Wandering Through Dali: A Tale of Romance and Exploration
Dali is a picturesque city nestled between the majestic Cangshan Mountains and the azure waters of Erhai Lake. It boasts beautiful pastoral landscapes, centuries-old ancient towns, traditional Bai ethnic residences, and strong national custom. Visiting such a city is best experienced at a leisurely pace, allowing you to deeply immerse yourself in its romantic charm, cultural depth, and natural beauty.
Our 3-Day Yunnan Dali Tour is tailored for those who wish to absorb the serene beauty of Dali at a relaxed pace. This itinerary offers a thoughtful mix of history, nature, and hands-on cultural engagement. You'll visit iconic landmarks such as Dali Ancient Town and the Three Pagodas. Explore vibrant local markets and delve into the heart of Dali's Bai culture in Xizhou, appreciating traditional Bai homes, participating in the Bai Three Courses of Tea ceremony, and experiencing Bai tie-dye art. Outdoor activities like a bike ride around Erhai Lake and flower cake-making at a flower farm let you enjoy the enchanting city's natural beauty.
Yunnan Dali (3 Days)
Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, Dali Ancient Town, Erhai Lake Bike Ride, Yunnan Flower Cake Making, Morning Market, Xizhou Ancient Town, Zhoucheng Village & Tie-dye
Ni Hao! Welcome to Dali, home to the Bai ethnic minority! Upon your arrival at Dali airport/train station, the tour guide and driver will meet you at the exit, greet you, and escort you directly to the downtown area, where they will help you check in at your hotel.
Dali City (大理) is situated in western Yunnan, roughly 250 km (160 mi) northwest of Kunming, the provincial capital. Dali lies between the majestic Cangshan Mountains and the expansive Erhai Lake, providing stunning vistas and a variety of outdoor activities. The city is rich in history, once serving as the capital of the ancient Nanzhao and Dali kingdoms, and boasts many well-preserved historical sites like Dali Ancient Town and Three Pagodas, etc. Dali is home to the Bai ethnic minority, known for their rich traditions, vibrant festivals, and distinctive art. Beyond its physical and cultural allure, the slow, relaxed rhythm of Dali life invites visitors to unwind and enjoy a simpler, more peaceful way of living.
Arrival Ideas: Travelers can reach Dali by taking a flight or a train. Dali Fengyi Airport has direct flights connecting to major cities in China such as Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Changsha, and Wuhan, among others. Travelers can take high-speed trains to Dali Station from Kunming (2 hours), Lijiang (1.5 hours), Chengdu (8 hours), Chongqing (7-7.5 hours), Guilin (10 hours), Guiyang (5 hours), Guangzhou (11 hours), and other cities.
Evening Activity Suggestion:
In the evening, take the opportunity to independently explore the enchanting Dali Ancient Town. As dusk settles, the town's vibrant night markets come alive. Unwind in one of the town's many cozy coffee Shop or night bars.
After breakfast, embark on your morning visit to the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, a profound dive into the historical and spiritual heritage of Dali.
The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple (崇圣寺三塔景区), majestically set against the backdrop of the Cangshan Mountains and overlooking Erhai Lake, are the iconic symbol of Dali. The three pagodas (三塔), located at the front part of the complex, consist of one larger pagoda, known as Qianxun Pagoda about 69 meters high, flanked by two smaller ones. According to local legends, Dali was once a swamp inhabited by dragons that caused natural disasters, the Three Pagodas were built to deter the dragons. Take your time to closely observe the architectural details and the craftsmanship that have enabled these structures to stand tall and unyielding through the centuries. Don't miss the beautiful reflection pond in front of the pagodas, which provide stunning reflective views of the structures, perfect for photography.
After visiting the pagodas, proceed to Chongsheng Temple (崇圣寺) just behind them. This temple once served as the royal temple of the Dali Kingdom of Nanzhao with the good reputation of being “the Capital of Buddhism”. It is also famous as Tianlong Temple in Jin Yong’s "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils." As you follow your guide, you will explore various halls for worship, including the impressive Mahavira Hall, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the temple grounds. From certain elevated points, you can enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake.
After your temple visit, make your way to Dali Ancient Town (大理古城), often referred to as Dali Old Town, originally established during the Ming dynasty over 600 years ago, serving as the medieval capital of both the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms. Visitors can stroll through the ancient city and enjoy its unique sense of history and culture. The main streets of the ancient city, such as Renmin Road and Foreigner Street, have many well-preserved traditional Bai architecture and alleys to explore. Besides the Bai ethnic minority's traditional folk houses, the houses all with grey-green roof tiles, peculiar workshops, temples, schools, and churches with an antique flavor are scattered. The streets are lined with shops selling handmade crafts, including marbled paper, silver jewelry, and embroidered textiles. Perhaps try some regional dishes such as cold rice noodles, Erhai Lake fish, unique dairy products like Rushan cheese, etc.
In the afternoon, continue your journey with a leisurely bike ride along the west side of Erhai Lake (洱海). The name "Erhai" translates to "Ear-shaped Sea," reflecting its unique shape. It is the second-largest highland lake in the country and a key feature of the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture. As you pedal along the well-maintained lakeside path, the stunning views of the expansive blue lake waters bordered by the majestic Cangshan Mountains will leave you in awe. Along the route, you'll encounter quaint Bai villages, lush green fields, and vibrant flowers. The bike path offers numerous spots for you to pause and soak in the beautiful views, perfect for capturing memorable photographs.
