Three Days and Two Nights Guide to Dali Ancient City
The three-day and two-night travel guide to Dali Ancient City can be detailed as follows, aiming to let you fully experience Dali's natural scenery, historical culture, and cuisine.
Day 1: Initial Exploration of the Ancient City and Cangshan Mountain Tour
**Morning: Dali Ancient City**
- **Recommended Attractions**: Upon arrival in Dali, first check into a hotel or inn near the ancient city. It is recommended to choose accommodations with ethnic characteristics, such as Vienna Hotel (Dali Ancient City Branch) or Dali Slow Bar Inn, to better integrate into the ancient city atmosphere.
- **Activity Arrangement**: Stroll around the ancient city, starting from the north gate, to feel the bustling atmosphere; then visit Renmin Road and Foreigner Street to experience the commercial atmosphere and Western style of the ancient city; finally, head to the Bed Sheet Art Field and March Street to gain an in-depth understanding of local culture and life.
- **Food Recommendation**: For lunch, you can try local snacks in the ancient city, such as flower cakes and crossing-the-bridge noodles.
**Afternoon: Cangshan Mountain Tour**
- **Recommended Attractions**: Head to Cangshan Mountain and take the Gantong Cableway to Cangshan Grand Canyon, enjoying the beautiful scenery of Qingbi Stream along the way. Then, take the Ximatan Cableway to the top of Cangshan Mountain to overlook Erhai Lake and the panoramic view of Dali Ancient City.
- **Play Time**: About 6-7 hours, including round-trip cableway time and attraction visit time.
- **Ticket Information**: Cangshan Mountain ticket is 40 yuan, Gantong Cableway one-way is 50 yuan, round-trip is 80 yuan; Ximatan Cableway one-way is 100 yuan, round-trip is 200 yuan.
**Evening: Night Tour of the Ancient City**
- **Activity Arrangement**: Return to the ancient city in the evening, stroll around Foreigner Street, and taste the special delicacies in the ancient city, such as roasted milk fan and Erhai fish. Then, you can choose a characteristic bar or teahouse to enjoy the leisurely nightlife of Dali.
Day 2: Erhai Lake Tour and Ancient Town Visit
**Morning to Afternoon: Erhai Lake Tour**
- **Transportation**: Rent a bicycle or electric bike and ride along Erhai Lake, enjoying the pastoral scenery and lake and mountain views along the way. It is recommended to start from Longkan Wharf on the west bank of Erhai Lake and visit attractions such as Chongsheng Temple and Three Pagodas, and Three Pagodas Reflection Park along the way.
- **Play Time**: About 4-5 hours, including riding time and attraction visit time.
- **Ticket Information**: Chongsheng Temple and Three Pagodas Scenic Area is free to enter, but some internal attractions may require separate tickets.
**Afternoon to Evening: Xizhou Ancient Town and Haixie Ecological Park**
- **Recommended Attractions**: Ride to Xizhou Ancient Town, visit well-preserved ancient buildings, and feel the historical charm of the ancient town. Then, head to Haixie Ecological Park to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Erhai Lake.
- **Play Time**: About 2-3 hours.
Day 3: Cultural Exploration and Food Experience
**Morning: Cultural Exploration in the Ancient City**
- **Activity Arrangement**: Visit the Dali Ancient City Museum (Presidential Marshal's Mansion) to gain an in-depth understanding of Dali's history and culture. Then, you can visit temples in the ancient city, such as Chongsheng Temple and Three Pagodas (if not visited the previous day), to feel the religious atmosphere of Dali.
**Afternoon: Food Experience and Shopping**
- **Food Recommendation**: Look for special restaurants and snack stalls in the ancient city to taste Dali's cuisine, such as Bai ethnic dishes and wild mushroom hot pot. It is recommended to try Yangji Erkuai and Wutongshu Courtyard Wild Mushroom Hot Pot.
- **Shopping Experience**: Buy local handicrafts and specialties as souvenirs according to personal preferences, such as handmade silver jewelry and tie-dye fabrics.
**Evening: End of the Trip**
- **Activity Arrangement**: End the three-day trip, return home with full memories and specialties, or head to the next destination.
Notes
1. **Sun Protection**: Dali has plenty of sunshine, so take sun protection measures, such as bringing sunscreen and a sun hat.
2. **Warm Clothing**: Dali has a large temperature difference between morning and evening, so bring appropriate clothing and remember to add clothes in the morning and evening.
3. **Traffic Safety**: Pay attention to traffic safety during self-driving tours and follow traffic rules.
4. **Environmental Protection**: Maintain environmental hygiene, respect local customs, and protect the natural environment.
With the above three-day and two-night travel guide, I believe you can fully experience Dali's natural beauty, historical culture, and culinary charm. Have a pleasant trip!
Other visitors' reviews of Dali Ancient City
Show More ReviewsDali Ancient City | A charming old town where romance and beauty come alive, an addictive destination 🌿 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A must-visit in Dali, the slower you go, the more you'll appreciate its charm! Cobblestone streets, Bai-style gray tiles, lanterns lining the city – step into a poetic world of romance and beauty. The ancient city is free to enter, with its winding streets and alleys perfect for exploring. Climb Wuhua Tower for panoramic views, stroll along the city walls, and gaze at the misty Cangshan Mountains above while experiencing the vibrant life of everyday life below. It possesses both the grandeur of the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom and the relaxed atmosphere of a modern, artsy town. The main street is bustling and atmospheric, but turning into the alleys reveals even more surprises. Old courtyards, tie-dye workshops, handicraft shops, and folk music bars are everywhere. Spend the day shopping and taking photos, and at night listen to the music and the atmosphere is electric when the lights come on. Food is everywhere: roasted milk fan, Xizhou baba (a type of pancake), cold chicken rice noodles, and ersi (a type of rice noodle) – eat your way through the streets for a satisfying and affordable experience. Commercialized but not frivolous, lively but not noisy. Perfect for leisurely strolling, taking photos, and simply relaxing. Whether you're a couple, friends, or traveling alone, you'll find your own tranquil corner. Staying overnight allows you to fully appreciate the ancient city's beauty both day and night. ✅ Practical Tips: Wear comfortable shoes; less crowded and more scenic in the early morning/evening; don't just explore the main street, the alleys offer more photo opportunities; respect local customs. In short: A trip to Dali isn't complete without visiting the ancient city!