Dali Travel Guide: Encountering Slow Time in a Land of Wind, Flowers, Snow, and Moon

Deep in everyone's heart, there's a dream about Dali. It's a place where the wind of Xiaguan, the flowers of Shangguan, the snow of Cangshan, and the moon of Erhai come together—a city gently caressed by time, as if made to cradle wandering souls. Whether you're setting foot here for the first time or returning once again, Dali has a quiet way of making you let down your guard, slow your pace, and empty your mind.

As a Dali native, I've watched too many tourists rush in and out, missing the city's most touching details. Today, I want to share this carefully curated short-trip guide with you, hoping it helps you find your own rhythm amid the wind, flowers, snow, and moon.

Before You Go: Essential Things to Know

Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen

Dali sits on a high plateau, and the UV rays are no joke. No matter your skin type, make sure to bring sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Better yet, carry a spray bottle for touch-ups throughout the day. Otherwise, you might end up with a "highland glow" face after just one day.

Post-Sun Repair Is a Must

After a day of exposure, get back to your hotel and immediately soothe your skin with a hydrating mist, followed by a sheet mask. Trust me, this step will let you step out the next day looking fresh for photos.

Pack Some Medicine

Dali's Bai cuisine is known for its sour and spicy flavors. If your stomach is sensitive, bring digestive aids. Also, stock up on anti-inflammatories and cold medicine—just in case of altitude sickness or sudden weather changes.

Rain Gear and Mosquito Repellent

Especially in summer, Dali's weather is as changeable as a child's mood. One moment it's clear skies, the next it might drizzle. Always carry an umbrella—it works for both rain and sun. Mosquitoes are also plentiful, so repellent is your best friend.

What to Wear

For photo-loving ladies, pack a few long dresses—white, bright red, or floral prints look great no matter what. Pair them with a straw hat for sun protection and style. No need for heavy coats in summer, but winter days have big temperature swings, so a jacket is essential.

Getting Around: How to Arrive and Move Around

Attractions in Dali are spread out, so it's best to hire a private car for the whole trip—it's convenient and more affordable than taxis.

From the Airport

Dali Airport has direct buses to the ancient town. Here's the route: - Dali Airport → Dali Train Station → Dali Ancient Town Visitor Center (near the South Gate) Buses run from 7:30 AM, following flight arrivals until the last flight of the day. Board at the airport express waiting area on the right side of the exit. It costs 15 RMB/person to the train station and 25 RMB/person to the ancient town. - Dali Ancient Town Leicuiyuan → Dali Airport - Xiaguan City Center → Dali Airport

From the Train Station

• Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas Express Line: 3 RMB/person
• Bus Route 8: 2 RMB/person

Bus routes may change due to road construction, so check real-time routes with a map app before you go.

Three-Day Itinerary: Slow Down, That's Dali

Day 1: Stroll Through Cangshan, Dream in the Ancient Town

Stop 1: Cangshan Cable Car

Take the Ximatan Cable Car up the mountain, and you'll be stunned by the view. Gaze at Erhai Lake—its shimmering surface like a piece of jade resting quietly in the mountains. Up close, Cangshan is covered in lush pines and cypresses, with rugged rocks that look like a Chinese ink painting.

Halfway up, you'll reach the Seven Dragon Girl Pools, where a rushing stream connects seven crystal-clear pools at different heights, each more beautiful than the last. The roar of water and swirling mist make it feel like a fairyland.

Higher still, at 3,920 meters, lies Ximatan, a gem atop Cangshan. In summer, thousand-year-old azaleas bloom in a riot of color, blending with thick fog to create a breathtaking scene. Even without flowers, the clear spring alone is enough to make you lose yourself.

Visitor Tips: - Hours: 09:00–17:00 (ticket sales stop at 3 PM; cable car operation depends on weather) - Ticket: 280 RMB (includes round-trip cable car + Tianlong Babu Film Studio) - Suggested time: 3–4 hours

Stop 2: Tianlong Babu Film Studio

Walk from the cable car to the film studio, and you'll feel like you've stepped into a martial arts world from Jin Yong's novels. Stone steps, ancient trees covered in moss, thick clouds and fog—everything feels ethereal and serene.

Visitor Tips: - Hours: 09:00–17:00 - Ticket: 52 RMB (combo tickets available) - Suggested time: 1 hour

Stop 3: Jizhao Nunnery

Known as "China's most literary nunnery," this temple is tucked away on the southern slope of Cangshan's Shengying Peak. It doesn't burn incense—only offers flowers. The courtyard is filled with blossoms and succulents, bringing a sense of peace. Here, a cup of tea becomes a moment in time.

Visitor Tips: - Hours: Open all day - Ticket: Free - Suggested time: 1–2 hours - Food tip: Free vegetarian meals on the 1st and 15th of the lunar month and weekends; other days, 20 RMB/person. Meal time is 11:00–12:00. Don't waste food, or the nuns might make you kneel as punishment.

Stop 4: Dali Ancient Town

As evening falls, wander along the cobblestone streets, watching sunlight filter through clouds onto every tile and brick. Stumbling upon a small shop, a delicious bite, or a song that touches your heart—these are the most beautiful surprises of any journey.

