# You Must Visit Dali, Especially When It's Windy

3 Days 2 Nights Budget Travel Guide to Erhai Lake (¥600 Per Person Version) ## TOTAL BUDGET Transportation: ¥100 Accommodation: ¥150 (2 nights) Food: ¥200 Tickets and others: ¥30-80 Total: ¥580-650 ## DAY 1: CYCLING ALONG THE WEST ERHAI ECOLOGICAL CORRIDOR Cycling route: Longkan Pier (best sunrise viewing spot) → Cai Village Flower Sea → Fanxi S-Bend → Lonely Tree at the Corridor Bridge → Xizhou Ancient Town *All areas are free to enter. Recommended to start at 6am to avoid crowds Transportation tips: - Scan QR code for shared bikes at ¥3/hour (look for official parking spots within the corridor) - Avoid the colorful bicycles rented by villagers (priced at ¥20-30/hour) Recommended accommodation: "Wake Up at Erhai" Hostel near Cai Village Pier - Beds at ¥60/night - Rooftop terrace for stargazing - 3-minute walk to the lakeshore Must-try food: Fisherman's Courtyard (near Longkan Pier) - Signature hot and sour fish + "Water Poplar" soup - ¥35 per person - Fresh daily catch from the owner's fishing boat ## DAY 2: EAST ERHAI LAKE TOUR BY CAR Transportation options: - Shared car with 4 people at ¥50 per person - Or purchase a lake-circling bus day pass for ¥98 Classic route: Shuanglang Ancient Town → Luowo Mountain Ruins (Instagram-famous cave) → Wase Pier → Wenbi Village Rainbow Road → Lixiangbang *The free areas outside Lixiangbang are sufficient for photos; no need to enter the cafes Hidden food gem: Bai Ethnic Cuisine Restaurant (back alley of Wase Market) - Raw skin dipping sauce + milk fan rice cakes - ¥25 per person - The owner will enthusiastically teach you the correct way to eat ## DAY 3: CULTURAL EXPERIENCE DAY Intangible cultural heritage experience: Lanxu Tie-dye Workshop (Zhoucheng Village) - Basic tie-dye experience starting at ¥50 - Takes about 2 hours - Make souvenirs like handkerchiefs/canvas bags Market shopping: Dali Ancient City North Gate Market - Open 6:00-14:00 - Must-buy list: Fresh flowers ¥5/bunch Yangbi rice noodle rolls ¥6/serving Milk fan ¥35/500g (can be vacuum-packed) ## TIPS TO AVOID TOURIST TRAPS 1. Sun protection essentials: Ice sleeves + wide-brimmed hat + sunscreen (reapply every 2 hours) 2. Accommodation tip: Non-lakeside guesthouses in Shuanglang are 2/3 cheaper than lakeside ones 3. Transportation hacks: - Take the Three Pagodas special bus from airport to ancient city (¥3) - Rent electric scooters in the ancient city for ¥30/day 4. Best photo times: - Ideal: 7:00-9:00 or 17:00-19:00 - Avoid: Noon overhead lighting 5. Other reminders: - All direct shuttle buses to scenic spots are negotiable - Ask for fruits to be peeled/cut in front of you at roadside stalls - Disposable raincoats are more practical than umbrellas during rainy season