Don't delete this guide after your Dali trip! This must-read guide will save you from tourist traps

Dali's poetic scenery takes your breath away, but lack of preparation leads to regrets! Fresh from my journey, I've compiled this ultimate guide + itinerary to maximize your Dali experience. 🚗 5D4N In-Depth Dali Itinerary 📍 Day1: Slow Living on Erhai's West Shore Longkan Dock (sunrise) → Panxi Village S-Bend (instagrammable road) → Langqiao (solitary tree photo spot) → Xizhou Ancient Town (rice field photos + Yan Family Compound) 📍 Day2: Ecological Corridor Exploration Haise Park (hidden gem) → Erhai Ecological Corridor (cycling with lake views) → Caicun Village (fishing village charm) → Fengyangyi (ancient Tea Horse Road village) 📍 Day3: Romantic East Shore Route Shuanglang Ancient Town (Yang Liping's Sun Palace) → Luwoshan (cliff caves) → Wenbi Village (Santorini vibes) → Ideal State (free photo paradise) 📍 Day4: Cangshan Cultural Journey Cangshan Mountain (Gantong Cableway) → Jizhao Nunnery (vegetarian meals + succulent garden) → Three Pagodas (landmark) → Xingsheng Bridge (European flair) 📍 Day5: Old Town Authenticity South Gate Market (local ingredients) → Chuangdan Factory Art Zone (hipster spot) → Wuhua Tower (panoramic views) → Renmin Road (handicraft shops) 🍲 Must-Try Dali Delicacies ✅ Dali Ark Fat Kitchen: Stunning second-floor views! Wild mushroom hotpot with free-range chicken broth, simmered with a dozen fresh fungi - outrageously delicious! Stock up on mushroom gift boxes before leaving - perfect souvenirs. ✅ Dali Sun Erniang Yunnan Sour Hotpot: Addictive sour broth! Dip free-range chicken, fresh beef, and wild mushrooms for a triple threat of sour-spicy-umami flavors. ✅ Huiyuan Snacks: Locals' breakfast haunt! Glutinous rice noodles with secret-recipe chili sauce fuels your whole day. ✅ Yingfeng Dairy: Dali's creamiest milk! Thick fresh milk coats the glass, their puddings rival flan - dairy lovers must visit. 🏨 Accommodation Guide ✅ Dali Ancient Town: All-in-one convenience! Recommend Ark Mu Inn - wake to misty Cangshan views, explore night markets steps away. ✅ Xizhou Ancient Town: Bai-style B&Bs galore! Rice-field-surrounded courtyards offer serenity for quiet seekers. ✅ Shuanglang Ancient Town: Lakeside rooms unbeatable! Though remote, waking to Erhai views makes every shot insta-worthy. ❌ Tourist Trap Alerts (Must-read!) 1⃣ Avoid "100RMB/day" Erhai tour cars near old town - often faulty e-bikes with poor range. Rent from licensed shops (50-80RMB/day). 2⃣ Overpriced silver shops in Xizhou/Shuanglang. Buy souvenirs at "March Street" market where locals shop. 3⃣ Summer visitors: Choose Gantong Cableway (scenic) over Ximatan (snow views) - the latter's high altitude risks altitude sickness. 4⃣ Peak season (Jul-Aug) demands 10-day advance bookings! Last-minute rates double, and "photo-fake" B&Bs abound. 5⃣ Sunscreen + moisturizer ESSENTIAL! Dali's intense UV + dry climate requires SPF50+, hats, and hydrating masks. Pack this guide and fill your memories with Dali's romance! 🌼 Don't forget stomach medicine - those spicy-sour flavors might overwhelm!