5 Days Dali Tour with Cangshan Mountain Hiking and Erhai Lake Cycling

5 Days Dali Religious Pilgrimage Tour is an adventure tour of Dali City and surroundings including Cangshan Mountain Hiking, Erhai Lake Cycling as swell as the most attractive places in Dali including Xizhou Old Town, Dali Old Town, Three Pagodas Temple, Donglianhua Village, Donglianhua Mosque, Weishan Old Town, Weibaoshan Daoist Mountain.This is a tour for people who want experiences with more vigor in Dali. Avoid the routines of ordinary tourists and “open up” the must-sees in a new way: Dali Old Town, the Cangshan mountains, and Erhai Lake. Also, be touched by the life of the Bai ethnic minority, and have relaxing and romantic moments to taste Dali slowly.In this 5-day Dali tour, you will experience what you expect and the unexpected in Dali. Not only will you catch all the highlights, but you will also get out of the tourist crowd to enjoy its hidden beauties.

Introduction

Embark on a 5-day odyssey through Dali’s spiritual heart, immersing yourself in the city’s unique blend of culture, nature, and adventure. Explore the majestic Cangshan Mountains on a hiking trail, and cycle along the serene shores of Erhai Lake, while also discovering the charm of Xizhou Old Town, Dali Old Town, and the iconic Three Pagodas Temple. Delve into the daily life of the Bai ethnic minority at Donglianhua Village and Mosque, and experience the tranquil beauty of Weishan Old Town and Weibaoshan Daoist Mountain. This pilgrimage tour offers a more authentic experience, venturing beyond the tourist trails to uncover hidden gems and unexpected surprises. With a mix of excitement and relaxation, you’ll leave Dali with unforgettable memories of this enchanting region.

Highlights:

  • Discover the natural beauty of Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain;
  • Adventure tour in Dali: Erhai Lake Cycling, Cangshan Mountain Hiking, Weibaoshan Mountain Hiking;
  • Muslim culture experince in Weishan County
  • • Hike the majestic Cangshan Mountains, with breathtaking views of Erhai Lake
  • Cycle along the serene shores of Erhai Lake, taking in the picturesque scenery
  • Visit Xizhou Old Town, Dali Old Town, and the iconic Three Pagodas Temple
  • Experience the daily life of the Bai ethnic minority at Donglianhua Village and Mosque
  • Discover the tranquility of Weishan Old Town and Weibaoshan Daoist Mountain
  • Explore hidden gems and unexpected surprises beyond the tourist trails

Brief Itinerary

  • Day 01 Arrive in Dali
  • Day 02: Dali-Cangshan Mountain-Dali
  • Day 03: Dali-Zhoucheng-Xizhou-Erhai Lake-Dali
  • Day 04: Dali-Donglianhua Village-Weishan Weibaoshan-Dali
  • Day 05: Departure from Dali

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Dali Arrival

Sightseeing and Activities:Dali Old Town
Accommodation: Dali Old Town
Meals: None

  • Welcoming Arrival
    • Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by your private guide in the airport’s arrival hall or at the train station’s exit.
  • Travel to Dali Old Town
    • Enjoy a comfortable transfer to your hotel located in the charming Dali Old Town.
  • Discovering Dali’s Rich Heritage
    • Once settled in, take the opportunity to explore Dali Old Town, immersing yourself in its rich history and distinctive culture.

Day 2 Dali-Cangshan Mountain-Dali

Sightseeing and Activities:Cangshan Mountain, Three Pagodas Temple, Ancient City Wall of Dali
Accommodation: Dali Old Town
Meals:Breakfast

  • Ascend with the Cable Car
    • Begin your adventure by taking a cable car ride up Cangshan, also known as “the Deep-Green Mountains.”
  • Hiking Along Yudai Road
    • Embark on a hike along the scenic Yudai Road, or “Jade Belt.” This trail offers breathtaking views of waterfalls, tranquil streams, ancient temples, and a stunning panorama of Erhai Lake, covering a distance of approximately 12 km (7.5 miles).
  • Alternative Exploration in the Hidden Valley
    • Alternatively, consider exploring the concealed valley nestled behind the mountains.
    • This round trip hike spans about 10 km (6 miles) and features beautiful waterfalls. Afterwards, enjoy an exhilarating ride in an all-terrain vehicle.
  • Journey to Dali
    • In the morning, hop on a high-speed train headed to Dali, a city steeped in history and renowned for its rich Bai ethnic culture.
  • Visiting the Three Pagodas
    • Your visit will include the iconic Three Pagodas of Chongshen Monastery, which boasts a history of over 1,800 years.
    • Set at the base of Cangshan Mountain and facing Erhai Lake, these pagodas consist of three ancient, independent structures arranged in a symmetrical triangle.

