First Visit to Dali Old Town, Erhai Lake, and Cangshan

Stay in Dali Old Town and cover the Old Town's Three Pagodas, both western and eastern shores of Erhai Lake, and Cangshan in three days.

This is the classic three-part route for first-time visitors. On day one, explore the Old Town and the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple. On day two, charter a car or drive around Erhai Lake, visiting the western shore's Panxi S-Bend and Xizhou, and the eastern shore's Shuanglang and Xiaopu'tuo. On day three, take the Ganton cable car up Cangshan in the morning, stop at Jizhao Nunnery along the way, and leave in the afternoon. You'll stay in the Old Town throughout. The pace is brisk but not rushed, suiting first-time visitors with limited time.

The Cangshan cable car may be suspended on windy days. Plan for the morning and allow flexibility.

Day by day

Day 1 · Old Town and the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple

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

From Dali Railway Station, take a taxi about 30 minutes into the Old Town. In the afternoon, take a taxi 10 minutes to the Three Pagodas, then stroll the Old Town on foot in the evening.

Stone-paved streets make rolling luggage difficult. Consider staying outside the South Gate.

Stay: Dali Old Town

Day 2 · Western and Eastern Shores of Erhai Lake

Dali（Panxi Village & S-Bay、Xizhou Ancient Town、Shuanglang、Xiaoputuo Islet）

Charter a car or drive around the lake, about 120 kilometers. The western shore includes Panxi S-Bend and Xizhou, and the eastern shore includes Shuanglang and Xiaopu'tuo. This takes about 8 to 9 hours.

Traffic on the Shuanglang to Xiaopu'tuo stretch is heavy in the afternoon. Allow extra time for the return trip.

Stay: Dali Old Town

Day 3 · Ganton Cable Car, Cangshan, and Jizhao Nunnery

Dali（Cangshan Mountain、Gantong Temple、Jizhao Nunnery）

Take a taxi about 15 minutes from the Old Town to the Ganton cable car. Hike a section of Yudai Trail up Cangshan, then walk down past Ganton Temple and Jizhao Nunnery. Leave for Dali Railway Station in the afternoon.

Take the cable car in the morning. Vegetarian meals at Jizhao Nunnery are served at noon.

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