FORTEN

The same sparkling seaside restaurant as Yang Yang~ The best light is for fairies who can wake up early in the morning. It is best to go there to take pictures in the morning. It is really beautiful. If you are lucky, you can take pictures of seagulls~ I chose the 298 double set meal. It is enough for two people to finish it~

The most recommended place to visit Erhai Lake is Liuyue, both the hotel and the restaurant are worth recommending! In Shuanglang Town, the hotel and the restaurant are separated, less than 600 meters away, the dishes are delicious and the service is thoughtful!

It rained for a long time in Shuanglang. It was a pity that we couldn't see the sunset on rainy days.

Because this place is so beautiful and so photogenic [crying R] Don’t be like me and go there three times I didn’t take a single photo of myself [crying R] · The most comfortable sea view restaurant in Dali in my mind—Fu Shi 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗻 There are many locations for the restaurant, including indoor and seaside areas The seaside location is very popular, so it’s best to make an appointment in advance ⚠️: The restaurant is open from 10:00 to 24:00 Meals, afternoon tea, drinks and coffee are provided before 9 pm. After 9 pm, it becomes a bar. · Tips: It’s best to go around 5 pm, eat and take photos, sit and enjoy the sea breeze for a while, and catch a beautiful sunset. · 📍Location: Dali Shuanglang Ancient Town, enter from the north entrance and walk a few hundred meters. · 🍜Recommended dishes: Orange roast chicken, Tomahawk steak (large), Spaghetti Bolognese, Durian pizza, Seafood pot, Cheesecake 🥤Drinks: Little Naughty, Pomelo Sweet, Pineapple Sparkling Water You can order whatever you want at Fu Shi, and I have never had any disappointments after eating there so many times.

