4-Day 3-Night In-Depth Dali Travel Guide: Unlock the Slow Time of Romance, Flowers, Snow, and Moonlight

Dali’s romance is hidden in the mist of Cangshan Mountain, the shimmering waves of Erhai Lake, and the cobblestone streets of the ancient town. This guide covers classic attractions, authentic food, and accommodation recommendations, offering you an immersive experience of the unique charm of "romance, flowers, snow, and moonlight."

Day 1: First Encounter with the Ancient Town, Fireworks First

After arriving in Dali, prioritize staying in a guesthouse within the ancient town. We recommend Weilan Villa Garden Homestay, a 10-minute walk to the core district[__LINK_ICON]. In the afternoon, start wandering the ancient town, beginning at Fuxing Road. Pass by Wuhua Tower to climb up and overlook the panoramic view of the ancient town with its red-tiled roofs, then visit Honglong Well to experience the blend of water scenery and ancient architecture. The whole route is free and full of charm. In the evening, head straight to Renmin Road Snack Street. Be sure to try the freshly baked flower cakes at Pangding’s Dali Rose Cottage, with a crispy crust and rich floral aroma, paired with Liang Chicken Rice Noodles from Zai Huishou, all for about 40 yuan per person for a satisfying meal. At night, the lights of Foreigner Street shine brightly; you can sit in a cozy bar and enjoy the pleasant collision of Eastern and Western cultures.

Day 2: Erhai Lake Circuit, Encountering Poetry and the Distant

Rent an electric bike early in the morning (40-60 yuan/day) and ride along the Erhai Ecological Corridor. The first stop is Panxi Village’s S-bend, where the soft morning sunlight from 8 to 10 am creates fresh scenes like a Hayao Miyazaki animation[__LINK_ICON]. In the afternoon, head to Xizhou Ancient Town to visit the Yan Family Courtyard (ticket about 30 yuan) and see the Bai ethnic group’s distinctive “Three Lanes and One Screen Wall” architecture. On the way, buy freshly baked Xizhou Baba, available in both sweet and savory flavors[__LINK_ICON]. At dusk, arrive at Shuanglang Ancient Town and gaze at Cangshan and Erhai from the Yujidao Viewing Platform. The sunset here is praised as a “light and shadow feast in a paradise.” For dinner, we recommend Liuyue·Fushi Sea View Café Western Restaurant, where you can enjoy Yunnan fusion cuisine while admiring the sparkling lake surface.

Day 3: Seeking Serenity in Cangshan, Collecting Cultural Moments

In the morning, take the Ximatan Cableway up Cangshan Mountain (ticket + cableway about 290 yuan) to the 3,920-meter-high viewing platform to overlook the entire Erhai Lake. The mountain clouds create a fairyland atmosphere[__LINK_ICON]. After descending, visit Jizhao Nunnery, a quiet and elegant temple surrounded by succulents, where you can enjoy a vegetarian meal for about 30 yuan per person, made with fresh ingredients and a sweet, light taste[__LINK_ICON]. In the afternoon, experience Bai ethnic tie-dyeing at a workshop in Zhoucheng, where you can make your own unique fabric art and feel the charm of intangible cultural heritage. For dinner, choose Huotang Impression·Wild Mushroom Courtyard Hotpot, with a delicious mushroom broth paired with local vegetables, warming both heart and stomach.

Day 4: Landmark Check-in, Return Fully Loaded

In the morning, visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, a landmark of Dali. These thousand-year-old pagodas stand solemnly under the sun, making for a memorable photo opportunity (ticket about 75 yuan)[__LINK_ICON]. Then go to Xing Sheng Bridge, a European-style bridge where you can simultaneously enjoy views of Cangshan and Erhai. Seagulls fly beneath the bridge, and it’s free yet highly photogenic. Before heading back, shop for tie-dye products and flower cakes in the ancient town as souvenirs. Finally, proceed to the station or airport according to your itinerary to end your trip.

Accommodation and Practical Tips

- Accommodation choices: For those who like lively atmospheres, choose guesthouses inside the ancient town (150-300 yuan/night); for sea views, stay at Akaitiya·Anyin Li Family Courtyard in Shuanglang, with exquisite afternoon tea and excellent sea views[__LINK_ICON].
- Pitfall tips: Refuse forced high insurance when renting vehicles; restaurants on the main street of the ancient town are relatively expensive, while local eateries in alleys are more authentic[__LINK_ICON].
- Transportation advice: Taxi from Dali Station to the ancient town costs about 30 yuan; download offline maps in advance to cope with weak WiFi signals inside the ancient town[__LINK_ICON].

The beauty of Dali requires slow savoring. Whether it’s the steadiness of Cangshan, the vitality of Erhai, or the fireworks of the ancient town, all will help you shed fatigue and encounter the true essence of life.