Dali 4-Day, 3-Night Travel Guide

Prior Preparations Book your hotel in advance. It is recommended to choose a hotel in Dali Old Town or near Erhai Lake for convenient travel. Prepare sunscreen, comfortable clothes and shoes, and some common medicines. The hotel I booked is Muyun Xigu near the ancient city. The B&B is surrounded by green mountains and clear waters. In the morning, you'll be awakened by the chirping of birds, and when you open the window, you'll be greeted by lush greenery and fresh air. The rooms are warmly decorated and stylish, with attention to detail. The bedding is soft and comfortable. In the evening, sit in the courtyard, accompanied by the gentle breeze, sip a cup of hot tea, and watch the sunset glow in the sky. It's incredibly relaxing. Day 1: Drive from Tengchong to Dali via the Ruihang Expressway. There is a section of continuous downhill curves connected to tunnels that is not easy to drive. Arrive in Dali Old Town, check in to the hotel, and take a short rest. Eat some local snacks in the old town. Stroll through Dali Old Town, visit Wuhua Tower, and experience the historical charm of the ancient city. Check in at Foreigner Street and experience the unique atmosphere of the blend of Chinese and Western cultures. In the evening, you can go to a bar, listen to folk songs, and experience the nightlife of the old town. Because my best friend and I wanted to take beautiful photos, we decided to spend two days exploring the eastern and western sides of Erhai Lake. Day 2: Self-drive tour around the eastern side of Erhai Lake It is recommended to travel clockwise for easier parking. Shuanglang Ancient Town is a great place to take photos of the pier and flower fields. Visit Luwoshan Mountain. Visit Xiaoputu. Visit Wenbi Village. Visit Santorini. Day 3: Rent an electric scooter to tour the western side of Erhai Lake Shared electric scooters cost CNY 15 per hour, and those with a roof cost CNY 40 per half hour. Tour the lake clockwise. With the azure sky and emerald green lake water, every photo you take will be a masterpiece. Have lunch near Xizhou Ancient Town and try Xizhou Baba, which comes in sweet and savory varieties. The crust is crispy, and the filling is soft and glutinous. Visit Xizhou Ancient Town, admire the well-preserved Bai ethnic architecture, stroll along the rice paddies, and enjoy the idyllic scenery. Afterward, head to Shuanglang Ancient Town and relax in a coffee shop by Erhai Lake, enjoying the beautiful lake and mountain views. Day 4: Visit Cangshan Mountain Scenic Area, take the Gantong Cable Car up the mountain, and admire the grotesque peaks, strange rocks, and dense forests of Cangshan Mountain. Visit Qingbixi Stream, where the water is crystal clear and displays different colors under the sunlight, just like a fairyland. Afterward, head to the Tianlong Babu Film and Television City and experience the charm of the world of martial arts. Important Notes 1. The ultraviolet rays in Dali are strong, so take sun protection measures to avoid sunburn. 2. Pay attention to traffic safety and obey traffic rules when traveling around Erhai Lake. 3. The altitude of Cangshan Mountain Scenic Area is high, so take precautions against altitude sickness and avoid strenuous exercise.