Go where the wind blows! Bring your loved one along to experience the romantic charm of Dali!

Number of days：4 days
Time: December
Average cost: 1,000 yuan
With whom：a person
Updated: 2023.02.14

Yunnan, south of the colorful clouds, is a beautiful place.

Everyone has to have a place they long for in life! In the last month of 2022, I quit my job without a plan, took a year's salary, and went on a spontaneous trip. This was also my first time quitting my job without a plan (warm reminder: I don't recommend quitting your job without a plan).

[Preface]: This is a story "sader than sadness"—it was the summer of 2016, when I was interning at an electronics factory in Suzhou, Jiangsu. I met a young woman from Lincang, Yunnan. Before we parted, I promised her I'd visit her the following spring. However, for me, who was only 18 at the time, financial resources became my biggest obstacle, so I didn't keep the appointment until December 2022, six years later. However, this time, I broke my promise. On February 14, 2023 (today), she got married.

Day 1: Zunyi-Dali

Zunyi-Dali, G2849, 5:45, 413 yuan (second-class seat), it was almost 9 o'clock in the evening when we arrived in Dali. We took a taxi to the B&B on the edge of Dali Ancient City, put our luggage away, and after settling in, we could have a good sleep and greet the 4-day trip with the greatest enthusiasm.

Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture This is Dali Railway Station

This is my first time buying a homestay in a group on a short video platform. With a try-it attitude, I spent 268 yuan to choose the [Dali Xiaoxiaobai Inn], which is less than 1km away from the ancient city and only 600 meters away. The four-day and three-night stay in a king-size bed room was very nice and polite. The lady at the front desk was very beautiful and polite, and she also gave me a guide for reference.

Dali Ancient Town This is the environment of the inn, it is still very warm.

Dali Ancient Town The room I stayed in also had a small bay window, which was nice for sitting and drinking a cup of tea.

Dali Ancient Town This is the first breakfast in Dali.

Day 2: Climb Cangshan Mountain, View Erhai Lake, and Visit the Ancient Town

08:00—Depart from the inn to Cangshan Mountain. A taxi for about 20 yuan will take you directly to the ticket office of the scenic area. The Cangshan cableway is divided into three sections (Gantong Cableway, Ximatan Cableway, and Zhonghe Cableway). There are also two other hiking trails. Ximatan is 3,920 meters above sea level. You can choose one cableway to go up the mountain. The recommended playing time is 3 hours. It is recommended to take the Ximatan Cableway directly to the Ximatan Scenic Area (3920 meters), and then walk to the viewing platform (3996 meters), overlooking Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain in the distance. It is the best choice for family travel and couples travel. Cangshan Mountain: Gantong Cableway: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM, one-way ¥85 (ticket included), round-trip ¥110 (ticket included). Attractions include Gantong Temple, Pearl Chess Game, Qingbi Temple, and Jizhao Nunnery. Ximatan Cableway: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, one-way ¥182 (ticket included), round-trip ¥282 (ticket included). Attractions include Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils Film Studio, Ximatan, and the Seven Dragon Maidens Pool.

Zhonghe Cableway: 08:30~16:00, one-way 70 yuan (including ticket), round-trip 135 yuan (including ticket), scenic spots include Zhonghe Temple, Taoxi, and Yunyoufang.

Cangshan Mountain

Cangshan Mountain src="https://dimg04.c-ctrip.com/images/1mf0m12000ao06okzDECB_R_800_10000_Q90.jpg?proc=autoorient" /> Cangshan Mountain

11:30— Return to the inn for lunch. There is a Sichuan restaurant nearby that is particularly delicious. You can eat there and then return to the inn to rest. Make sure to eat well, only then will you have the energy to visit Erhai Lake in the afternoon. 1:00 PM—Take a taxi from the inn to Erhai Lake Longkan Wharf, the closest entrance to the internet-famous S-bend, but not the filming location for the TV series "Where the Wind Goes." If you're in good physical condition, you can rent a shared bicycle (pedal-operated) inside the scenic area, or rent one outside for 10 yuan per hour. Most people walk, so a three-hour tour is recommended.

Erhai Cai Village/Longkan Wharf

Erhai Cai Village/Longkan Pier

Erhai Cai Village/Longkan Wharf

20:00—Depart from the inn and walk to Dali Ancient Town. The ancient town at night is no worse than during the day. Slow down your pace. After a day of walking, it's time to relax. Walk into Dali Ancient Town, taste some Dali snacks, find a pub, sit down and rest, have a few glasses of wine, listen to some folk songs... Under the cover of night, Dali Ancient Town is a blend of art and worldly life. Walking through the alleys, tourists are coming and going, and it is very lively. Only you know that this kind of happiness is not shared by others, and this kind of happiness is unique to you. Dali Ancient Town Dali Ancient Town Dali Ancient Town Dali Ancient Town Dali Ancient Town Dali Ancient Town

Day 3: Erhai No. 1

08:30—Depart from the inn (either by bus or taxi) and head directly to Dali Port, the cruise's departure point, to immerse yourself in the profound beauty of Erhai Lake, the "Pearl of the Plateau." The cruise departs from Dali Port and returns to Luoquan Peninsula, a journey of approximately two hours. The onboard three-course tea ceremony, "One Bitter, Two Sweet, Three Aftertaste," celebrates the Bai ethnic group's welcome to guests from afar. Stepping onto the deck, the sea breeze is a delightful experience. Stand at the bow of the boat and take in a selfie with Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake to celebrate your youth. The cruise will dock for 40 minutes at Luoquan Peninsula, where you'll find attractions like Guanyin Pavilion, Yuhong Bridge, Tianjing Pavilion, and the Luoquan Pagoda. Of course, there's also a variety of unique Dali snacks. This is the beautiful scenery of Dali. As the boat sails on the emerald waters, you journey through a picturesque scene. The familiar melody of the "Xiaguan wind" blowing off the deck echoes in your ears. Together, we embark on this unique journey of "wind, flowers, snow, and moon."

(Tips: Please bring your ID card to purchase tickets. One ID, one ticket. The ticket price is 140, which includes three courses of tea, outdoor performances, and the charming island, but does not include paid items for the cruise ship.)

Day 4: Visit the market and return

08:00—Take a taxi from the inn to the North Gate Vegetable Market in Dali Ancient City and experience the atmosphere of the local people attending the morning market. Here you can find wild mushrooms you've never seen before, fruits you'll find surprisingly cheap, and many unique and exotic "wild vegetables." However, the most recommended dish is a bowl of "thin bean powder" (sidoufen), and don't forget to add a fried dough stick.

14:00—Dali - Zunyi, G2842, 5:15 am, 413 yuan (second-class seat). "A brief separation only prepares for a better reunion." Dali isn't just about these few places; there are many other fascinating destinations. Fengyang Yi Village, the filming location for "Where the Wind Goes," is also a great choice. Even if you're deeply reluctant to leave Dali, there's still a time to say goodbye. Dali is vast, and you might not be able to explore it all in a month. So, leave some regrets behind and prepare for your next visit.

In conclusion: Dali is a place you want to visit again after having been there once.

On the eve of the 2023 Spring Festival, "Where the Wind Goes" once again ignited the "Pearl of the Plateau"—Dali. The show's portrayal of local delicacies and rural life has brought the breath of Yunnan to the hearts of urbanites. So, I will go to Dali again.