I finally understand the meaning of solo travel for women!

Dali City · Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture Longkan Pier Erhai · Dali City A carefully designed travel guide for women to Yunnan Dali Erhai, balancing safety, experience, and poetic atmosphere, suitable for solo or group travel: Recommended Destination: Erhai Lake, Dali Reasons to Recommend Erhai Lake is known as the "Pearl of the Plateau," blending the snowy shadows of Cangshan Mountain, Bai culture, and a slow-paced lifestyle. The area has good public security (a mature tourist area friendly to solo female travelers), convenient transportation, natural healing lake and mountain scenery, and a lively artistic town atmosphere. It is especially suitable for women seeking relaxation and deep experiences. Trip Highlights and Details 1. Cycling Around Erhai Lake - Route: Start from Longkan Pier, cycle north along the ecological corridor, passing Caicun Flower Sea, the S-shaped popular plank road, ending at Xizhou Ancient Town (about 20 km in total, flat with no slopes). - Experience: Depart early morning to encounter morning mist on the lake and red-billed gulls; white benches and ancient seaside trees are set along the way for photo stops. Rental points provide rattan bike baskets and sun hats for sun protection and great photos. 2. Shuanglang Sunset and Art Town - Secret Spot: Avoid the main street, navigate to "Shanjian Coffee," order a plum special drink, enjoy a 270° unobstructed lake view, and quietly wait for the "Jesus rays" piercing through the clouds at sunset. - Cultural Experience: Visit Bai ethnic tie-dye workshops (such as "Lanxu"), make your own square scarf (about 90 minutes), using indigo root dye to paint Cangshan cloud patterns. 3. Strolling Xizhou Ancient Town - Must-visit: Yellow walls of the corner tower, golden rice fields (green in April-May, golden in September-October), enjoy rose jam yogurt on the Xilinyuan terrace. - Off-the-beaten-path: Ride a small horse carriage through the fields, visit local grandmothers to learn making crispy su baba (both salty and sweet flavors), fresh out of the oven with a fragrant crispness. 4. Light Hiking on Cangshan Mountain - Female-friendly route: Take the Gantong Cableway to Qingbixi, walk along the Yudai Yunyou path (3 km flat), overlooking the full view of Erhai Lake, ending at Zhonghe Temple to enjoy the same vegetarian meal as "Jizhao An." Food Recommendations - Heartwarming Breakfast: Beimen Vegetable Market’s thin mung bean noodles with fried dough sticks, add chili and crushed peanuts, savory and warming. - Creative Cuisine: "Mushui · Indigo Dye" restaurant’s sour papaya fish pot, tender fish, appetizing sour soup, outdoor seating facing Erhai Lake. - Must-try Dessert: Rushan ice cream roll, wrapped with rose jam or chocolate chips, rich milky flavor without greasiness. Women’s Exclusive Tips 1. Safety and Convenience - Choose accommodation on the west shore of Erhai (such as Majiuyi Village), avoid the hustle of the ancient city, recommended sea-view homestays like "Erhai Wake Up," with floor-to-ceiling windows and bathtubs to watch the starry sky. - Avoid walking alone on remote village roads at night; patrol cars operate on the lakeside road. 2. Best Photo Times - Before 9 AM: Calm lake surface at Caicun Pier for "sky mirror" reflections. - 6:30 PM: Couple trees at Haishi Park, beautiful backlit silhouettes. 3. Cultural Respect - Do not step on thresholds when entering Bai homes; when encountering local temples, greet with palms together and no photography. Sample Itinerary (4 days 3 nights) - Day 1: Arrive in Dali → Check in at west shore homestay → Cycle at Longkan Pier → Night stroll on Renmin Road in the ancient city. - Day 2: Xizhou Ancient Town (rice fields + tie-dye) → Haishi Park → Shuanglang sunset dinner. - Day 3: Light hiking on Cangshan Mountain → Vegetarian meal at Gantong Temple → Soak in Eryuan hot springs (mineral-rich, relieves fatigue). - Day 4: Buy tie-dye souvenirs in Zhoucheng → Return trip. Pre-trip Reminders: Strong UV in Dali, bring high-SPF sunscreen and sunglasses; bring a light jacket during rainy season (June-August), as temperature varies greatly on sunny days. Confirm full battery for electric bikes and wear helmets. The beauty of Erhai lies in the balance of laziness and freedom—whether it’s the gentle breeze brushing your skirt during solo cycling or sharing a bowl of Rushan cheese with a stranger, this trip becomes a healing balm for the soul 🌊.