Dali 3 Days 2 Nights Essential Travel Guide

Here is a travel plan for 3 days and 2 nights in Dali, with a budget controlled within 4000 RMB. The itinerary is designed to be relaxed and enjoyable, hoping to help you experience the essence of Dali’s charm. 🏞️ Overview of the 3 Days 2 Nights Dali Itinerary Itinerary Overview: This trip mainly revolves around Erhai Lake. On the first day, experience the cultural atmosphere of the ancient town; on the second day, immerse yourself in the natural scenery of the west side of Erhai Lake; on the third day, explore the magnificent landscapes of the east side of Erhai Lake. Accommodation Suggestions: · First choice: Dali Ancient Town – convenient for dining, shopping, and entertainment, with a rich nightlife and many guesthouse options offering great value. It is recommended to choose guesthouses inside the ancient town or near the town gates for easier travel. · For a sea view experience: consider guesthouses with lake views in Shuanglang or Longkan Pier, where you can see Erhai Lake right from your window, though prices will be higher. Budget Allocation (for two people): · Accommodation: about 600 RMB (2 nights, choosing guesthouses inside or near the ancient town). · Food: about 600 RMB (100 RMB per person per day, allowing you to try snacks and specialty meals). · Transportation and activities: about 700 RMB (including car rental, charter, electric bike rental, and some attraction tickets). · Reserve fund: about 100 RMB (for buying drinking water, snacks, etc.). 📅 Itinerary Details 🏮 Day 1: Strolling Dali Ancient Town and Cangshan Mountain Scenery · Morning: After arriving in Dali and settling in, start exploring Dali Ancient Town. The streets are laid out in a grid; you can leisurely walk along the main streets such as Renmin Road, Fuxing Road, and Foreigner Street. Along the way, you will find many artistic shops, handicraft stores, and cafes. Don’t forget to try the town’s specialty snacks like grilled milk fan and cold chicken rice noodles. · Afternoon: Head to Cangshan Mountain. You can take the Gantong Cableway, which is cost-effective and offers a panoramic view of Erhai Lake. If time permits, visit the nearby Jizhao Nunnery, famous for its courtyard full of succulent plants and tranquil environment. Vegetarian meals are available here, but note the serving time (e.g., 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM), and please take only what you can eat to avoid waste. · Evening: Return to Dali Ancient Town for dinner. Try the local mushroom hotpot or Bai ethnic sour and spicy fish. The ancient town at night has a unique charm; you can stroll through the night market or find a small bar to relax. 🌅 Day 2: Cycling the West Side of Erhai Lake and Xizhou Town Experience · Morning: Be sure to get up early to watch the sunrise at Longkan Pier. The red cypress trees, morning mist, and rising sun create a very healing scene. After the sunrise, rent an electric bike or bicycle nearby and start cycling along the Erhai Ecological Corridor. You will pass scenic spots like Caicun and Panxi Village’s S-bend. · Afternoon: Cycle to Xizhou Ancient Town. Be sure to try the famous Xizhou crispy pastry, available in sweet and savory flavors. Then stroll around the town to see well-preserved Bai ethnic residential buildings or take photos in the rice fields outside the town (around 4 PM when the light is soft, perfect for photography). If time allows, visit Haizhi Park nearby, where the Erhai Lake water is very blue and the crowds are fewer. · Evening: It is recommended to return to your accommodation to rest, or you can also find a quiet café or restaurant in Xizhou for dinner. 🌊 Day 3: Grand Tour of the East Side of Erhai Lake and Farewell · Morning: You can choose to charter a car or continue renting one to tour the east side of Erhai Lake. Many sections of the east road run close to the lake, offering very open views. First, visit Shuanglang Ancient Town, where many inns and cafes are built by the water. Find a spot to sit and enjoy the lakeside mountain scenery up close. You can also visit the exterior of Yang Liping’s former residence on Yuji Island. · Afternoon: Continue along the east ring road, passing Xiaoputuo (where you can see black-headed gulls in winter), Wenbi Village, and other spots. If time permits, take a distant view of Cangshan Mountain across the lake before preparing to return. 💰 Budget Plan (for two people) The following is an estimated total cost for two people, keeping the total within the 4000 RMB budget. · Accommodation (2 nights): about 600 RMB. · Food: about 600 RMB. · Transportation and activities: about 700 RMB (including electric bike rental, car charter/rental, Cangshan Gantong Cableway, etc.). · Shopping and other reserve funds: about 100 RMB. 💡 Practical Tips 1. Transportation: Renting an electric bike to tour parts of Erhai Lake within Dali city is very convenient and flexible. If you plan to visit multiple distant spots on the east and west sides, chartering a car or renting a car is more time-saving and less tiring. 2. Sun protection and warmth: The UV rays in Dali are strong, so be sure to apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and sunglasses when going out. Also, the temperature difference between day and night is large; even in summer, you may need a light jacket at night. 3. Food exploration: Besides the mentioned dishes, you can also try specialties like er si (rice noodles) and stir-fried cured meat with water spinach. The brunch at Xiang Yue Qiu Fei Qu in the ancient town is also a good choice. 4. Avoiding pitfalls: When shopping in the ancient town, especially for silverware, tea, and other specialties, it is recommended to buy from reputable stores. Be cautious about “one-day tour” deals that are too cheap. Hope this guide helps you have a pleasant holiday in Dali!