The rainy season in Dali tells you to come in autumn and winter because autumn and winter are the dry seasons in Dali!

Autumn in Dali is like nature spilling its palette everywhere, full of breathtaking scenery. It’s the best time of the year for check-ins and photography. Today, we bring you a super detailed Dali autumn travel guide to help you easily explore Dali and take stunning photos that will blow up your social media!

1. Must-Visit Photo Spots

1. Longkan Pier: An excellent spot to watch the sunrise. The sunrise in autumn is around 7:40 AM, so it’s recommended to arrive between 6:30 and 7:00 to secure the best lakeside spot. At this time, the morning mist lingers, and Erhai Lake glows golden under the sunlight, creating a magnificent view. About 10 minutes before sunrise, the sky turns a dreamy pinkish-blue. Wearing a white long dress with a light jacket and shooting against the light will make every hair strand distinct, resulting in highly photogenic shots.

2. Xizhou Ancient Town: In autumn, the golden rice fields contrast beautifully with the rustic Bai architecture, like stepping into a painting. Besides the iconic corner tower, be sure to check in at the yellow wall in Xilinyuan, paired with swaying wheat ears for a full Japanese movie vibe. At dusk, when the sunset shines on the rice fields, playing the song "Rice Aroma" will instantly enhance the atmosphere. You can also spend about 50 yuan to try tie-dyeing and leave a unique Dali memory.

3. Chongyi Village: This place has vast rice fields. Around October, the rice ears turn golden and plump, swaying heavily in the wind. In the distance are Bai-style blue-tiled houses, perfect for countryside-style photos. It’s recommended to visit before sunset when the fields are dyed a warm honey color. If lucky, you might see villagers harvesting, adding a lively touch to your photos.

4. Xiaoputuo Island: Starting from late October, red-billed gulls arrive here on time. The small Putuo Island looks especially cute against the backdrop of Erhai Lake, surrounded by flocks of seagulls, making it perfect for photos. Be careful not to buy overpriced biscuits from street vendors; a large pack for 10 yuan from the supermarket across the street is enough to feed the gulls. Also, avoid feeding during staff patrol times, or you might not be allowed to feed them freely.

5. Erhai Ecological Corridor: The corridor is charming in autumn, with trees gradually turning golden, complementing the clear Erhai Lake. Rent a bike and ride while taking photos. You can stop at the S-curve in Panxi Village, a popular check-in spot perfect for road photography; or near Caicun, find a quiet spot with Erhai Lake as the background for fresh and natural portrait shots.

2. Accommodation Recommendations

1. Inside Dali Ancient Town: It’s recommended to choose guesthouses near Renmin Road or Foreigner Street for convenient travel and to experience the lively atmosphere of the ancient town at night. Prices vary from 200 to 800 yuan depending on the guesthouse level. Some guesthouses with courtyards are very distinctive, with morning sunlight shining into the yard, perfect for photos. For example, "Dali Ancient Town Jixia Mountain · Lanwang Hotel" is a renovated Bai old house with a terrace facing Erhai Lake, and the rooms are full of artistic vibes.

2. Around Erhai Lake: If you want to be closer to Erhai Lake and experience the feeling of "facing the sea, spring blossoms," you can stay in lakeside guesthouses around Erhai. There are many good options near Shuanglang Ancient Town and Longkan Pier. Prices are relatively higher, from 500 to 1500 yuan per night, but the scenery is definitely worth it. For instance, "Mingyue Songjian · Haijie Hotel" is a seaside villa in Shuanglang with strong privacy and excellent views; you can see Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake right from your bed.

3. Expense Guide

1. Transportation Costs: If you’re coming to Dali from other places, airfare or train ticket prices vary depending on your departure location. Locally, you can rent an electric scooter to circle Erhai Lake for about 50 to 80 yuan per day; or hire a car for 200 to 300 yuan per day. For transportation between ancient towns, carpooling is a cost-effective option, costing about 30 to 50 yuan per person.

2. Dining Costs: Dali’s cuisine is rich and diverse, with affordable prices. A typical Bai ethnic meal costs about 50 to 100 yuan per person. Xizhou Baba costs 3 to 10 yuan each, grilled milk fan 5 to 10 yuan per serving, and cold chicken rice noodles 15 to 25 yuan per bowl. Of course, prices are slightly higher at popular or lakeside restaurants.

3. Attraction Tickets: Most attractions don’t require tickets, such as Dali Ancient Town, Xizhou Ancient Town, and Longkan Pier. Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas ticket costs about 75 yuan; Cangshan cable car prices vary by route, ranging from 100 to over 300 yuan.

4. Areas to Avoid and Precautions

1. Areas to Avoid: In Dali Ancient Town and some scenic spots, there are shops selling so-called "specialty products," like overpriced silver jewelry and tea. Be cautious when buying, as many have average quality but inflated prices. Also, some roadside tour operators may have hidden charges; it’s best to book through official travel agencies or platforms.

2. Precautions:

- Autumn in Dali has a large temperature difference between morning and night, so remember to bring a thick jacket, and after November, even a down jacket.

- UV rays are strong, so be sure to take sun protection measures, including high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats.

- When renting electric scooters, check the vehicle condition and battery life to avoid running out of power mid-trip.

- If you have a sensitive stomach, pay attention to food hygiene when trying local dishes to prevent discomfort.

Follow this guide to fully enjoy the beautiful scenery and delicious food in autumn Dali, and take gorgeous photos!