Why didn’t I come across this before going to Dali?
My local bestie took me around for 5 days, and here’s a no-fail off-season guide. Just copy it, babes!
📍Must-visit spots
🌅 Longkan Pier
You must come here to watch the sunrise over Erhai Lake. The lake shrouded in mist, the hazy Cangshan Mountains, birds skimming the water—just standing quietly by the shore waiting for dawn makes life feel worthwhile. This is the gentlest sunrise spot on Erhai Lake, healing all your fatigue.
🚲 Erhai Ecological Corridor
No crowds, just the entire stretch of Cangshan and Erhai Lake all to yourself. Cycling along the waterside path, the wind is soft, the clouds hang low, the lake glows a brilliant blue before your eyes, and the endless Cangshan Mountains are behind you. This is the true romance of Dali.
🌸 Dali Ancient Town
Blue tiles and white walls paired with spring cherry blossoms make walking through the alleys feel like stepping into a comic. No over-commercialized hustle, just a slow-paced, authentic vibe. Sunbathe during the day, listen to folk songs at night—this is the most comfortable lifestyle feeling in Dali.
🗻 Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple
Dali’s landmark, these thousand-year-old Buddhist pagodas stand quietly at the foot of Cangshan. From here, you can see the three pagodas, Erhai Lake, and snow-capped mountains all at once. Majestic and healing, it’s a classic scene you must capture in Dali, with an atmosphere that’s off the charts.
🌼 Xizhou Ancient Town
Bai ethnic houses blend with rapeseed flower fields, and when the wind blows through the golden sea of flowers, even the air tastes sweet. Corner towers, rice paddies, tie-dye cloth—every spot looks like a Studio Ghibli animation, gentle and healing. This is the most lively place in Dali.
🌿 Jizhao Nunnery
Known as “China’s most beautiful nunnery,” there’s no incense smoke, only a courtyard full of fresh flowers and succulents. Quiet, healing, and full of Zen vibes. Have a bowl of vegetarian meal here, sit for a while, and your heart will instantly calm down.
🌉 Xingsheng Bridge
Dali’s little Europe, with a pure white bridge body against the blue sky and Erhai Lake. Every snap looks like a cinematic masterpiece. Especially romantic at sunset, it’s Dali’s most photogenic and atmospheric internet-famous landmark.
🌾 Haizhi Ecological Park
A small peninsula stretching into Erhai Lake, surrounded by water on three sides, quiet and uncrowded. Standing at the tip feels like being embraced by Erhai Lake, watching the reflection of Cangshan and listening to the waves—a secret spot to enjoy Erhai’s beauty alone.
🍜 Food Recommendations
Dali Ancient Town
1. Yang Ji Rushan (Renmin Road Branch)
Specialty: Grilled Rushan Cheese (Rose Sauce flavor)
Average cost: 10 RMB; a time-honored brand, rich milky aroma, crispy outside and tender inside
2. Ancient Town Pea Noodles (Fuxing Road)
Specialty: Pea noodles + roasted rice cakes
Average cost: 13 RMB; a classic breakfast for old Dali locals, savory and refreshing
Xizhou Ancient Town
1. Deshenghe Old Shop
Specialty: Weishan braised pork with rice noodles, Xizhou Baba (savory)
Average cost: 23 RMB; century-old shop, tender braised pork, crispy Baba that crumbles
2. Ruifengyuan
Specialty: Bai ethnic “Eight Bowls,” soy sauce chicken
Average cost: 50 RMB; local gathering spot, generous portions, authentic Bai flavors
Xiaguan Area
1. Shijing Wild Mushroom Hotpot (Xingsheng Road)
Specialty: Matsutake sashimi, boletus fried rice
Average cost: 120 RMB; rainy season special, incredibly fresh, must be cooked thoroughly
🗓️ 5 Days 4 Nights Essential Itinerary (Relaxed pace)
Day 1: Watch sunrise at Longkan Pier → Cycle the Ecological Corridor → Eat pea noodles in Ancient Town → Evening stroll on Cherry Blossom Street in Ancient Town
Day 2: Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple → Vegetarian meal at Jizhao Nunnery → Eat Yang Ji Rushan in Ancient Town → Sunset photos at Ancient Town Wall
Day 3: See rapeseed flowers in Xizhou Ancient Town → Photos at Corner Tower → Eat rice noodles at Deshenghe → Daydream at Haizhi Park
Day 4: Fengyangyi Tea Horse Road → March Street regular market → Eat wild mushroom hotpot in Xiaguan
Day 5: Shuanglang Art Town → Cinematic photos at Xingsheng Bridge → Return trip
🎒 Pre-trip Essentials
- Documents: ID card, student ID (half-price tickets)
- Sun protection: High SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat (strong UV in March)
- Clothing: Light jacket + long-sleeve T-shirt + skirt (big temperature difference day and night, 15-20℃)
- Others: Power bank, comfortable sneakers, camera, some cash
In March, Dali’s cherry blossoms and rapeseed flower seas intertwine, with fewer people, beautiful scenery, and great value! Babes, don’t wait for the crowded peak season anymore. Set off now and take over the entire Cangshan and Erhai Lake!