Dali is a wonderful place, but…

Dali, a renowned tourist destination in Yunnan Province, China, attracts numerous visitors with its unique natural scenery, rich history and culture, and strong Bai ethnic customs. Below is a detailed travel guide to Dali, covering the best time to visit, recommended attractions, itinerary planning, and precautions: ⏰ I. Best Time to Visit The best time to visit Dali is from March to October each year. Specifically: - March to April: Cherry blossoms, rapeseed flowers, pear blossoms, and other flowers are in full bloom, making it suitable for flower viewing and photography. - July to August: Although there is more rain, you can enjoy the unique scenery of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. - Avoid peak seasons such as Lunar New Year and National Day: This can save you money and avoid crowds. II. Recommended Attractions Dali's attractions are widely distributed, mainly divided into two major areas: Haidong and Haixi. 1. Haixi Attractions - Dali Ancient City: Experience Bai culture, stroll along the bluestone roads, and climb the Five-Flower Building for photos. - Erhai Lake: Cycle or take a boat tour around the lake, enjoying the beautiful scenery. We recommend Panxi S Bay and Longkan Wharf (suitable for watching the sunrise). - Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple: A landmark building in Dali, learn about Buddhist culture. - Xizhou Ancient Town: Admire Bai dwellings and idyllic scenery. The wheat fields are lush and green in spring. - Cangshan Mountain: Hike or take the cable car to experience the magnificent natural scenery. 2. Haidong Attractions - Shuanglang Ancient Town: A beautiful town on the northeast bank of Erhai Lake, suitable for photography and leisure. - Small Putuo: A picturesque islet in Erhai Lake. - Ideal Bang: Known as the "Santorini of Dali," suitable for taking photos. 3. Other Recommendations - Shaxi Ancient Town: Simple and tranquil, suitable for slow travel. - Cat Garden: Colorful when tulips are in bloom, suitable for photography. III. Itinerary Planning Below is a classic 6-day in-depth Dali tour itinerary suggestion: Day 1: Arrive in Dali - Check in to the hotel after arrival. Visit Dali Ancient City in the afternoon and enjoy Bai cuisine (such as sour fish and roasted milk fan) in the evening. Day 2: Erhai Lake Tour - Go to Erhai Lake in the morning, cycle or take a boat tour. Check in at Panxi S Bay, Erhai Gate, and other attractions in the afternoon. Day 3: Cangshan Mountain Hike - Hike Cangshan Mountain in the morning, visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple in the afternoon, and return to the ancient city for rest in the evening. Day 4: Xizhou Ancient Town and Shuanglang - Visit Xizhou Ancient Town in the morning and go to Shuanglang in the afternoon to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Erhai Lake. Day 5: Lijiang Day Trip - Take the high-speed train to Lijiang, visit Lijiang Ancient City, and enjoy the "Impression Lijiang" show in the evening. Day 6: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Return Trip - Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the morning and return to Dali or directly return in the afternoon. IV. Precautions 1. Weather and Clothing: The temperature difference between day and night in Dali is large, so it is recommended to bring a light jacket. It is windy in spring, so pay attention to sun and wind protection. 2. Transportation: You can rent electric bikes or bicycles in the city. Shared bicycles or electric bikes are recommended for traveling around Erhai Lake, which is flexible and convenient. 3. Civilized Tourism: Do not pick flowers at will and protect the environment. 4. Tickets and Reservations: Some attractions (such as Dali University cherry blossoms) require advance reservations, so it is recommended to plan ahead. V. Food Recommendations - Xizhou Baba: A mix of sweet and savory, 5 yuan each. - Sour Fish: A Dali specialty, sour and spicy, appetizing. - Roasted Milk Fan: A traditional Bai snack with a rich milky aroma. Dali is a place suitable for slow travel. It is recommended to arrange at least 3 days to fully experience its natural and cultural charm. If you need more detailed itinerary planning or customized services, you can refer to relevant guides or contact local travel service agencies. Have a pleasant trip!