I've been to Dali five times, and here's my travel guide!

Hey everyone 👋, I'm a travel enthusiast who loves pursuing a poetic life 😎. I recently visited Dali during the beautiful spring weather in April, and it felt like stepping into a paradise. Now, I'm sharing my super detailed travel guide with you all. 📍 Dali, located in western Yunnan, is a city full of romance and poetry 👏! The nineteen peaks of Cangshan Mountain stand tall, their snow-capped peaks a year-round spectacle. The clouds and mist swirling around the mountains create a fairyland-like scenery. Erhai Lake resembles a giant mirror, its azure waters reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and the green trees of Cangshan Mountain. The cobblestone streets and Bai-style houses in the ancient city are steeped in history. Dali is like a melodious folk song, telling stories of wind, flowers, snow, and the moon. 🚗【Transportation Guide】 ✈️ If you're flying, you'll land at Dali Fengyi Airport. Although small, it has many routes. After landing, there are buses and airport shuttles to the city center, and taxis are also convenient. If you want to save money, you can take the airport bus. It's slower, but you can enjoy the scenery along the way. 🚌 From Kunming, you can take a high-speed train or an overnight sleeper bus to Dali. The high-speed train is comfortable and fast, while the bus is suitable for budget travelers. Public transportation within the city is mainly by bus. Some attractions have special tourist buses, and you can pay with Alipay or WeChat. It's super convenient to go to the ancient city and Erhai Lake. If you want to visit less-known attractions in Cangshan Mountain, renting an electric car or chartering a car is a free and enjoyable option. 🗺【Recommended Itinerary】 Day 1: Dali Ancient City - Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple - Erhai Ecological Corridor Arrive at Dali Ancient City in the morning, stroll through the streets and alleys, and feel the passage of time. Take in the panoramic view of the ancient city. At noon, try the Posu Baba, a pastry with a crispy crust and rich filling, available in both sweet and savory flavors 😋. In the afternoon, visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, a solemn and magnificent millennium-old temple. The reflection of the three pagodas in the water is stunning. Then, head to the Erhai Ecological Corridor, rent a bicycle, and cycle along the lake, enjoying the breeze and the beautiful scenery of Erhai Lake. You won't be able to stop taking photos 📷. Day 2: Cangshan Xima Tan Cable Car - Xizhou Ancient Town In the morning, head to Cangshan Mountain and take the Xima Tan Cable Car up the mountain to see the snow-capped peaks. There's still snow on the top of the mountain in April, and the view is breathtaking. Enjoy a local chicken hot pot for lunch on the mountain. The chicken is tender, and the soup is delicious. In the afternoon, visit Xizhou Ancient Town, wander through the square streets, admire the Bai-style architecture, taste the Xizhou Baba, and experience the tranquility and simplicity of the ancient town. Day 3: Shuanglang Ancient Town - Small Putuo - Return Trip In the morning, visit Shuanglang Ancient Town, built along the lake, with many guesthouses and art galleries. Find a lakeside guesthouse and enjoy a relaxing time. Have a clay pot fish for lunch. The fish is tender, and the soup is rich. In the afternoon, visit Small Putuo, a small island in Erhai Lake. Take a boat to the island, feed the seagulls, and watch the sunset. It's incredibly beautiful. In the late afternoon, pack your bags and return home with wonderful memories. 🌟【5 Must-Visit Attractions】 📍 Dali Ancient City: With a thousand years of history, the ancient city is full of charm, with bars, guesthouses, and handicraft shops. It's a great place to relax. 📍 Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple: A landmark of Dali, with a long history, rich religious culture, and exquisite architecture. 📍 Erhai Lake: The second largest freshwater lake in Yunnan, with clear water and beautiful surrounding scenery. It's a great place to enjoy the lake and mountain views and a relaxing vacation. 📍 Xizhou Ancient Town: Well-preserved Bai-style ancient architecture, with a strong ethnic flavor. Experience the simple folk customs. 📍 Shuanglang Ancient Town: An ancient town on the northeast bank of Erhai Lake, built along the lake, with beautiful scenery and a strong artistic atmosphere. 📌【Practical Tips】 🎫 Book Cangshan cable car tickets and tickets for some attractions in advance, as they can be hard to get during peak season. 👗 The temperature difference between day and night in Dali in April is large, so bring a thick jacket. Wear warm clothes and non-slip shoes when visiting Cangshan Mountain, and don't forget sunscreen. 📸 The lighting in Dali Ancient City in the early morning and Erhai Lake in the evening is soft and beautiful, perfect for taking photos. Remember to bring a power bank. 🍜【Local Food Recommendations】 🥘 Posu Baba: Available in sweet and savory flavors, with a crispy, multi-layered crust. The sweet filling is like red bean paste, and the savory filling has minced meat, etc. It's incredibly fragrant. 🍜 Xizhou Baba: Shaped like a baked pancake, with a golden, crispy crust and fillings like rose sugar and pork. One bite, and the aroma of wheat and filling fills your mouth. 🥣 Ersi: A Dali specialty noodle, soft and glutinous, available in thick and thin varieties. Served with meat sauce, pickled vegetables, and other seasonings, the soup is delicious. 🐟 Clay Pot Fish: Made with Erhai fish and various vegetables, simmered in a clay pot. The fish is tender, and the soup is rich and nutritious. 🥔 Watery Poplar Flower: A specialty of Erhai Lake, stir-fried and tender, with a light fragrance. It's very refreshing. 🏨【Hotel Accommodation】 📍 Dali Ancient City: Dali Ancient City No. 1 Courtyard, located in the ancient city, with a courtyard design, quiet environment, convenient transportation, and a great way to experience the ancient city atmosphere. 📍 Erhai Lake: Hotel Indigo Dali Erhai, built along the lake, with some sea-view rooms offering direct views of Erhai Lake. It has complete facilities and is perfect for a vacation. 📍 Xizhou Ancient Town: Xizhou Ji Yi Si Ancient Garden Inn, renovated from an ancient building, full of ancient charm, close to attractions, and offers a fantastic experience. 💖【Travel Experience】 During these three days in Dali, I felt like I had fallen into a poetic world. The simplicity of Dali Ancient City, the magnificence of Cangshan Mountain, the clarity of Erhai Lake, and the delicious food all captivated me. Dali is like a poem that can never be fully read, with every line filled with beauty. Don't miss this treasure trove. Come and start your Dali journey 💕.