Dali Travel Guide for Dragon Boat Festival

With Dragon Boat Festival approaching, I’ve just returned from Dali and discovered some hidden gems that even locals keep secret! From breathtaking sunrises in Haixi to serene sunsets in Haidong, Bai ethnic tie-dye experiences, and stunning photo spots away from the crowds—this 3-day itinerary will let you explore Dali’s romance and wild charm while capturing amazing photos! 📸 3-Day Itinerary Recommendation (Counterclockwise Around the Lake + Avoiding Crowds): Day 1: Haixi Route 📍 Morning: Longkan Pier Sunrise (Arrive before 7 AM!) + Xiabopeng (10 times fewer people than S Bay, equally photogenic) 📍 Afternoon: After taking photos at Langqiao, head straight to "Zhou Village Tie-Dye Workshop" (Experience intangible cultural heritage and make a unique skirt!) 📍 Evening: Xizhou Ancient Town (Try crispy baba and rice field coffee; the corner building is quieter for photos at night!) Day 2: Haidong Route 📍 Morning: Shuanglang "Mountain Cocoon Café" (Cliffside sea view spot; you can take photos without purchasing anything!) 📍 Noon: Luwo Mountain (Navigate to "Luwo Mountain Ruins"; abandoned window frames and caves make for stunning shots) 📍 Afternoon: Wenbi Village Rainbow Road (Walk 100 meters uphill for a panoramic view of Erhai Lake!) 📍 Sunset: Wase Pier (A local favorite sunset spot; you might even see fishermen pulling in their nets—super soothing) Day 3: 📍 Morning: Jizhao Nunnery (Enjoy a vegetarian meal for 20 yuan and admire succulents) 📍 Afternoon: Fengyangyi Village (Filming location for "Meet Yourself"; take vintage-style photos along the Tea Horse Road) 📍 Before heading back: Xingsheng Bridge (Best lighting at 4 PM; recommended outfit style: French chic!) 🏠 Accommodation Tips: ✔️ Day 1: Stay in Xizhou Ancient Town—Avoid the high prices in Shuanglang and choose a countryside guesthouse near Xizhou’s fields. Wake up to wheat fields for just 150+ yuan per person! ✔️ Day 2: Stay in Wenbi Village—A hidden gem on the Haidong route with hillside sea view rooms. The sunset view is unbeatable, and it’s quiet and affordable! 🚗 Budget-Friendly Transportation Tips: ▫️ Don’t rent a car in the ancient town! Renting at the train station is more cost-effective (80-120 yuan/day). Don’t forget to buy insurance! ▫️ Prioritize cycling for the Haixi route: From Longkan Pier to Langqiao, use shared bikes (3 yuan/hour). Stop and snap photos freely—it’s super convenient!