Dali Ancient Town: Save as many as you can!

✨Many people treat Dali Ancient Town as a transit stop for traveling in Yunnan, China, but the true charm of this ancient town is hidden in the early morning alleys, afternoon teahouses, and nighttime folk songs... Save this guide to unlock the proper way to experience Dali Ancient Town! 🕰 Recommended Visiting Time Season: March to May (spring blossoms), September to November (clear skies and light clouds) Time of day: Strongly recommend staying 1-2 nights! The golden hours for photos are 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM 🚗 Transportation Guide From the airport/high-speed rail station: Airport shuttle bus directly to the ancient town (about 40 minutes) From the high-speed rail station, take the Three Pagodas special line or Route 8 special line (about 30-40 minutes) Taxi destination: "Dali Ancient Town South Gate" (about 35 RMB) 🗺 Must-Visit Route (One-day Highlights) South Gate → Fuxing Road → Presidential Marshal’s Mansion → Honglong Well → Renmin Road → Foreigner Street 📸 Top 5 Photo Spots 1. South Gate of the City Wall (Photo 2) Climb the city wall for a panoramic view of Cangshan Mountain ⏰ Suggestion: Shoot sunset silhouettes in the evening 2. Wuhua Tower (Photo 3) The highest point in the ancient town, overlooking thousands of lights 💡 Night views are more stunning than daytime 3. Renmin Road’s Hidden Coffee Shops (Photo 4) Recommended: "Big Bowl Island Coffee" Terrace spot with Cangshan Mountain in the frame 4. Bed Sheet Factory Art District (Photo 5) Vintage industrial style + graffiti walls Creative markets on weekends 5. Yuer Garden (Photo 6) A little-known garden treasured by locals Perfect for Hanfu or modern Chinese style photos 🍜 Food Highlights and Warnings ✅ Must-try list: Grilled milk fan (recommended Yang Ji, perfect with rose sauce) Rice bean jelly (before 9 AM at North Gate vegetable market) Bai ethnic stone slab barbecue (most authentic at Old Courtyard) Mushroom hotpot (fresh mushrooms in the rainy season are a must) ❌ Avoid: “Internet-famous” restaurants on the main street of the ancient town have low cost-performance Be cautious buying overly bright-colored fruit bowls 🛍 Shopping Guide Souvenirs: Tie-dye handicrafts (recommended Lanxu), fresh flower cakes (Jiahua freshly baked) Bargaining tip: Cutting the price in half is basic; remember to look around and compare! 💡 Hidden Experiences 1. Wednesday morning market (North Gate vegetable market) (Photo 7) Experience the most authentic Bai ethnic life Fruits are half the price compared to inside the ancient town 2. Night stroll in the ancient alleys Avoid crowds by walking Yincang Road and Guangwu Road Chance to find artistic shops with hand drum performances 3. Weekend activities Bed Sheet Factory Market (gathering place for artisans) Four Seasons Market (a paradise for young people’s parties) 📝 Blogger Tips 1. Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen! (The UV rays on the plateau are very strong) 2. Wear comfortable shoes; the ancient town’s stone roads test your feet ✨ Final Thoughts ✨ In Dali, the most luxurious thing is not how many souvenirs you buy, but the time spent daydreaming in the courtyard, the afternoon learning tie-dye from an old grandma, and the night listening to strangers’ stories in a small tavern... 💫 Follow me to unlock 100 hidden travel gems across the country!