Dali

Dali 3 Days 2 Nights Travel Guide (Budget Within 3000 RMB)

📍Destination: Yunnan · Dali
📅 Travel Time: 3 days 2 nights
💰 Total Budget: Within 3000 RMB
👥 Suitable for: Couples/Friends/Solo Travelers

——Trip Highlights——
Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, Ancient Town Stroll, Artsy Alleys, Sunrise Fishing Boats, Popular Photo Spots, Bai Ethnic Style

🌟
🚄 Transportation: High-speed train to Dali Station (If departing from Kunming, second-class seat about ¥145, 2 hours)

From Dali Station to the Ancient Town, car rental costs 30 RMB or take the bus.
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations:
Homestays inside Dali Ancient Town (with courtyard, stylish design), double room about ¥260/night, book early for discounts
👉 Recommended areas: Near Renmin Road and Yeyu Road, convenient and quiet

🍽️ Lunch: Small restaurant next to "Duan Gongzi Flower Cake" in the Ancient Town, try an authentic bowl of "Ersi" + braised tofu, about ¥25 per person

📷 Afternoon itinerary:
- Stroll around Dali Ancient Town: Honglongjing spring, climb Wuhua Tower for panoramic views, handmade shops on Renmin Road
- Check in at the "Sky Mirror" photo spot (navigate to "Outside the North Gate Wall of Dali Ancient Town")
- Visit the "Dali Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum" (free admission)

🌅 Evening: Head to Caicun Pier to watch the sunset, walk along Erhai Lake, capture silhouettes and shimmering waves

🍽️ Dinner: "Old House Café" or "Drunken Glaze Private Kitchen" on Foreigner Street, about ¥60 per person

🌙 Night tour: Explore Foreigner Street night market, have a glass of Fenghua Xueyue beer, enjoy the slow life pace

—

🌟 Day 2: Erhai Lake Cycling + Xizhou Ancient Town + Shuanglang Sunset
🚴‍♀️ Morning: Rent an electric bike to cycle around Erhai Lake (recommended departure from Caicun or Longkan Pier)
- Electric bike rental: ¥80/day (helmet included)
- Recommended route: Caicun → Longkan Pier (popular tree photo spot) → Panxi S-bend (viral TikTok spot) → Xizhou Ancient Town

📸 Highlights along the way:
- Longkan Pier: Morning sunlight on the water, swaying reeds, perfect for reflection photos
- S-bend: Ride through fields and Erhai Lake, lush greenery
- Xizhou Ancient Town: Check in at "Corner Tower," "Xilinyuan" old houses, try tie-dye DIY (experience price ¥50)

🍽️ Lunch: Xizhou "Crispy Pastry" + cold chicken rice noodles, about ¥30 per person

🚗 Afternoon: Drive or bike to Shuanglang Ancient Town (about 40 minutes)
- Visit Yang Liping Art Hotel "Sun Palace" exterior (reservation required)
- Walk on Yujidao boardwalk, take photos of Erhai Lake and white houses together

🌅 Evening: Watch the sunset at Shuanglang Nanzhao Style Island Pier, fishing boats returning, beautiful light and shadow

🍽️ Dinner: Shuanglang "Little Fisherman" restaurant, eat Erhai crucian carp + hot and sour fish, about ¥70 per person

🏨 Accommodation: Shuanglang sea view homestay (not first line but cost-effective option), double room about ¥320/night

—

🌟 Day 3: Light Hiking on Cangshan Mountain + Return
🌄 Morning: Go to Cangshan Gantong Cableway (ticket + cableway ¥90)
- Light hiking route: Take cableway up → walk along Qingbi Creek plank road → overlook full view of Erhai Lake
- Easy and not tiring, good for photos, fresh air, and bird sounds

🍽️ Lunch: After descending, taste Bai ethnic cuisine at "March Street": hot and sour fish + papaya chicken + stir-fried wild vegetables, about ¥50 per person

🛍️ Before returning: Stop by "March Street Ethnic Market" to buy souvenirs (flower cakes, milk fan cheese, Pu'er tea)

🚄 Return: Taxi from Dali Ancient Town to Dali Station (about ¥40), take the train back

—

📌 Helpful Tips:
1. Strong UV in Dali, be sure to bring sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
2. Swimming is prohibited in Erhai Lake, be careful when taking photos, do not climb over railings
3. Most homestays are Bai ethnic courtyards, respect local customs
4. Check the weather in advance, sunny days are better for photos

✨J～