Dali's Erhai Lake is No Longer Just a Lake!

A comprehensive Dali travel guide covering attractions, accommodations, and food: **Recommended Attractions** - **Dali Ancient Town**: A microcosm of Bai ethnic culture spanning a thousand years, featuring quaint architecture and bustling streets like Renmin Road and Foreigner Street. Stroll through ancient alleys, shop for handicrafts, experience the bar scene at night, or climb Wuhua Tower for sunrise views. - **Erhai Lake**: Explore by car or rented e-bike. The western route starts from Longkan Wharf, passing Caicun Village, Panxi Village (S Bend), to Xizhou Ancient Town. The eastern route runs from Shuanglang to Wase, Xiaoputuo Island, and Wenbi Village. Watch sunrise at Longkan Wharf and sunset at Shuanglang or Wenbi Village. - **Cangshan Mountain**: With 19 peaks and 18 streams, take the Ximatan Cableway to the summit for alpine rhododendrons, or hike the Yudai Cloud Trail after riding the Gantong Cableway. Visit Jizhao Nunnery for vegetarian meals. - **Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas**: A royal temple of the Dali Kingdom and the inspiration for Tianlong Temple in Jin Yong's novels. Capture reflections of the main "Qianxun Pagoda," explore unearthed artifacts, and enjoy panoramic views of Cangshan and Erhai. - **Xizhou Ancient Town**: Preserves authentic Bai culture. Visit the Corner Tower, Xizhou Rice Fields, and Yan Family Courtyard; try tie-dye crafts and savor Xizhou crispy cakes. - **Shuanglang Ancient Town**: Dubbed "Erhai's Most Scenic Town," it's a hub for waterfront B&Bs. Tour Yang Liping's Sun Palace, cruise to Nanzhao Folk Island, or cycle along coastal paths for sunset views. **Accommodation Options** - **Luxury**: Pullman Dali (with a starlit bar for Erhai sunsets), Hotel Indigo Dali Erhai (rooms overlook Cangshan and Erhai), or Songyun Cliff Hotel (perched on cliffs with breathtaking views). - **Family-Friendly**: Luchun Garden Hotel (with kids' play areas) or Dali Ocean Hotel (offering family packages). - **Seaside**: Aketiya Erhai Resort (private terraces with stunning sea views) or Aketiya An Yin Li Courtyard (public areas by the lakeshore). **Food Recommendations** - **Local Flavors**: Huotang Impression Wild Mushroom Hotpot (rich mushroom broth), Dali Fangzhou Pangzi (excellent Yunnan cuisine), or Duan Gongzi (wuxia-themed restaurant with ancient decor). - **Snacks**: Freshly baked rose cakes at Pang Ding in Dali, cold chicken rice noodles at Zai Hui Shou, or signature black chicken rice noodles at Yunnan Braised Chicken. **Travel Tips** - **Transport**: Taxi from Dali Airport/railway station to the ancient town costs ~¥80. Rent a car or e-bike for Erhai exploration. - **Sun Protection**: Strong UV—pack sunglasses, hats, and SPF50+ sunscreen. - **Seasons**: March–May for flowers, November–February for migratory seagulls, June–August (rainy season—bring umbrellas). - **Avoid Scams**: Be wary of street touts offering cheap tours; bargain when shopping.