[2025 Dali Stay] Travel Guide for Regent Hotel (Updated May)

Hey, guys! 👋 Is there a song that reminds you of a gentle breeze from Erhai Lake, gently stirring your longing for the romantic land of Yunnan? I came to Dali because of the song "Go to Dali". "Are you dissatisfied with life? You haven't smiled for a long time, and you don't know why. Since you are unhappy and don't like it here, why not go west to Dali?" The lazy, casual, and free lyrics made me full of longing for Dali, a city full of poetry and freedom, and I couldn't wait to experience its unique charm. In February, with anticipation, I embarked on a journey to Dali. Come and check out my guide! 🌆 Dali is located in western Yunnan and is a city gently embraced by Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. Here, you will find the clear and mirror-like Erhai Lake, with the lake reflecting the blue sky and white clouds, like a dream; the majestic Cangshan Mountain, with its 19 peaks towering high, and the snow on the top of the mountain never melting; and the ancient and quiet Dali Ancient City, with its winding bluestone roads and ancient city walls witnessing the vicissitudes of time. In February, Dali is sunny, with a gentle breeze and a pleasant climate, making it a great time to travel. 🚗 Transportation Guide ✈️ Plane: After arriving at Dali Fengyi Airport, there are airport buses to the city center and Dali Ancient City, which are economical and affordable. You can also take a taxi, which takes about 30–40 minutes to reach Dali Ancient City and start your journey of wind, flowers, snow, and moon. 🚄 High-speed train: There are many trains at Dali Station, and the surrounding transportation is convenient, with smooth connections to buses and taxis, making it easy to reach various attractions. The operating hours of city buses are mostly from 7:00 to 19:00, and some tourist buses will be adjusted according to the season. Remember to check the bus app for real-time information before traveling. When traveling along Erhai Lake, renting an electric bike or driving a car is a good choice, as you can stop at any time to enjoy the scenery. 🗺 Recommended Travel Routes Day 1️⃣: Dali Ancient City - Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple - Xizhou Ancient Town Day 2️⃣: Erhai Ecological Corridor - Shuanglang Ancient Town - Nanzhao Customs Island (by boat) Day 3️⃣: Cangshan Ximatan Cableway - Gantong Cableway - Cangshan Geological Park 🌟 Must-visit Attractions 📍 Dali Ancient City: Walking into the ancient city is like traveling back to the ancient Dali Kingdom. The buildings in the ancient city retain the style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Wuhua Tower and Foreigner Street are bustling, and the shops along the street are full of various handicrafts and delicacies. Stroll around and feel the leisure and comfort of the ancient city, and savor the charm of history. 📷 📍 Erhai Lake: Rent an electric bike and ride along the Erhai Ecological Corridor, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains along the way. Under the blue sky and white clouds, the water of Erhai Lake is sparkling, and the distant Cangshan Mountain is undulating. Every photo you take is a masterpiece. Find a lakeside homestay in Shuanglang Ancient Town, fall asleep to the sound of the ripples of the lake at night, and wake up to the beautiful lake view in the morning. 📌 Practical Guide 1. Dali Ancient City is open to the public for free, but some attractions, such as the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, require separate tickets, which can be booked online in advance. When visiting, pay attention to protecting the environment of the ancient city and do not litter. When tasting Xizhou Baba in Xizhou Ancient Town, remember to find a freshly made one for the best taste. 2. Some sections of the Erhai Ecological Corridor are closed to motor vehicles. Pay attention to safety when cycling and protect yourself from the sun. Book accommodation in Shuanglang Ancient Town in advance and choose a room with a good view. Pay attention to the time when taking a boat to Nanzhao Customs Island, and spend 1–2 hours on the island. Choose the Cangshan cableway according to your physical condition. The Ximatan Cableway is at a high altitude, so be careful to prevent altitude sickness. Bring warm clothes, as the temperature on the mountain is low. 