In-Depth Travel Guide to Dali & Lijiang, Yunnan: Roaming Between Romance and Ancient Snowy Mountains

Dali and Lijiang in Yunnan are the poetry and distant dreams in the hearts of countless people. Dali offers the romance of "wind, flowers, snow, and moon," while Lijiang features the charm of ancient towns and snowy mountains. This guide helps you unlock both classic and off-the-beaten-path experiences in these two places, capture stunning photos to wow your social circle, and deeply experience the local culture. 1. Dali: Slow Time of Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon (1) Must-Visit Attractions • Erhai Lake: Circling Erhai Lake is a "must-do" in Dali. You can rent an electric bike (about 50 RMB/day) and start from Dali Ancient Town, wandering along the ecological corridor or Huanhai West Road. ◦ Erhai lakeside photo spot (Photo 1): Recommended to visit popular homestays or cafes near Shuanglang, such as "Liuyue·Wusuo." From the lakeside terrace, you can capture scenes embraced by Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain, and enjoy afternoon tea for a perfect leisurely experience. ◦ Erhai tree stump photo spot (Photo 2): Near Panxi or Langqiao, there are many old tree stumps extending into Erhai Lake. Wearing a flowing long dress and sitting on the branches with Erhai and distant mountains as the backdrop creates a highly atmospheric shot. • Dali Ancient Town: Stroll through Foreigner Street and Wuhua Tower during the day to feel the lively atmosphere; at night, listen to folk songs on Renmin Road and shop for handicrafts in various specialty stores. • Cangshan Mountain: Take the cable car (Gantong Cableway or Ximatan Cableway) up the mountain to overlook the entire Dali panorama. On clear days, you can see Erhai Lake like a sapphire embedded in the earth. (2) Off-the-Beaten-Path Secrets • Xizhou Ancient Town: The rice fields here change with the seasons—rapeseed flowers in spring and golden rice waves in autumn. Taking photos in front of Bai ethnic old houses by the rice fields is full of pastoral poetry. • Zhoucheng Tie-Dyeing: Experience Bai ethnic tie-dyeing craft in Zhoucheng and make your own tie-dye cloth, a meaningful souvenir. 2. Lijiang: Dual Romance of Ancient Town and Snowy Mountains (1) Core Check-in Spots • Lijiang Ancient Town: ◦ Night view photo spot (Photo 6): At the Lion Hill viewing platform, you can overlook the entire ancient town at dusk. When the lights come on, the blue-tiled wooden buildings look especially charming. Wearing ethnic costumes (many rental shops in Lijiang Ancient Town, about 50-100 RMB/set) enhances the atmosphere. ◦ Wander aimlessly in the ancient town during the day. Sifang Street and the Mu Residence are worth visiting. Try Naxi specialty snacks like chicken bean jelly and Lijiang baba. • Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: ◦ Snow mountain photo spots (Photos 4, 5): Visit "Tinghuagu" (Listening Flower Valley), which has wooden houses, grasslands, and flower seas. Framing Jade Dragon Snow Mountain through the window of a wooden house looks like a stunning oil painting. You can also find a homestay rooftop facing the snow mountain, wear a bright-colored dress, and take highly photogenic shots. ◦ It is recommended to join a small tour that includes tickets, cable car, oxygen bottle, and cold-proof clothing for convenience and peace of mind. Reach the 4,680-meter viewing platform to feel the majestic grandeur of the snow mountain. • Blue Moon Valley: At the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Blue Moon Valley has crystal-clear blue water resembling a blue moon embedded in the valley. Walking along the plank road, every snapshot feels like Jiuzhaigou. (2) Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences • Baisha Ancient Town: Quieter than Lijiang Ancient Town, Baisha is the ancient capital of the Naxi people. Here you can see the most original Naxi village style and experience the horse caravan culture. • Wenhai: A lesser-known alpine meadow lake where wildflowers bloom in spring and summer, and migratory birds rest in autumn and winter. Perfect for travelers who love hidden gems. 3. Outfit and Photography Tips • Outfit: The weather in Dali and Lijiang is sunny but with large temperature differences. It is recommended to bring bright-colored long dresses (white, pink, blue all photograph well) paired with a knit cardigan or denim jacket. For the snow mountain, wear red or white down jackets to stand out against the snowy scenery. • Photography: ◦ Use framing composition, such as windows and door frames in Photos 3, 4, 10, and 11, to frame the scenery and people, adding depth to the image. ◦ Use props, like afternoon tea in Photo 1 or cowboy hats in Photo 9, to make the scene richer and more natural. ◦ Try back or side shots often, which showcase the scenery and create atmosphere. The back shots in Photos 2, 5, 6, 7, and 8 all tell a story. 4. Suggested Itinerary (5 Days 4 Nights) • Day 1: Arrive in Dali → Explore Dali Ancient Town → Stay in Dali Ancient Town • Day 2: One-day Erhai Lake tour (Dali Ancient Town → Panxi → Xizhou → Shuanglang) → Stay in Shuanglang • Day 3: Dali → Lijiang → Explore Lijiang Ancient Town → Stay in Lijiang Ancient Town • Day 4: One-day tour of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain + Blue Moon Valley → Stay in Lijiang Ancient Town • Day 5: Baisha Ancient Town → Return trip If you have more time, you can also visit Lugu Lake to experience the charm of the "Kingdom of Women" in the East. The romance of wind, flowers, snow, and moon in Dali and the ancient town and snowy mountains of Lijiang—during your days in Yunnan, you will understand what "poetry and distant dreams" truly mean. Take this guide and go encounter your own Yunnan romance! Generate related images based on the content.