Things to do in Dali City

The weather down the mountain was actually quite nice, a bit overcast but the temperature was alright. As the cable car ascended higher and higher, the entire Dali city and Erhai Lake slowly came into view below. That stretch of scenery was truly worthwhile; looking down through the cable car glass, I finally had a truly concrete feeling about "Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake" for the first time.

A must visit when in Dali, well worth the money. I spent around 2 hours here.

On my second trip to Dali, I stayed for three days. On the first day, I stayed at Erhai Park, facing north to enjoy the view of Erhai Lake. On the second day, I stayed at Shuanglang Ancient Town, facing west to see the Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake together. On the third day, I cycled from west to east along the Erhai Ecological Corridor to enjoy the view of Erhai Lake. I also went to Yunxiang Mountain Road for extreme mountain biking, Shuanglang, Xizhou Ancient Town, Dali Ancient City, etc. Every angle offered a different perspective of Erhai Lake. The scenery in Dali is truly beautiful.

Dali Ancient City is definitely worth a visit. Entering from the South Gate, the ancient cobblestone streets exude a charming, old-world atmosphere. Backed by Cangshan Mountain, with distant views of rolling hills, it evokes the feeling of the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom. The ancient city's streets and alleys are crisscrossed, with Renmin Road and Yangren Street being particularly lively. You can find Bai ethnic snacks like roasted milk fan and crispy rice cakes on the street. Climbing Wuhua Tower offers a panoramic view of the entire ancient city's rooftops. The main street is lined with shops, making it quite commercialized. Souvenir shops abound, so be sure to compare prices before buying. It's recommended to avoid the crowds and explore the side alleys to experience the local atmosphere. Stroll around during the day, watch the sunset over the ancient city, and enjoy the enchanting ambiance when the city lights up at night. Overall, it's a great experience. I recommend allowing 2-3 hours to explore at a leisurely pace. A must-visit in Dali, perfect for a relaxing stroll and soaking in the city's laid-back lifestyle.

If you have extra day in Dali and the weather is good is not bad to spend some time here. I am in a hurry this time so I only do a round trip with Gan Tong cable car to QingBiXi and the DaXiangGu view deck. The view from the cable car is great. To climb up the observatory deck is not too difficult, but I not recommend anyone with weak knees to come to this attraction. There is lots of steps to go up even before taking the cable car, so be beware of that.

Xizhou Ancient Town is so relaxing! The streets are free to explore, and it retains a strong Bai ethnic atmosphere. Strolling through the corner towers and tie-dye alleys is very charming. The most stunning sight is the Xilinyuan Rice Paddy, nestled against Cangshan Mountain. The sunset casting its glow on the rice paddies creates a truly magical ambiance. I recommend visiting in the afternoon; half a day is just right. A leisurely stroll is perfectly timed and incredibly therapeutic.

Nanzhao island is good for a short boat ride and walk. Shuanglang village is actually next to the jetty. The village is like the one in Dali and Xizhou

If you're in Dali, this is a must-do! It's not picky about the weather; a light drizzle or mist creates a very picturesque scene. It won't last long, and soon the sky will be clear with blue skies and white clouds. The cable car ride offers panoramic views of most of Erhai Lake. You'll even pass through layers of clouds. The scenery is beautiful and unique, definitely worth experiencing.

There aren't many tall buildings on either side of Erhai Lake; it's mostly mountains and water. Its unique feature is the scenery of the lake and mountains. Culturally, it's somewhat related to the local Bai ethnic group's life. The landscape is a combination of the lake and the Cangshan Mountains, which is pleasing to the eye, but the sun is very strong and the wind is also strong.

Definitely buy a 2-day or 3-day ticket, which includes a direct bus ticket from Dali to Lijiang. Buying a separate ticket costs 60 yuan. The package ticket is much cheaper than buying each leg of the journey individually. The mini-program is well-developed, responsive, and easy to use. Tickets for departures after 6 PM must be booked in advance, as those times are filled with tourists heading back.