I. Overview of the itinerary
• Core theme: natural landscape + humanistic experience + non-genetic inheritance + slow life immersion
• Best time: April-May (spring cherry blossoms), September-October (high and fresh autumn), avoid the rainy season in July-August and the Spring Festival peak season
• Transportation suggestions: Rent electric vehicles around the ancient city / Erhai Lake (50 yuan / day), long-distance (Shaxi, Nuodeng) carpooling or chartered car, scenic spot direct train can be booked through the official account of "You Dali"
• Accommodation logic: stay in the ancient city for 2 nights (convenient to visit and eat), stay in Shuanglang for 1 night (sea view experience), stay in Shaxi / Nodeng for 1 night (deep immersion)
II. Detailed itinerary
Day1: The slow time of meeting Dali and the ancient city for the first time
• Morning: Arrive in Dali (airport / high-speed rail station), take the airport bus or taxi to the ancient city of Dali, and stay in the boutique inn in the ancient city (recommended to "go down the mountain", the courtyard is quiet, and you can walk to the core block). After putting down the luggage, stroll along Renmin Road, make tie-dye, visit vintage shops, and feel the literary atmosphere.
• Noon: Check in at the martial arts theme restaurant "Duan Gongzi Shendiao Chivalrous Couple Store", taste mushroom hot pot or Bai sour and spicy fish, and experience the characteristics of Yunnan flavor.
• In the afternoon: Go to the Foreigner Street to experience multiculturalism, climb the Wuhua Building to overlook the panoramic view of the ancient city; go to the art area of the bed sheet factory to see the exhibition of local artists.
• In the evening: eat snacks such as roasted bait blocks and milk fan shaqima in the ancient city night market, or go to the "Drunk Yunnan" bar to listen to folk songs; stay in the ancient city inn at night and experience the tranquility of the Bai courtyard.
Day2: Ring Erhai West Line・Countryside and Non-heritage
• In the morning: Rent an electric car to start from the ancient city, ride along the west line of Erhai Lake to the S bend of Xixi, and shoot a blockbuster of the Internet-famous highway in the morning fog; pass through the Caicun Wharf to see the scenery of Erhai Lake and the countryside.
• Noon: Arrive at Xizhou Ancient Town and have lunch at the "Xilinyuan Rice Field Restaurant". The yellow wall rice field is matched with white-style dishes, satisfying the visual and taste.
• Afternoon: Visit the ancient town of Xizhou, check in the corner building and the Yanjia compound, and buy freshly baked crispy baba (salty and sweet flavors are optional); go to Zhoucheng Puzhen Tie and Dyeing Hall, make blue and white square towels by yourself (80 yuan per capita), and experience the fun of non-heritage crafts.
• Evening: Ride back to the ancient city. For dinner, I recommend "Fire Pond Impression · Wild Mushroom Garden Hot Pot". The fresh mushroom soup base warms the heart and stomach; continue to stay in the ancient city inn.
Day3: Ring Erhai East Line・Secret World and Sunset
• In the morning: chartered car around the Erhai East Line (300 yuan/day, can be used for 4 people), the first stop is to the color-digging wharf, and shoot emotional blockbusters in the abandoned dock; go to Xiaoputuo to feed the wintering red-billed gulls (winter limited).
• Noon: Eat at the local farmhouse in Kaise Town, taste the sour and spicy fish soup made by Erhai fish, with fresh wild vegetables.
• Afternoon: Check in the Rainbow Highway in Wenbi Village and take Instagram photos; go to the ideal state tourist town, feel the romance of "Dali Santorini" in the white building complex, overlooking the panoramic view of Erhai Lake.
• Evening: Arrive at Shuanglang Ancient Town, check in at the "Aketia Anyin Li's Courtyard Seaview Resort", the terrace faces the Cangshan Erhai Lake; have dinner at the "Forten Forten Sea View Coffee Western Restaurant", enjoy the sunset and eat Yunnan cuisine; after dinner, stroll along the Shuanglang sunset corridor and feel the tranquility of the ancient town. Atmosphere.
Day4: Exploring the 幽幽 of Cangshan・Buddhist country and the sea of clouds
• In the morning: Return to the direction of the ancient city from the double corridor, take the cableway to Cangshan (110 yuan/person), walk the Yudai Yunyou Road, and enjoy the alpine vegetation and the long-term view of Erhai Lake along the way; visit Jizhao Temple ("succulent Buddhist temple"), the courtyard is full of succulent gardens, and the environment is quiet.
