Dali: A Place Where Time Slows Down and the Soul Finds Peace

## Dali Budget Travel Guide: Students Can Also Enjoy the Romantic Scenery! **1. Must-Visit Attractions (Free/Low-Cost Edition)** * **Erhai Ecological Corridor** (Free): Perfect for cycling or hiking with stunning views. Recommended route: Caicun Village to Longkan Dock. * **Dali Ancient Town** (Free): Explore artsy shops on Renmin Road, enjoy bars on Foreigner Street—the town is especially charming at night. * **Xizhou Ancient Town** (Free): More authentic than Dali Ancient Town. Don’t miss the iconic Corner Tower and rice fields, and try the local Xizhou baba! * **Jizhao Nunnery** (Free): Known as China’s most beautiful nunnery, famous for its succulents and vegetarian meals (¥20). * **Shaxi Ancient Town** (Free): A serene tea-horse road town, ideal for relaxing and sunbathing. **2. Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences (Avoid Crowds)** * **Longkan Dock at Dawn**: The best spot for sunrise, with fewer people and breathtaking views—perfect for photos. * **Zhoucheng Tie-Dye Workshop** (¥50-100): Create your own tie-dye piece and experience Bai culture. * **Zhemo Mountain** (Free): Offers panoramic views of Dali and Erhai Lake, especially romantic at night. * **March Street Market** (Open on the 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd of the lunar month): A local market with cheap fruits and snacks. **3. Food Guide (¥20 per person for a full meal)** * **Breakfast**: Beimen Market’s pea flour porridge (¥5) + fried dough sticks, or Xizhou baba (sweet or savory, ¥10). * **Lunch/Dinner**: * **Wase Cai Xiang Yuan**: A local favorite with dishes like mashed potatoes with pickles and water spinach soup—around ¥30 per person. * **Zai Hui Shou Liang Ji Mi Xian**: Cold rice noodles with sweet, sour, and spicy flavors—small bowl for ¥8 is filling. * **Weishan Pa Rou Er Si**: Soft rice noodles in rich broth, ¥12/bowl. * **Snacks**: Grilled milk fan (¥5), Yangbi rolled rice noodles (¥6), and fried tofu (¥10). * **Fruit Heaven**: Beimen Market’s strawberries (¥8/jin) and mangoes (¥5/jin)—enjoy fruit freedom! **4. Accommodation Recommendations (¥50-80 per person)** * **South Gate of Dali Ancient Town**: Convenient location. Recommended: "Dali Four Seasons Youth Hostel," dorm beds at ¥50/night. * **Caicun Dock**: Quiet lakeside stay. "Dali Erhai Awake Inn" offers sea-view rooms for ¥150 in low season. * **Wase Town**: A hidden gem. "Wase Sea Neighbor Inn" has great value, standard rooms at ¥120. **5. Money-Saving Tips** * **Transport**: Renting an e-bike (¥40/day) is cheaper than taxis. For Erhai Lake, use shared bikes for segmented rides. * **Tickets**: Most attractions are free. Admire Chongsheng Temple’s Three Pagodas from afar—no need to buy tickets. * **Shopping**: Tie-dye clothes are half the price in Zhoucheng compared to the ancient town—don’t forget to bargain! **Itinerary Suggestion:** * **3 Days & 2 Nights**: Day 1: Dali Ancient Town