https://qa.trip.com/moments/detail/dali-1445616-139366578?locale=en-QA
Emma Adams 234~Singapore

A wonderful trip to Dali, unforgettable for a lifetime!

Wind, flowers, snow, and moon—I spent a whole month healing in Dali. Dear friends, if you are planning to find a place to relax and refresh your mind and body, Dali is definitely the best choice! I just finished living in Dali for a month, and now I’m sharing a super practical travel guide with you to help you easily explore Dali! Preparation Documents ID card, a small amount of cash (backup). Clothing Dali has a big temperature difference between day and night, so even if you go in summer, bring a light jacket. Girls can bring several fairy-like dresses for great photos! Daily necessities Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, umbrella (Dali’s weather is changeable), toiletries (some guesthouses don’t provide them). Medicine Common medicines like cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness pills, etc. Itinerary Classic Cangshan and Erhai Line ● Day 1: Arrive in Dali - Dali Ancient Town     ○ Morning: Arrive in Dali and check into a guesthouse near the ancient town. After dropping off your luggage, stroll along the cobblestone streets of Dali Ancient Town and feel its charm. You can visit Fuxing Road and Foreigner Street, and try local snacks like grilled milk fan and er si noodles😋     ○ Afternoon: Visit attractions inside the ancient town, such as Wenxian Tower and Wuhua Tower. Climb the ancient town walls for a panoramic view.     ○ Evening: Dine at a specialty restaurant in the ancient town, then relax at a bar and listen to folk songs. ● Day 2: Cangshan Mountain - Xizhou Ancient Town     ○ Morning: Head to Cangshan Mountain. It’s recommended to take the cable car up to enjoy the magnificent scenery. You can walk along the Yunyou Trail and breathe fresh air.     ○ Afternoon: After descending, go to Xizhou Ancient Town, which preserves many traditional Bai ethnic houses. Rent a bike to explore the alleys and experience the rich Bai culture. Be sure to try Xizhou baba, both sweet and savory flavors are delicious🤤     ○ Evening: Return to Dali Ancient Town to rest. ● Day 3: Erhai Ecological Corridor - Shuanglang Ancient Town     ○ Morning: Cycle along the Erhai Ecological Corridor, enjoying the lake and mountain scenery. Stop at viewing platforms along the way to take photos and appreciate nature’s beauty.     ○ Afternoon: Head to Shuanglang Ancient Town, an excellent spot to view Erhai Lake. Visit Nanzhao Style Island, which boasts beautiful scenery and many cultural sites.     ○ Evening: Dine at a seaside restaurant in Shuanglang Ancient Town, enjoying the night view of Erhai Lake while savoring delicious food. Hidden Gems Exploration Line ● Day 4: Nuodeng Ancient Village - Yunlong Taiji     ○ Morning: Depart for Nuodeng Ancient Village, a Bai ethnic village with a thousand-year history, preserving many Ming and Qing dynasty buildings. Walking on the village’s stone paths feels like traveling back in time.     ○ Afternoon: Visit the ancient salt well and Jade Emperor Pavilion in Nuodeng to learn about the village’s history and culture.     ○ Evening: Stay overnight at a guesthouse in the village to experience peaceful rural life. ● Day 5: Shaxi Ancient Town     ○ Morning: Head to Shaxi Ancient Town, a town forgotten by time that retains the original Tea Horse Road style. Explore the old streets and alleys, and visit ancient buildings like Xingjiao Temple.     ○ Afternoon: Relax at a café in the town and enjoy leisure time. You can also join traditional handicraft activities like tie-dyeing.     ○ Evening: Dine in the town and try local specialties such as Shaxi tofu. Food Recommendations ● Wild mushroom hotpot: Dali has a rich variety of wild mushrooms; the hotpot is delicious and nutritious. ● Sour and spicy fish: Made mainly with Erhai fish, the fish is tender with a tangy and spicy flavor. ● Crispy baba: Available in sweet and savory flavors, with a crispy crust and soft filling. ● Plum-flavored braised pork: The meat is tender with a plum aroma, rich but not greasy. Accommodation Suggestions ● Dali Ancient Town: Convenient for travel, many nearby eateries, suitable for those who like lively places. ● Shuanglang Ancient Town: Mostly sea-view rooms with beautiful views of Erhai Lake, prices are relatively higher. ● Xizhou Ancient Town: Quiet and comfortable, offering a strong Bai ethnic cultural experience. Transportation Guide ● External transportation: Dali has an airport and train station; choose the mode that suits your departure location. ● Internal transportation:     ○ Bus: Dali’s bus routes cover a wide area, but buses are infrequent and schedules may be irregular.     ○ Taxi/Ride-hailing: Convenient for travel, but traffic jams may occur during peak tourist seasons.     ○ Car/Electric bike rental: For more freedom, renting a car or electric bike is a good choice. You can book online in advance or rent locally. Dear friends, the beauty of Dali needs to be experienced in person. Pack your bags and start a romantic journey in Dali! If you have any other questions, feel free to leave a comment below🙌
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Posted: Dec 14, 2025
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