• Noon: Eat vegetarian food at Jizhao Temple (20 yuan / person, make an appointment before 11:30), light and delicious, and feel the Zen food culture.
• In the afternoon: After going down the mountain, go to the three pagodas cultural tourism area of Chongsheng Temple, visit the landmark buildings of Dali, take pictures of the reflection of the three towers in the Juying Pool, and feel the solemnity of the thousand-year-old temple; then go to the "Big Bowl Island" cafe, enjoy the panoramic view of Cangshan Mountain at 270°, and take a short rest.
• Evening: Return to the ancient city for accommodation, choose "Dali Ark Fatty, I'm waiting for you in Dali" for dinner, taste the traditional Yunnan flavor favored by the media; you can visit the night view of the ancient city and feel the lively atmosphere that is different from the daytime.
Day5: Shaxi Ancient Town・Chama Ancient Road Crossing
• In the morning: Carpool to Shaxi Ancient Town (80 yuan/person, 2 hours' drive, prepare motion sickness medicine at the bend of the mountain road). After arrival, check in at the "Shiran Mountain House" homestay. The rammed earth architecture is matched with the pastoral scenery, and the sense of healing is full.
• Noon: Eat Bai nationality specialties in the ancient town, recommend fresh milk rice cloth, milk cake stir-fried pork, and feel the authentic flavor.
• In the afternoon: visit the ancient town of Shaxi, walk on the Yujin Bridge and listen to the bells of the horse gang, and check in the Pioneer Book Bureau (the architectural style of the Bai nationality). If it happens to be Friday, you can go to the local market to buy wild mushrooms and handmade products.
• Evening: Eat bacon hot pot in the ancient town restaurant with local rice wine; stay at Shaxi B&B at night to experience a quiet night away from the hustle and bustle.
Day6: Return trip・Take away the taste of Dali
• In the morning: Get up early and stroll in Shaxi Ancient Town to feel the pastoral atmosphere in the morning; carpool back to Dali Ancient City (2 hours' drive), enjoy the scenery along the way.
• Noon: Eat cold chicken rice noodles in the ancient city "Retro look back at the chicken rice noodles (No. 1 store on Renmin Road)". As a farewell meal in Dali, the taste is authentic and cost-effective.
• Afternoon: Visit the specialty store of the ancient city, buy Jiahua freshly baked rose flower cakes, Yunnan small-grain coffee, and tie-dyeing handicrafts as gifts; according to the return time, take a bus or taxi to the airport/high-speed rail station (about 40 minutes' drive from the ancient city to the airport) to end the trip.
III. Practical tips
1. Sun protection and warmth: strong ultraviolet rays on the plateau, SPF50 + sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats are essential; the temperature difference between day and night is large, so you need to bring a thick coat or a thin down jacket.
2. Avoid traffic pitfalls: choose a high-power model when renting an electric car, and check that the battery is full; if you charter a car, you must sign an electronic contract to clarify the itinerary and cost.
3. Diet attention: Do not eat unknown wild mushrooms during the fungus season (July-September), choose regular restaurants to taste fresh; the white diet is sour and spicy, and those who are sensitive to the stomach can prepare gastrointestinal medicine.
4. Cost reference: about 4,000-6,000 yuan per capita (including round-trip transportation), including accommodation 1000-1900 yuan, local transportation 500 yuan, ticket + experience 400 yuan, catering 900 yuan, and gifts 300 yuan.
IV. Food recommendation
• Sour and spicy fish: made of crucian carp, stewed with sour papaya and chili, the soup is bright and red, sour, spicy and fresh. It can be combined with tofu and potato juice, and fish soup with rice or cooked rice noodles is perfect.
• Wild mushroom hot pot: Must-try in the rainy season (June-September). Add freshly harvested mushrooms such as matsutake mushrooms, chicken fir, dried ba mushrooms, etc. to the base of the local chicken soup. The mushroom fragrance and the meat fragrance are mixed. It can also be matched with charcoal-grilled pine mushrooms or dried peppers. It is spicy and crispy. Be sure to choose a regular restaurant to eat.
