Dali City Wind-Flower-Snow-Moon Tour

Capital of Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture — the City of Wind-Flower-Snow-Moon. A 3-day-2-night itinerary experiencing ancient town charm, Erhai Lake scenery, and Bai ethnic culture.

Historic City

Dali Ancient Town

Plateau Pearl

Erhai Lake

Buddhist Holy Land

Three Pagodas

Bai Ethnic Culture

Ethnic Customs

Dali Ancient Town Panorama with Cangshan and Erhai

Dali Ancient Town, Cangshan Mountain & Erhai Lake

The iconic Wind-Flower-Snow-Moon landscape of Dali

Dali City 3 Days 2 Nights Themed Tour

Ancient Town + Erhai Lake + Three Pagodas, feel the Wind-Flower-Snow-Moon Dali

                    
Duration
3 Days 2 Nights

                    
Main Destinations
Dali Ancient Town, Erhai Lake, Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, Cangshan Mountain

                    
Suitable For
Culture Enthusiasts, Photographers, Leisure Travelers

                    
Per Capita Budget
¥800-¥1500

Ancient Town Exploration

Dali Ancient Town + Wenxian Tower

Itinerary Highlights

Full-day exploration of Dali Ancient Town, experiencing the historical heritage of the "Land of Culture and Learning".

Attractions

Dali Ancient Town

A National Historical and Cultural City, first built during the Ming Hongwu period, with well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architectural layout and a complete four-gate four-street structure, serving as an important witness to the "Land of Culture and Learning".

Wenxian Tower

The iconic building of Dali Ancient Town, first built during the Qing Dynasty to commemorate Dali's history and culture. Climbing the tower offers a panoramic view of the ancient town.

Practical Information

Travel Tips

Comfortable shoes needed for walking in the ancient town
Protect yourself from sun and keep skin moisturized
Respect Bai ethnic customs and religious beliefs

Accommodation Recommendations

Characteristic Inn in the Ancient Town
Lakeside Scenic Hotel by Erhai
Bai Ethnic Residential Experience

Erhai Lake Scenery

Circle Erhai + Caicun Pier

Itinerary Highlights

Full-day tour around Erhai Lake, experiencing the unique charm of the plateau lake.

Attractions

Erhai Ecological Corridor

A 129-kilometer ecological corridor built around Erhai Lake, suitable for cycling or walking. It passes through wetlands, villages, and viewing platforms, offering beautiful views of Erhai Lake from different angles.

Caicun Pier

An important pier on the shore of Erhai Lake, where visitors can take cruise boats to tour the lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake reflecting each other. It is an ideal spot for photographing Erhai sunrise.

Practical Information

Experience Suggestions

Renting an electric bike to circle the lake is recommended
Erhai cruise tickets should be purchased in advance
Protect yourself from sun and wind

Food Recommendations

Erhai Sour-Spicy Fish
Rushan (Milk Fan)
Bai Three-Course Tea
Xizhou Baba (Flatbread)

Buddhist Culture

Three Pagodas + Cangshan Cable Car

Itinerary Highlights

Visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple in the morning, experience the Cangshan Cable Car in the afternoon.

Attractions

Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple

The iconic landmark of Dali, first built during the Nanzhao Kingdom period. The three pagodas standing together are a marvel, representing an important Buddhist cultural heritage and hailed as the symbol of the "Buddhist Capital".

Cangshan Cable Car

The main transportation to ascend Cangshan Mountain, offering panoramic views of Dali Ancient Town and Erhai Lake, with the magnificent scenery of the nineteen peaks and eighteen streams of Cangshan along the way.

Practical Information

Special Notes

Entrance ticket required for the Three Pagodas scenic area
Cangshan weather is changeable, bring extra clothing
Check cable car operating hours in advance

Return Trip Suggestions

Allow ample time to get to the airport
Local specialties can be purchased as souvenirs
Pay attention to traffic safety

Must-Try Foods in Dali City

Bai Three-Course Tea

The highest etiquette for hosting guests in Bai culture — "First bitter, second sweet, third aftertaste" — symbolizing the philosophy of life: bitterness first, then sweetness, followed by reflection. It is an important embodiment of Bai culture.

Dali Sour-Spicy Fish

Made with fresh fish from Erhai Lake, cooked with sour papaya, chili, and other spices. The flavor is sour, spicy, fresh, and aromatic — appetizing and refreshing — representing the quintessence of Bai cuisine.

Dali City Travel Tips

Best Seasons