4-Day, 3-Night In-Depth Itinerary: Covering Classic Landmarks and Hidden Gems Day 1: Ancient City Fireworks + Erhai Lake Sunset 1. Morning: Explore the Ancient City Morning Market Arrive at the North Gate Vegetable Market in Dali Ancient City before 9:00 AM and start your culinary journey with freshly baked sweet and savory crispy rice cakes with rose sauce and curd. Stop by "Dawandao Coffee" for a photo opportunity with its 270-degree Cangshan Mountain view window, where the autumn sun shines on the tabletop. 2. Afternoon: Explore the Erhai Lake Corridor Avoid the crowds at Panxi S-Bay and drive to the Shenjiang Village section of the corridor. Here, the scenery of white reeds, swaying reeds, and yellowing leaves resembles an oil painting. Rent a vintage bicycle and, when you're tired, sit on the beach and watch the fishing boats paddle across the water, their sterns trailing silvery waves. 3. Evening: Chasing the Sunset at Longkan North Pier Arrive at the abandoned boat photo spot 200 meters north of Longkan Pier before 6:30 PM for stunning shots of the sunset-colored lake and the boats framing each other. It's quiet and uncrowded, so there's no need to fight for a spot. 4. Dinner Recommendations: The Erhai Fish with Chopped Peppers and Fried Spare Ribs with Mint at Wase Caixiang Garden are both spicy and flavorful. For a lighter meal, try the vegetarian meal at Jizhao Temple. Green vegetables, wrapped in the aroma of mushrooms, embody the clearness of Cangshan Mountain and the softness of autumn. Day 2: Xizhou Harvest + Fengyu Art Secret 1. Morning: Exploring Autumn in Xizhou Ancient Town Share a car for 15 yuan/person to Xizhou. First, visit the morning market and eat some Amaying pea noodles. Then, explore the rice paddies outside the ancient town for photo opportunities—bring a piece of Bai ethnic group tie-dyed cloth as a prop for backlit shots that enhance the layers of rice waves. Don't miss the Pu'er tea-flavored ice cream at Zhuanjiaolou; their autumn limited edition is not to be missed. 2. Afternoon: Fengyu Town Art Exploration Drive to Fengyu Town, Eryuan, known as the "Home of Literature and Calligraphy." Artists' creations, such as "A Fleeting Time" and "Aerial Rice Field Theater," seamlessly blend with the countryside. Experience free intangible cultural heritage crafts at Fengxiang Academy. Afterward, enjoy spicy and sour fish and scrambled eggs with tree bark at a farmhouse near the Baimi Cang B&B. 3. Evening: Quiet Appreciation of Cibi Lake Visit Cibi Lake and witness the trees transform into vibrant autumn colors, wild birds nestle in the wetlands, and the evening breeze sweep across the lake, allowing you to fully experience the tranquility of this "highland water village." Day 3: Cangshan Mountain Hike + Shaxi Tea Horse Adventure 1. Morning: Stroll through the Colorful Forests of Cangshan Mountain Take the Gantong Cableway up the mountain and hike 4 kilometers along the Jade Belt Road. In November, the mountains and forests are ablaze with color, and mature wild chestnut trees occasionally appear by the stream. The hot baked potatoes, coated in chili powder, at the shop next to the cable car station are warm enough to melt the cool mountain breeze. A light down jacket and non-slip shoes are recommended to cope with the temperature difference at the top of the mountain. 2. Afternoon: Nostalgic Shaxi Ancient Town Drive for 1.5 hours to Shaxi Ancient Town. Ascend the stone steps of the Ancient Tea-Horse Road. The wooden door of the old horse inn creaks, and the chrysanthemums at the base of the wall are in full bloom. Enter the Pioneer Bookstore. The old courtyard is covered with petals of osmanthus trees. As you flip through the pages, the fragrance of ink mingles with the sweetness of osmanthus, and time seems to stand still. 3. Evening: Chasing the Sunset at Yujin Bridge Sitting at the Yujin Bridge, watch the Heihui River overflow the rocky beach. The setting sun paints the ancient bridge a warm red, and you can almost hear echoes of the bygone days of the Ancient Tea-Horse Road. For dinner, try the ancient town's handmade malt sugar and Tubawan, a combination of sweet, sticky, and savory flavors. Day 4: Eryuan Hot Springs + A Relaxing Time Before Departure 1. Morning: Hot Spring Wellness Proceed to the foot of the mountain at Yousuo Town in Eryuan and soak in the natural hot springs to refresh yourself. Numerous hot spring hotels are located here, once a resting place for horse drivers along the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Avoid intoxicating guests in the hot springs, and elderly and children should follow safety regulations. 2. Afternoon: Intangible Cultural Heritage Souvenirs Visit the Intangible Cultural Heritage Market at Dali West Lake Scenic Area, experience the art of horse armor and tie-dyeing, and purchase milk fans and carved plum blossoms as souvenirs. If you have more time, try kayaking, concluding your trip amidst the Jiangnan-style waterside scenery. 3. Must-do Before Departure: Experience autumn tea pressing at the Xiaguan Tuo Tea Factory and take home a portion of your own tea as a souvenir. Autumn Accommodation Recommendations • Value: Dali Ancient Town South Gate Boutique B&B, priced between 150-300 RMB per person, within walking distance of the morning market and Renmin Road. • Hidden gems: Baimi Cang B&B in Fengyu Town, immerse yourself in a rural art atmosphere; Xiashankou Hot Spring Hotel in Eryuan, enjoy both hot springs and stargazing. • Family-friendly: Luchun Garden Hotel in Dali, with bunny feeding and a children's playground, perfect for families with children. Must-try autumn food list • Specialty snacks: Freshly baked rose flower cakes at Pangding in Dali, cold chicken rice noodles at Zaihuishou chicken rice noodles, and handmade malt sugar at Shaxi Ancient Town. • Scenic restaurants: Liuyue Fushi Seaview Cafe and Western Restaurant, offering Western cuisine overlooking Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. Fengyu Town's farmhouse cuisine offers unique flavors like scrambled eggs with bark and spicy and sour fish. • Seasonal specials: The fresh matsutake mushroom steamed chicken at the farmhouse in October is eye-catching; the vegetarian meals at Jizhaoan are light yet fragrant with the aroma of mushrooms and fresh vegetables. Pitfalls and Practical Tips 1. Transportation: Rent an electric car with a range of over 100 kilometers within Dali City. Carpooling between ancient towns is more cost-effective than taking a taxi. Driving to Fengyu and Shaxi is recommended, as the roads are better and the route is more flexible. 2. Outfit: A long-sleeved shirt and a light jacket paired with brown tones complement the autumn rice paddies and ancient towns, creating stunning photos. 3. Notes: October marks the end of the rainy season, so bring a dual-use umbrella. The Cangshan Cableway may be closed due to strong winds, so check the weather before departure. 4. Unexpected surprise: Jianchuan Jianhu Lake offers crystal-clear autumn scenery, while the rural art of Yangbi Animo embodies nostalgia. The quiet, uncrowded area is perfect for an in-depth exploration. #"Go Where the Wind Winds" Dali Healing Scenery #Autumn Limited Beauty #Dali Tie-Dye Experience #Unexplored Hidden Spots Check-In #DaLi Cangshan Erhai