Departing from Dali｜3-Day 2-Night Lugu Lake Self-Driving Guide

-Day 1: 🚗 Rent a car near Dali Ancient Town for a 328km journey. Depart at 13:30 noon—perfect timing for kids' nap en route. Arrive at Lugu Lake hotel around 18:00. The first stretch is smooth highway with light traffic, followed by 60km national road from Ninglang North exit to Lugu Lake. 🎫 Purchase entrance tickets (¥70/person) upon arrival. After ticket check, drive directly to your hotel. Stay at Chaishe Private Hot Spring Hotel on Day 1. After unpacking, walk to "Lvjiawan Lakeside Viewpoint" where kids can skip stones while enjoying sunset 🌇. ▪️ Nearby dining options available. Walk back after dark and try hand-churned butter tea before soaking in your room's hot spring—perfect way to unwind. Rest early for tomorrow's lake loop 💧. -Day 2: ▪️ Lake circuit route: Langfang → Love Pier → Zouhun Bridge → Mosuo Museum → Goddess Bay → Wakua Lovers' Beach Pier → Gemu Goddess Mountain → Lige Peninsula → Luoshui Lovers' Beach. Start early and drive counterclockwise for better sunlight and lake views. ⚡ Important notes: 1️⃣ Zouhun Bridge's south parking lot is small. When full, use villagers' parking (¥10/car). Better option: drive directly to north lot (see photo), then walk back to avoid crowds. 2️⃣ Lugu Lake's only gas station is near Zouhun Bridge. Refuel here after visiting for peace of mind. 3️⃣ Gemu Goddess Mountain combo ticket (¥110) includes cable car + slide rail. Cable car alone (¥70 round-trip) takes you within 20min walk of 3,450m altitude viewpoint. Watch your bags—monkeys abound 🙈. 4️⃣ Lige Peninsula viewpoint has parking. After photographing Heart Island, either take footpath down to Lige Village or drive. Boat rides at Lige Pier (¥30/person) circle Heart Island with stunning lake/Gemu Mountain views. 5️⃣ Other piers and beaches are equally photogenic—visit if time allows. Mountain roads require cautious driving: slow down during encounters and prioritize safety. 🍜 Dining: Dalushui Village and Langfang offer multiple options. Try the ¥8 liangpi cold noodles from the tricycle vendor at Wakua Lovers' Beach parking lot. -Day 3: ▪️ Stay at Langfang lakeside room for starry nights and morning lake views. After breakfast, let kids play by the water before checking out at noon. Return to Dali (4hr drive) 🚗. 🌈 Lugu Lake's breezes carry gentle magic—their ripples write poetry for families.