Dali recap! I really don't recommend visiting in March or April! Because…

Because it's just too beautiful!!! Tired of the same old tourist traps? Want to explore Dali's hidden gems? This 3-day, 2-night, local's guide to Dali will take you deep into the unique charm of this city of wind, flowers, snow, and moon. Itinerary Day 1: Greet the Erhai sunrise, embrace the countryside 🌅 Early morning: Head to Longkan Wharf, the perfect spot for sunrise viewing in Dali. As the first rays of sunlight hit the shimmering Erhai Lake, the golden glow intertwines with the azure water—a breathtaking sight. Check the sunrise time in advance and arrive 30 minutes early to secure the best viewing spot. 🚲 Next: Embark on a cycling tour of the Panxi S-bend. Rent a bicycle and cycle along the coastline, enjoying the gentle breeze. Along the way, you'll see the azure Erhai Lake, swaying reeds, and the Cangshan Mountains in the distance—every spot is picture-perfect. There are many popular photo spots along the way, so don't forget to stop and take some pictures. 🌾 Afternoon: Head to Xizhou Rice Paddies, where the wind blows through the rice fields. The vast green paddies contrast with the ancient Bai houses, creating an idyllic pastoral scene. Wear light-colored clothing and run and jump through the rice fields for some fresh, Japanese-style photos. 🎨 Evening: Arrive at Zhoucheng and experience the traditional Bai tie-dye craft. At a local tie-dye workshop, learn from a master craftsman how to outline patterns with needles and thread, dyeing white cloth into colorful works of art. Make your own tie-dye souvenir and take the colors of Dali home with you. Day 2: Explore hidden gems, encounter stunning night views ☕ Morning: Find a lakeside cafe in Shuanglang and enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea. Savor delicious coffee and exquisite pastries while admiring the scenery of Erhai Lake, allowing your body and mind to completely relax. 🌊 Afternoon: Head to the Luwoshan Ruins, a hidden gem in Dali. The abandoned buildings stand by the sea, their broken walls contrasting sharply with the azure lake, creating a mysterious and unique beauty. Walk down the path to the seaside and take photos on the reefs for some artistic shots. 🌈 Next: Visit the Wenbi Village Rainbow Road, where colorful houses are scattered across the hillside, as if you've stepped into a fairy tale. Here, every corner is a surprise, and every wall is a perfect backdrop for photos. 🌃 Evening: Head to Zhemo Mountain to enjoy a "La La Land"-esque night view. As night falls, the city lights gradually illuminate, twinkling like stars and reflecting in the night sky—a truly beautiful sight. It is recommended to go up the mountain after 6:30 pm to enjoy both the sunset and the dazzling night view. Day 3: Savor Zen life, experience the charm of the ancient city 🍱 Morning: Visit Jizhao Temple, known as the "most beautiful nunnery in China," a place full of Zen and vitality. The temple is filled with various flowers that bloom throughout the seasons, like a paradise on earth. Be sure to try the vegetarian dishes here—they are light, delicious, and unique. Please observe the rules when dining, keep quiet, and cherish the food. 🐎 Afternoon: Stroll along the Fengyangyi Ancient Tea Horse Road, where the stone-slab roads, ancient houses, and towering old trees seem to tell the stories of the past horse caravans. Walk slowly along the ancient road and feel the weight of history and the passage of time. 🌆 Evening: Return to Dali Ancient City and start your night tour. The ancient city is brightly lit and bustling with activity. Wander through the ancient streets and alleys, sample various local snacks, and buy exquisite handicrafts. You can also find a bar, sit down, listen to music, and experience the nightlife of the ancient city. Transportation Guide - Airport transportation: The airport bus goes directly to the ancient city for 25 CNY, which is convenient and fast. If you have a lot of luggage or prefer comfort, you can also take a taxi, which costs about 100 CNY. - Erhai Lake transportation: Renting a car (about 200 CNY/day) is highly recommended for maximum flexibility to stop and admire the scenery. If you are traveling with fewer people, electric scooters (about 50 CNY/day) are also a good option, but pay attention to the battery level and riding safety. - Transportation within the ancient city: The roads in the ancient city are narrow and the alleys crisscross. Tricycles are a good way to get around. Remember to bargain with the driver; generally, 10 CNY/trip is enough. Best Photo Spots - Xingsheng Bridge: The Gothic-style architecture, tall arches, and exquisite sculptures make you feel like you are in Europe. You can take retro-style photos here. Dark-colored clothing is recommended for better results. - Yunxiang Mountain: The cliff chapel and sunset cable