1. Dali and Lijiang, Around the Spring Festival
Dali and Lijiang, these two charming cities, emit a unique light during the Spring Festival, attracting numerous tourists
(1) The Charm of Dali
Dali, with its beautiful natural scenery and profound historical and cultural heritage, has become a popular destination for Spring Festival tourism. Erhai Lake, like a brilliant pearl, presents a unique beauty of ice and snow during the Spring Festival. The ice and snow on the lake complement the Cangshan Mountains, creating a breathtaking sight. Tourists can take a boat ride to fully appreciate the picturesque scenery and feel the unique atmosphere of the Spring Festival
Dali Old City has a long history and is the birthplace of Bai culture. During the Spring Festival, the ancient city is decorated with lights and colorful decorations, creating a lively atmosphere. On the quaint streets, tourists can taste delicious food, such as Crossing the bridge noodles, Erhai Fish, etc., and buy special handicrafts to experience the living customs of the Bai people. In addition, Cangshan Erhai Scenic Area is also a landmark landscape of Dali. Tourists can take the cable car up the mountain, overlook the entire Erhai Lake, and experience the magnificence of nature. You can also visit the 19 peaks of Cangshan and the 8 scenic spots of Erhai Lake to experience different natural scenery
(II) Temptation of Lijiang
Lijiang is full of ancient town charm. As a world cultural heritage site, the Old Town of Lijiang shows a strong historical and cultural heritage and unique ethnic customs during the Spring Festival. The streets and alleys in the ancient city are decorated with lights and colorful decorations, exuding a festive atmosphere. Tourists can taste authentic Naxi cuisine here, such as chicken bean jelly, preserved pork ribs, etcII. The trip to Dali Old City, which is always wonderful, is full of strong New Year flavor. The red debris that sets off firecrackers at the doorstep of every house is like a festive carpet, spread out in every corner of the ancient city. The air is filled with the scent of burning candles, giving people a unique sense of tranquility and solemnity. The alleys are quiet and simple, and the Qingshiban Road is winding. On both sides are Bai traditional buildings, carved beams and painted rafters, full of national characteristics. Strolling in the alley, it feels like passing through time and returning to the past. Occasionally, one can hear laughter and joy from afar, as tourists share the joy of the Spring Festival. The festive atmosphere of the ancient city is not only a visual feast, but also a spiritual comfort, allowing people to find the warmth of home in this unfamiliar city
(II) Experience of the Western Ring Road
On the second day of the Lunar New Year, embark on a journey along the Western Ring Road. Yangnan Creek, the water is gurgling and clear to the bottom. The weeping willows by the stream sway gently in the breeze, as if telling the story of Dali. At Caicun Pier, boats come and go, and tourists board boats here, heading towards the depths of Erhai Lake. The distant Cangshan Mountain appears particularly majestic under the sunshine, complementing the Erhai Lake and forming a beautiful landscape painting. Following the western route, the scenery along the way is picturesque and enchanting. You can see Bai villagers working in the fields, with simple smiles on their faces. You can also encounter some unique small shops selling local handicrafts and delicacies, which make people unable to resist stopping and tasting
(III) Scenery of the East Ring Road
On the third day of the Lunar New Year, come to the East Ring Road. Digging colors, there are peaceful beaches and quaint fishing villages here. The fishing boats by the seaside are neatly arranged, and the fishermen are busy tidying up their nets, preparing for a new day at sea. The double corridor is like a brilliant pearl embedded in the Erhai Lake. There are many unique inns and restaurants here, where you can enjoy beautiful sea views while tasting delicious food. The streets of Shuanglang are full of artistic atmosphere, and the graffiti and various decorations on the walls are eye-catching. Here, time seems to stand still, allowing people to fully enjoy this wonderful time
(4) Exploration of niche scenic spots
