Dali Day Trip: Ancient Charms and Serene Lakes

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by Harper

March 29, 2024 · 1 min read

Dali 1 Day Itinerary

Embark on a one-day adventure in Dali, where history and nature intertwine to offer an unforgettable experience. Begin your journey at the Dali Ancient City, a place where the past comes alive amidst well-preserved architecture and cobbled streets. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage as you spend the day exploring this ancient town, which serves as a testament to the region's storied history. After soaking in the historical ambiance, shift gears to the natural splendor of Erhai Lake. This alpine fault lake, known for its crystal-clear waters and scenic vistas, provides a perfect counterpoint to the morning's cultural immersion. Whether you're seeking a peaceful boat ride or a leisurely stroll along the shores, Erhai Lake promises a serene escape to cap off your day in Dali. With Trip.com, your itinerary is set for a seamless blend of ancient allure and natural tranquility.

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Itinerary at a Glance
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Day 1: Time-Traveling in Dali - From Ancient Alleys to Serene Waters

1

Dali Ancient City

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Kicking off our Dali adventure, we step into the past at the Dali Ancient City. Nestled within the embrace of the Cangshan Mountains, this living museum is a tapestry of historical architecture and cobbled streets. Spend your day wandering through time, exploring traditional Bai homes and marveling at the ancient city gates. The vibrant culture of the Bai people comes alive in every corner, from the bustling markets to the quiet courtyards. It's a full day's journey through a town that has stood the test of time, offering a glimpse into a past that is still very much alive.

Attraction Info

  • No. 42, Yita Road, Dali Ancient City, Gucheng District, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-2 days
  • Open from 1/1-12/31

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Wozai Dali Dengni
Wozai Dali Dengni
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山海汇·老字号·特色白族菜(人民路店)
山海汇·老字号·特色白族菜(人民路店)
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段公子·神雕侠侣店
段公子·神雕侠侣店
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松梅园食坊(文献楼店)
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Fly Me To The Moon
Fly Me To The Moon
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2

Erhai Lake

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As the afternoon wanes, we'll transition from the historical echoes of the Dali Ancient City to the tranquil shores of Erhai Lake. This alpine fault lake, shaped like an ear, is a sanctuary of peace and natural beauty. The crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding hills and skies, creating a perfect symphony of nature's tranquility. Here, you can indulge in a leisurely boat ride, cycle around its perimeter, or simply sit by the shore to watch the sunset paint the sky in hues of gold and purple. Erhai Lake is not just a gym for the body but also a retreat for the soul, making it an ideal way to conclude your one-day Dali itinerary.

Attraction Info

  • No. 1 Henan Road, Xiaguan, Dali
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 days
  • Open from 1/1-12/31

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

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玥玥小厨·特色大理菜
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绿也·野生菌牛肉汤锅·屋顶花园餐厅
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Where to Stay Tonight

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|2.09km from city center
4.8/5349 Reviews
4.8/5Outstanding349 Reviews
Haidong Town/Ideal City
Dali
|2.11km from city center
5/540 Reviews
5/5Perfect40 Reviews
Haidong Town/Ideal City
Dali
|2.11km from city center
4.8/5320 Reviews
4.8/5Outstanding320 Reviews
Haidong Town/Ideal City
Dali
|2.11km from city center

Top Things to Do in Dali-2024

TOP 1
Dali Ancient City
Dali Ancient City
4.6/5 · 10,295 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 875 review
Highlights:
Located at the foot of the beautiful Cangshan Mountain, Dali Ancient City is the capital of ancient Nanzhao and Dali countries. With a slow pace lifestyle, a relatively warm climate and beautiful natural surroundings, it is a very conducive place for living. Combing the ancient city for artsy shops and hipster cafes is a very therapeutic and thrilling experience. The third and fourth month of the lunar calendar is filled with a lot of local festivals. The famous San Yue Jie or "Third Month Street", is the biggest festival of the year for local Bai people. Merchants come from far and wide to set up street markets and sell their interesting array of goods. There's also horse racing, archery and other competitions throughout the day. Join in the fun if you happen to be there!
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TOP 2
Cangshan Mountain
Cangshan Mountain
4.5/5 · 5,797 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 335 review
Highlights:
Cangshan Mountain, also called Diancangshan Mountain, is located on the west side of the Erhai Lake in Dali. It's scenery is spectacular and it is one of the four scenic spots of Dali. The main peak of the mountain is snowy all year round and the mountain is often shrouded in clouds. You can take the cablecar up the mountain or walk up the mountain. After ascending the Cangshan Mountain, you can overlook the beautiful Erhai Lake and Dali Ancient City.
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TOP 3
Erhai Lake
Erhai Lake
4.7/5 · 8,965 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 557 review
Highlights:
Erhai Lake is located on the eastern side of the ancient city of Dali at the foot of Mount Cangshan. Nominated as one of the four famous views in Dali, it is a destination you must not miss! The scenery there is spectacular. With good weather and lighting most of the year, it is an ideal location for landscape photographers. Every village surrounding the lake has its own unique style and highlights. One of the common ways of touring Erhai is to rent an electric scooter or car. There are also boat rides available if you want to visit the several islands and islets at the lake. Or, you can just simply find a seaview hotel next to Erhai and chill there for the day.
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TOP 4
Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple Cultural Tourism Area
Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple Cultural Tourism Area
4.7/5 · 10,453 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 519 review
Highlights:
The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple Cultural Tourism Area is located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain and faces the Erhai Lake. It is a symbol of Dali's landmarks. It is also one of the most impressive historical buildings in the country. As of now, it has a history of a thousand years. The best photography spot for the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple is the “Three Pagodas Juying Pond” at the Three Pagoda Reflection Park, where the pagodas and their reflections in the pool can be photographed together.
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TOP 5
Shuanglang
Shuanglang
4.3/5 · 3,137 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 52 review
Highlights:
Shuanglang is a small town in Wuyuan County of Dali, famous for its beautiful scenery. Shuanglang is located on the northeastern coast of the Bohai Sea and overlooks Cangshan Mountain. It has combined the essence of the scenery of Cangshan and Bohai. Yuji Island and Nanzhang Fengqing Island are within the regions of Shuanglang and are the main scenic attractions. Whether you take a stroll along Shuanglang, take a boat or ride a bike, these are all excellent choices. The town has many special buildings, such as the "Sun Palace" of the dancer Yang Liping, the "Moon Palace" and the "Green Bar" of painter Zhao Qing. They are all worth seeing.
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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Dali 1 Day Itinerary