Conclude your day with a flower cake-making workshop in the late afternoon set against the enchanting backdrop of a blossoming rose garden. This setting perfectly embodies Yunnan's reputation as the "Kingdom of Flowers." Here, you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to craft Yunnan Flower Cakes (鲜花饼), a beloved local delicacy made from a variety of edible flowers such as roses, jasmine, and osmanthus. During the peak rose season, from April to October, the garden is at its most vibrant, offering not only a visual feast but also filling the air with the sweet and alluring scents of fresh roses and other bloom.
After the tour, return to your hotel in Dali.
Start your delightful day by immersing yourself in the lively Xizhou Morning Market (喜洲早市)! There's no better way to get under the skin of a place than by exploring its local market, here you can witness firsthand the local customs and mouth-watering dietary habits. This market has been a gathering spot for over a century where locals trade a wide array of goods - from farm-fresh produce and unique handicrafts to tantalizing local snacks. Yunnan, fondly known as the "Kingdom of Flora and Fauna," is a place where flowers and insects find their way into the local cuisine! Don't be surprised if you come across unfamiliar vegetables, fruits, and wild mushrooms. While you're there, don't miss your chance to try local favorites like Xizhou baba (a tasty stuffed pancake, savory or sweet) and a cup of freshly brewed Yunnan coffee.
After exploring the market, take a walking tour of Xizhou Ancient Town (喜洲古镇), acclaimed as the "Premier Town of the Bai people" due to its exceptionally the largest and best-preserved cluster of Bai ethnic group's traditional dwellings. Xizhou Village is ideal for those seeking a more authentic and tranquil cultural experience of Bai life and traditions. As you wander through the village, visit some of the old mansions and Bai residences like Yan Family Compound (严家大院), you'll notice the most distinctive features of Bai architecture known as "Three-Room and One-Screen Wall (三房一照壁)" and "Siheyuan/Courtyard (四合院)”. These homes are adorned with exquisite details such as flying eaves, ornately carved wooden doors and beautifully painted walls typical of Bai aesthetics. Don't miss the "Three Courses of Tea" ceremony (三道茶), a Bai cultural practice you must experience. This tea ceremony, which transitions from bitter to sweet to an aftertaste, encapsulates the philosophy of "embraces hardship, values the sweetness that follows struggles, and reflects on the profound aftertastes that life experiences leave behind". In addition, Xizhou is surrounded by vast wheat fields, creating a striking contrast against the grey-and-white tones of the Bai minority dwellings. This harmonious coexistence with nature provides a healing, wonderful feeling. The beautiful scenery, especially in spring and autumn, draws tourists to appreciate Xizhou's charms.
After lunch, make your way to Zhoucheng Village, which is just a short drive from Xizhou. Zhoucheng Village (周城), is often referred to as the “Hometown of Bai Embroidery ”. It is Bai people village, famous for its traditional tie-dye art (扎染), which has been preserved and passed down through generations. The Bai tie-dye technique has been listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. Explore workshops within the village that showcase exquisite Bai embroidery. These pieces often depict traditional motifs such as lotus flowers, fish, and birds, which carry significant cultural symbolism. Engage with the local craftsmen and women, many of whom have inherited their skills from generations. If you're lucky, you may witness live demonstrations of Bai embroidery and tie-dye techniques. Optional Activity: If interested, participate in a hands-on workshop and craft your own tie-dye fabric under the guidance of expert artisans.
After the tour, you will be escorted back to drive to the Dali airport/train station for your departure.
Extension Ideas: If you wish to extend your trip and explore other highlighted parts of Yunnan, such as Kunming, Lijiang, Shangri-La, Xishuangbanna, and more, we can help you with the arrangements.
Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Yunnan tour, we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!
What's Included:
What's Excluded:
Yunnan is a highly mountainous province, with many destinations situated at high elevations. Be prepared for potential altitude sickness, especially if traveling to places like Lijiang (2,400m) or Shangri-La (3,400m). Acclimate gradually and stay hydrated.
Yunnan's climate can vary dramatically, even within the same day. Bring clothing that can be easily layered, as temperatures can fluctuate significantly, especially in the highlands.
The high-altitude sun in Yunnan can be intense. Wear sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from sunburn and UV exposure.
Yunnan is home to a diverse array of ethnic minority groups. Be mindful of local customs and traditions, and ask for permission before taking photographs of people.
Yunnan is renowned for its diverse and flavorful cuisine. Be adventurous and sample local specialties like crossing-the-bridge noodles, Yunnan ham, and the region's unique variety of mushrooms.
Yunnan can experience sudden changes in weather, from heavy rains to snow, even during the same trip. Pack appropriate clothing and gear to be prepared for varying conditions.
By keeping these tips in mind, travelers can help ensure a safe, enjoyable, and enriching experience during their visit to the stunning Yunnan province.
In Yunnan, there are many different hotel styles and types to choose from. No matter travelers choose to overnights in Kunming, Shilin, Yuanyang, Jianshui, Dali, Lijiang, or Shangri-la.
To cater to diverse traveler preferences and budgets, we offer a curated selection of accommodations. Our options include luxurious 5-star hotels, comfortable 4-star options, and economical 3-star establishments. All our selected hotels are conveniently located near city centers or popular tourist spots.
Find your perfect hotel for a great Yunnan experience! Our knowledgeable travel experts can provide you with various pricing options based on different hotels. Whether you seek a luxurious stay or have specific preferences, our experts will assist you in choosing the best option that suits your needs.
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Date of Experience: Jun 23, 2024
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(Based on a private tour for two people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people.)
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