Rather than the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake, head west to Dali, where the "wind, flowers, snow, and moon" paint its breathtaking scenery.

### **Dali, Yunnan Travel Guide: A Romantic Journey of Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon** Located in northwest Yunnan, Dali is a poetic ancient city famed for its "wind, flowers, snow, and moon" (Xiaguan wind, Shangguan flowers, Cangshan snow, and Erhai moon). With rich history, culture, and stunning natural landscapes, it’s a dream destination for many travelers. --- ## **📅 Best Time to Visit** - **March–May**: Spring blooms and pleasant weather, perfect for flower viewing. - **September–November**: Crisp autumn air, when Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain are at their most beautiful. - **June–August**: Rainy season but fewer crowds, ideal for escaping the heat. --- ## **🚗 Transportation Guide** - **By Air**: Dali Airport (limited flights) or fly to Kunming and take a high-speed train (~2 hours). - **By Train**: Kunming→Dali (~2 hours), Lijiang→Dali (~1.5 hours). - **Local Transport**: Buses, taxis, or rent an e-bike (highly recommended for cycling around Erhai Lake). --- ## **🏞️ Must-Visit Attractions** ### **1. Dali Ancient Town** - **Highlights**: Bai-style architecture, artsy shops, night markets, and bars. - **Recommended Experiences**: - Stroll along **Renmin Road** for a bohemian vibe. - Explore **Foreigner Street** at night for bar culture. - Climb **Wuhua Tower** for a panoramic town view. ### **2. Erhai Lake** - **Recommended Activities**: - **Cycling the Lakeshore** (route: Dali Ancient Town→Caicun→Xizhou→Shuanglang→Wase). - **Boat Tours** (visit Nanzhao Folk Island). - **Instagram Spots**: Panxi Village’s S-curve, Little Putuo Island, Ideal Land (Dali’s "Santorini"). ### **3. Cangshan Mountain** - **Recommended Activities**: - **Take the Ximatan Cable Car** (summit views of Erhai Lake). - **Hike Yudai Road** (easy trail for beginners). - **Visit Jizhao Nunnery** (a serene nunnery filled with succulents). ### **4. Xizhou Ancient Town** - **Highlights**: Bai-style houses, rice fields, tie-dye workshops. - **Recommended Experiences**: - Snap photos at **Xizhou Corner Tower**. - Try **Xizhou Baba** (savory or sweet flatbread). - Capture golden rice fields in autumn. ### **5. Shuanglang Ancient Town** - **Highlights**: A lakeside artsy village, home to Yang Liping’s Sun Palace. - **Recommended Experiences**: - Relax at a seaside café. - Visit **Sun Palace Art Space**. ### **6. Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas** - **Highlights**: Dali’s iconic landmark, the "Tianlong Temple" from *Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils*. - **Best Photo Spot**: Three Pagodas Reflection Park. --- ## **🍜 Food Recommendations** - **Must-Try Snacks**: - Rushan (grilled or fried, dipped in rose jam) - Erkuai (rice cakes rolled with fried dough or sauces) - Liangji Rice Noodles (spicy and sour) - Xizhou Baba (crispy and sweet) - **Featured Restaurants**: - **Dali Prince Duan** (creative Yunnan cuisine) - **Revival Courtyard** (Bai family-style dishes) - **Shuanglang Old Li’s Baoshan Copper Pot Beef** (hotpot) --- ## **🏨 Accommodation Recommendations** - **Dali Ancient Town**: Convenient transport, vibrant nightlife (try **Dali Ancient Town homestays**). - **Erhai Lakeside**: Scenic rooms for photos (recommended: **Shuanglang, Caicun, Panxi Village**). - **Xizhou Ancient Town**: Quiet countryside vibes (opt for **rice field homestays**). --- ## **📌 Travel Tips** 1. **Sun Protection**: Strong UV rays—pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. 2. **Clothing**: Large day-night temperature swings; bring a jacket. 3. **Avoid Scams**: Check e-bike battery levels before renting. 4. **Cultural Respect**: Bai people worship Benzhu; observe temple etiquette. --- ## **🗺️ Classic 3-Day Itinerary** **Day 1**: Dali Ancient Town→Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas→Erhai cycling (Caicun Pier)→Night exploration of the town **Day 2**: Xizhou Ancient Town→Haishi Park→Shuanglang Ancient Town→Erhai boat tour **Day 3**: Cangshan Mountain (Ximatan Cable Car)→Jizhao Nunnery→Departure --- Dali is a city for slow travel—whether you’re daydreaming, photographing, or immersing in local culture, it’s unforgettable. Hope this guide helps plan your perfect Dali trip! 🌊🏔️✨