Slow Living in Dali: A Guide to the Famous Ancient City

Dali, a popular tourist destination in Yunnan, combines the natural beauty of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, the cultural charm of the Bai ethnic group, and a laid-back lifestyle. Here’s a practical guide tailored to different needs, covering classic routes, off-the-beaten-path experiences, food and accommodation recommendations, and tips to avoid tourist traps: ### 1. Classic Must-Do Routes **Cycling Along Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor** - **Route:** Longkan Pier → Panxi S-Bend → Langqiao → Xizhou Ancient Town (approx. 20 km) - **Highlights:** Stop by the viral S-Bend and the Lonely Tree. Rent a bicycle (¥15/day) or e-bike (¥60/day) to explore the countryside away from commercialized areas. - **Tip:** Ride in the morning for soft lighting and great photos. Head to Shuanglang for sunset views. **Hiking in Cangshan Mountain’s Hidden Trails** - **Recommended Route:** Gantong Cableway → Jade Belt Cloud Path → Zhonghe Temple (11.5 km total) - **Highlights:** Hike along the mountainside for panoramic views of Erhai Lake, visit the viral succulent-filled Jizhao Temple, and explore Qingbi Stream. - **Cost:** Cableway one-way ¥85; hiking is free. - **Note:** Weather changes quickly—bring a windproof jacket and rain gear. Some trails are slippery, so wear grippy shoes. **Deep Dive into Shaxi Ancient Town** - **Transport:** Take a bus from Dali Bus Station to Shaxi (2.5 hrs, ¥35) - **Activities:** Sunrise at Yujin Bridge, ancient stage, Pioneer Bookstore, and hillside cafés. Visit the Bai ethnic market on Fridays. - **Stay:** Shaxi Absolute Art Inn or Shiran Mountain House (¥300–500/night). --- ### 2. Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences **Zhemo Mountain Wind Farm Night Views** - **Highlights:** Dubbed "Dali’s La La Land," it’s perfect for stargazing and city-light photography. - **Note:** The mountain road is rough—hire a car (round-trip ¥300). Bundle up in winter. **Nuodeng Ancient Village’s Salt-Well Culture** - **Activities:** Explore this 1,000-year-old Bai village, visit ancient salt wells and Yuhuang Pavilion, and try Nuodeng ham. - **Transport:** Bus from Dali to Yunlong County (3 hrs), then transfer to a minivan (20 mins). **Zhoucheng Tie-Dye Workshop** - **Recommended Studios:** Puzhen Tie-Dye Museum, Lanxu Traditional Tie-Dye - **Cost:** Workshop around ¥150/person—take home your handmade scarf or bandana. --- ### 3. Food: Hits & Misses **Must-Try List** - **Bai Cuisine:** Sour-spicy fish (with plum sauce), raw pork skin with dip, and *rushan* (grilled/fried milk fan). - **Snacks:** Zai Hui Shou cold chicken rice noodles, Yang’s *rushan*, pea jelly. - **Restaurants:** Duan Gongzi (wuxia-themed), Fly to the Moon (Western), Four Seasons Wild Mushroom Hotpot. **Pitfalls to Avoid** - Silver and tea shops in the ancient town often overcharge. - Viral restaurants have long queues—dine off-peak (after 2 PM or 8 PM). --- ### 4. Where to Stay **Dali Ancient Town** - **Best for:** Nightlife lovers. - **Hotels:** Dali Ancient Courtyard No. 1, Windflower Snow Moon Hotel (budget-friendly). **Shuanglang/Wase** - **Best for:** Couples seeking sea views and romance. - **Hotels:** Moonlight in the Pines (front-row lake views), Muxi Dali · Shanjian Café (Instagrammable). **Xizhou/Caicun** - **Best for:** Peaceful countryside vibes. - **B&Bs:** Jiyisi Country Art Hotel (Xizhou), Erhai Waking Up Seaview Inn (Caicun). --- ### 5. Tips to Avoid Scams **Transport** - Book Erhai Lake car tours via official platforms (~¥300/day)—avoid street touts. - Taxis are scarce in the ancient town; use DiDi or Gaode. **Shopping** - Buy flower cakes from trusted brands like Jia Hua or Pan Xiang Ji—street stalls may use low-quality petals. - Be cautious with jade purchases unless you’re an expert. **Seasonal Notes** - Rainy season (Jun–Aug): Carry an umbrella; some mountain roads may collapse. - Winter (Dec–Feb): Seagull season, but pack a down jacket for huge temperature swings. --- ### 6. Itinerary Suggestions **3 Days, 2 Nights (Classic)** - **D1:** Dali Ancient Town → Three Pagodas → Longkan Pier cycling - **D2:** Erhai West Route (Panxi S-Bend → Xizhou → Shuanglang) - **D3:** Cangshan hike → Jizhao Temple → Depart **5 Days, 4 Nights (In-Depth)** - Add Shaxi, Nuodeng, and Weishan Ancient Town for deeper Bai culture immersion. Dali’s charm lies in its *slow living*. Skip peak holidays, check the weather, and pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and moisturizer (high UV rays and dry air). Wander leisurely to savor its poetic "wind, flowers, snow, and moon."