The niche scenic spots in Dali, such as Longwei Pass, hide the original appearance of Dali's life. Built along the mountain, with "Shoukang Slope" as the central axis, the street is dotted with old town snacks and traditional workshops. Embroidered shoe stalls, traditional Chinese medicine clinics, paper fire shops, etc., make people feel the strong atmosphere of fireworks. Erhai Lake Park is the most frequently visited park by locals. There are beautiful natural scenery here, with Autumn Forest Avenue, Meizhu Garden, Camellia Garden, and Rhododendron Garden displayed one after another, and various exotic flowers and exotic scents overflowing. Majuyi, the "Maldives" of Dali, is one of the most concentrated places for Siberian red billed gulls. Thousands of red billed gulls dance gracefully here, complementing the blue sky, white clouds, and green water, forming a stunning painting. These niche attractions showcase a unique beauty of Dali, leaving people reluctant to leave
III. A trip to Lijiang, an unforgettable journey
(1) Charm of Lijiang Ancient Town
The three ancient towns in Lijiang have their own characteristics and emit unique charm
Baisha Ancient Town: Among the three major ancient towns in Lijiang, Baisha Ancient Town has the most Yunnan style charm and a strong Naxi cultural heritage. The cultural atmosphere here is strong, and you can feel the magnificence of nature. There is Princess Naxi's yak meat hotpot, and the freshly slaughtered and sliced beef on that day is very tender. Opening the window, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the snow capped mountains while eating. There is also fresh yak milk tea, which has a delicate taste and a strong milk flavor. In addition, Mantou poets' rose Mantou is full of artistic flavor, and the head of carbon water will be flushed. The Baisha murals are also a must see attraction that can immerse people in Naxi culture
Shuhe Ancient Town: Shuhe Ancient Town is relatively peaceful and has an ancient charm. The murmuring stream in the town adds a touch of liveliness to the ancient town. The ancient stone bridge spans the stream and connects the streets on both sides. On both sides of the street are traditional Naxi architecture, with wooden houses emitting a quaint atmosphere. Here, you can stroll along the bluestone pavement, feel the traces of time, and taste various specialty snacks such as chicken bean jelly
Dayan Ancient Town: As a world cultural heritage site, Dayan Ancient Town is bustling with activity. During the Spring Festival, lanterns and colorful decorations are hung up, creating a joyful atmosphere. There are countless specialty shops in the ancient town where you can purchase various handicrafts and souvenirs. Sifang Street is the center of the ancient town, where various performances and activities are often held. At night, the ancient town of Dayan is brightly lit, and songs can be heard from the bar street, creating a lively atmosphere
(II) The Beauty of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Jade Dragon Snow Mountainis an iconic attraction in Lijiang, with many excellent viewing spots
Maoniuping: Take a sightseeing bus combined with a cableway to get there, which takes about one hour one-way and two hours round-trip. This is a plateau grassland with magnificent scenery. Under the sky, on the side of the snow peak, it is extremely poetic. Although yaks are not commonly seen, the vast plains make people feel as if they are immersed in the painting of nature
Heilongtan Park: Heilongtan Park offers a panoramic view of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The lake water in the park is clear, and the ancient buildings complement the natural landscape. On clear days, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is clearly reflected in the lake water, beautiful and breathtaking Lijiang's small villages have a unique charm Yuhu Village: Yuhu Village is the closest village to Yulong Snow Mountain and is called "Ngv lv Kee" in Naxi language. There is a plateau lake called Longnu Lake here, known as the "tears" of Yulong Snow Mountain and the "white moonlight" in the eyes of Naxi people. The lake reflects the continuous peaks and clouds like a mirror, so beautiful that it is suffocating. