Enjoy the full senses of romance and romance: A scenic tour of Dali for all ages

Number of days: 4 days
Time: January
With whom：parents and children
Updated: 2023.07.20

Dali Ancient Town

Romance, flowers, snow, and moonlight are synonymous with Dali. When you visit Dali, I promise to take you there. Dali's romance and beauty refer to: the wind at Xiaguan, the flowers at Shangguan, the snow on Cangshan Mountain, and the moon over Erhai Lake. In my perception, Dali is Erhai Lake, and I've always dreamed of a cruise around it!

Erhai Lake

After three years of epidemic prevention, the area is finally open, and everyone is looking forward to continuing their travels! The 2023 Spring Festival was a busy time, and considering the needs of the whole family, we hurriedly bought plane tickets, contacted a travel agency, and finally embarked on a four-day trip to Dali, Yunnan.

Planned itinerary:

DAY1: Shuanglang Ancient Town, Nanzhao Style Island, Little Putuo Temple

DAY2: Xizhou Ancient Town, Zhoucheng Tie-Dyeing, Huayu Ranch, Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor

DAY3: Longkan Wharf, Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas, Cangshan Mountain, Dali Ancient Town

DAY4: Erhai Park

Dali Airport/Ocean World

DAY1 After nearly 3 hours of flight, we finally arrived in Dali. Even before landing, we could already sense the endless mountainous landscape of Dali and the allure of Erhai Lake, nestled among them. The airport, nestled on a mountaintop, felt truly unique. Our first stop after landing was a meal! Our tour guide took us to Erhai Lake to sample local Bai cuisine. After lunch, we strolled along the shore before our journey began. Unfortunately, our itinerary was off-track. It coincided with a national festival (something related to the local festival), leading to massive traffic jams east of Erhai Lake. The navigation revealed that the 30-kilometer journey to Shuanglang Ancient Town would take over four hours, essentially spending half a day on the road. We couldn't park at Xiaoputuo, and seeing the crowds entering and leaving the area, we decided to give up and try to reach Nanzhao Folk Customs Island before it closed. With a few kilometers to go before Shuanglang Ancient Town, the car was moving slower than the people. As the sun set, the shimmering waves cast a shadow over Erhai Lake. I decided to get up close and personal with the lake first! Although I ultimately missed Nanzhao Fengqing Island and could only admire its stunning scenery from afar, it was still quite nice to get up close and personal with the lake and experience its scenery!

DAY 2 After a night of rest, it's time to begin our wonderful day! We were so lucky to be able to see Dali's colorful clouds before we even set off.

Today's itinerary was Longkan Wharf, Chongsheng Temple, and Xizhou Ancient Town, which was a change from our original plan. The wind at Longkan Wharf was so strong it made us shiver. Watching the mountains surrounding Erhai Lake from afar, listening to the waves crashing against the shore up close, and basking in the warm sunshine, all my emotions melt away! Erhai Lake is truly a place that makes you linger. I didn't get to stay there this time, so I'll leave with a regret and come back next time.

Erhai Cai Village/Longkan Wharf

After enjoying Erhai Lake, we set off for Chongsheng Temple, a place with a long history and lofty status. As an imperial temple, Chongsheng Temple, though small in size, is built into the mountainside, rising in layers. Its magnificent architecture and splendid halls highlight its status. From its height, one can overlook Dali and Erhai Lake, making it a truly iconic landmark. After leaving Chongsheng Temple, we first visited Zhoucheng Tie-Dyeing and then Xizhou Ancient Town, concluding our itinerary for the day. Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas Cultural Tourism Area Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas Cultural Tourism Area Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas Cultural Tourism Area Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas Cultural Tourism Area Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas Cultural Tourism Area Xizhou Ancient Town Xizhou Ancient Town Xizhou Ancient Town Puzhen Tie-Dye Museum

DAY 3 Today was our last day. We visited Huayu Ranch, Erhai Lake, Cangshan Mountain, and the ancient city. Today's visit to Erhai Lake was different from yesterday's. Instead of the howling wind, it felt like spring. Strolling and snapping photos along Erhai Lake, every shot is a beautiful sight.

Cangshan Scenic Area

I was rushing to experience the historical charm of Dali Ancient Town, but upon arriving, I was greeted by a sea of people, instantly losing interest in appreciating the ancient charm. Anyway, I've already made it here! Dali Ancient Town Dali Ancient Town Dali Ancient Town Dali Ancient Town

DAY4 Of the so-called four days, this last day was a complete waste. My flight was at noon, so I had to arrive at the airport two hours early, meaning I could just have breakfast, pack, and go. I'd originally thought I could spare two hours to explore the free Erhai Lake Park, but that plan was aborted. Well, I've been to Dali before, and I've experienced the charm of the ancient city, the scenic landscape, the beauty of Erhai Lake, and the sheer height of Cangshan Mountain. But Erhai Lake still holds a lot of allure, and I'm sure I'll be back a second time. That time, I'll be in a trance!