Visitor Tips: - Hours: Open all day - Ticket: Free - Suggested time: 1–2 hours

Day 2: Circle Erhai Lake—Scenery and Song All the Way

Erhai Lake is the soul of Dali. Following the lakeside road, you'll see a different kind of beauty.

Stop 1: Erhai Ecological Corridor

Rent a bicycle and ride north from Majiuyi, passing flower fields, wetlands, and playful beaches. With the lake breeze on your face, your mood will lift instantly.

Visitor Tips: - Hours: Open all day - Ticket: Free - Suggested time: 2 hours

Stop 2: Panxi S-Curve (网红S弯)

This is a photo hotspot, especially for sunrise shots. But it gets crowded, so go early to get good pictures.

Visitor Tips: - Hours: Open all day - Ticket: Free - Suggested time: 40 minutes

Stop 3: Xizhou Ancient Town

Writer Lao She once called Xizhou a "miracle." Walking through its winding alleys and stepping on ancient stone slabs, you'll feel a sense of calm detachment. The Bai-style architecture with its carved beams and painted pillars carries the weight of time.

Visitor Tips: - Hours: Open all day - Ticket: Free - Suggested time: 1 hour

Stop 4: Shuanglang

Facing the sea with spring blossoms—Shuanglang is a place for daydreaming. Watch the waves crash, listen to the gentle sound of the water, enjoy sunrises and sunsets. Wasting time here is a luxury.

Visitor Tips: - Hours: Open all day - Ticket: Free - Suggested time: 1 hour - Food tip: Grilled milk fan (烤乳扇) sold by an old lady along the lakeside road. Made with condensed milk, peanuts, and rose sugar, it's rich and creamy—so good you can't stop eating.

Stop 5: Xiaoputuo Island

Shaped like a seal, locals call it "A Seal on Erhai." Climb the pavilion for a panoramic view of Cangshan and Erhai.

Visitor Tips: - Hours: Open all day - Ticket: Free (boat ride to the island costs extra) - Suggested time: 30 minutes

Stop 6: Lixiangbang (Dali's Santorini)

Located on the eastern shore, facing Cangshan across Erhai. The architecture is unique, and every shot looks like a magazine cover.

Visitor Tips: - Hours: Open all day - Ticket: Free - Suggested time: 1 hour

Stop 7: Xingsheng Bridge

Spanning Erhai Lake, this European-style bridge is perfect for high-fashion photos. At dusk, with blue skies and white clouds, it feels like you're in Europe.

Visitor Tips: - Hours: Open all day - Ticket: Free - Suggested time: 30 minutes

Day 3: Nearby Gems—A Deeper Dali Experience

Stop 1: Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas

Just a 10-minute drive from the ancient town. These three pagodas have stood for over a thousand years at the foot of Cangshan. They're not just a photo spot—they're a symbol of faith.

Visitor Tips: - Hours: 08:00–18:00 - Ticket: 72 RMB/person - Suggested time: 2–3 hours

Stop 2: Hua Ban Yi Sheng Rose Manor

Filming location for the reality show Daughters' Love Season 3, this secret garden was also visited by Jin Chen and Shen Mengchen. It has adorable alpacas, Hobbit houses, a rose garden, verbena flower fields, a trendy bus, and a flower-lined path. You can make flower cakes, rose jam, or even craft a flower-infused lipstick.

Visitor Tips: - Hours: 10:00–18:00 - Ticket: Free with purchase (flower cake experience: 99 RMB/2 people) - Suggested time: 3 hours

Stop 3: Fengyangyi Ancient Tea Horse Road

Hidden at the foot of Cangshan, this spot sees few tourists—mostly local elders chatting and relaxing. It's home to many passionate artisans living a simple, self-sufficient rural life.

Visitor Tips: - Hours: Open all day - Ticket: Free - Suggested time: 2–3 hours

Stop 4: Dali University Scenic Road

A straight road that runs from the mountain base to Erhai Lake, offering a dramatic view. It's perfect for photos, giving the feel of San Francisco.

Visitor Tips: - Hours: Open all day - Ticket: Free - Suggested time: 1 hour (best for photos at dusk)

Where to Go at Night: Bar Recommendations

• Tang Dynasty Bar (Foreigner Street): One of the larger bars in Dali Ancient Town
• Da Bing's Little House (Mid-Renmin Road): Famous because of writer Da Bing; buy a bottle of beer and sit all night
• Bad Monkey Bar (Upper Renmin Road): A trendy bar run by foreigners; great if you like a lively atmosphere
• April Bar (Mid-Renmin Road): A favorite of singer Chen Sheng; perfect for quiet listening

Where to Stay: Sleep in the Scenery

• Beautiful Encounter·Dali Mengdiezhuang Hotel: Offers one room, one car, and one butler service; free private car within 30 km; great value
• Weide Manor Seaview Hotel: Near the covered bridge, quiet and comfortable, ideal for those who prefer peace

A Final Word

Dali isn't a city—it's a way of life. She doesn't ask you to rush through check-ins. She only hopes you'll slow down, feel the direction of the wind, listen to the rain, wait for someone, or wait for a better version of yourself.

Three days may not be enough to see all of Dali's beauty, but it's enough to make you fall in love. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment or message me—a Dali-born Bai girl. I'm happy to help with routes, food, or travel photography.

May you, in Dali, wait for the wind, wait for the rain, and also wait for that better version of yourself.