What to Do in Dali Yunnan: A 3-Day Itinerary for Unforgettable Adventures

Wondering what to do in Dali Yunnan? Located in China’s Yunnan Province, Dali is famous for its stunning natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. Its core attractions include Erhai Lake, a beautiful alpine lake, and the majestic Cangshan Mountain range. Whether you love outdoor activities, cultural exploration, or a relaxing getaway, Dali has something for everyone. This three-day itinerary, based on real experience, combines must-see spots with practical tips to help you explore Dali efficiently.

Trip Overview

Duration: 3 days (adjustable)

Theme: Erhai Lake slow living, outdoor sports, and Cangshan culture

Recommended Transport: Cycling, self-driving, or local taxis (Cycling is best on Erhai’s West Line, self-driving on the East Line)

Best Time to Visit: Spring or Autumn for mild weather and fewer crowds

What to Do in Dali Yunnan: Day 1 – Erhai West Line Slow Living (Cycling & Old Towns)

Route: Dali Old Town → Caicun Village → Panxi S-Bend → Xizhou Old Town

Highlights: Experience Dali’s laid-back vibe, cycle along Erhai Lake, and visit traditional Bai ethnic minority towns. This is a relaxed day, perfect for photography and local food.

Dali Old Town (9:00-10:30)

Start your day in Dali Old Town. Mornings are less crowded, ideal for wandering the local market on Renmin Road with its snacks and handicrafts. The ancient town is the perfect place to experience Dali’s famous slow living. If you have time in the evening, return for a stroll to feel the lively atmosphere.

Erhai Lake Cycling (11:00-17:00)

From the old town, cycle the scenic and flat West Line of Erhai Lake. Key stops include:

Caicun Village: A peaceful village, great for a short break.

Panxi S-Bend: Navigate to “Erdou Hotel” for this iconic photo spot where the curved path meets the lake and sky.

Langqiong Lonely Tree: Find “Jiaye Coffee” to photograph the famous lonely tree and bridge by the lake. The scenery is especially beautiful on a clear day.

Xizhou Old Town (17:30-20:00)

After cycling, head to Xizhou Old Town, known for traditional Bai architecture and beautiful rice fields. Be sure to try the local “poshubaba” (a flaky, crispy pancake) and take photos in the fields with Bai houses in the background. For culture lovers, try batik dyeing or a ride on the small field train.

Tips:

Rent a bike easily in Dali Old Town or Caicun for about 20-50 RMB per day ($3-7 USD).

Bring sunscreen and water, as the sun is strong by the lake.

Consider an Erhai Lake cruise for a different water-level perspective.

What to Do in Dali Yunnan: Day 2 – Erhai East Line & Outdoor Fun (Sports & Sunset)

Route: Shuanglang Old Town → Wase → Dali Luge Theme Park → Wenbi Village → Zhemo Mountain

Highlights: Combine self-driving, photography, and outdoor sports, ending the day with stunning East Line views and sunset. This route is best explored by car for easy stops.

Shuanglang Old Town (Morning)

Begin in Shuanglang. While more commercialised, it offers close-up Erhai Lake access. Don’t just stick to the main street; explore the small alleys to see local Bai life. Nearby Zhengjue Temple is a popular spot for a quick visit. Shuanglang is also great for aerial drone photography.

Wase Water Forest (13:00-14:30)

Navigate to “Luwo Mountain Ruins” to find a photogenic seaside cave. The Wase area is quiet and beautiful, ideal for a short lakeside walk.

Dali Luge Theme Park (15:30-17:30)

This outdoor sports park offers luge experiences (non-motorised cart tracks on a mountainside). It costs around 128 RMB for 3 rides and is fun for families or adventure seekers. The tracks on the hilltop offer panoramic views of Cangshan and Erhai. At dusk, it’s a fantastic spot for sunset photos.

