Things to do in Dali Prefecture

The Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake scenic area is incredibly beautiful on a sunny day. The cable car station seems to be accessible only by taxi, but taxis in Dali are relatively inexpensive and convenient. Note that there's still a walk up the cable car, which some people might find a bit tiring. Overall, it's very cost-effective.

The scenic area provided a free guided tour, which was quite interesting. The young girl gave a very good explanation. Several elderly people were very rude and kept interrupting the tour guide, even though they were elderly themselves 😄. In the end, we were the only ones who bought this hanging bell 🔔, mainly to support Chong Sheng Temple. The tour guide also worked hard. We bought incense to wish for peace and prosperity for the country.

On my second trip to Dali, I stayed for three days. On the first day, I stayed at Erhai Park, facing north to enjoy the view of Erhai Lake. On the second day, I stayed at Shuanglang Ancient Town, facing west to see the Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake together. On the third day, I cycled from west to east along the Erhai Ecological Corridor to enjoy the view of Erhai Lake. I also went to Yunxiang Mountain Road for extreme mountain biking, Shuanglang, Xizhou Ancient Town, Dali Ancient City, etc. Every angle offered a different perspective of Erhai Lake. The scenery in Dali is truly beautiful.

Dali Ancient City is definitely worth a visit. Entering from the South Gate, the ancient cobblestone streets exude a charming, old-world atmosphere. Backed by Cangshan Mountain, with distant views of rolling hills, it evokes the feeling of the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom. The ancient city's streets and alleys are crisscrossed, with Renmin Road and Yangren Street being particularly lively. You can find Bai ethnic snacks like roasted milk fan and crispy rice cakes on the street. Climbing Wuhua Tower offers a panoramic view of the entire ancient city's rooftops. The main street is lined with shops, making it quite commercialized. Souvenir shops abound, so be sure to compare prices before buying. It's recommended to avoid the crowds and explore the side alleys to experience the local atmosphere. Stroll around during the day, watch the sunset over the ancient city, and enjoy the enchanting ambiance when the city lights up at night. Overall, it's a great experience. I recommend allowing 2-3 hours to explore at a leisurely pace. A must-visit in Dali, perfect for a relaxing stroll and soaking in the city's laid-back lifestyle.

Overall, it was a good experience. The cable car was excellent value for money, offering a long ride and panoramic views of the entire Erhai Lake area. You could see the Cangshan Mountains nestled against the lake, with its long, narrow shoreline dotted with gradually turning golden wheat fields and dense clusters of Bai ethnic minority houses. The Cangshan Mountains are lush and verdant; without the cable car, the ascent would be extremely challenging. Walking along the Panyun Ancient Trail, the shady sections were plentiful, making it quite comfortable.

Xizhou Ancient Town is so relaxing! The streets are free to explore, and it retains a strong Bai ethnic atmosphere. Strolling through the corner towers and tie-dye alleys is very charming. The most stunning sight is the Xilinyuan Rice Paddy, nestled against Cangshan Mountain. The sunset casting its glow on the rice paddies creates a truly magical ambiance. I recommend visiting in the afternoon; half a day is just right. A leisurely stroll is perfectly timed and incredibly therapeutic.

Sun Palace is a truly unique art space in Shuanglang! Built along the rocks of Erhai Lake, with ancient trees weaving through the buildings, it blends architecture and the surrounding mountains and sea perfectly, creating a breathtaking scene. The seaside terrace offers stunning views, encompassing Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, making every corner photogenic and brimming with artistic atmosphere. Free reservations are hard to come by, but afternoon tea admission allows for unlimited time to explore. If you appreciate architectural aesthetics, it's definitely worth a visit; if you just want to stroll around, you can admire the exterior from outside the island.

Nanzhao island is good for a short boat ride and walk. Shuanglang village is actually next to the jetty. The village is like the one in Dali and Xizhou

If you're in Dali, this is a must-do! It's not picky about the weather; a light drizzle or mist creates a very picturesque scene. It won't last long, and soon the sky will be clear with blue skies and white clouds. The cable car ride offers panoramic views of most of Erhai Lake. You'll even pass through layers of clouds. The scenery is beautiful and unique, definitely worth experiencing.