Come quickly! Dali, a must-visit destination in a lifetime, has reached its most beautiful season!!!

Complete 3-day 2-night healing trip guide to Dali | At the foot of Cangshan Mountain, beside Erhai Lake, Dali, with its unique romance and leisure, has become the poetry and distant place in the hearts of countless people. Whether chasing the cloud shadows of Cangshan or indulging in the shimmering waves of Erhai, this carefully planned 3-day 2-night itinerary will take you to deeply experience the gentleness and vibrant life of this ancient city. Itinerary Overview timeline title Dali 3-day 2-night itinerary Day 1: Stroll through Dali Ancient Town + Explore the West Shore of Erhai Lake Day 2: Cultural Tour of Xizhou Ancient Town + Countryside Experience Day 3: Check-in at Ideal Village + Prepare for Departure Day 1: Encounter Dali Ancient Town, Wander the West Shore of Erhai Lake - Morning: Arrive in Dali, settle in the ancient town After arriving at Dali Airport or Dali Station, take the airport shuttle bus or a ride-hailing car to Dali Ancient Town. It is recommended to stay in a guesthouse inside or near the ancient town to experience the charm of Bai architecture and convenient travel. After a short rest, start your exploration journey. - Afternoon: In-depth tour of Dali Ancient Town Stroll along the bluestone paths, wander through Fuxing Road and Renmin Road, check in at the ancient town landmark Wuhua Tower, and climb the city tower to overlook the panoramic view of the ancient town. Visit the Dali City Museum (formerly Du Wenxiu’s Marshal Mansion) to learn about Dali’s historical changes; browse the artistic shops on Yeyu Road to find handmade crafts and tie-dye products. - Evening to night: Romantic time at the west of Erhai Lake From the ancient town, take a taxi to Longkan Pier, an excellent spot to watch the sunrise and sunset over Erhai Lake. Ride along the ecological corridor (electric bikes available for rent), pass by Panxi S-bend, and check in at the popular photo corner; watch the shadows of trees dancing on the water from the corridor bridge, feeling a cinematic atmosphere. It is recommended to visit Xindi Coffee at sunset, order a cup of coffee, and sit on the terrace by Erhai Lake, quietly waiting for the sunset to paint the sky red. - Food recommendations - Lunch: Fly to the Moon, creative Yunnan cuisine, signature Dai-style lemongrass grilled fish, pineapple purple rice, about 60 RMB per person. - Dinner: Jixianghong Bai Restaurant, taste Dali claypot fish, rose yogurt with cheese, experience Bai flavors, about 70 RMB per person. - Snacks: Grilled cheese (rose sauce flavor) and cold chicken rice noodles inside the ancient town, authentic flavors available at street shops. Day 2: Taste Xizhou, Encounter Slow Countryside Life - Morning: Cultural tour of Xizhou Ancient Town From Dali Ancient Town, take a taxi about 40 minutes to Xizhou Ancient Town. Stroll through Sifang Street, visit Yan Family Courtyard, appreciate the Bai architectural aesthetics of “Three Lanes and One Screen Wall”; check in at the corner tower and shoot vintage-style photos. - Noon: Taste the flavors of Xizhou - Xizhou Baba: Recommended at Sifang Street eateries, salty and fragrant scallion oil ham filling, sweet rose bean paste filling, freshly baked, crispy outside and glutinous inside. - Rice Field Restaurant: Xilin Garden · Jiasai Collection, enjoy lunch by the rice fields, must-try braised chicken and hot and sour fish, about 80 RMB per person. - Afternoon: Countryside scenery and local experience - Xizhou rice fields: lush green in spring and summer, golden in autumn, super healing for photos; rent a bicycle to ride through the fields and feel the romance of the wind blowing over the wheat waves. - Zhoucheng Tie-dye experience: From Xizhou, take a taxi 15 minutes to Zhoucheng Village, personally make a piece of tie-dye cloth at Puzhen Tie-dye Museum, experience intangible cultural heritage skills. - Dinner: Xizhou specialty cuisine - Four Seasons Yunye: wild mushroom hotpot, tree bark fried eggs, fresh ingredients, quiet environment, about 90 RMB per person. - Yangji Crispy Baba: Besides baba, try pea jelly and hot and sour fish, authentic home-style flavors. Day 3: Check-in at Ideal Village, Head to the Mountain and Sea Appointment - Morning: Santorini-style Ideal Village **Ideal Village (Dali’s Santorini)** is located on the east side of Erhai Lake, with white stepped buildings contrasting beautifully with the blue sky. It is recommended to walk up the hill and take Instagram-worthy photos along the way; some cafes and guesthouses require consumption for entry and photos. - Lunch: Taste the mountain and sea flavors - Juncai wild mushroom hotpot: boletus fried rice, matsutake chicken soup, incredibly fresh, about 100 RMB per person. - Muxi Dali: cliffside restaurant with panoramic views of Erhai Lake, recommended black truffle pizza and hot and sour plum fish, perfect for a leisurely lunch. - Afternoon: Prepare for departure Ideal Village is only 20 minutes by car from Dali Airport. Allow enough time to get to the airport, or visit Wenbi Village on the way, enjoy the stunning sea views along East Ring Road, and end your trip perfectly. Practical Tips Transportation suggestions: - Cycling or renting a vehicle around the west of Erhai Lake is more flexible; for East Ring Road, car hire is recommended (about 300-400 RMB/day); - From Dali Station or Airport to the ancient town, take the airport shuttle bus (15 RMB) or ride-hailing car. Accommodation choices: - For convenience, choose Dali Ancient Town; for sea views, stay in Caicun or Shuanglang; for a luxurious experience, Ideal Village boutique guesthouses are recommended. Avoid pitfalls: - Pay attention to sun protection when cycling around Erhai Lake; bring sunglasses and sunscreen; - Wild mushroom season (June to September) is safe to try; be cautious with mushroom dishes at other times; - When buying tie-dye, silver jewelry, and other specialties, it is recommended to shop at reputable stores or markets. The beauty of Dali is hidden in the wind, clouds, and time. Follow this guide and embark on a romantic journey of wind, flowers, snow, and moon! 🌊 #DaliTravel #ErhaiGuide #XizhouAncientTown #YunnanTourism #HealingTravel