Day 3 Dali-Xizhou-Zhoucheng-Dali

Sightseeing and Activities: Three-pagodas in Chongshen Temple, Erhai Lake Cruise, Dali Ancient Town
Accommodation: Dali
Meals: Breakfast

  • Morning Bike Ride by Erhai Lake
    • Start your day with a bike ride along the picturesque shores of Erhai Lake.
    • Feel the refreshing breeze as you take in the vibrant flower fields and serene white houses of the Bai minority.
  • Exploring Xizhou Town
    • Pedal your way to Xizhou Town, where you can fully appreciate the traditional Bai-style architectural courtyards. Savor their aromatic Three-Course Tea and immerse yourself in their unique culture.
  • Visit to Zhoucheng Village
    • Continue your journey to Zhoucheng Village to explore the Bai people’s tie-dye cloth workshop.
    • Here, you can create your own special souvenir that reflects Bai ethnic style.
  • Transfer to a Tranquil Village
    • Next, move to your hotel located in a peaceful village on the east side of Erhai Lake, offering stunning views of the ‘Deep-Green Mountains’ across the water.
    • Spend your late afternoon at leisure, whether it’s taking a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore or relaxing on your balcony while savoring the flower cakes you created.
  • Traditional Tie-Dyeing Experience
    • Experience the ancient art of tie-dyeing with the Bai ethnic minority in a traditional village at the foot of Cangshan. Create a unique souvenir to remember your time in Dali.
  • Exploring Ancient Dali Town
    • Conclude your day with a visit to Ancient Dali Town.
    • Stroll along Foreigner Street, engaging with locals and soaking in the relaxed atmosphere. Afterward, climb up to the City Wall of Dali for a breathtaking panoramic view of Erhai Lake.

Day 4 Dali-Weishan-Dali

Sightseeing and Activities:Weishan Old Town, Weibaoshan Daoist Mountain, Weishan Confucius Temple, Donglianhua Village, Donglianhua Mosque
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast

  • Morning Transfer to Weishan County
    • Begin your day with a transfer from Dali to Weishan County.
  • Exploring Weibaoshan Mountain and Weishan Old Town
    • Kick off your tour at Weibaoshan Mountain and Weishan Old Town. Known as a significant Taoist mountain, Weibaoshan features numerous Taoist temples that showcase the unique Bai architectural style.
    • This day trip includes visits to two iconic sights in Weishan County: Weishan Ancient Town and Weibaoshan Mountain.
  • Journey to Weibaoshan Mountain
    • You will drive approximately 70 km to reach Weibaoshan Mountain, located about 10 kilometers southeast of Weishan Yi and Hui Nationalities Autonomous County.
    • The journey takes about an hour, during which you may glimpse some Yi villages along the way.
    • If you are fortunate, you might catch a local Yi market day.
  • Visiting Weibaoshan Mountain
    • Upon arrival, explore Weibaoshan Mountain. This renowned Taoist site offers an opportunity to see various Taoist temples built in the Bai style. Don’t miss the vibrant murals depicting Yi people singing and dancing in Wenchang Palace and the stunning painted sculptures found in the Taoist Jade Emperor Temple, which are rarely seen.
  • Afternoon Activities in Weishan
    • After lunch, visit the Weishan Confucius Temple and stroll through Weishan Old Town, immersing yourself in the local Bai ethnic culture.
    • Next, head to Donglianhua Village (East Lotus Village) to further explore Hui culture.
  • Return to Dali
    • In the late afternoon, return to Dali and transfer to your hotel located in the downtown area.

Day 5 Departure from Dali

Sightseeing and Activities:None
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast

Free at leisure before be transferred to airport for the departure flight. Service ends.

Recommended Hotels

Destination 5 Star 4 Star 3 Star Hostel
Dali Gurong Hotel Landscape Hotel Taiheju Inn Taiheju Inn

Service Included:

  • Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary;
  • Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
  • Private English-speaking tour guide;
  • Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
  • Service charge & government taxes;
  • Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
  • High speed train tickets from Kunming to Dali (2nd class seats).

Service Excluded:

  • Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
  • Chinese visa fees;
  • Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
  • Single room supplement;
  • Tips to guides and drivers;
  • Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
  • Personal travel accident insurance;
  • All optional programs.