• Raw skin: Bai nationality "sashimi", selected pork belly meat and hind leg meat, golden pork skin with pink and tender lean meat, dipped in plum vinegar and chili paste, the meat is crispy and tender, sour and spicy and appetizing, Eryuan hot spring pork is the quality.
• Yongping braised chicken: fresh and delicious, oily but not greasy, stewed chicken is soft and flavorful, and the sauce is rich. It is a classic hard dish on the Dali table, and it can be served with rice.
• Yunlong Nuodeng ham: the meat is tender and red, moderately salty, and has a long aftertaste. It can be directly sliced and eaten raw, or stir-fried with vegetables, showing the unique flavor of traditional craft.
• Xizhou baba: also known as broken crisp baba, which is divided into sweet and salty flavors. The sweet taste is filled with brown sugar and rose sauce, and the salty taste is filled with minced meat and salt and pepper. It is baked and eaten on the spot. The outside is crispy and the inside is soft. It is a must-eat snack when visiting Xizhou.
• Cold chicken rice noodles: Represented by the chicken rice noodles (the first store on Renmin Road), the rice noodles are smooth, with shredded braised chicken and secret sauce, which is sour, spicy and fragrant. It is a popular local style and extremely cost-effective.
• Milk fan series: "Yunnan cheese" made of fermented milk, baked milk fan brushed with rose syrup, crispy on the outside and glutinous inside; fried milk fan rolled bean paste, sweet, crispy but not greasy; innovative eating method apple milk fan tower, milk fragrance + fruity fragrance fresh, is the first choice for desserts.
• Roasted bait block: After charcoal grilling, it becomes soft and fluffy. It is smeared with homemade sauce. You can add crispy whistle, shredded kelp and other ingredients. It is salty, fragrant and delicious. It is a common breakfast and night snack on the streets of Dali.
• Rose flower cake: represented by Fat Ding in Dali Rose Cottage, it is freshly baked and fragrant, the outer skin is crispy, the filling is sweet but not greasy with rose sauce, with a natural floral fragrance, and can be used as a gift.
V. Accommodation recommendation
(I) Around the ancient city of Dali (convenient to eat and have a strong literary atmosphere)
Luxury Type: Dali Ancient City Yueshan Haiban Mountain Villa Luxury Hotel (Rating 4.8)
• Highlights: 360-degree panoramic view of Erhai Lake, push the window to see the sunrise of Cangshan, with its own cafe and indoor children's playground, the poolside restaurant is full of dining atmosphere, and the butler's service is considerate, suitable for families or couples to vacation.
• Location: Near Dali University, 15 minutes on foot to the core area of the ancient city, quiet in the hustle and bustle.
Comfort Type: Liyi Hotel (Dali Ancient City Branch) (Rating 4.8)
• Highlights: It is very close to the ancient city pedestrian street and Erhai Lake. It provides duplex loft rooms, garden view rooms, with landscape swimming pools, and the butler's service is thoughtful. It supports free parking. It has been praised by 53 consecutive guests, and it is super cost-effective.
Homestay type: Wolan Hidden Luxury Hotel (Dali Ancient City Branch) (Rating 4.9)
• Highlights: Newly opened art-style homestay, the rooftop observation platform offers a panoramic view of Cangshan and Erhai Lake, pet-friendly, the room has a balcony, and there is an art gallery inside, which is suitable for literary youth, and 76 consecutive guests have given praise.
(II) Around Erhai Lake (Immersion in the sea view, take photos)
Shuanglang Ancient Town: Aketia Anyin Lee's Courtyard Sea View Resort (Rating 4.8)
• Highlights: A first-line water-friendly sea view, the terrace faces Cangshan Erhai Lake, providing travel photography services and lakeside afternoon tea, parent-child-friendly, children's play experience is good, at night, you can stroll along the double corridor sunset corridor, feel the tranquility of the ancient town.
Xixi / Near S Wan: Haitian Love Hotel (Dali Erhai S Wan Ecological Corridor Store) (Rating 4.8)
• Highlights: Mediterranean-style homestay, private water-friendly garden terrace, invincible mountain sea view, you can enjoy the sunrise of Erhai Lake in the morning, walk to the S-bend Internet celebrity highway, convenient to ride around the lake, continuously praised by 103 guests.