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of snow capped mountains, grasslands, and lakes, making it one of the best places to admire the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Wenhai Village: Wenhai Village is a Naxi ancient village hidden at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain. The vast majority of people who come to Lijiang miss this beautiful village. This place boasts primitive natural scenery and is known as a niche secret of Lijiang. You can directly see the back of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which is very spectacular. Wenhai is a lake under the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, surrounded by mountains on all sides. The lake is bordered by grasslands, with herds of cattle and horses on the grassland, which is particularly primitive Fishing Village: Fishing Village is peaceful and tranquil, with traditional Naxi architecture and beautiful rural scenery. The village is adjacent to a lake, with clear water and undulating mountains around it. Here, you can experience the traditional way of life of the Naxi people and taste authentic rural cuisine Lijiang has many unique small shops worth visiting Heyi Coffee: The store has an elegant environment and a strong aroma of coffee. You can sit by the window, taste coffee while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Lijiang. There is a wide variety of coffee here, including hand brewed coffee, specialty coffee, etc., to meet the taste needs of different people< Shanqian Courtyard: Shanqian Courtyard is a small shop full of artistic atmosphere. There are various exquisite handicrafts and decorations in the store, as well as comfortable seats for tourists to rest. You can feel the slow pace of life in Lijiang here Zhang San's shop: Zhang San's shop attracts tourists with its unique style. There are various interesting products in the store, ranging from specialty clothing to small accessories. You can find some unique treasures here Lijiang's cuisine is unforgettable< Licheng Restaurant: Its signature dish is minced meat with tofu sauce, which is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the meat aroma is overflowing. Cut Yunnan specialty fermented tofu into small pieces, stir fry minced pork with seasonings such as scallions, ginger, and garlic until fragrant, then spread on top of the tofu and fry in a pan until both sides turn golden brown. Crispy and delicious in taste, it is a great dish to drink and satisfy cravings Foodie's Private Kitchen: This restaurant's dishes are unique, using fresh local ingredients as raw materials to cook delicious dishes. For example, Naxi grilled fish, after careful marinating, the fish meat is full of flavor. The outer layer is fried golden and crispy, while the inside maintains a tender and smooth taste. Paired with flavorful fermented black beans and various seasonings, it leaves an endless aftertaste Xiao Nanman: Xiao Nanman is loved by tourists for its exquisite dishes and comfortable environment. You can taste various specialty snacks, such as iced noodles and cold snacks, made with white jelly as the ingredient, smooth and delicious, and melt in your mouth. Paired with red syrup, rose sugar, papaya water, sesame and other seasonings, it is sweet and delicious Chef Chen: Chef Chen has a wide variety of dishes, including many local specialties. For example, the braised pork ribs hotpot, with the pork ribs as the main character, is carefully cooked to release a rich soup base. Various side dishes dance gracefully in the hotpot, and the combination of meat and vegetables is salty, fresh, delicious, and rich< Xitang: Xitang's cuisine attracts many diners with its unique flavors. You can taste Lijiang Baba, which has two flavors: sweet and salty. It is carefully made with glutinous rice, flour, and eggs as the main ingredients. The outer layer is layered and crispy, delicious, and the filling is delicious, filling people with satisfaction and happiness The cost of traveling to Dali and Lijiang during the Spring Festival may vary depending on personal consumption habits and choices. The following is a rough budget based on the cost information provided in the materials Transportation costs: Accommodation costs: Ticket fees: Food expenses: Transportation: Other aspects: Dali clay pot fish can be regarded as a shining pearl of Dali cuisine. This dish gathers over ten carefully selected fresh meat ingredients such as tender chicken slices and winter mushrooms, while the soul ingredient is bow fish or carp from the clear waters of Erhai Lake. After slow simmering, the soup gradually becomes rich and the fish meat is tender and