In-Depth Dali Old Town, Erhai Lake, and a Day in Weishan

Stay in the Old Town and explore Cangshan and Erhai Lake at a slower pace, cycle through Bai villages on the western shore, and add a day in Weishan Ancient Town.

Building on the first-time route, this itinerary slows down. Spend a full day on Cangshan. Cycle the western shore of Erhai Lake to visit Longkan, Panxi S-Bend, Guzheng Village, Xizhou, and Zhoucheng's tie-dye workshops. On day four, travel south to Weishan to see Dong Lianhua Hui Muleteer Village and Gongchen Tower's Old Town snacks. On the final half day, visit Shuanglang on the eastern shore. You'll stay in the Old Town throughout without changing hotels. This suits travelers who want to see old streets and daily local life.

The rainy season runs from July to August, so check the weather before cycling or climbing.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrival and Stroll Through the Old Town

Dali（Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple、Dali Old Town、Renmin Road (Dali Old Town)）

Take a taxi about 30 minutes from Dali Railway Station into the Old Town. In the afternoon, take a round-trip taxi to the Three Pagodas. In the evening, stroll along Renmin Road on foot.

Stay: Dali Old Town

Day 2 · A Full Day on Cangshan

Dali（Cangshan Mountain、Gantong Temple、Jizhao Nunnery）

Take a taxi to the Ganton cable car, hike up Cangshan along Yudai Trail, then come down past Ganton Temple and Jizhao Nunnery. Return to the Old Town in about 20 minutes.

Bring water and a jacket, since it's cold on the mountain.

Stay: Dali Old Town

Day 3 · Cycling Bai Villages on the Western Shore

Dali（Longkan Pier、Panxi Village & S-Bay、Gusheng Village、Xizhou Ancient Town、Zhoucheng Village）

Rent an electric bike or bicycle in the Old Town and head north along the eco-corridor. From Longkan to Zhoucheng is about 30 kilometers. In the evening, take a taxi or white car back.

Longkan Pier is good for sunrise. Zhoucheng's tie-dye workshops are quieter in the morning.

Stay: Dali Old Town

Day 4 · Weishan Ancient Town Day Trip

Weishan Ancient Town（Donglianhua Village、Weishan Old Town、Gongchen Tower、Weishan Confucian Temple）

Charter a car or take a bus south for about 1 hour. Visit Dong Lianhua Village first, then Weishan Ancient Town. Return to the Old Town in the evening in about 1.5 hours.

Public transport to Dong Lianhua Village is inconvenient, so hiring a car is recommended.

Stay: Dali Old Town

Day 5 · Half Day in Shuanglang on the Eastern Shore Before Leaving

Dali（Shuanglang、Nanzhao Folklore Island）

Charter a car via the eastern shore for about 1 hour to Shuanglang. Visit Nanzhao Folk Island, then leave from Dali Railway Station in the afternoon, a trip of about 1.5 hours.

Take the eastern shore route on the way out, and leave extra time to reach the station.

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