Wenbi Village / Ideal State: Zhenmei Holiday Inn (Dali Erhai Cliff Sea View Store) (Score 4.8)
• Highlights: Facing Cangshan and Erhai Lake, there is a charming sea view outside the window. At night, you can enjoy the moving night view. Some room types can see the Rizhao Jinshan Mountain, the decoration is Bai nationality style, the panoramic restaurant dining experience is excellent, and free parking is supported.
(III) Niche ancient towns (deep immersion, away from the hustle and bustle)
Xizhou Ancient Town: Hanting Hotel (Dali Xizhou Ancient Town Branch) (Score 4.9)
• Highlights: Newly opened with complete facilities, thoughtful service, family rooms, free laundry service and buffet breakfast, self-contained cafe, convenient robot service, walking distance to Xizhou corner building and rice field, suitable for visiting Xizhou.
Shaxi Ancient Town: Shiran Mountain House (Homestay)
• Highlights: The rammed earth building is matched with pastoral scenery, full of healing, the courtyard is quiet, the room is simple and comfortable, and you can walk to Yujin Bridge and Pioneer Bookstore. You can deeply feel the tranquility of the tea and horse ancient road, which is suitable for a slow-paced vacation.
VI. Precautions
(I) Climate and dressing: Coping with plateau temperature difference and strong ultraviolet rays
• Sun protection is the top priority: Dali is located on the plateau, and the intensity of ultraviolet rays is far higher than that of the plains. You need to prepare SPF50 + sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and sunscreen in advance, especially when cycling around Erhai Lake or climbing Cangshan Mountain, apply sunscreen every 2-3 hours to avoid sunburn.
• The temperature difference between day and night is large, and it should be layered: even in summer (June-August), you may wear short sleeves during the day, and you need to wear a thin coat at night or on rainy days; in winter (December-February), you need to bring a thick down jacket or windbreaker. The altitude of Cangshan Mountain is high, and there may be snow on the top of the mountain, so you need to prepare warm clothes.
• Rainy season to prevent rain, dry season to replenish water: July and August is the rainy season, and you need to carry a folding umbrella or disposable raincoat with you. Some mountain roads (such as the Cangshan hiking trail) may be muddy, and it is recommended to wear non-slip sneakers; 11 - April of the following year is the dry season, and the climate is dry. You need to drink more warm water to avoid dry lips.
(II) Traffic travel: avoid pits and put safety first
Rent an electric car / bicycle to avoid pits:
• Give priority to the brands that have regular stores and support scanning codes to unlock (such as Hello, Green Orange), or rent a physical store with a good reputation in the ancient city, confirm that the vehicle is fully charged (at least 60 kilometers can run), the brakes are sensitive, and the merchant **** is retained.
• You need to wear a helmet and abide by the traffic rules when cycling around Erhai Lake. The non-motorized road on the west line (Xixi to Xizhou) is spacious, and there are no special lanes in some sections of the east line (Dishe to Shuanglang). You should pay attention to avoid motor vehicles.
• Don't believe the trap of "low-priced car rental". Some merchants will asky for prices on the grounds of "vehicle damage". When picking up the car, they will take a video to record the condition of the car body and confirm it in person when returning the car.
Precautions for chartering / carpooling:
• Long-distance (such as Shaxi Ancient Town and Nuodeng Ancient Village), it is recommended to book a regular convoy through the hotel front desk, or place an order on the official platform of "You Dali", clarify the itinerary, cost (including fuel fee, toll fee) and driver service time, and sign an electronic contract.
• Refuse roadside "black cars". Some black car drivers may increase prices halfway, or recommend high-priced shopping spots and restaurants.
Traffic tips for scenic spots:
• Cangshan Cable Car (Gantong, Ximatan) needs to buy tickets on the official account in advance. Ximatan Cable Car is greatly affected by the weather and may be temporarily suspended in case of strong winds and rainstorms. It is recommended to check the real-time notification before traveling.
• You need to choose a regular company (such as Dali Tourism Group) for Erhai cruise ships, and avoid taking private boats to ensure safety.
(3) Cultural respect: abide by local customs and avoid offense
Enter the Bai residence / Buddhist temple etiquette:
• When visiting places such as the Yan Family Courtyard in Xizhou and the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, you need to take off your shoes and enter the room. Don't touch Buddha statues and murals at will, and don't make noise. The walls and door gods of Bai people are important symbols, and you can't take photos or graffiti at will.