car fulfill all your romantic fantasies. There are relatively few tourists here, so you can take beautiful photos without the crowds. - Panxi S-bend Highway: In addition to cycling, taking photos on the highway is also very popular. With Erhai Lake as the backdrop, the photos are fresh and natural. - Xizhou Ancient Town Rice Paddies: As mentioned above, the rice paddies offer different scenery in different seasons, lush green in summer and golden yellow in autumn, each with its own charm. Food Recommendations - Dongmen Food Market: This is a food paradise, hiding all kinds of authentic snacks. The pea jelly has a delicate texture and is served with special seasonings, making it sour and spicy. The grilled rice cakes have a crispy exterior and a soft interior, super satisfying with every bite. You can eat your fill for just 10 CNY per person. - Baijia Restaurant: If you want to eat authentic Bai cuisine, come here. The signature dish, raw pork, is made with fresh pork and specially treated for a tender texture. Served with a dipping sauce, it has a unique flavor. There are also casserole fish, milk fan, and other dishes, each one unforgettable. - Cunkou Cafe: This cafe is hidden at the entrance of Xizhou Ancient Town and has a tranquil environment. Sitting by the window, enjoying coffee while admiring the beautiful scenery of the rice paddies is very relaxing. Their lattes and desserts are excellent and worth trying. - Old Lady Potatoes: A common street snack, the potatoes are roasted until golden brown on the outside and soft on the inside. With added spring onions, chili peppers, and other seasonings, the aroma is irresistible. It's a favorite among locals. Things to Avoid - Choose car rental companies carefully: Be sure to choose a reputable company when renting a car, carefully check the condition of the vehicle, and take a video of the inspection. Avoid renting faulty cars to prevent affecting your trip and causing unnecessary losses. - Avoid noisy areas near bar streets: If you want a good night's sleep, try not to choose accommodations too close to the bar street. Bar street usually stays open until the early hours of the morning, and the noise can affect your rest. - Pay attention to market times: Visiting the March Street Fair is a great way to experience local folk culture, but pay attention to the time. It is only open on the 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd of each lunar month. - Choose reliable tie-dye workshops: Although Zhoucheng is the birthplace of tie-dye, some businesses sell inferior products. When choosing a tie-dye experience, compare and choose a workshop with a good reputation and reasonable prices. Pre-trip Preparations - Sun protection: Dali's UV rays are very strong, so sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are essential. It's best to bring sun-protective clothing and an umbrella as well. - Warm clothing: The temperature difference between day and night is large, so even in summer, it is recommended to bring a light jacket to prevent catching a cold. - Common medications: Prepare some common medications such as stomach medicine, cold medicine, and motion sickness medicine, just in case. - Other items: ID card, portable charger, camera, comfortable shoes—these are all travel essentials. Expense List - Accommodation: 200-300 CNY/night. Cai Village sea-view rooms are recommended for their good value and Erhai Lake views. - Food: 50-80 CNY/day per person. Dali's food prices are relatively affordable, allowing you to enjoy delicious food without spending too much. - Tickets: Most attractions are free; only the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple require tickets (75 CNY/person). - Transportation: Car or electric scooter rental fees, airport bus fees, and city transportation fees are estimated to be around 100-200 CNY per day. Hidden Gems - Bedsheet Factory Art District: There is a creative market every Saturday, with a wide variety of handicrafts, original designs, and snacks. You can find many treasures here and experience Dali's artistic atmosphere. - Small Putuo Island: A small and exquisite island in Erhai Lake, with a temple and flocks of seagulls. You can feed the seagulls here, enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, and take great photos. - Shaxi Ancient Town: Although it is a 2-hour drive from downtown Dali, it is well worth a visit. This is a filming location for "Go Where the Wind Blows" and retains the original charm of an ancient town, tranquil and peaceful. Friendly Reminders - Be sure to sign a contract when renting a car, clarifying the rights and obligations of both parties. - When buying local products or souvenirs, pay attention to quality and price to avoid being overcharged. - Remember to bring rain gear when traveling during the rainy season, and be aware of slippery roads to ensure safety.