4 Days Yunnan Dali Tour with Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake

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, start your day with an invigorating hike up Cangshan Mountain Cangshan Mountain (苍山). Towering majestically over the western shores of Erhai Lake, Cangshan, unfolds like a vast scroll painting, creating a spectacular backdrop for the ancient city of Dali below. Cangshan spans an impressive length with 19 peaks and 18 streams and is known for its undulating silhouette of snow-capped peaks and the famous "Clouds of Cangshan”. To conserve energy, you'll take Gantong Cableway (感通索道) up the mountain. As you ascend, fresh mountain air and panoramic vistas of Dali and Erhai Lake below will refresh and invigorate your senses. Begin your trek along the best strip - Jade Belt Pathway (玉带云游路), located at an elevation of 2800 meters, halfway up the mountain. This well-maintained trail, adorned with streams and waterfalls, allows you to explore the diverse flora and discover many ancient temples and pavilions that dot the landscape. After your hike, you can take the cableway back down. (Tip: If you plan to enjoy the alpine rhododendrons in spring, from May to June, consider taking the Ximatan Cableway 洗马潭索道 to the highest point at an elevation of 3900 meters.)

Next, visit the iconic Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple (崇圣寺三塔景区). 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.

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.

Next, 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 a 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.

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.

After the tour, return to your hotel in Dali.

It’s time to end this 4-Day Yunnan Dali Tour. Your guide and driver will escort you to the Dali airport or 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!