• When participating in the "three teas" ceremony of the Bai nationality, take the tea with both hands, drink the first cup (bitter tea) and continue, and do not pour it at will to show respect.
Taboos of ethnic minority festivals:
• If you encounter festivals such as March Street (March 15th to 21st of the lunar calendar), Torch Festival (June 24th of the lunar calendar), follow the on-site guidelines and do not touch ** items without permission; when participating in the torch festival, pay attention to the surrounding crowds and flammables to avoid causing danger.
(4) Food safety: be careful when tasting fresh food to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort
Food safety in the fungus season:
• When wild fungi are on the market from July to September, you must choose qualified restaurants with clear prices (such as "Fire Pond Impression" and "Mr. Duan"), do not eat wild fungi of unknown origin, and do not pick wild fungi by yourself to avoid poisoning.
• If you have nausea, vomiting, dizziness and other symptoms after eating fungus hot pot, seek medical attention immediately, and keep the restaurant **** and consumption vouchers.
Adapt to local taste and stomach:
• The diet of the Bai nationality is sour and spicy (such as sour and spicy fish, raw skin). Those who are sensitive to the stomach can inform the restaurant in advance to "be less spicy" or prepare gastrointestinal medicine (such as montmortone, probiotics).
• Raw skin is a characteristic raw food of the Bai nationality. You need to choose a regular store to confirm the freshness of the ingredients. A small amount is recommended for the first time to avoid gastrointestinal intolerance.
Drinking water and fruits:
• Don't drink unboiled raw water, give priority to bottled water or direct drinking water provided by the hotel; although tropical fruits (such as mangoes and pineapples) are fresh, they should not be consumed in excessive quantities to avoid fever or allergies.
(5) Consumption and shopping: rational consumption, prevent traps
Avoid pitfalls in the purchase of specialties:
• To buy Pu'er tea, silver jewelry, tie-dyeing and other specialties, give priority to chain stores in the ancient city (such as "Jiahua Flower Cake" and "Puzhen Tie-dye"), or large supermarkets (such as Wal-Mart), and avoid buying high-priced "sky-priced tea" and "fake silver jewelry" at roadside stalls.
When buying jade and emerald, you need to ask for a formal appraisal certificate. Don't easily believe in "tour guide recommendation" and "low price" and so on. You should bargain rationally and don't consume impulsively.
Travel photography and experience project selection:
• For projects such as travel photography and tie-dyeing experience around Erhai Lake, check the evaluation on the online platform (such as Meituan and Dianping) in advance, and confirm the package contents (such as the number of clothing sets, the number of photos, whether it includes refinement), and avoid temporary price increases after arriving at the store.
• For cycling, rowing and other experience items, confirm the details of charges (such as whether insurance and overtime fees are included), and do not easily believe in the "free experience" gimmick.
(VI) Accommodation and safety: control the details and ensure comfort
Accommodation selection and safety:
• When staying in a homestay in the ancient city, choose a store with access control and monitoring, and store valuables in the room safe or carry them with you; when staying in the Erhai Lake Inn, confirm the moisture-proof measures in the room, and avoid choosing a room that is susceptible to moisture on the first floor during the rainy season.
• Check the "Cancellation Policy" when booking. If the itinerary may change, give priority to "free cancellation" or "limited-time cancellation" housing.
Personal and property safety:
• When cycling around Erhai Lake or visiting the night market, keep your mobile phone, wallet and other items safe, and avoid putting them casually next to the electric car basket or dining table to prevent theft.
• Try to avoid going to remote sections alone (such as uninhabited areas on the west bank of Erhai Lake) at night. If you need to go out, inform your companions or the hotel front desk in advance of the itinerary.
Some people say that Dali is a city of "healing system". Here, you don't have to rush the itinerary, you don't have to chase the scenic spots, you just need to follow the rhythm of your heart - go to Jizhao Temple to see the flesh and climb the walls, go to Chongsheng Temple to listen to the wind chimes of the three towers, go to Shaxi Ancient Town to feel the tranquility of the tea and horse ancient road, or just sit by the Erhai Lake for an afternoon and watch the clouds. After all, in Dali, the most beautiful scenery is never a landmark, but the "slow down" state of mind, which is the poetry brought by the wind and the tenderness hidden in the days.