A complete guide to traveling to Dali: avoid pitfalls, check-ins and accommodation guide.
Before going to Dali, listen to some different truths...
Those who are going to Dali from December to March should listen to this advice! The correct way to travel in Dali is here🤗 Very detailed, don't miss it if you pass by, otherwise it's really easy to step on thunder💣
Pitfalls
1. Dali Photo: You can take photos, but ask clearly about the price 💰 and photo details to avoid hidden costs later.
2. Purchase of specialty products: pay attention to the place of production and ingredient list on the packaging to avoid purchasing inauthentic or poor quality specialty products.
3. Silver jewelry: If you cannot tell whether it is real or fake, try not to buy it easily to avoid buying fakes.
4. Car rental: Choose a formal platform and take videos when picking up and returning the car to keep evidence to avoid disputes.
5. Cycling: It is recommended to choose shared bicycles, which are convenient and flexible and can be parked at parking spots at any time.
6. Lake view room: Beware of photo scams. Check the short reviews with pictures before booking to understand the real situation.
7. Charter a car: It is more cost-effective to charter a car with more people. Discuss the itinerary and price with the driver in advance💰.
8. Warmth-keeping measures: Dali is relatively cold in winter, so be sure to keep warm when traveling.
Check-in attractions
🌲 Erhai Lake West: Dali Ancient Town, Cangshan Mountain, Longkan Wharf, Panxi S Bay, Xizhou Ancient Town, Haishe Park, Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas
🌲 East of Erhai Lake: Shuanglang Ancient Town, Wenbi Village, Ideal Country, Little Putuo
Dry rice guide 🍜
The more authentic food and snacks are mainly distributed in the Erhai Gate, Beimen Vegetable Market, Wenxian Road, and opposite the Cangshan Gate in the ancient city of Dali. There are slate barbecue, grilled milk fan, flower jar milk tea, stone pot fish, etc.
Accommodation recommendations
This time I recommend Puff Designer Meisu (Dali Ancient Town, Foreigner Street Branch). The B&B is located near the Foreigner Street in Dali Ancient Town. The location is convenient to everywhere. The proprietress is warm and hospitable, and also provides afternoon tea and good night dumplings. The rooms are uniquely designed and fully equipped, allowing you to feel the warmth and comfort of home during your journey.
Route planning of scenic spots around the B&B
1. Dali Ancient Town: The homestay is located in Dali Ancient Town, so you can start your exploration of the ancient town as soon as you step out. Take a stroll along the Foreigner Street, feel the unique exotic customs, and taste a variety of special snacks. Then you can go to Fuxing Road, where there are many traditional Bai buildings and specialty shops.
2. Shuanglang Scenic Area: From the B&B, take a taxi for about 1 hour to reach Shuanglang Ancient Town. There are many restaurants and cafes by the water in the ancient town, where you can enjoy delicious food while admiring the lake view. Afterwards, you can go to Nanzhao Folk Island, take a boat tour and appreciate the natural scenery of Erhai Lake.
3. Erhai Park: It takes about 30 minutes by taxi from the hotel to Erhai Park. In the park, you can stroll along the lakeside and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Erhai Lake. You can also climb to the observation deck on the top of the mountain to overlook the entire Erhai Lake and the surrounding mountains.
Four days and three nights itinerary suggestion
☀️ Day 1: B&B→Longkan Wharf→Panxi S Bay→Xizhou Ancient Town→Dali Ancient Town (start from the B&B, take a taxi to Longkan Wharf to watch the sunrise, then visit Panxi S Bay and Xizhou Ancient Town in turn, return to Dali Ancient Town in the evening and enjoy dinner in the ancient town)
☀️ Day 2: B&B → Shuanglang Ancient Town → Nanzhao Style Island → Wenbi Village → Ideal State (take a taxi to Shuanglang Ancient Town, take a boat to visit Nanzhao Style Island, then go to Wenbi Village and Ideal State to enjoy the beautiful sea view)
☀️ Day 3: B&B → Cangshan Mountain → Yudai Road → Ximatan Lake → Gantong Temple → Jizhao Temple (Take a taxi to Cangshan Scenic Area, take the cable car up the mountain, visit Yudai Road and Ximatan Lake, and go down the mountain to Gantong Temple and Jizhao Temple to experience Buddhist culture)
☀️ Day 4: B&B → Shaxi Ancient Town → Yujin Bridge → Ouyang Courtyard → Ancient Theater → Pioneer Bookstore (Start from the B&B, go to Shaxi Ancient Town, visit Yujin Bridge, Ouyang Courtyard, Ancient Theater, and finally enjoy a quiet reading time at Pioneer Bookstore)