Dali Classic Highlights

Dali Classic Panorama

Cangshan & Erhai · Three Pagodas & Old Town · Top Choice for First-Time Visitors

3 Days 2 NightsDali690 – 990 USD
3Days
2Nights
1Destinations
690From
Erhai LakeCangshanBai CultureFirst-Timer
Overview

Trip Overview

Collect Dali's most iconic scenes in one trip: watch Cangshan's reflection on Erhai Lake at dawn, climb the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple at noon, and stroll Renmin Road in the Ancient City at dusk. Three unhurried days to live like a local amid wind, flowers, snow and moonlight.

Highlights

Trip Highlights

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Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple: Dali's landmark, thousand-year-old Buddhist pagodas at the foot of Cangshan

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Erhai Ecological Corridor Cycling: the most beautiful lakeside slow-ride route

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Dali Old Town: the lively street life of Renmin Road and Fuxing Road

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Xizhou Ancient Town: Bai-style residences and rice-field scenery

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Cangshan Gantong Cableway: panoramic views over Erhai and the Old Town

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Bai Three-Course Tea: bitter first, sweet second, lingering aftertaste third

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West Ring Road Sunset: watch the evening glow at Longkan Pier

Day-by-day

Day-by-day Itinerary

1DAYDali
Day 1 First Glimpse of the Old Town · Three Pagodas & Renmin Road
BreakfastNot included · Not included; self-arranged at a cafe in the Old Town
MorningArrive at Dali Airport or Railway Station, with a private transfer to your hotel near Dali Old Town. Check in and take a short rest; then explore Dali Old Town on foot, entering through the South Gate Tower and strolling along Fuxing Road to experience Bai architecture and local street life.
LunchIncluded · Bai-flavor restaurant in the Old Town · Includes Bai home-style dishes
AfternoonVisit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple Cultural Tourism Area, see the Three Pagodas Reflection Park and Chongsheng Temple, and climb up for views of Cangshan and Erhai; return to the Old Town in the evening and browse small shops and cafes along Renmin Road.
DinnerIncluded · Bai-flavor restaurant in the Old Town · Includes sour-spicy fish and rushan cheese
EveningDine at a Bai-flavor restaurant in the Old Town and try sour-spicy fish and rushan cheese; after dinner, stroll along Wuhua Tower and Foreigner Street to enjoy the Old Town at night.
TransportPrivate transfer + walkingStay4-star hotel in Dali Old Town
2DAYDali
Day 2 West Ring Road · Xizhou & Erhai Cycling
BreakfastIncluded · In the hotel · Includes buffet breakfast
MorningAfter breakfast, drive to Xizhou Ancient Town, visit Bai residences such as the Yan Family Compound, and taste Xizhou baba; then take photos among the rice fields and by Erhai.
LunchIncluded · Restaurant in Xizhou Ancient Town · Includes Xizhou baba
AfternoonFollow the West Ring Road to Haishé Ecological Park and Longkan Pier, and enjoy a cycling experience on the Erhai Ecological Corridor (about 1.5 hours), taking in Cangshan and Erhai scenery along the way.
DinnerIncluded · Restaurant by Erhai · Includes Erhai fish banquet
EveningWatch the sunset at Longkan Pier or Caicun Pier, then return to the Old Town for dinner; you may optionally pay for a Bai Three-Course Tea performance.
TransportPrivate car + bicycleStay4-star hotel in Dali Old Town
3DAYDali
Day 3 Cangshan Cableway · Departure
BreakfastIncluded · In the hotel · Includes buffet breakfast
MorningAfter breakfast, head to Cangshan Gantong Cableway, take the cable car up the mountain, hike a section of the Yudai Cloud Trail, and enjoy panoramic views of Erhai and the Dali Basin.
LunchIncluded · Jizhao Nunnery vegetarian meal · Includes vegetarian meal
AfternoonAfter descending, visit Jizhao Nunnery or Gantong Temple to experience vegetarian meals and the quiet mountain atmosphere; then transfer to the airport or station according to your departure time, ending the trip.
DinnerNot included · Not included; self-arranged depending on return time
EveningIf your flight is later, you can spend free time in the Old Town or buy souvenirs before heading to the airport/railway station.
TransportPrivate car + cablewayStayNone (return trip)
Hotels

Hotel Reference

DestinationHotelRatingRoom typeNights
Dali4-star hotel in Dali Ancient Town4-starStandard Twin Room2 nights
Activities

Recommended Activities

Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple
Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple

A landmark of Dali, ancient Buddhist pagodas at the foot of Cangshan Mountain.

Dali Ancient Town
Dali Ancient Town

A historic town where Bai architecture meets everyday local life.

Xizhou Ancient Town
Xizhou Ancient Town

Well-preserved Bai-style residences and rice-field scenery.

Erhai Ecological Corridor
Erhai Ecological Corridor

A scenic lakeside route ideal for leisurely walks and cycling.

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Cangshan Gantong Cableway

A high-altitude viewpoint overlooking Erhai Lake and the Dali Basin.

Add-ons

Add-on Services

ItemDestinationDetailsCurrencyFeeRemark
Bai Three-Course Tea PerformanceDaliA Bai three-course tea song-and-dance performance in the ancient town, with tea snacks included.CNYPrice on requestAdvance reservation required
Private Erhai Lake CruiseDaliA chartered boat tour on Erhai Lake, including commentary and tea break.CNYPrice on requestOpen subject to weather conditions
Included / Not included

Pricing

Included

  • Private car transfers and driver service throughout the trip
  • 2 nights' accommodation in a 4-star hotel in Dali Ancient Town (breakfast included)
  • First admission tickets to all attractions listed in the itinerary
  • Fees for the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple and Cangshan Gantong Cableway
  • Bicycle rental on the Erhai Ecological Corridor
  • Lunch and dinner as specified in the itinerary
  • Chinese-speaking driver-guide or English-speaking guide service

Not Included

  • Round-trip transportation to and from Dali (air/train tickets)
  • Personal expenses and optional activities outside the itinerary
  • Hotel single room supplement
  • Additional costs due to force majeure such as weather
  • Travel accident insurance
  • Tips for guide and driver
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Personal shopping and alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages
Notes

Good to Know

  • This is a private customized small-group tour; the order may be adjusted according to flight times.
  • The Cangshan cableway may be suspended due to weather; an alternative attraction will be arranged.
  • Hotel prices may fluctuate during holidays and peak seasons; please confirm in advance.

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