delicious. Tourists tasting on the cruise ship can feel the spiritual charm of Cangshan and Erhai Lake jumping on their tongues; You can also enjoy this famous dish in major hotels in Xiaguan or Dali Carved Plum is a traditional specialty food of the Bai ethnic group in Dali, Yunnan. Selecting spring green plums, after careful selection, cleaning, drying, carving, pickling and other processes, soaking them in high-quality brown sugar and honey for several months, presents an enticing golden color. The carved plum and pork belly perfectly combine the sweetness of carved plum with the richness of pork belly, with a unique taste and rich nutrition and cultural heritage Midu Steamed trotters have a bright color, a mellow taste, diverse ways of consumption, and are easy to preserve. Whether it's cold dishes, frying, or stewing, they can all showcase different flavors. It has become the top choice for local people's festivals, banquets, and friends due to its unique charm, and is also a must try delicacy for tourists People from Heqing, Dali blow fresh pig liver with a wheat rod to the extreme, steam it in a steamer, and slice it. Mix in cilantro, soy sauce, vinegar, chili, monosodium glutamate, salt and other seasonings to achieve excellent color, aroma and taste. This dish originates from the wisdom of various ethnic groups in northwest Yunnan and embodies unique cooking techniques Originating from the Haishao fish in Binchuan, Dali, the main ingredient is the delicious local silver carp. Through exquisite craftsmanship, the fish meat is fresh and tender, with a tempting color and a faint fragrance. Tasting it feels like being immersed in the green mountains and waters of Binchuan Bai ethnic sour and spicy fish is deeply loved by people for its moderate sour and spicy taste. Selected fresh fish from Erhai Lake, paired with special sour and spicy seasonings, the fish meat is tender and juicy, melting in the mouth; The sour and spicy soup is appetizing, both relieving greasiness and leaving a lasting aftertaste This Yunnan style famous snack not only has a rich and mellow taste, but also has medicinal effects of warming the middle and tonifying qi, strengthening the spleen and stomach. The perfect combination of grilled meat and bait threads makes every bite feel like tasting the gifts of nature This famous dish of Dali Bai ethnic group is mainly made of tofu and mud loach, full of protein, and suitable for all seasons. The perfect fusion of the two, rich in nutrients, is mouth watering The Bai people freeze fresh fish meat and high-quality tofu before cooking, preserving the original delicious taste and adding a refreshing and refreshing sensation. You can feel the delicacy of tofu and the freshness of fish jumping on your tongue with every bite "Yunnan's eighteen monsters, milk made into slices for sale" refers to milk fans. The milk fans in Dali are named after their milky white color, semi transparent appearance, smooth and oily texture, and fan like shape. It can be fried, roasted, scalded, stewed, deep fried, boiled, and stir fried, and can be tasted at banquets and rural courtyards in Dali Liangji Rice Noodles are a popular snack in Dali. Rice noodles are poured into a bowl, mixed with various seasonings and braised chicken, then topped with homemade marinade, oil splashed with chili, Sichuan pepper oil, and cooked walnuts. The moderate sour and sweet taste is loved by locals and easily accepted by outsiders Tasting Bai San Dao Tea, feeling "one bitterness, two sweetness, three aftertaste". The first tea has a bitter aroma, the second tea has a sweet aroma with a milky aroma, and the third tea combines spiciness, sweetness, and tea fragrance. Tasting it is a kind of mood and also a kind of life Dali Old City's fire bar meat bait silk fragrance overflows. The bait has a pure white color and delicate texture, paired with a unique and one-of-a-kind design(III) Strolling through Small Villages
(4) Check in to Featured Small Shops
(V) Gourmet Journey
IV. Costs and Precautions
(1) Cost Budget
(II) Precautions
V. Recommended Dali Lijiang cuisine
(1) Dali cuisine
1 Dali clay pot fish
2. Carved Plum with Meat
3. Steamed trotters
4. Heqing liver blowing
5. Haishao Fish
6. Bai ethnic sour and spicy fish
7. Weishan roasted meat bait silk
8. Mud Loach and Drilled Tofu
9. Frozen White Tofu Fish
10. Milk fan
11. Liangji Rice Noodles
12. Bai San Dao Tea
13. The fire bar meat bait silk