Go where the wind takes you and embrace slow living

Hotels: Day 1 recommended near Dali Ancient Town, Day 2 in Shuanglang Ancient Town

Day1️⃣
📍Dali Railway Station → Dali Ancient Town
Take the tourist express bus (Railway Station - Dali Ancient Town). The first bus departs at 7:00, heading directly to the South Gate of the ancient town. The journey takes about 40 minutes, costing ¥15. Recommended stays: Maomaoguo Inn at the North Gate (10-minute walk to the core area, courtyard-style design, ¥150 per person) or the upscale Dali Manor Hotel (Bai-style garden, from ¥350).

😋 Breakfast Recommendation
"Jiu Niang Xidoufen" at the North Gate—pair it with fried dough sticks for just ¥5 and enjoy an authentic Bai breakfast.

📍Exploring Dali Ancient Town
Highlights include the Dali Museum (free, learn about Nanzhao history) and the artistic shops on Foreigner Street. For a panoramic view of Cangshan Mountain, head to the rooftop café "Tang Coffee" (latte ¥28).

📍Ecological Cycling Along Erhai Lake's West Shore
Ancient Town → Longkan Dock
Rent an e-bike and ride north along Dafeng Road, arriving in about 15 minutes (recommended rental shop: "Miguo Bike Rental" at the East Gate, ¥60/day with 200km range, Alipay credit score waives deposit). For a quicker option, take a 20-minute taxi (around ¥25). Arrive at Longkan Dock by 13:30 to capture reflections of water cedars and flocks of seagulls (best from November to March).

📍Longkan Dock → Panxi S Bend
A 10-minute ride along the Erhai Ecological Corridor takes you to the famous S Bend. Rent a colorful bike (¥20/hour) for photos, avoiding the tour group rush after 15:00.

📍Panxi S Bend → Xizhou Ancient Town
Ride an e-bike north along the West Ring Road for about 20 minutes. Dine at "Field Coffee" near the Corner Tower, with a terrace overlooking rice fields (¥40 per person).

📍Exploring Xizhou
Visit Yan Family Courtyard (¥25 admission), try tie-dyeing (¥50/item), and enjoy rose-flavored ice pops at "Qingliang Hut" (¥5).

Evening: Nightlife in the Ancient Town
Dinner recommendation: "Zai Hui Shou Liangji Rice Noodles" (old shop on Renmin Road, ¥15/bowl). Afterward, listen to folk music at "Big Ice's Little House" or shop for tie-dye souvenirs at Cangshan Gate Night Market.

Day2️⃣
📍Ancient Town → Shuanglang Ancient Town
Best transport options:
- Carpool: Book via "Didi Chuxing" mini-program one day in advance (¥60/person, 1-hour direct ride to Shuanglang North Gate, ideal for 2-4 people).
- Shuttle bus: Take the "Ancient Town - Shuanglang" bus from the West Gate parking lot (1.5 hours, ¥15, hourly departures).

📍Exploring Shuanglang Ancient Town
Highlights include Yuji Island (¥25 admission), Yang Liping's Sun Palace (reservation required for afternoon tea at ¥128), and Moon Palace exterior. Capture the classic Erhai reflection at "Haidilife" white chairs.

📍Exploring Nanzhao Folk Island
Take a boat from Shuanglang South Pier (¥50, 10-minute ride). Must-see spots: Shayimu Sculpture Group and Nanzhao Palace, with the best photos at the island's Sea-Sky Mirror Square.

Lunch: Seafood with a View
📍Lunch Recommendations
"Haijie Xiangbala" on Yuji Island (spicy fish hotpot, ¥80/person, paired with local plum wine) or "Liuyue · Wusuo Seafood Restaurant" (mushroom chicken hotpot, ¥120/person, 270° sea-view windows).

Afternoon: Cliffs and Santorini Vibes
📍Shuanglang → Luwoshan
Rent an e-bike and ride south along East Ring Road (25 minutes). In windy weather, take a taxi (20 minutes, ¥30). The free cliff viewpoint at Luwoshan offers stunning shots—be cautious when framing shots through abandoned windows.

📍Luwoshan → Wenbi Village
A 15-minute ride takes you to the rainbow road and white chapel ("Little Santorini"). Enjoy afternoon tea on the terrace of "Wenbi Village Coffee" (¥50/person).

📍Wenbi Village → Ideal State
Take a taxi back along East Ring Road (30 minutes, ¥50). The free areas of Ideal State (e.g., "Sky City" square) are photogenic enough, but paid viewpoints cost ¥60.

📍Ideal State → Shuanglang
Take a 10-minute taxi back to Shuanglang.

Day3️⃣
Homeward Bound ✈️
East Line Bus: Departs from Shuanglang North Gate hourly from 11:10 to 20:10, heading directly to Dali Railway Station (book in advance via the "Erhai Loop Bus" mini-program).