4 Days Best Dali City Tour with Cangshan Mountain Hiking and Erhai Lake Cycling

Arrival at Dali Airport/Train Station:

• Upon arrival, your guide and driver will meet you at the exit and escort you to your hotel in downtown Dali. The city is set between the Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake, offering striking views and a peaceful atmosphere.

About Dali:

• Dali is a historic city once serving as the capital of the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms. Rich in Bai ethnic culture, Dali is famous for its unique architecture, old traditions, and serene lakeside beauty. The area also offers outdoor activities and stunning views from the mountains.

Arrival Ideas:

• You can reach Dali by flight or high-speed train from various major cities in China. Dali’s airport has direct flights from places like Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Shanghai. High-speed trains from Kunming and Lijiang are also convenient.

Evening Activity Suggestion:

Explore Dali Ancient Town after settling in. Wander through the night markets, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and unwind at a cozy coffee shop or night bar.

Accommodation: Hotel in Dali

Morning:

Cangshan Mountain Hiking (via Gantong Cableway):

Ascend the Cangshan Mountain, known as 'the Deep-Green Mountain,' via cable car. Trek along the stunning Yudai Road, or ‘Jade Belt,’ where you can take in breathtaking views of waterfalls, streams, ancient temples, and the scenic beauty of Erhai Lake. This hike spans approximately 12 km (about 7.5 miles).

Alternatively, if you prefer a different experience, you can explore the hidden valley nestled behind the mountains. This round-trip hike covers around 10 km (6 miles) and features delightful waterfalls, followed by an exhilarating ride in an all-terrain vehicle.

• After breakfast, head to Cangshan Mountain, which rises dramatically behind Dali, offering spectacular views of Erhai Lake and the surrounding landscape.

• Gantong Cableway will take you up the mountain, saving energy for the hike. As you ascend, enjoy fresh mountain air and panoramic views.

• Begin hiking on the Jade Belt Pathway (玉带云游路), a trail that runs along the mountainside at 2,800 meters. This well-maintained path is flanked by streams, waterfalls, and ancient temples. The trail is ideal for discovering diverse flora and the tranquil atmosphere of the mountain.

Alpine Rhododendron Viewing (Seasonal, May-June):

• If you're visiting in spring, consider taking the Ximatan Cableway, which leads to 3,900 meters—the highest point of Cangshan, where you can enjoy the beautiful rhododendrons blooming along the mountain slopes.

Midday:

Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple:

• Next, visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, a landmark of Dali. The Qianxun Pagoda (69 meters high) stands at the center, flanked by two smaller pagodas.

• According to local legend, the pagodas were built to tame the dragons believed to inhabit the area. Take time to appreciate the architecture and the reflective pond, which provides beautiful photo opportunities.

Chongsheng Temple Exploration:

• Explore Chongsheng Temple, an important Buddhist site once serving as the royal temple of the Dali Kingdom. Visit its various halls, including the Mahavira Hall, and enjoy sweeping views of Cangshan and Erhai Lake from elevated points.

Afternoon:

Dali Ancient Town Walk:

• Head to Dali Ancient Town, a historic area established over 600 years ago during the Ming Dynasty. The town is known for its Bai architecture and traditional lanes. Walk through the famous streets like Renmin Road and Foreigner Street, lined with shops selling handmade crafts, such as silver jewelry, embroidered textiles, and marbled paper.

• Don’t miss the chance to try local dishes like cold rice noodles, Erhai Lake fish, and Rushan cheese, a traditional dairy product.

Morning:

Xizhou Local Market:

• Start your day with a visit to the Xizhou Local Market in the nearby town of Xizhou. This bustling market has been a gathering spot for over a century, where you can find fresh local produce, unique handicrafts, and delicious snacks like Xizhou baba (a savory stuffed pancake) and Yunnan coffee.

• Take time to explore and get a feel for the region’s culinary culture, which includes everything from wild mushrooms to flower-based dishes.

Xizhou Ancient Town:

• After the market, take a walking tour of Xizhou Ancient Town, a well-preserved Bai village. This area is famous for its Bai architecture, especially the Three-Room and One-Screen Wall and Siheyuan Courtyards. Visit the Yan Family Compound (严家大院) to admire the traditional homes.

• Experience the "Three Courses of Tea" ceremony, a unique Bai cultural tradition symbolizing the ups and downs of life, from bitterness to sweetness and beyond.

Afternoon:

Zhoucheng Tie-dye Village:

• Travel to Zhoucheng Village, known as the Hometown of Bai Embroidery. Here, you can visit local workshops where traditional tie-dye techniques are still practiced. The Bai tie-dye has been listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

• Observe the artisans at work and, if you wish, join a tie-dye workshop to create your own piece of fabric, guided by expert craftsmen.

Erhai Lake Bike Ride:

• Begin your morning with an invigorating bike ride along the picturesque shores of Erhai Lake. Breathe in the fresh air while admiring the vibrant fields adorned with flowers and the charming white homes of the Bai minority.
• Subsequently, take a trip to a nearby flower farm, where you’ll have the chance to learn how to craft the delightful Yunnan treat known as flower cakes.
• Later, check into a tranquil village situated on the eastern side of Erhai Lake, offering breathtaking views of the 'Deep-Green Mountains' across the water. In the late afternoon, take some time for yourself; enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lakeside or relax on your balcony, soaking in the sunset while savoring the delicious flower cakes you prepared.

• After Zhoucheng, take a leisurely bike ride along the western side of Erhai Lake. This second-largest highland lake in China offers beautiful views of the Cangshan Mountains and surrounding Bai villages. Stop at various points along the way to take photos of the lake, fields, and lush landscapes.

Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Dali

Morning:

On your final day, enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your guide and driver transfer you to Dali Airport or Train Station for your departure.

Extension Ideas: If you wish to continue exploring Yunnan, we can help arrange trips to Kunming, Lijiang, Shangri-La, Xishuangbanna, or other beautiful destinations.