10 Things Must Do in Dali, A Local Guide, Love yourself buddy

Dali is a city full of poetry and romance, boasting beautiful natural scenery and a rich historical culture. If you plan to travel to Dali, here are some must-do activities:

Erhai Lake Cycling (洱海骑行)

Cycling around Erhai Lake (洱海) is a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature. Starting from Longkan Wharf (龙龛码头), ride along the ecological corridor, feel the gentle sea breeze, and enjoy the stunning scenery along the way.

• Recommended Route: Longkan Wharf (龙龛码头) – Panxi Village S Bend (磻溪村S弯) • Notes: The Haixi Line is mainly an ecological corridor where vehicles are not allowed, so you can only explore by bike.

Cangshan Mountain Hiking (苍山徒步)

Take the Ximatan Cableway (洗马潭索道) to the top of Cangshan Mountain (苍山) for a panoramic view of Erhai Lake (洱海), or hike the “Jade Belt Cloud Path” (玉带云游路) through pristine forests and waterfalls, where you might encounter little squirrels.

• Notes: Cangshan Mountain (苍山) has a high altitude, with lower temperatures and fast-changing weather at the summit. No matter the season, always bring a jacket.

Taste Ethnic Cuisine

Ethnic cuisine is very famous, such as Baojiang tofu (包浆豆腐), Erhai shrimp (洱海虾), and Laonai Yangba (老奶洋粑). You can visit “Chunsheng Restaurant (萶笙餐厅)” to try them.

Xizhou Rice Fields Coffee (喜洲稻田喝咖啡)

Next to the wheat fields of Xizhou Ancient Town (喜洲古镇), find a rooftop café like Maitian Coffee (麦田咖啡) to relax.

• Recommended Shop: Mayu Coffee (麦屿咖啡) • Notes: The best time to enjoy the rice field scenery is from March to May and June to October.

Zhou Cheng DIY Tie-Dye (周城亲手做扎染)

Visit Zhou Cheng (周城), the “Hometown of Tie-Dye,” to dye fabric with indigo root and make your own scarf or tote bag. Bai ethnic grandmas will guide you step-by-step in a super relaxing process.

• Recommended Shop: Puzhen Bai Ethnic Tie-Dye Museum (璞真白族扎染博物馆) • Address: No. 61 Dianzang Highway, Zhou Cheng Village, Dali City (大理市周城村滇藏公路61号) • Price: Free admission; on-site tie-dye experience varies by item. • Notes: Bring a plain white skirt or T-shirt in advance, and you’ll only need to pay for processing.

Night Tour of Dali Ancient City with Folk Music (夜游大理古城听民谣)

After 10 PM, the bars on Renmin Road (人民路) come alive. Order a “Feng Hua Xue Yue” beer (风花雪月啤酒), listen to wandering singers perform “Go to Dali” (去大理), and clink glasses with strangers while sharing stories.

Stay at an Erhai Lakeside Guesthouse in Shuanglang (双廊住一次洱海民宿)

Choose a waterside guesthouse, wake up to sunlight and the sound of waves, enjoy a floating breakfast on the terrace, and take fairy-like photos like Liu Yifei.

• Recommended Guesthouses: Mingyue Songjian (明月松间, 2000+), Songyun Cliff (松云悬崖, 1400+), Akatiya (阿凯缇娅, 900+), Jianglu Miwan (匠庐蜜湾, 800+), Anqi (安七, 800+), Muxi Garden (木西花园, 400+)

Jizhao Nunnery Vegetarian Meal (寂照庵吃斋饭)

Known as “China’s most beautiful nunnery,” Jizhao Nunnery (寂照庵) has no incense smoke, only gardens full of flowers, succulents, and hydrangeas. The vegetarian meals here are famous—book in advance to experience the peace and beauty.

• Reference Price: Adults 20 RMB/person, Children 10 RMB/person • Opening Hours: 11:30 and 17:30 • Notes: Arrive early, buy a merit ticket, and find a scenic spot as your perfect dining feng shui treasure.

Shaxi Ancient Town as “Xu Hongdou” for a Day (沙溪古镇当一日“许红豆”)

Watch the caravan pass by at Yujin Bridge (玉津桥), write postcards at Xianfeng Bookstore (先锋书局), and experience the filming location of the TV drama “Meet Yourself” (去有风的地方).

• Recommended Spots: Yujin Bridge (玉津桥), Dongzhai Gate (东寨门), Ouyang Courtyard (欧阳大院), Mint Café (薄荷咖啡馆, Youfeng Xiaoguan), Ancient Stage (古戏台) • Notes: The ancient town is small, and all spots are easy to find.

Visit Sanyue Street Market (三月街赶一次集市)

On the 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd of each lunar month, experience the local hustle and bustle, soaking in Dali’s diverse culture and lively atmosphere.

• Notes: It gets very crowded, so keep your belongings safe.