Dali - Erhai lake and the mountains

Dali city is a county level city that actually encompasses all the settlements surrounding the Erhai Lake. The modern central part is located in the south and is your most probable entry point since the bus and train stations are located there. That part is also probably the one you will be least interested in. Although it's coastal area does have nice views and some fancy hotels most travelers head out to one of the smaller places around the lake, most notably the Dali Old Town. Dali Old town is technically a tourist center and most travelers choose to stay in or around it. The famed three pagodas as well as the starting point for climbing CangShan are all located near the Old Town. The town itself is nice enough and rather big. The fact that it is not pedestrianized and that pavements are very often blocked with stalls and parked cars does make it a bit hectic, especially in the high season, so staying on the fringes of it is probably a better option. To be honest, most of the things we wanted to see and do In Dali had nothing to do with the Old Town itself. It is a good place to eat and drink though, although 'tourist surcharge' will most certainly apply. If you have not arrived by car, renting an e-bike for exploring short distances is actually a good idea. The three of us got on one e-bike and squeezed it out of all of its juice while exploring around. So much so, that we actually had to recharge on the way because the declared 70km range probably did not refer to a 160kg+ weight-load. Great way to discover surrounding villages that offer a bit more authenticity and bit less crowds that the Dali Old town.Most of the town pictures you see above(5-6-7) are actually from XiZhou (喜洲古镇) a smaller village further north really worth a visit. Quite a lot of people also like renting one of the pink convertibles and I suppose it is a good way to reach farther as well as take that ever so important Instagram photos. I would come here again. The place does offer some real peace and quiet as well a serene landscape, even though it is often hidden by noise of the crowds and commerce. #wintergetaway