Dali: Encounter a Slow Life of Romance Amidst Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake!

### **✨ Why Dali?** **"Xiaguan Wind, Shangguan Flowers, Cangshan Snow, Erhai Moon"**—Dali's romance lies in its timeless poetic charm across all seasons. This is the filming location of *Meet Yourself*, a utopia for artistic souls, and a healing paradise for urbanites escaping the hustle and bustle. --- ### **📅 Best Time to Visit** - **March-May**: Spring blossoms, with rapeseed flowers and cherry blossoms by Erhai Lake. - **September-November**: Crisp autumn air, with Cangshan Mountain adorned in vibrant foliage. - **December-February**: Warm winter sun, welcoming Siberian seagulls as seasonal guests. --- ### **🚗 Transportation Guide** ✔ **By Air**: Fly directly to Dali Fengyi Airport, or fly to Kunming first and take a high-speed train (2 hours to Dali). ✔ **By Train**: From Kunming/Lijiang to Dali Station, then take a taxi (¥30) to the ancient town. ✔ **Local Transport**: Rent an e-bike (¥50/day) or charter a car for Erhai Lake loop (¥300/day). --- ### **🏡 Accommodation Recommendations** - **Dali Ancient Town**: Vibrant nightlife, perfect for young travelers (Recommended: Renmin Road homestays). - **Erhai Lakeside**: Stunning lake-view rooms (Recommended: Shuanglang, Caicun, Panxi Village). - **Xizhou Ancient Town**: Tranquil Bai-style courtyards with pastoral charm. --- ### **📸 Must-Visit Attractions** **【Classic Highlights】** 1. **Erhai Lake Loop**: Cycle or drive, stopping at **Panxi Village S-Bend**, **Shuanglang Ancient Town**, and **Little Putuo Island**. 2. **Dali Ancient Town**: Explore bars on Renmin Road and the market at Foreigner Street by night. 3. **Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas**: Dali’s iconic landmark, featured in *Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils*. **【Hidden Gems】** - **Zhemo Mountain**: A romantic "La La Land" overlook with breathtaking night views. - **Shaxi Ancient Town**: A well-preserved Tea Horse Road gem, more rustic than Dali’s ancient town. - **Niaodiao Mountain**: Alpine meadows and lakes for hiking enthusiasts. --- ### **🍜 Food Guide** - **Breakfast**: Xizhou Baba (savory or sweet), pea flour porridge. - **Main Dishes**: Sour-spicy fish, Yongping braised chicken, Dali claypot fish. - **Snacks**: Grilled rushan cheese, Yangbi rolled rice noodles, cold chicken rice noodles. - **Coffee Lovers**: Lakeside cafés (Recommended: Xindi Coffee, Forten). --- ### **🎯 3-Day Itinerary** **Day1**: Dali Ancient Town → Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas → Panxi Village S-Bend → Night stroll on Renmin Road. **Day2**: Charter a car for Erhai Lake loop (Xizhou Ancient Town → Shuanglang → Little Putuo Island → Ideal Land). **Day3**: Day trip to Zhemo Mountain/Shaxi Ancient Town (or hike Cangshan Mountain). --- ### **💡 Travel Tips** 1. **Sunscreen! Sunscreen!** Dali’s UV rays are intense—sunglasses, hats, and SPF50 are a must. 2. **Bargain Smart**: Haggle for shawls and tie-dye crafts in the ancient town (50% off is standard). 3. **Beat the Crowds**: Arrive at the S-Bend before 8 AM for a crowd-free Erhai Lake experience.