Erhai Lake Cycling Must-See Guide

Come to Dali to experience the romance of wind, flowers, snow, and moon! Here you’ll find the stunning scenery of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, as well as the poetic life in the ancient town alleys. Follow this route to easily unlock the most stylish Dali trip～ 🚶‍♀️Itinerary: Day 1: 📍Dali Ancient Town: Stroll along the bluestone paths and feel the Bai ethnic culture. It’s recommended to enter from the South Gate, first explore Fuxing Road, then head to Yuer Road to check out various artsy shops. In the evening, don’t miss the People’s Road Night Market, where many special snacks await you! 📍Three Pagodas Cultural Tourism Area: In the afternoon, visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple. The ticket costs 75 RMB, and renting an audio guide is recommended for a leisurely tour. The best photo spot is at the Three Pagodas Reflection Park outside the scenic area, which is free! Day 2: 📍Erhai Lake Cycling: Start at 8 AM from Caicun Pier, it’s recommended to rent an electric bike (about 60 RMB/day). Along the way, you’ll pass Longkan Pier, Panxi Village S-Bend (a popular photo spot), and Xizhou Ancient Town. Be sure to try the crispy popo cake and milk popsicles in Xizhou! 📍Shuanglang Ancient Town: Arrive in Shuanglang in the afternoon. It’s recommended to have afternoon tea at the Sun Palace Art Space, which costs 180 RMB per person including tea and admission, but the scenery is definitely worth it. Day 3: 📍Cangshan Mountain: It’s recommended to take the Gantong Cableway (round trip 80 RMB), first visit Qingbixi, then hike 4.5 km along Yudai Road to Qilongnü Pool. If you have good stamina, you can continue up to the Ximatan Cableway. 📍Jizhao Nunnery: In the afternoon, visit China’s most beautiful nunnery. The vegetarian meal costs 20 RMB and is super delicious (served at 11:30). The succulent plants and hydrangea decorations are perfect for photos! 🥢Food Recommendations: ✅Zai Huishou Cold Chicken Rice Noodles: Multiple branches in Dali Ancient Town, 8 RMB/bowl ✅Shijing Private Kitchen: Located on Bo’ai Road in the ancient town, must-try are the sour and spicy fish and water spinach ✅Sifang Street Food Shop in Xizhou Ancient Town: Great value, signature dish is braised chicken 🏡Accommodation Tips: 1. To watch the sunrise, stay near Caicun Pier, recommended is Dali Erduo Garden Seaview Hotel 2. If you like lively places, stay inside the ancient town, but note some inns have poor soundproofing 3. Seaview rooms in Shuanglang are more expensive, it’s recommended to book one month in advance ⚠️Practical Tips: 1. Sunscreen! Sunscreen! The UV rays in Dali are very strong 2. Remember to bargain when buying shawls, usually 30-40 RMB is a good price 3. Book all tickets in advance during peak season; cableways may have queues over 2 hours 4. For a more authentic tie-dye experience, go to Zhoucheng Village, which is more genuine than the shops in the ancient town