Take my advice, I really don't recommend visiting Dali during the off-season from July to September because...

because it's just too beautiful!! A three-day, two-night leisurely travel guide to Dali – this is how to truly enjoy it Having a reliable travel guide before visiting Dali can help you avoid many detours. This guide covers itineraries, accommodations, food, and transportation, allowing you to leisurely experience Dali's romantic charm, featuring both popular highlights and hidden gems. 🌙 Where to stay? Look no further - Around Longkan Wharf: Wake up to the sunrise over Erhai Lake, with golden-red hues painting the water. Just a few minutes' walk takes you to lakeside reeds, perfect for those who love tranquility and want to capture morning scenes. - At the foot of Cangshan Mountain: Cozy courtyards surrounded by forests offer stunning views of mist drifting through the mountains during the day. Enjoy tea in the evening to the sound of insects, close to serene spots like Gantong Temple and Jizhao Nunnery, ideal for those seeking peace. - Inside Dali Ancient Town: With cobblestone streets right outside your door, explore Wumiao Temple and Foreigner Street by day and savor grilled rushan (milk fan) on Renmin Road by night. Staying here immerses you in the town's lively atmosphere, with options ranging from hostels to boutique guesthouses. - Shuanglang Ancient Town: Rooms facing Erhai Lake offer breathtaking views. From your balcony, watch Cangshan Mountain reflected in the water and the sunset turning the lake orange. Perfect for a slow-paced vacation, but book early during peak seasons. 📅 Three-day itinerary for a relaxed and fulfilling trip Day 1: West Shore of Erhai Lake – Encounters with countryside and lakeside beauty - Morning: Start at Xizhou Ancient Town, known for its Bai-style architecture. Admire the carved gate towers of Yan Family Compound and the upturned eaves of Corner Tower, each telling stories of old Dali. Take a break with a freshly baked Xizhou baba (savory or sweet stuffed pastry) from a local alley. - Noon: Visit Haishu Ecological Park outside the town, where a narrow sandbar extends into Erhai Lake. The lakeside metasequoias and reeds make for great photos. Sit on rocks by the water and watch birds skim the surface. - Afternoon: Head south along West Ring Road to Langqiao, an old stone bridge framing the lake and distant mountains, perfect for vintage-style photos. Continue to Xinxiyi Village, where the Couple Tree stretches under blue skies. The quiet wooden boardwalk by the lake carries the fresh scent of aquatic plants. - Evening: Visit the famous S-curve, rent a bike, and ride along the ecological corridor. The sunset turns reeds golden, and the breeze carries the lake's moisture. Pause on a bench to watch clouds drift toward the mountains. Day 2: Ancient Town and Cangshan Mountain – Experiencing Dali's vibrancy and Zen - Morning: Explore Dali Ancient Town. Enter through the South Gate to see Wuhua Tower's intricate eaves, then wander into Wenxian Road for Bai-style tie-dye shops with blue-and-white fabrics dancing in the wind. Stop by Wumiao Temple, where red walls and ginkgo trees (stunning in autumn) create perfect photo ops. - Noon: Enjoy a bowl of er si (rice noodles) in town, served with rich bone broth, tender braised pork, and local spicy pickles for a comforting meal. - Afternoon: Visit Cangshan Mountain. Take the cable car to Ximatan, where summer brings wildflowers and winter blankets the slopes in snow. Walk the wooden paths with clouds beneath your feet. Alternatively, visit Jizhao Nunnery, where courtyards brim with succulents. Sip tea and listen to temple bells for serenity. - Night: Return to the ancient town for Renmin Road's night market. Try grilled rushan rolled with rose sugar or sip sour jujube juice while strolling. Bars on Foreigner Street feature live music, filling the evening air with relaxation. Day 3: East Shore of Erhai Lake – Poetry and light - Morning: Head to Shuanglang Ancient Town. Stroll through Yuji Island's tightly packed old houses and visit Yang Liping's Sun Palace Art Gallery, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the lake like a living painting. Grab a freshly made flower pastry, fragrant with petals and buttery crust, for a delightful snack. - Noon: Try sour-spicy fish in Shuanglang. Local crucian carp, lightly fried and simmered in a tangy broth with pickled papaya and chilies, pairs perfectly with Erhai seaweed for a unique flavor. - Afternoon: Drive south along East Ring Road to Xiaoputuo in Wase Town, a tiny temple on a lake islet accessible at low tide by foot or by boat during high tide. The Guanyin statue here is said to be miraculous. Continue to Luwo Mountain, where a natural "stone window" frames Cangshan and Erhai for stunning photos (watch your step on the steep path). - Evening: End at Xingsheng Bridge for sunset. The European-style bridge against twilight makes for striking photos. Watch the lake darken and distant lights flicker on, concluding your Dali journey. 🍜 Must-try local flavors - Sour-spicy fish: Fresh Erhai fish with pickled papaya and dried chilies in a tangy broth, best enjoyed at Bai-style lakeside restaurants. - Bai "Eight Bowls": A feast of eight dishes including crispy pork, steamed pork with rice flour, fried rushan, and sour-spicy fish, traditionally served at weddings. Hearty portions at Xizhou or Zhoucheng farmhouse restaurants are great for groups. - Grilled er kuai: Charred rice cakes spread with fermented tofu and sweet sauce, wrapped around fried dough sticks, potato shreds, and herbs. Street vendors make the best versions for just 5 yuan. - Grilled rushan: Milk-based sheets grilled with sugar or rose jam, a ubiquitous sweet snack. - Sour papaya rice noodles: Refreshing broth with slippery noodles, cured meat, and chives—perfect for summer. Find it in old town alleys. - Yang's Rushan Sachima: A sweet treat combining milk fan and sachima (honey pastry), great for souvenirs with its long shelf life. 🚗 Transportation tips - Tourist shuttles from Dali Ancient Town to Xizhou and Shuanglang are convenient, with clear stops and frequent departures from the South Gate. - Rent bikes or e-bikes for Erhai's west shore ecological corridor (no cars allowed), perfect for leisurely rides with lakeside breaks. - Drive or taxi along East Ring Road for scenic stops, but mind the curves. - Take bus No. 8 from Dali Station to the ancient town for just a few yuan, with late-night service available. Dali's beauty isn't about ticking off sights but sitting by Erhai Lake, watching clouds and listening to the wind—this unhurried serenity is what makes Dali unforgettable.