Come visit Dali, Yunnan with me

In April, Dali is blessed with beautiful spring weather and romantic scenery, making it the perfect time to visit. For first-time visitors, focusing on the key attractions will help you deeply experience Dali's charm. Here's what you need to prepare before departure👇 Essential Preparation Guide #1 ✅Check weather and pack clothes: Although temperatures rise in Dali during April, there are still temperature differences between morning and evening. Bring a light jacket for warmth in the morning and evening, and sun protection during the day. Pack several sets of beautiful summer clothes for great photos. Of course, bring comfortable sneakers and a pair of slippers for different occasions. ✅Protection and documents: High SPF sunscreen, sun hats, and sunglasses are essential weapons against Dali's UV rays. Don't forget your ID card, and bring your student ID or military ID if you have them for discounts at attractions. Also bring a power bank to keep capturing beautiful scenes without interruption. ✅Travel essentials checklist: Carry a small shoulder bag for items like tissues, wet wipes, and lip balm. If you plan to cycle around Erhai Lake, bring gloves for safety and comfort. Off-peak Travel Guide & Unique Experiences ⏰Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor: Around 8am, rent a bike while it's less crowded and start your lake tour, feeling the breeze and watching the sparkling lake surface in the morning sun. After 6pm, watch the sunset paint golden edges on Erhai Lake. Sit on the corridor benches to enjoy the sunset - it's beautifully romantic and less crowded, perfect for photos. ⏰Xizhou Ancient Town: Avoid peak hours from 10am to 2pm on weekends; visit on weekday afternoons instead. Wander through ancient alleys, see traditional Bai residences, and taste fresh Xizhou Baba - crispy outside and tender inside. Find a quiet corner to take vintage photos with rice fields and old houses as backdrop. ⏰Cangshan Xima Pool: Get up the mountain before 9am, take the cable car to quickly reach the top and secure the best spot to view Xima Pool. See the alpine lake crystal clear like a jewel, surrounded by blooming rhododendrons. After 3pm, the soft light creates natural photo filters, and you can enjoy Cangshan's sunset glow on your way back. ⏰Shuanglang Ancient Town: Around 7am, before the town gets busy, walk along the lake to watch fishermen set sail and feel the peaceful local life. When it gets crowded at noon, visit a lakeside cafe, order coffee, and relax facing Erhai Lake. After 4pm, visit Yuji Island to explore artists' former residences and take artistic photos. Food Guide ⚠️Don't miss local specialties: Try Zaihui Liangji Rice Noodles on Renmin Road - tender chicken, smooth rice noodles with special sauce, sour and spicy to whet your appetite. Try both sweet and savory Poso Baba - sweet ones filled with fragrant rose paste, savory ones packed with minced meat and green onions, best eaten fresh and hot. ⚠️Wild mushroom hotpot feast: During mushroom season, find a well-reviewed restaurant for wild mushroom hotpot. Various mushrooms are incredibly fresh - remember to cook them thoroughly for safety. Pair with free-range chicken soup base for a delicious meal. Photo Guide 🔺Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor: At the S-curve, wear a red dress and take stunning silhouette photos against the blue Erhai Lake; at the shallow shore, crouch down and use puddles reflecting the sky as background for dreamy portrait shots. 🔺Xizhou Ancient Town: By the rice fields, wear a straw hat and hold rice stalks for pastoral photos with golden fields and Bai houses as backdrop; under ancient trees in Sifang Street, wear Bai ethnic costume for cultural photos with classical charm. 🔺Cangshan Xima Pool: By the pool, wear outdoor jacket and sunglasses for adventure photos with the alpine lake backdrop; among rhododendrons, stand under flowers and use telephoto lens for beautiful close-ups with blurred background. 🔺Shuanglang Ancient Town: On Yuji Island, take silhouette photos on the waterfront platform with Erhai Lake and trees in water as backdrop; on lakeside hotel terraces, hold a glass of wine facing the lake for relaxed vacation photos. Local Tips ▪️Drive or cycle carefully around Erhai Lake, follow traffic rules, don't stop randomly for photos, and keep steady in windy sections. ▪Download "Dali Bus" APP for easy QR code payment when taking buses, but plan ahead as intervals between buses can be long. ▪Buy souvenirs at local markets like Sanyue Street for authentic and affordable specialties like Rushan cheese and tie-dye items, plus unique local goods. ▪When talking with Dali locals, they're warm and hospitable. Their thick Yunnan accent sounds endearing - if you don't understand, just smile and ask them to repeat. Itinerary: Classic 4-Day Dali Tour D1: Dali Station - Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor - Dali Ancient Town Arrive at Dali Station in the morning, take bus or taxi to Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor, enjoy lake and mountain views, lunch nearby, visit Dali Ancient Town in afternoon, stay in ancient town. D2: Dali Ancient Town - Xizhou Ancient Town - Cangshan Xima Pool Leave ancient town for Xizhou Ancient Town in morning, experience town culture, enjoy local food at noon, visit Cangshan Xima Pool in afternoon, return to ancient town for night. D3: Dali Ancient Town - Shuanglang Ancient Town Head to Shuanglang Ancient Town in morning, walk along lake, enjoy lunch, explore Yuji Island in afternoon, stay in Shuanglang to enjoy Erhai Lake night view. D4: Shuanglang Ancient Town - Dali Station Free morning activities, pack up, take bus or taxi to Dali Station after lunch, return home with wonderful memories. Friends, follow this guide for your April Dali trip, and you're guaranteed to have an amazing time and create unforgettable memories!