Zhemo Mountain (18:30-20:00)

Head to Zhemo Mountain for a breathtaking sunset overlooking Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain, a perfect way to end the day. You can bring a picnic to enjoy on the mountain.

Tips:

Self-driving is most convenient for the East Line. Car rental costs about 200-400 RMB per day ($28-56 USD).

If time allows, stop at Little Putuo Island. Take a boat to the small island to see its pavilion and enjoy the lake breeze.

Skip: Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils Film City. It’s overpriced and not a great experience. Prioritize natural spots instead.

What to Do in Dali Yunnan: Day 3 – Cangshan Cultural Line (Hiking & Temples)

Route: Jizhao nunnery → Cangshan Mountain Jade Belt Road → Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas → Fengyangyi Village

Highlights: Explore the nature and culture of Cangshan Mountain, including temple visits and historical sites. This day involves light hiking, great for visitors who enjoy mixing culture and the outdoors.

Jizhao nunnery (8:30-10:30)

Take a roughly 20-minute hike up from the base to reach Jizhao nunnery. This temple is famous for its serene, succulent garden. You can enjoy a simple, healthy vegetarian lunch here for about 20 RMB per person ($3 USD).

Cangshan Mountain Jade Belt Road (11:00-14:00)

Take the Gantong Cable Car up the mountain and then hike the Jade Belt Road. This path is about 4.5 km long, relatively flat, and offers stunning aerial views of Erhai Lake. You might even find some pine cones as souvenirs. The “Canger Landscape” is an iconic and magnificent sight.

Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas (15:00-17:00)

Visit the iconic Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, a historic landmark of Dali. If you’re short on time, you can also view the pagodas from a distance. The temple grounds contain many cultural relics for those interested in Buddhist history.

Fengyangyi Village (17:30-19:00)

Finish your day at Fengyangyi Village, a filming location for the popular Chinese TV series “Meet Yourself.” The village retains its traditional rammed-earth architecture from the Ancient Tea Horse Road era, perfect for photos and experiencing rural life.

Tips:

Wear comfortable shoes and a jacket for Cangshan, as the weather can change quickly.

History buffs can visit the Dali Museum to learn more about local culture and design. Entry is free or low-cost.

Fengyangyi Village is small; 1-2 hours is sufficient. Pair it with the Three Pagodas to avoid rushing.

More Things to Do in Dali Yunnan

If you have extra time, consider these spots:

Weishan Old Town: More authentic and less touristy than Dali Old Town.

Weibao Mountain: A Taoist mountain with strong energy and well-preserved ancient sites, great for hiking.

Eryuan West Lake: Known as the “Venice of the East,” with beautiful landscapes for boating or relaxing.

Xingsheng Bridge: Located in Xiaguan, it’s a popular spot for artistic photos under the bridge.

Butterfly Spring: A classic spot with clear water and a peaceful environment.

Full Erhai Lake Loop: The loop is about 130 km long, passing by Erhai Park, Yubaicai Wetland Park, and more. Perfect for in-depth exploration by car or private taxi.

General Tips for Your Dali Trip

Transport: Dali Old Town is a transport hub. Rent bikes, e-bikes, or cars. The West Line is cycling-friendly; the East Line is better for driving.

Accommodation: Stay in Dali Old Town or Shuanglang for convenience.

Food: Try Bai cuisine like stone grill barbecue, but be mindful of hygiene.

Budget: A 3-day trip costs roughly 500-1000 RMB per person (excluding international flights), depending on your choices.

Language: English is not widely spoken. Download a translation app or learn basic Chinese phrases.

What to Skip: Avoid overly commercialised attractions like the Film City. Prioritise natural and cultural experiences.

Dali is the perfect place to slow down and immerse yourself in natural beauty and cultural charm. We hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip exploring what to do in Dali Yunnan. If you have more time, consider extending your journey to Lijiang or Shangri-La, but Dali itself is plenty rewarding. Enjoy your travels.