Dali Autumn Flower Viewing Guide

If you can only visit one place in autumn, I would recommend Dali.|||Autumn light spreads over the ridges of the nineteen peaks of Cangshan Mountain, unfolding across Dali. In autumn, Dali's sky is clear and blue, and Erhai Lake is as clear as a mirror. At this time, the rice fields turn golden, reeds sway, sea lettuce flowers bloom on the lake surface, and occasionally a few water birds skim across the lake, breaking the calm lake light. 🏞️ Must-visit autumn scenery Autumn is the dry season in Yunnan, with the bluest skies and the most beautiful clouds. 1. Erhai Ecological Corridor 2. Xizhou Ancient Town Golden Rice Fields 3. Erhai Reeds and Sea Lettuce Flowers (also known as Water Willow) 4. Wase Town Secret Realm 5. Dali Ancient City and Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas 6. Weishan Ancient City 🎎 Local customs and festivals 1. Bai Ethnic Group’s Three-Course Tea 2. Yi Ethnic Group’s "Taste New Festival" 3. Bai Ethnic Embroidery and Clothing 🍜 Recommended local specialties Dali sour and spicy fish, claypot soaked loach, Yongping yellow braised chicken, Nanjian Wuliangshan black-bone chicken Xizhou Baba (rice cake), sweet rose brown sugar wraps, Weishan one-strand noodles, grilled erkuai (rice cake), grilled milk fan, cold mixed tree bark and tree flowers, earthen pot roasted milk, rice wine milk fan soup, flower cakes. 🗓️ Recommended autumn travel itinerary 5 days 4 nights in-depth tour 📍📍 Day 1: First Encounter with Dali · Afternoon/Evening: Arrive in Dali · Night: Head to Daguan Yi Night Market to taste local snacks and barbecue. Day 2: Romantic Tour of Erhai East Coast · Morning: Visit Ideal Country Resort Town to photograph the blue and white buildings and Erhai Lake scenery. · Afternoon to evening: Explore Shuanglang Ancient Town, stroll along the Erhai lakeside trail, and find a lakeside café to enjoy the sunset and night view. Day 3: Ancient City and Countryside Scenery · Morning: Visit Butterfly Spring Park, then head to Xizhou Ancient Town to admire Bai ethnic houses and golden rice fields. · Afternoon: Visit Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas. · Evening: Explore Dali Ancient City to experience lively nightlife and ethnic culture. Day 4: Slow Life on Erhai West Coast · Morning: Cycle or hike along the Erhai Ecological Corridor from Panxi Village S-bend to Caicun Wharf. · Afternoon: Visit Fengyang Yi Village to experience the Tea Horse Road and Bai ethnic Three-Course Tea. Day 5: Weishan Historical Culture · All day: Visit Weishan Ancient City, tour Gongchen Tower, Wenhua Academy, and Nanzhao Museum, and taste Weishan rice noodles and small steamed cakes. 💡 Practical Travel Tips 1. Clothing advice: Dali’s autumn has a large temperature difference between day and night. Wear a light jacket with a long-sleeve T-shirt during the day, and add a windbreaker or light sweater at night; when climbing Cangshan or Weibao Mountain, bring a windproof jacket. UV rays are strong, so prepare high-SPF sunscreen and a sun hat. 2. Transportation tips: · External transport: Prefer high-speed rail to Dali Station; if flying, take the airport shuttle bus or a ride-hailing car to the city. · Internal transport: Rent an electric scooter around Erhai; take high-speed rail or direct shuttle to Weishan. 3. Accommodation recommendations: Choose lakeside homestays near Shuanglang, Caicun, or Longkan for scenic views right outside your window. Book 1-2 weeks in advance during peak season. 4. Photography tips: · Best times: Early morning 6:00-8:00 and evening 17:30-18:30 for the softest light. · Recommended spots: Panxi Village S-bend, Longkan Wharf viewing platform, Xizhou rice field paths, Shuanglang lakeside café.