Dali Family Trip Report: Here Are My Tips...

April in Dali offers perfect spring weather with blooming flowers, making it an ideal time for travel. This 3-day itinerary will guide you through the ancient city's charm, Erhai Lake's scenic views, and Cangshan Mountain's wonders, unlocking all of Dali's romance and cultural flavor. Daily Itinerary Day 1⬇️⬇️⬇️ 📍Dali Ancient City: Step into history as you enter the ancient city. Feel the stories in every brick of the old city walls. Stroll through Foreigners' Street, where local snacks and handicrafts catch your eye. Pick up a tie-dye garment to experience the fusion of ethnic and modern fashion (Ancient city entry is free, some attractions charge separately). 📍Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas: These iconic pagodas stand majestically, their shadows dancing on the lake surface in the sunlight, creating a sacred and spectacular scene. Standing here, you can almost hear the echoes of the Nanzhao Kingdom's glorious past (Entrance fee: 75 yuan). 📍Wuhua Tower: Climb the tower at dusk to overlook the ancient city's gray tiles, white walls, and crisscrossing streets. The sunset bathes the old town in golden light, making it perfect for photos. Day 2⬇️⬇️⬇️ 📍Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor: Rent a bike and ride along the lake, feeling the breeze as flowers compete with the lake for beauty. Stop anytime to capture perfect moments with the azure lake as your backdrop (Corridor is free, bike rental costs extra). 📍Xizhou Ancient Town: Like a paradise on earth, traditional Bai houses complement the tender green rice seedlings. Try the sweet and savory Xizhou Baba - crispy on the outside, soft inside with lingering fragrance (Town entry is free, some old houses charge for visits). 📍Shuanglang Ancient Town: Waterfront guesthouses offer lake views from every window. Enjoy clouds by day and waves by night while exploring alleys filled with Bai architecture and artistic atmosphere. Day 3⬇️⬇️⬇️ 📍Cangshan Mountain: Take the cable car up to experience the mountain's grandeur. In April, greenery and flowers intertwine, with scenery changing dramatically as you ascend (Cable car prices vary by route). 📍Jizhao Temple: A serene temple hidden in Cangshan, surrounded by succulents and flowers like a hidden paradise. Enjoy vegetarian cuisine and find inner peace (Free entry, vegetarian meal about 20 yuan, reservation required). 📍Tianlong Babu Film City: Step into Jin Yong's martial arts world. Ancient buildings and kung fu performances bring fantasy to life (Entrance fee: 40 yuan). Must-Try Local Delicacies: ✅Broken Crispy Baba: Xizhou's specialty, thousand-layer pastry with rose sugar or minced meat filling, 5-10 yuan each. ✅Er Si: Traditional rice noodles with savory soup, meat sauce, and pickles, about 15 yuan per bowl. ✅Grilled Rushan: Dairy snack perfectly combined with rose or chocolate sauce, grilled until slightly charred, 5 yuan per skewer. Photo Tips: Capture Perfect Moments! 1️⃣Erhai S-Curve: At Panxi Village, use the curved road and lake background. Shoot upward from a low angle during 4-6 PM for best lighting. 2️⃣Xizhou Rice Fields: Frame green seedlings in foreground with Bai houses behind. Best at dawn or dusk. 3️⃣Cangshan Cable Car: Capture changing mountain views during the ride or pose at stations with mountain backdrop. Travel Tips: Essential Warnings! 🚗Transportation: Expect traffic around Erhai Lake; check electric bike battery; plan bus schedules ahead. 🎫Tickets: Book popular attractions online; avoid unofficial ticket sellers. 👚Clothing: Pack warm clothes for Cangshan's altitude; wear flat shoes in the ancient city. Hidden Gems: 1️⃣Fengyang Ancient Tea Horse Road: Walk stone paths, try pottery, and see grazing cattle. 2️⃣Longkan Dock Sunrise: Watch dawn break over the lake with soaring birds. 3️⃣Zhou City Tie-dye Experience: Make your own tie-dye souvenir in Zhou City.