Dali Travel Guide, Explained to You in 500 Words!

Everyone, have you ever had the frustrating experience of arriving at a travel destination only to find inconvenient transportation, poor accommodation, and an unsatisfying trip? 😭 For those planning to visit Dali, don’t fall into these traps! Let me, a local from Dali, give you a thorough rundown.

🚗 Regarding transportation, don’t assume you can just hop on any vehicle to get where you want. Dali Airport is over 30 kilometers from Dali Ancient Town, but taking the airport shuttle bus is both affordable and convenient; Dali Railway Station is 15 kilometers from the Ancient Town, and you can take the “Three Pagodas Line” or “Ancient Town Line” buses for just 5 yuan, which is super cost-effective 👏.

🏨 Accommodation is also a big issue, so don’t book blindly. If you’re traveling for multiple days and visiting various spots, staying on the west side of Erhai Lake is more convenient; if you’re staying in one place or doing a dedicated photo shoot, choose lodging nearby. If you want to stay at the foot of Cangshan Mountain on the west side of Erhai Lake, where you can enjoy both the lake and the Cangshan sunset, Dali’s small courtyards, Gantong Villa, and Shanshuijian guesthouses are excellent choices 😍.

⛰️ When sightseeing, don’t just focus on the popular spots. Besides Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, places like Ximatan Scenic Area on Cangshan, the Erhai Ecological Corridor, Dali intangible cultural heritage experiences, and photo shoot tours are all very distinctive. The new and old neighborhoods and ancient villages, such as Left Bank Highlands, Longweiguan, and Fengyangyi Ancient Village, are also becoming popular tourist spots worth visiting 🤩.

🍱 Don’t miss out on the food! Dali has many snacks that will make your mouth water, like braised chicken, Erhai fish, and raw skin noodles. Be sure to try local delicacies like Huishou cold chicken rice noodles and hand-rolled grilled rice cakes 😋.

🌹 Finally, a reminder: when traveling in Dali, be sure to book your tickets and accommodation in advance. For visiting Ximatan Scenic Area, you need to reserve cable car tickets ahead of time. Roads get congested during peak season, so plan your time and routes in advance to avoid delays in your itinerary 😘.

Post by Delores Funk | Sep 5, 2025