Dali 4 Days 3 Nights｜Explore the Romance of Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon for 1k Per Person

"Xiaguan Wind, Shangguan Flowers, Cangshan Snow, Erhai Moon"—the poetry of Dali is hidden in the 46-kilometer ecological corridor of Erhai Lake, nestled in the rice fields and wheat waves of Xizhou Ancient Town, and drifting under the millennium-old Buddha light of the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple. This 4-day 3-night guide helps you avoid 90% of the pitfalls: from the misty sunrise at Longkan Pier to cycling at Panxi S-bend at sunset; from the vegetarian Zen ambiance at Jizhao Nunnery to the starry folk songs in Shuanglang Ancient Town. With a budget of 1000 yuan per person, enjoy sour and spicy fish, grilled milk fan, Xizhou baba, and stay in a Bai-style courtyard with sea views from your window. Dali is not just for checking in, it’s for living your days like poetry.

🌅 Itinerary Planning

Day 1: Ancient City Vibes

Morning: Arrive in Dali, check in at a guesthouse near the South Gate of the Ancient City (recommended "Sancha Shanhai Homestay," 300-500 yuan/night including breakfast).

Afternoon: Stroll around Dali Ancient City, visit the Bed Sheet Factory Art District (free niche exhibitions), and Jiang Gongci (Bai ethnic ancient architecture).

Evening: Eat at Renmin Road Night Market, try Zai Huishou cold chicken rice noodles (15 yuan/bowl), and listen to bar folk songs.

Wearing traditional Bai ethnic costumes at the gate of Dali Ancient City, feel the charm of this thousand-year-old city.

Day 2: West Shore of Erhai Lake

07:00 Watch the sunrise at Longkan Pier, photograph the dawn reflections of dawn redwoods;

09:00 Rent an electric scooter (50 yuan/day) to ride from Panxi S-bend to the covered bridge (photo stop at the lonely big tree);

12:00 Eat crispy baba in Xizhou Ancient Town (5 yuan each, recommended sweet rose filling), visit Yan Family Courtyard (50 yuan/person);

16:00 Take photos at the camping base near the Couple Trees in Haishi Park (reservation required).

The morning at Longkan Pier, where dawn redwoods and sunrise create a stunning scene.

In a blue long dress by Erhai Lake, feel the gentle sea breeze.

Day 3: Secret Realm of Cangshan

Morning: Take the Ximatan Cableway up Cangshan Mountain (ticket + cableway 275 yuan), hike the Yudai Yunyou Trail;

Noon: Have vegetarian meal at Jizhao Nunnery (20 yuan/person, arrive before 11:30), visit the succulent garden;

Afternoon: Visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple (75 yuan/person including Reflection Park), photograph the backlit pagoda reflections at 17:00.

Panoramic view of the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, feel the solemnity of the millennium-old Buddhist towers.

At the foot of Cangshan, wearing an ethnic-style shawl, gaze at the misty peaks.

Day 4: Slow Life in Shuanglang

Morning: Take the Erhai Lake bus (88 yuan/day) to Shuanglang, visit Yujidao Island and Yang Liping’s Sun Palace (afternoon tea 288 yuan/person required);

Afternoon: Photograph the cliff caves and Erhai Lake silhouette at the Luwo Mountain ruins;

Evening: Return to the Ancient City, buy fresh flower cakes at the North Gate vegetable market (recommended "Xieji Honey Love Fresh Flower Cake," freshly baked 3 yuan each).

The unbeatable sea view of Shuanglang Ancient Town, feel the charm of "the first town of Cang-Er scenery."

Casual outfit cycling at Panxi S-bend, enjoy freedom and the sea breeze.

🍜 Must-Try Foods

Sour and Spicy Fish: Recommended at Shuanglang "Lao Li’s Copper Ladle Beef," Erhai crucian carp + papaya + chili, fish soup with rice is a must-try.

Grilled Milk Fan: Renmin Road "Yang Ji Milk Fan," rose jam + condensed milk rolled and grilled, 5 yuan each.

Xizhou Baba: Xizhou Ancient Town "Xiangshen Yang Ji," savory scallion pork mince / sweet rose jam, 5 yuan each.

Rice fields in Xizhou Ancient Town, with a new AR art exhibition added in 2025.

Running in a dress through the rice fields of Xizhou, feel the pastoral poetry.

🚗 Transportation Guide

Around Erhai Lake: Rent an electric scooter for 60 yuan/day (recommended "Wuling Bingo"), or take the Erhai Lake bus for 88 yuan/day (covers 14 stops).

Inside the Ancient City: Rent an electric scooter for 30 yuan/hour, flexible for narrow alleys.

🏡 Accommodation Recommendations

Best value: Dali Ancient City "Maomao Guo Wanshe," 100-300 yuan/night, renovated Bai ethnic old house.

Sea view room: Shuanglang "Liuyue·Wusuo," 500-2000 yuan/night, facing Erhai Lake directly.

Night view of Dali Ancient City, the charm of the ancient city in the glow of lights.

💡 Travel Tips

Ticket Reservations: Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas and Ximatan Cableway require booking one day in advance on the "Travel Yunnan" platform.

Sun Protection: SPF50+ sunscreen + sunglasses, UV rays at Erhai Lake are very strong.

Wednesday Discount Day: Some attractions offer half-price tickets, saving on entrance fees.