Dali & Lijiang Summer Family Trip Guide: Unlock a Fairytale Journey of Joy

Summer is here! Want to embark on an unforgettable family trip with your kids? Dali and Lijiang are definitely the top choices! Here, you'll find enchanting natural scenery and unique cultural experiences, allowing children to gain knowledge and happiness while playing, and parents to relax and enjoy quality family time. Follow this guide to capture the highlights of your child's childhood! **I. Trip Highlights** 1. **Natural Wonders:** Get up close with ponies in the Naxi Secret Realm, and interact with fluffy alpacas on the Cloud Grassland; hike in Cangshan to pick mushrooms and collect pinecones, exploring mysteries in nature's classroom; cycle around Erhai Lake, chasing sunshine and beautiful scenery. 2. **Fun Experiences:** Kids transform into little chefs, DIYing flower cakes at the Rose Manor; experience the charm of intangible cultural heritage by hand-making tie-dye, leaving a unique souvenir. 3. **Exciting Challenges:** Go karting at Yunxiang Mountain Road Extreme Park, experiencing speed and passion; light trekking on the snow mountain, exercising children's courage and perseverance. 4. **Cultural Immersion:** Gain a deep understanding of Dongba culture, experiencing the charm of ancient civilization while having fun. **II. Itinerary** **Day 1: Arrive in Dali - First Encounter by Erhai Lake** * **Morning:** Arrive in Dali and check into a unique family-friendly guesthouse. After a short rest, head to Erhai S-Bay to begin a scenic cycling tour. Rent a tandem bike and cycle slowly along the Huanhai Road, with a gentle breeze on your face and sunlight sparkling on Erhai Lake's surface. Capture these beautiful family road trip moments with your camera. * **Afternoon:** Enjoy lunch at a restaurant near Erhai Lake, tasting local specialties such as the sour and spicy Erhai bowfish and the fragrant Bai Three-Course Tea. After lunch, head to Yunxiang Mountain Road Extreme Park, letting children fully experience the thrill of karting. On the winding track, listen to their excited screams and feel the immense joy. * **Evening:** Return to the guesthouse, take a stroll around, admire Erhai Lake's night view, and sample local snacks from street stalls, such as Rubing (milk fan) and cold chicken rice noodles, ending a fulfilling day. **Day 2: Dali - Cangshan Exploration & Intangible Cultural Heritage** * **Morning:** After breakfast, head to Cangshan to begin a light trekking adventure. Led by a professional guide, walk along mountain trails, looking for wild mushrooms, collecting pinecones, and learning about various plants and insects along the way, giving children a vivid nature lesson. * **Noon:** Enjoy lunch at a farmhouse at the foot of Cangshan, tasting authentic farm dishes and experiencing the rustic pastoral flavor. * **Afternoon:** Head to the Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop to learn tie-dyeing. Under the guidance of a teacher, choose patterns with your child, tie the white cloth into various shapes, and then dye it. When you untie the threads and see the unique tie-dye artwork appear, you'll feel a great sense of accomplishment. Afterwards, you can even make your tie-dye creations into small items like handkerchiefs or scarves to take home. * **Evening:** Return to Dali Ancient City, stroll along the quaint streets, browse unique shops, and taste local delicacies such as grilled Erkuai (rice cake) and Xizhou Baba (a local pancake). **Day 3: Dali - Lijiang - Naxi Secret Realm & Flower Cake DIY** * **Morning:** Travel by car to Lijiang, enjoying the beautiful natural scenery along the way. Upon arrival in Lijiang, head to the Naxi Secret Realm to explore it with adorable ponies, experiencing the unique Naxi charm. Children can interact closely with and feed the ponies, running freely in nature. * **Noon:** Dine at a restaurant near the Secret Realm, enjoying local specialties. * **Afternoon:** Visit the Rose Manor to begin a flower cake DIY journey. Children can put on little chef outfits and, under the guidance of a master, learn to make flower cakes. From kneading dough and filling to baking, every step is full of fun. Watching their handmade flower cakes come out of the oven, fragrant and delicious, they can even take them home as sweet souvenirs to share with family and friends. * **Evening:** Check into a family-friendly inn within Lijiang Ancient City, experiencing the city's tranquility and romance. Enjoy the night view within the ancient city and listen to folk singers perform. **Day 4: Lijiang - Snow Mountain Light Trekking & Cloud Grassland** * **Morning:** After breakfast, head to the foot of the snow mountain to begin a light trekking tour. Along the hiking trail, admire the magnificent snow mountain scenery and breathe in the fresh air. Along the way, children can observe the ecological environment around the snow mountain and learn about glaciers, vegetation, and other knowledge. * **Noon:** Enjoy lunch at a restaurant near the snow mountain to replenish energy. * **Afternoon:** Head to the Cloud Grassland, a paradise for children. Get up close with fluffy alpacas, feeding them and taking photos, experiencing the cuteness of these adorable pets. You can also fly kites and play games on the grassland, releasing all your energy. * **Evening:** Return to the inn, rest and reorganize, and reflect on the day's joyful moments. **Day 5: Lijiang - Dongba Culture Exploration & Departure** * **Morning:** Visit the Dongba Culture Museum or a Dongba Cultural Heritage Base to learn about ancient Dongba culture, including Dongba pictographs, Dongba painting, and Dongba sacrificial rituals. Through explanations from guides and interactive experiences, let children deeply feel Lijiang's unique cultural charm. * **Noon:** Taste local specialties in Lijiang city, such as cured pork rib hotpot and black goat hotpot. * **Afternoon:** Depending on your departure time, head to the airport or train station, concluding your delightful Dali & Lijiang family trip. **III. Helpful Tips** 1. **Transportation:** Transportation within Dali and Lijiang is relatively convenient; you can choose to take a taxi, bus, or rent a car. For long-distance travel, it's recommended to book tickets or a private car in advance to ensure a smooth journey. 2. **Accommodation:** In Dali, it's recommended to choose family-friendly guesthouses around Erhai Lake or within Dali Ancient City. In Lijiang, you can opt for unique inns within Lijiang Ancient City or Shuhe Ancient Town. These places offer beautiful environments and are convenient for travel and sightseeing. 3. **Food:** Yunnan cuisine has unique flavors, and some dishes might be spicy. Parents can choose suitable restaurants and dishes based on their children's tastes. Also, pay attention to food hygiene to prevent children from experiencing stomach discomfort. 4. **Gear:** For summer travel, prepare sun protection items such as sunscreen, sun hats, and sunglasses; also bring comfortable sports shoes for hiking and cycling. Additionally, prepare appropriate clothing according to the weather, as mountain areas have significant temperature differences between morning and evening, so an extra jacket is advisable. 5. **Safety:** When engaging in outdoor activities, always follow the arrangements of guides or staff to ensure your child's safety. Especially for activities like snow mountain trekking and mountain road karting, it's crucial to take proper safety precautions. Come to Dali and Lijiang, and create unique and wonderful memories with your children!