A Must-Visit Paradise in Your Lifetime - Dali

【Dali Deep Exploration】4 Days 3 Nights to Experience Wind, Flower, Snow, and Moon - These Lesser-Known Activities Are Stunning! Just returned from Dali and my social media is blowing up with questions! Dali in September is breathtakingly beautiful - the rice fields by Erhai Lake have turned golden, and snow occasionally appears on the peaks of Cangshan Mountain. This guide I stayed up late to prepare will help you discover the newest ways to experience Dali! 🚗 Transportation Guide ✈️ Flight: Direct flights to Dali Airport (available from major cities nationwide) 🚄 High-speed Rail: Kunming Station → Dali Station (2-hour direct trip) 🛵 Vehicle Rental: Electric scooters 50 yuan/day, Beetle cars 300 yuan/day (remember to bargain) 🚌 Lake Circuit Bus: 98 yuan for unlimited 3-day travel, hop on and off at your convenience 🌊 Perfect 4-Day 3-Night Itinerary Day 1: Slow Life on Erhai Lake's West Shore 📍 Longkan Pier (7:00-9:00) You must come for the sunrise! Erhai Lake in the morning mist looks like a fairyland. The popular metasequoia trees have long lines for photos, but walk 200m north for the same view with fewer people! 📍 Panxi Village S-curve (10:00-12:00) Worth visiting despite the crowds! Rent a balloon as a prop. Recommend the terrace at "Erduo Guesthouse" - order a coffee and enjoy the best view all to yourself! 📍 Xizhou Ancient Town (14:00-18:00) More authentic than Dali Old Town! After taking photos at the corner building, be sure to try tie-dyeing at "Jise Ji" - their DIY canvas bags make meaningful souvenirs! Day 2: Self-driving Tour of Erhai Lake's East Shore 📍 Shuanglang Ancient Town (9:00-12:00) Recommend "Muxi Dali" seaside restaurant - 150 yuan per person but the view is worth it! Yang Liping's Sun Palace requires advance booking, afternoon tea is 128 yuan/person! 📍 Luowo Mountain Ruins (14:00-16:00) A hidden photography gem! The downhill path is a bit steep, but abandoned doorways and caves create an amazing atmosphere. Remember to wear comfortable shoes! 📍 Wenbi Village (17:00-19:00) Newly popular spot! Rainbow road with Erhai Lake as backdrop - wear light-colored dresses and visit during the gentle evening light! Day 3: Cangshan Mountain Secret Exploration 📍 Jizhao Nunnery (8:00-10:00) China's most beautiful nunnery! Courtyards filled with succulents, and the 20-yuan vegetarian meal is incredibly delicious (serving starts at 11:30, arrive early) 📍 Fengyang Yi Village (11:00-14:00) Filming location for "Go to the Place with Wind"! Well-preserved Tea Horse Road, and the tie-dye experience at "Zhi Bai" studio is super fun! Day 4: Lesser-Known Surrounding Areas 📍 Shaxi Ancient Town (All day) 2 hours from Dali but absolutely worth it! The ancient theater and Yujin Bridge are as beautiful as paintings. Friday market days are especially lively! 🍜 Food Recommendations and Warnings ✅ "Zhenhua Restaurant": Locals' favorite sour and spicy fish - the meat melts in your mouth ✅ "Moshang Garden": Amazing rose jam yogurt! Made with freshly picked petals ✅ "Old Li's Baoshan Copper Ladle Beef": Hotpot broth that will blow your mind ❌ "Duan Gongzi": Overpriced and disappointing despite being popular 📸 Top 5 Must-Visit Spots 1. Sunrise at Longkan Pier (healing scenery) 2. S-curve at Panxi Village (classic photo spot) 3. Shuanglang seaside restaurants (perfectly romantic) 4. Luowo Mountain Ruins (Instagram-worthy shots) 5. Succulent courtyard at Jizhao Nunnery (unique experience) ⚠️ Important Notes 1. Sunscreen! Sunscreen! The plateau UV rays are intense ☀️ 2. East shore roads are narrow - not recommended for novice drivers 🚗 3. Remember to bargain when shopping (don't pay more than 35 yuan for shawls) 4. September is rainy season, always carry an umbrella 🌂 5. Avoid weekends - visitor numbers can be 3 times higher! 🔥 Whether it's flower seas in spring or seagull season in winter, Dali offers unique scenery. This little paradise is truly a must-visit destination in your lifetime - don't miss it!