🍜 Local Food Recommendations 🥘 Ersi: A specialty of Dali, it has a soft and chewy texture and can be eaten in various ways, such as boiled or fried. In the morning, have a bowl of steaming boiled Ersi with meat sauce, chopped green onions, and coriander. The delicious soup wraps the Ersi and starts your day full of energy. 👍 🍃 Three-course Tea: You must experience the Bai people's three-course tea in Dali, which is bitter, sweet, and memorable, containing the philosophy of life. You can taste it in Xizhou Ancient Town or some folk villages and experience the unique tea culture. 🏨 Hotel Accommodation 📍 In Dali Ancient City: Dali Wind, Flower, Snow, and Moon Hotel, with a superior location in the ancient city, is convenient for travel. The rooms are decorated in the Bai style, with an antique flavor, allowing you to immerse yourself in the charm of the ancient city. 📍 By Erhai Lake: Dali Shuanglang Hushan Yunyin Homestay, built by the lake, has a beautiful environment. Some rooms have a direct view of Erhai Lake. The homestay is well-equipped and provides thoughtful service. Fall asleep to the tranquility of Erhai Lake at night and wake up to the beautiful lake and mountains in the morning. 💖 Travel Experience During these three days in Dali in February, I felt like I was immersed in a poetic and free world. The ancient charm of Dali Ancient City, the beauty of Erhai Lake, and the delicious food all intoxicated me. Humming "Go to Dali" and strolling through the streets of Dali, I truly felt the charm of this city. Everything here is like an endless love poem and an endless painting. I look forward to coming back next time to continue exploring this land of wind, flowers, snow, and moon. 💕

Dali, a popular tourist destination in Yunnan, combines the natural beauty of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, the cultural charm of the Bai ethnic group, and a laid-back lifestyle. Here’s a practical guide tailored to different needs, covering classic routes, off-the-beaten-path experiences, food and accommodation recommendations, and tips to avoid tourist traps: ### 1. Classic Must-Do Routes **Cycling Along Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor** - **Route:** Longkan Pier → Panxi S-Bend → Langqiao → Xizhou Ancient Town (approx. 20 km) - **Highlights:** Stop by the viral S-Bend and the Lonely Tree. Rent a bicycle (¥15/day) or e-bike (¥60/day) to explore the countryside away from commercialized areas. - **Tip:** Ride in the morning for soft lighting and great photos. Head to Shuanglang for sunset views. **Hiking in Cangshan Mountain’s Hidden Trails** - **Recommended Route:** Gantong Cableway → Jade Belt Cloud Path → Zhonghe Temple (11.5 km total) - **Highlights:** Hike along the mountainside for panoramic views of Erhai Lake, visit the viral succulent-filled Jizhao Temple, and explore Qingbi Stream. - **Cost:** Cableway one-way ¥85; hiking is free. - **Note:** Weather changes quickly—bring a windproof jacket and rain gear. Some trails are slippery, so wear grippy shoes. **Deep Dive into Shaxi Ancient Town** - **Transport:** Take a bus from Dali Bus Station to Shaxi (2.5 hrs, ¥35) - **Activities:** Sunrise at Yujin Bridge, ancient stage, Pioneer Bookstore, and hillside cafés. Visit the Bai ethnic market on Fridays. - **Stay:** Shaxi Absolute Art Inn or Shiran Mountain House (¥300–500/night). --- ### 2. Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences **Zhemo Mountain Wind Farm Night Views** - **Highlights:** Dubbed "Dali’s La La Land," it’s perfect for stargazing and city-light photography. - **Note:** The mountain road is rough—hire a car (round-trip ¥300). Bundle up in winter. **Nuodeng Ancient Village’s Salt-Well Culture** - **Activities:** Explore this 1,000-year-old Bai village, visit ancient salt wells and Yuhuang Pavilion, and try Nuodeng ham. - **Transport:** Bus from Dali to Yunlong County (3 hrs), then transfer to a minivan (20 mins). **Zhoucheng Tie-Dye Workshop** - **Recommended Studios:** Puzhen Tie-Dye Museum, Lanxu Traditional Tie-Dye - **Cost:** Workshop around ¥150/person—take home your handmade scarf or bandana. --- ### 3. Food: Hits & Misses **Must-Try List** - **Bai Cuisine:** Sour-spicy fish (with plum sauce), raw pork skin with dip, and *rushan* (grilled/fried milk fan). - **Snacks:** Zai Hui Shou cold chicken rice noodles, Yang’s *rushan*, pea jelly. - **Restaurants:** Duan Gongzi (wuxia-themed), Fly to the Moon (Western), Four Seasons Wild Mushroom Hotpot. **Pitfalls to Avoid** - Silver and tea shops in the ancient town often overcharge. - Viral restaurants have long queues—dine off-peak (after 2 PM or 8 PM). --- ### 4. Where to Stay **Dali Ancient Town** - **Best for:** Nightlife lovers. - **Hotels:** Dali Ancient Courtyard No. 1, Windflower Snow Moon Hotel (budget-friendly). **Shuanglang/Wase** - **Best for:** Couples seeking sea views and romance. - **Hotels:** Moonlight in the Pines (front-row lake views), Muxi Dali · Shanjian Café (Instagrammable). **Xizhou/Caicun** - **Best for:** Peaceful countryside vibes. - **B&Bs:** Jiyisi Country Art Hotel (Xizhou), Erhai Waking Up Seaview Inn (Caicun). --- ### 5. Tips to Avoid Scams **Transport** - Book Erhai Lake car tours via official platforms (~¥300/day)—avoid street touts. - Taxis are scarce in the ancient town; use DiDi or Gaode. **Shopping** - Buy flower cakes from trusted brands like Jia Hua or Pan Xiang Ji—street stalls may use low-quality petals. - Be cautious with jade purchases unless you’re an expert. **Seasonal Notes** - Rainy season (Jun–Aug): Carry an umbrella; some mountain roads may collapse. - Winter (Dec–Feb): Seagull season, but pack a down jacket for huge temperature swings. --- ### 6. Itinerary Suggestions **3 Days, 2 Nights (Classic)** - **D1:** Dali Ancient Town → Three Pagodas → Longkan Pier cycling - **D2:** Erhai West Route (Panxi S-Bend → Xizhou → Shuanglang) - **D3:** Cangshan hike → Jizhao Temple → Depart **5 Days, 4 Nights (In-Depth)** - Add Shaxi, Nuodeng, and Weishan Ancient Town for deeper Bai culture immersion. Dali’s charm lies in its *slow living*. Skip peak holidays, check the weather, and pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and moisturizer (high UV rays and dry air). Wander leisurely to savor its poetic "wind, flowers, snow, and moon."

#HotelReview Today I will share my accommodation in Dali that I stayed at. The hotel is called Dali Regent Hotel. The hotel is quite old, or should I say very old? But it has a good location because it is convenient and near the entrance to the ancient city of Dali. Inside the room, there is a musty smell. The room is spacious. The bathroom has a separate wet and dry zone. There is a bathtub, but the water does not drain. The sink drains slowly. There are complete toiletries. The lobby is small, crowded, full of objects and statues. There is no ventilation at all. Breakfast has a variety of choices, such as salad, tea, coffee, soy milk, boiled eggs, sausages, noodles, boiled potatoes, rice, and spaghetti. Overall, it is delicious. Check-in 14.00 Check-out 12.00 #HotelReview #AccommodationReview #HotelReviewInDali

✨Dali Ancient Town Fenghuaxueyue Hotel, a poetic encounter. 💫Stepping into the hotel is like walking into a beautiful painting. The quaint buildings and Dali's blue sky and white clouds complement each other, making people instantly immersed in this tranquil atmosphere. 🌟The wind gently blows across my face, bringing the breath of faraway places. Here, you can fully feel the gentle caress of nature. 🌸Flowers bloom in every corner, and the colorful colors add endless vitality and romance to the hotel. ❄️Snow, although not common, but its pure imagination always lingers in my mind. The hotel's elegance is as pure and white as snow. 🌙Moon, when night falls, the bright moon hangs high in the sky, casting silver light. In the hotel's courtyard, look up at the starry sky and feel the tranquility of time. 🌈Dali Ancient Town Fenghuaxueyue Hotel is a safe haven for the soul and a habitat for dreams. Come here and start an unforgettable journey. 💖Check in at Fenghuaxueyue Hotel in Dali Ancient Town and experience the romance of Fenghuaxueyue. 📸