First time visiting Dali, I really don’t recommend joining a tour group

Babes! Who understands this😭 I just got back from Dali, and I deeply regret it! If it’s your first time in Dali, don’t join a tour group!!!🚫 The romance hidden in the wind, flowers, snow, and moon, and the lively scenes in the alleys—none of that can be experienced on a tour! This heartfelt experience post will hand-hold you to unlock the right way to enjoy Dali👇 📍The pain of joining a tour group, who understands!! ❌ Rushed sightseeing like herding ducks: The tour schedule is insanely tight⏱️! You barely get to snap a couple of photos at Erhai Lake before being rushed away, no time to sit by the lake and daydream or feel the breeze🌬️. The promised “poetry and distant places” turns into “get on the bus and sleep, get off and take photos”! ❌ Invisible expenses everywhere: The guide says “shopping is voluntary,” but with that look and those sales pitches, you feel like a “sinner” if you don’t buy some local specialties😫. Your original budget is blown, and your wallet cries! ❌ Experience greatly compromised: Want to eat authentic local snacks? No way! You have to eat the group meals! Want to explore the market a bit longer? No way! You have to gather and leave! Dali ends up feeling like a “running account,” so frustrating!😣 🌈 Traveling independently is the right way to open up Dali! ✅ Cycling around Erhai Lake, slow to the bone Rent a small electric scooter🛵 and leisurely cruise along the Erhai ecological corridor~ Stop by the famous S-bend in Panxi Village for some atmospheric photos📸; when you see a beautiful sea of flowers, just run into the flower field and spin around~ When tired, find a lakeside café, order a rose latte☕️, and stare at the sparkling water—this is the real romance of Dali! ✅ Deep tour of the ancient city, full of local life Dali Ancient City hides countless surprises✨! In the morning, dive into a breakfast shop in the alleys for a steaming bowl of rice noodles🍜; during the day, browse handmade shops for tie-dye scarves and silver jewelry; at night, head straight to Renmin Road, sway to the street performers’ songs🎵, and enjoy grilled milk fan and rose jelly—this is Dali’s nightlife~ ✅ Explore off-the-beaten-path secret spots freely The biggest joy of independent travel is “go whenever you want”!🚗 See a stunning “covered bridge” on a whim? Just take a taxi there! Find the rice fields in Xizhou Ancient Town super soothing? Stay a couple more hours~ A trip without constraints, every step is a surprise! 🍜 Dali Food Highlights (only for independent travelers!) 🍢 Xizhou Crispy Pastry: Crispy and flaky outside, savory and tasty filling inside, 5 yuan each, perfect for snacking on the go! 🥘 Yongping Braised Chicken: Tender and flavorful chicken, paired with a bowl of rice, so delicious you’ll lick the plate! 🍨 Milk Fan Ice Cream: The divine combo of creamy milk and rose sauce, cool and refreshing, a perfect summer treat! 📝 Independent Travel Pro Tips 1️⃣ Transportation: Rent from reliable vendors, choose electric scooters with long battery life for Erhai cycling🛵; use official taxi apps, don’t trust roadside touts! 2️⃣ Accommodation: For lively vibes, stay in Dali Ancient City; for quiet, choose Caicun or Shuanglang; book sea view homestays in advance!🌊 3️⃣ Sun protection: The UV rays in Dali are super strong! Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must—don’t ask me how I know😭 ✨The beauty of Dali lies in slowly feeling the shape of the wind, the shadow of the clouds, and the warmth of the sunshine~ Babes, take my advice! For your first trip to Dali, definitely travel independently! Pack your bags and set off to encounter your own wind, flowers, snow, and moon~