Dali Travel Guide | Encounter the Romance of Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon, with a Comprehensive Itinerary

Darlings, Dali is truly a place you won’t want to leave once you arrive! As a seasoned travel blogger, I’m sharing this fantastic Dali travel guide to help you explore the city effortlessly and experience its romantic charm of wind, flowers, snow, and moon💕 🗓️ Itinerary Day 1: First Impressions of the Ancient Town - Morning: Arrive in Dali and check into your accommodation in Dali Ancient Town. Head to Beimen Market, where you can buy super affordable fruits and dried wild mushrooms. Blueberries are just ¥10 per pound—great value! - Afternoon: Navigate to Dali University and visit the popular Hongsheng Road for a stunning view of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake in one frame. - Evening: Stroll through Renmin Road’s night market for a lively atmosphere and listen to street musicians. Don’t miss "Big Bowl Island Coffee"—their 4th-floor terrace offers breathtaking sunset views over Cangshan and the ancient town rooftops. Day 2: Exploring Erhai Lake’s West Shore - Early Morning: Wake up early to catch the sunrise at Longkan Dock. Rent an e-bike (around ¥30/day) and head to "Xindi Coffee" for free scenic photo spots. - Morning: Cycle along the ecological corridor (Caicun → Panxi S Bend), enjoying the beautiful scenery and close-up views of Erhai Lake. Rent a bike for ¥10—avoid shared bikes due to inconvenient return policies. - Afternoon: Visit Xizhou’s rice fields for photos reminiscent of the drama "Meet Yourself." If the corner building is crowded, check out the "Jiaseji Art Gallery" in the alley for great shots of tie-dye and vintage items. Day 3: Hidden Gems of Cangshan Mountain - Morning: Arrive at Jizhao Temple by 8 AM for their ¥20 all-you-can-eat vegetarian meal (served at 11:30 AM—arrive early to secure a seat). The temple’s succulent garden feels like a fairy tale. - Afternoon: Take the Gantong Cableway up Cangshan Mountain and hike the Jade Belt Cloud Trail for stunning views. If hiking isn’t your thing, opt for the Ximatan Cableway instead—don’t forget to buy oxygen cans (¥25) at the base. Day 4: Relaxing in Shuanglang - Morning: Visit "Lakeside Clouds Hideaway" in Shuanglang, a garden homestay featured by Yang Yang. Their ¥298 afternoon tea includes an Erhai Lake + floral photo package. - Evening: Feed seagulls at Little Putuo (seasonal from November to March). Bring European-style bread—it’s more popular with the birds than regular bread. Skip the boat tickets after photos. Day 5: Shopping & Departure - Morning: Return to Beimen Market for freshly baked flower cakes (¥15/pound) and dairy fans from the grandma’s stall opposite the post office—her rose jam is divine. Bargain for handmade tie-dye scarves (around ¥30) on Nanmen Wenxian Road, perfect for gifts. - Afternoon: Pack up and head home, ending your wonderful Dali trip. 🍜 Food Recommendations - Grilled Dairy Fan: "Yang Ji" at Beimen Market offers rich, fragrant ones—sprinkled with sugar for authenticity. - Bai-style Stone Grill: Try the pork belly and tofu at "Old Fisherman" in the ancient town—just ¥50/person for a satisfying meal. - Sour-Spicy Fish: "Corner Delights" in Shuanglang serves fresh fish with a broth so good you’ll want extra rice. 🏠 Accommodation Tips - Dali Ancient Town: "Ark Mu Homestay" (¥100+/person) features Bai-style courtyards and a starry terrace, with free maps from the host. - Near Erhai Lake: "Cloud Sail Sea Lodge" in Caicun (¥280) offers sea views at great value. 📸 Photo Spots - Lonely Tree at Langqiao: Navigate to "Sea Area One Guesthouse" for stunning backlit silhouettes in the afternoon. - Luwoshan Ruins: A 5-minute climb rewards you with magazine-worthy shots in the cave frame. - Zhemo Mountain Night View: Dali’s "La La Land" for couples—charter a car (¥200) and bring a jacket. ⚠️ Notes - Dali’s UV rays are strong—pack sunglasses, sunscreen, and protective clothing. - Some Erhai West Shore roads are car-free; skip convertibles (restricted and prone to scratches). Chartering a car (¥400/day) is ideal. - Bring windproof jackets for Cangshan hikes—temperature drops at the summit. Hope this guide helps you create unforgettable memories in Dali! Drop questions in the comments—I’ll do my best to answer~