Still haven't planned a trip to Dali in March?

This Dali travel guide is packed with useful information. Join me in exploring the city that waits for only one person in a lifetime. I. Accommodation Options 1. Xiaguan City Center: Choose downtown Xiaguan if you prefer not to stay near Dali Ancient City. This is undoubtedly an effortless and convenient option. It offers easy access to other tourist spots and is convenient for traveling to Haixi or Haidong. 2. Wenbi Village: This village boasts a beautiful environment, open views, and stunning scenery. However, transportation here can be relatively inconvenient, making it less suitable for travelers with mobility issues. 3. Outside Dali Ancient City: Staying outside the ancient city offers convenient transportation, numerous restaurants, and a vibrant night market. Its proximity to the ancient city allows you to easily explore its charm. 4. Caicun Wharf or Longkan Wharf: These locations are close to Erhai Lake and are excellent spots for watching the sunrise. Although transportation may not be very convenient, they offer a unique travel experience. 5. Shuanglang: If you love beachfront properties, Shuanglang is a good choice. However, it is relatively far from the high-speed rail station and airport. II. Erhai Lake Tour A tour around Erhai Lake is one of the essential activities in Dali. The entire loop around the lake is about 140 km, divided into the Haixi (west) line and the Haidong (east) line. The Haixi line mainly consists of ecological corridors where driving cars or riding electric bikes is prohibited, but your chartered vehicle can take you directly to the entrances of various scenic spots, allowing you to enjoy the scenery effortlessly. The Haidong line mainly consists of coastal roads where you can freely park by the seaside to admire the lake view. If time permits, you can choose to complete the tour in two days. ~Lake Tour Route: Ancient City - Panxi S-bend - Covered Bridge and Lone Tree - Xizhou Ancient Town - Shuanglang Ancient Town - Luwoshan Ruins - Wenbi Village - Santorini Dali - Xingsheng Bridge - Return to Ancient City Day 1: Haixi Line 1. Fengyangyi: Visit the Windy Courtyard and Sunset Boulevard. 2. Cang'er Avenue: Take photos on the highway towards Erhai Lake. 3. Longkan Wharf: A great location for watching the sunrise. 4. Panxi Village: Visit the famous S-bend road on the ecological corridor. 5. Covered Bridge: Take photos of the bridge and the lone tree. 6. Xizhou Ancient Town: A Bai ethnic town with corner towers and fields of waving wheat. 7. Zhoucheng: The hometown of tie-dyeing, where you can experience DIY tie-dyeing. Day 2: Haidong Line 1. Shuanglang Ancient Town: A lakeside ancient town, perfect for enjoying coffee by the sea. 2. Luwoshan: A wild scenic spot with seaside cliffs and old windows. 3. Small Putuo: The smallest island in Erhai Lake, with seagulls in winter. 4. Wenbi Village: A rainbow road leading to Erhai Lake. 5. Ideal Land: The Santorini of Dali, with many white buildings. 6. Xingsheng Bridge: A bridge with European-style architecture. III. Food Recommendations Dali offers a wide variety of food, ranging from traditional Bai ethnic dishes such as fried pork ribs with mint and "watery flowers" to local snacks like grilled fish, Rushan cheese, and flower cakes. Other local specialties like cold rice noodles and fish hotpot are also worth trying. While enjoying the food, you can also try some DIY activities, such as tie-dyeing in Zhoucheng, the hometown of tie-dyeing. IV. Practical Tips 1. Chartering a vehicle is recommended for a more flexible travel experience. 2. Dali has strong UV rays and large temperature differences between day and night, so pay attention to sun protection and warmth. 3. Wear comfortable shoes for long walks. 4. Bring rain gear in case of weather changes. Plan your trip according to this guide! I hope you have a pleasant and unforgettable trip to Dali!