fresh mushrooms cooked in the pot create a delicious broth—one sip feels like it heals your soul. Just remember to cook them thoroughly! Recommended shop: Huotang Impression Wild Mushroom Courtyard Hot Pot (Dali Ancient City Main Store) **Specialty Snacks: Fall in Love with Dali in One Bite** Besides the above, Dali has many specialty snacks like Xizhou Baba, flower cakes, and grilled er kuai. Xizhou Baba comes in sweet and savory varieties with crispy exteriors and soft fillings; flower cakes are filled with rose paste and taste sweet and fragrant; grilled er kuai can be customized with various seasonings for a delicious spicy flavor. These snacks can be found throughout Dali's streets—definitely try them when you see them. **Sheng Pi: Food for the Brave** Crispy roasted pig skin paired with sour and spicy dipping sauce creates a unique texture. Try it with a glass of plum wine to cut through the richness. Recommended shop: Zhaobi Renjia **Chong Jijiao: Sour and Spicy Satisfaction** Chicken feet, green mangoes, and chili peppers pounded together in a stone mortar, creating a sour and spicy flavor that's addictive—you'll want to take some home. Recommended shop: Found throughout the ancient city **Xi Doufen: Breakfast Favorite** Thick bean powder paired with freshly fried youtiao creates a collision of crispy and smooth textures for a unique breakfast experience. Recommended shop: Jiu Niang Jia **Exploding Tofu: Bursting with Flavor** Tofu roasted until crispy on the outside, which bursts with hot soy milk when bitten into. Dip it in chili powder for a flavor that will make you stamp your feet with delight. Recommended shop: Tofu stall at North Gate Market ## III. Accommodation You can choose guesthouses near Dali Ancient City, which are affordable and convenient. For example, Dali Muyun Huashe Guesthouse is close to the ancient city with beautiful surroundings and tie-dye experiences to feel the Bai ethnic culture. Or choose Huajiu Xishe, located in the ancient city with a strong design aesthetic and comfortable wooden-style rooms, complete amenities, and a ceremonial breakfast. If you want to be closer to Erhai Lake, Dali Dongmo Seaview Hotel is a good choice with 270-degree panoramic windows, ocean-view baths, balcony hot tubs, luxurious rooms, soft bedding, smart home features, abundant amenities, sumptuous breakfast, and you can even feed migratory birds from Lake Baikal. Remember to book online in advance and read reviews to avoid disappointments. ## IV. Transportation **External Transportation** If flying, you can fly directly to Dali Fengyi Airport; if taking the train, Dali Station is the main station. **Internal Transportation** The most convenient way to get around Dali is to rent an electric vehicle or hire a car. Electric vehicle rentals cost about 30-50 yuan per day, allowing you to freely move between attractions; hiring a car costs more but saves time and energy. If you want to use public transportation, there are bus routes to major attractions, but services may be limited, so plan your time carefully. Around Erhai Lake, you can choose the Erhai Lake sightseeing bus, activate tickets on the official mini program, reserve seats in advance, and enjoy unlimited rides during the valid period. There are also free shuttle buses from Dali Ancient City to Cangshan cable car, Three Pagodas, Dali Station, Dali Airport, and sightseeing cars in Shuanglang Ancient Town and Dali Ancient City. ## V. Important Notes UV radiation is very strong in Dali, so be sure to protect yourself with sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. The wind around Erhai Lake is quite strong, especially on the East Lake Road, so be careful when cycling. When enjoying wild mushroom hot pot, choose reputable restaurants and ensure mushrooms are thoroughly cooked to avoid poisoning. Check the condition of rental vehicles to avoid problems that might affect your trip. Dali's weather is changeable, so carry rain gear and warm clothing.