Dali Haidong Travel Guide｜Hidden Gems · The Healing Scenery of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake’s Other Side

1. Basic Information • Address: Haidong Town, Dali City, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (East shore of Erhai Lake, facing Dali Ancient Town across the lake) • Best Time to Visit: March to May (flowers in full bloom), September to November (cool climate, clear views of Erhai Lake); avoid the rainy season from June to August • Admission: Most natural attractions are free; some lesser-known spots/campsites charge a cleaning fee of 10-30 RMB • Transportation: Self-driving is recommended (car rental in Dali city about 150 RMB/day, drive along East Ring Road with scenic views all the way); if no car, you can carpool around the lake (80-120 RMB per person/day), or take a bus from the city to Haidong Town and then taxi to attractions 2. Must-Visit Attractions (connected along East Ring Road, no backtracking) 1. Ideal Town: The internet-famous "Santorini of Dali," blue and white buildings built on the hillside overlooking the entire Erhai Lake, perfect for photos with a 100% success rate, free entry, recommended to visit before 10 AM to avoid crowds 2. Wenbi Village: A lesser-known village on the east shore of Erhai Lake, with cliffside viewing platforms and popular cafes, offering distant views of the snow-capped Cangshan Mountain, ideal for leisurely strolling and daydreaming; village trails are free, seating in cafes requires purchase 3. Wase Pier: A pristine pier with calm and clear waters, close-up access to Erhai Lake, sunrise views in the morning, sunset photos in the evening, no admission fee, great for walking and atmospheric photography 4. Xiaoputuo Island: A mini island on the east shore of Erhai Lake, home to a thousand-year-old Guanyin Temple; accessible by small boat (20 RMB per person), the island looks like a floating seal from afar, stunning for aerial photography 5. Shuanglang Ancient Town: The core ancient town of Haidong, quieter than Dali Ancient Town, you can visit Yujidao Island and the Sun Palace (free to view from outside), stroll along the seaside walkway in the ancient town, and experience the slow-paced life by Erhai Lake 6. Luwoshan Ruins: A lesser-known wild scenic spot with cliffs and natural reef caves, the sea waves hitting the shore are very soothing, great for moody photography, no admission fee, watch your step and avoid falling rocks 3. Must-Try Foods (local fresh flavors + Bai ethnic specialties) 1. Sour and Spicy Fish: Haidong is by the sea, fish is fresh, sour and spicy soup base is appetizing, paired with local vegetables; authentic Bai cuisine restaurants in Shuanglang Ancient Town 2. Bai Ethnic Eight Bowls: Traditional banquet dishes with a mix of meat and vegetables, including crispy pork, steamed pork, Erhai fish, and 8 dishes in total, generous portions, suitable for sharing 3. Haishao Fish: A Dali specialty, tender fish meat with a fresh and spicy soup base, available at street restaurants in Wase Town and Shuanglang Ancient Town 4. Rushan Sachima: Local specialty snack combining the milky flavor of Rushan cheese and the crispiness of Sachima, sweet but not greasy, great as a souvenir 5. Local Fruits: Haidong produces blueberries, grapes, and winter peaches; there are orchards along the way for picking, fresh and affordable 4. Itinerary (2 days 1 night off-the-beaten-path version) Day 1: East Ring Road Scenery + Popular Photo Spots • Morning: Depart from Dali city → Ideal Town (2 hours for photos) → Wenbi Village (visit viewing platform, have afternoon tea for 1.5 hours) • Noon: Eat Bai home-style dishes near Wenbi Village • Afternoon: Wase Pier (1 hour walking by the sea) → Xiaoputuo Island (1 hour for island visit and photos) • Evening: Stay in Shuanglang Ancient Town, explore the night scenery, eat sour and spicy fish, watch the starry sky over Erhai Lake Day 2: Slow Tour of Ancient Town + Wild Experience • Morning: Morning stroll in Shuanglang Ancient Town (quiet with few people, visit Yujidao Island and seaside walkway for 1.5 hours) → Luwoshan Ruins (1 hour for cliff and reef photography) • Noon: Eat Haishao fish in Shuanglang Ancient Town • Afternoon: Before returning, pick fruits at Haidong orchard or camp at nearby lesser-known campsites (advance booking required), then return to Dali city 5. Tips to Avoid Pitfalls 1. Some areas in Ideal Town require consumption to access viewing spots; check in advance to avoid disappointment 2. East Ring Road has many curves; drive slowly, road can be slippery when rainy, drive cautiously 3. Luwoshan Ruins have no protective facilities; be careful near cliffs when taking photos, do not climb on reefs 4. Strong UV rays by the sea; apply sunscreen and wear hats and sunglasses regardless of weather 5. Lesser-known spots have no public restrooms; use facilities in ancient towns or restaurants beforehand to avoid inconvenience