Dali Itinerary Templates
Choose a suitable itinerary based on your travel days
1-3 Day Short Trip
Day 1: Dali Ancient City
- 09:00-10:00 Arrive in Dali, check in at a guesthouse near the ancient city
- 10:30-12:00 Explore Dali Ancient City, enter from the South Gate, visit Wuhua Tower
- 12:00-13:30 Taste Bai ethnic group cuisine for lunch in the ancient city, recommended: Sour and Spicy Fish
- 14:00-16:30 Stroll along Foreigner Street, buy characteristic handicrafts
- 17:00-18:30 Climb the ancient city wall, overlook the panoramic view of the ancient city, wait for sunset
- 19:00-20:30 Have dinner in the ancient city, experience local barbecue
Day 2: West Bank of Erhai Lake
- 08:30-09:00 Rent a vehicle in the ancient city (electric bike: about 50 yuan/day)
- 09:30-12:00 Cycle to Xizhou Ancient Town, visit Yan Family Mansion
- 12:00-13:00 Taste authentic Xizhou Baba in Xizhou
- 13:30-16:00 Continue cycling to Haise Ecological Park, enjoy wetland scenery
- 16:30-18:30 Cycle back to the ancient city, enjoy the scenery along the west bank of Erhai Lake
- 19:00-20:30 Have dinner in the ancient city, recommended: Bai Ethnic Group's Eight Bowls
Day 3: Cangshan Mountain
- 08:30-09:00 Go to Cangshan Scenic Area, take Ximatan Cable Car up the mountain
- 09:30-12:00 Explore Ximatan Scenic Area, enjoy alpine meadows and lakes
- 12:00-13:00 Have a simple meal at the mountain restaurant
- 13:30-15:30 Walk to Qilongnu Pool, enjoy waterfall views
- 16:00-17:00 Take the cable car down the mountain
- 17:30-19:00 Return to the ancient city, buy souvenirs
- After 19:00 Go to the station or airport according to return time
5-7 Day In-depth Trip
Day 4: Butterfly Spring - Shuanglang
- 08:30-10:00 Visit Butterfly Spring Park, watch the butterfly spectacle
- 10:30-12:30 Take a bus to Shuanglang Ancient Town
- 12:30-13:30 Have lunch in Shuanglang, recommended: Fried Egg with Whitebait
- 14:00-17:00 Explore Shuanglang Ancient Town, visit Nanzhao Style Island
- 17:30-19:00 Enjoy sunset and dinner at a seaside restaurant in Shuanglang
- After 19:00 Check in at a sea-view guesthouse in Shuanglang
Day 5: Shuanglang - Wase - Little Putuo
- 07:00-08:00 Watch the sunrise in Shuanglang
- 08:30-09:00 Have breakfast at the guesthouse
- 09:30-11:30 Cycle to Wase Town, enjoy the scenery along the east bank of Erhai Lake
- 11:30-12:30 Visit Little Putuo, watch seagulls (in winter)
- 12:30-13:30 Have lunch in Wase Town
- 14:00-17:00 Cycle back to Shuanglang, or take a bus to Dali Ancient City
Day 6 and Beyond
You can choose from the following itineraries based on your interests:
- Shaxi Ancient Town Day Trip: Experience more authentic Tea Horse Road culture
- Nuodeng Ancient Town: Taste the famous Nuodeng Ham
- Dali Geothermal Country: Relax in hot springs
- Weibaoshan Mountain: Explore the birthplace of Nanzhao Kingdom
For detailed itinerary arrangements, please fill out the inquiry form to get customized service.